MEGA Brands Takes Construction Play and Activities to the Next Level through Technology...

MEGA Brands Takes Construction Play and Activities to the Next Level through
Technology and Innovation
MEGA Brands to Unveil its Hottest Toy Line-up for 2008 at New York Toy Fair -
From a New Magnetic Construction Line that Boasts Innovation and Safety to a
Buildable Electronic Piano that Combines Musical Wonder and Building Fun

MONTREAL, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MEGA Brands is set to launch
its 2008 toy line-up at New York Toy Fair, featuring next generation building
systems, technologically enhanced classical toys and imaginative activities
that inspire creativity in every child.
"MEGA Brands' new toy portfolio is designed to deliver new play patterns
and creative experiences for kids through innovation and technology," states
Vic Bertrand, Executive Vice-President of MEGA Brands. "Combining technology
and classical play continues to be a huge trend and we're always looking for
innovative ways to introduce products that draw young minds into a world of
imagination and creativity."
"MEGA Brands is capitalizing on one of the major trends emerging from this
Toy Fair," says Toy Wishes contributing editor Chris Byrne aka The Toy Guy(R).
"The emphasis is on innovative products that foster classic open-ended play.
Building, construction and creative play help children develop their
imaginations and set the stage for all kinds of learning, while delivering
rich play experiences."
Toys sure to top the wish lists of preschoolers and avid builders include:
MagNext - Bigger, stronger, faster! MagNext (TM) is the revolutionary new
magnetic construction system from Mega Bloks that sets a new standard for
innovative and safe magnetic play. The intricately designed new pieces have
multiple interlocking points which produce bigger, stronger and faster builds,
giving kids greater variety and a more rewarding building experience. MagNext
was also created using a new ingestion gauge, developed in partnership with
Intertek, one of the world's leading testing authority.
"We're proud to say that we worked with MEGA Brands to help them achieve
their ambitious goal of developing a new zero design defects program that will
exceed the highest safety standard in the toy industry," expresses Gene Rider,
Vice-President of Intertek. This revolutionary gauge is the first of its kind
and exceeds all current magnetic toy safety standards.
Legend of King Arthur - MEGA Brands is set to launch the future of figure
play with a new Legend of King Arthur construction line that lets kids control
the action. Using new, patented stunt stick technology, the new King Arthur
sets help kids bring figures and action scenes to life without their fingers
getting in the way. Kids can really engage in realistic battle scenes with a
battle warship or defend King Arthur's castle with the Knights of the Round
Table. Kids can choose the close-combat stunt stick to engage in realistic
battle or the long-range stunt stick to explore the depths of the castle.
"We believe that Legend of King Arthur pushes the boundaries of action
figure play and will change the way kids interact with figures," expresses
Bertrand. "The stunt stick technology empowers kids to bring figures and
battle scenes to life by expanding their play experience."
Struxx - MEGA Brands is taking construction to the next level with
Struxx(TM), a new technologically revolutionary construction system that will
empower kids to build bigger and on a larger scale. With cool high tech
features like Struxx gears, motion detection, sound and light, kids will also
be able to put their Struxx builds into motion. Dynamic, hyper flexible and
strong, the Struxx system offers kids several building ideas including a super
flashy dragster car, streamlined helicopter or a T-Rex that really roars. Kids
can also apply their own creativity for infinite more designs. The line ranges
from the basic sets for the builder who is just getting started to kits for
the construction expert who loves a challenge.
"Struxx design uses the latest construction technology based on three
basic pieces: a ball, socket and rod that click together, offering an
unparalleled, larger than life construction system," states Bertrand.
NEO Shifters (TM) Web Battlers (TM) - Get connected with Web Battlers! The
first construction toy with wireless download and networking capacity, Web
Battlers create a whole new interactive play experience. Create your own
avatar and watch as the computer sends a light cell signal to your build,
bringing it to life! Battle online in multi-player games or do battle with
your friends to gain power, skill and weapons!
NEO Hydraxx Energy Base - Re-fuel, re-charge and re-launch with the NEO
Hydrax Energy Base! As the central docking point for NEO Shifters (TM) who are
running low on reserves, the Hydrax Energy Base extracts hydrogen from water,
forming the Hydrax energy that a NEO Shifter needs to survive. Listen as
lights and sounds re-charge your NEO Shifter or watch as a Hydrax energy ball
is launched into the air.
Build-A-Band Piano - MEGA Brands hits all the right notes with the
Build-A-Band (TM) Piano for preschoolers, the first interactive buildable
electronic piano to combine musical wonder and building fun, while inspiring
creativity and learning. Without blocks, the piano plays as a normal
instrument, but by layering or removing blocks, aspiring young Beethovens can
change the instruments, add beats and silly sounds to create their own musical
masterpiece.
"Research shows that there is a direct correlation between playing an
instrument at a young age and enhancing creativity," states Bertrand. "The
Build-A-Band Piano is specially designed for small hands, and allows
preschoolers to have fun with music and Mega Bloks."
Rose Art(R) Cordz - Tactile and fun to use, Cordz (TM) is the unique and
irresistible new way for kids to create 2D art. Using an easy to grip
Scribbler pen filled with colorful cords, kids can stencil or freehand their
designs and watch as the Cordz cling magically to the design board! The board
is reusable and great for presentation so kids can create again and again! The
kit comes complete with stencils, and accessories like boggly eyes and gems,
offering endless artistic possibilities!
About MEGA Brands
MEGA Brands is a trusted family of leading global brands in construction
toys, games & puzzles, arts & crafts and stationery. We offer engaging
creative experiences for children and families through innovative,
well-designed, affordable and high-quality products that deliver on our
Creativity to the Rescue promise. For more information, please visit
www.megabrands.com. The MEGA logo, Creativity to the Rescue, Mega
Bloks, Rose Art, MagNext and Board Dudes are trademarks of MEGA Brands Inc. or
its affiliates.
SOURCE MEGA Brands Inc.

Harold Chizick, Director, Corporate Communications, MEGA Brands, (514)
333-5555, ext. 2338, hchizick@megabrands.com