Nintendo taps Disguise Inc for Kirby costumes as global videogame licensing market ‘explodes’

Disguise Inc, the costume division of the toy manufacturer, JAKKS Pacific, has secured a new partnership with Warpstar – the IP management affiliate of Nintendo – to design, market, and distribute costumes and costume accessories for the Kirby franchise.

The new deal will cover the worldwide distribution rights for the Kirby range, with the exclusion of Japan.

Costumes and accessories will be created in the style of the original Kirby from the video games and television animated series. The Kirby IP is co-owned by Nintendo and HAL Laboratory, Inc. with HAL Laboratory, Inc working with Nintendo to create Kirby software.

The game series includes 35 games and has sold approximately 74 million units worldwide. Kirby is also one of the top 50 bestselling video game franchises of all time. The critically acclaimed animated series Kirby: Right Back at Ya! included four seasons and 100 episodes.

“The demand for gaming-themed products has exploded in recent years, and Disguise is the worldwide leader in licensed video game costumes,” said Tara Hefter, EVP and GM of Disguise, Inc.

“The addition of Kirby is a natural fit for our portfolio, as Kirby is part of the Nintendo family and Disguise has been the costume partner of Nintendo since 2013. We are excited to expand our offering of Super Mario, Zelda and Animal Crossing characters with Kirby, and to bring this adorable pink character to life.

“The popularity and worldwide recognition of Kirby in pop culture merged with Disguise’s high-quality costumes will be sure to be a hit with fans globally.”

The Warpstar merchandising team said in a statement: “We work with licensees in a highly collaborative capacity, not only managing quality but also exchanging ideas and creative solutions throughout the design and development process. Disguise has shown time and time again the innovative solutions they bring to the table and that quality is at the heart of what they do.

“We are excited to be working with them on these new Halloween styles for Kirby and bringing them to market in 2021.”

Owned by JAKKS Pacific, Disguise is the top design and manufacturer of licensed video game costumes in the world. Disguise’s new line of Kirby costumes and accessories will be available online, at major retailers and Halloween specialty stores Fall of 2021.