Troyer, who stands at 2'8", has made a successful career as a stunt double and character actor in such films as Baby's Day Out, Jingle all the Way, Men In Black and as the infamous 'Mini Me' in Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me. Troyer will be at Toys "R" Us Times Square to help debut MicroPets, a new toy frenzy emerging from a fantastic island in Micronesia! Starting today, MicroPets will be available exclusively at select Toys "R" Us stores in the New York and New Jersey area through August 1, when they will be available at retail outlets nationwide.

"I am honored to have the chance to work with TOMY for the launch of MicroPets and to be crowned "King of Micronesia," the mythical island where these cute MicroPets are from," says Verne Troyer.

MicroPets, the world's smallest robotic pet, are poised to revolutionize micro-entertainment with their perfect combination of trends and technology. MicroPets have advanced functionality exceeding that of the Tamagotchi, the collectible flair of the lovable Beanie Babies, yet stand only an inch and a half tall and fit into the palm of your hand. MicroPets will be sold in stores nationwide after August 1st (retailing for $7.99 each).

Pre-programmed with nearly 20 hi-tech features, MicroPets respond to voice commands. The secret of their intelligence is TOMY's "Magic Voice Response System", which includes functions such as walking, running, zig-zagging, singing, and fire-breathing. Geared for ages five and up, MicroPets are ready to use straight from the package with batteries included and no programming involved. A simple touch on the top of a MicroPets' head will 'turn it on' and it will begin speaking. The pet will acknowledge any voice by blinking its eyes, then obeying the subsequent programmed command.

"We are extremely excited about the launch of this product, which will occur simultaneously in North America, Europe and Japan," said Lon Ross, Director of Marketing for TOMY. "There hasn't really been a true toy phenomenon in the past few years, especially at a price point that is affordable to everyone, and we are looking forward to filling this void with MicroPets. To pack this much technology, entertainment and value into a really cool toy that fits into the palm of your hand is remarkable."

Who Are the MicroPets?

The first MicroPets collection includes dogs, cats, bears, bush monsters, and mountain monsters - all of which come from an island in Micronesia. Each has their own unique quirks, characteristics and personality, derived from their habitats on the island. A microcosm of the world, Micronesia encompasses every environment, climate and terrain imaginable - from tropical rainforests and volcanoes to polar ice and metropolitan cities. The MicroPets family includes two dogs - Moshi and Siren; two cats - Coco and Chumsley; two bears - Kuma and Bongo; two bush monsters - Bob and Kuda; and two mountain monsters - Sumo and Yuk. Each MicroPet is indigenous to a specific area of the island, which is reflected in their personality and living environment.

Log onto http://www.micro-pets.com for pet personality profiles, games, clues and promotions.

About TOMY

TOMY Corporation is the North American division of TOMY COMPANY, Ltd., the second largest toy company in Japan and fifth largest in the world. As a global toy company TOMY designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of
interactive and educational toys. For over 75 years, TOMY has been making toys that teach, build, excite, and enrich the lives of children, adults and families. Core product lines include MicroPets, TOMY-brand infant and preschool toys, Tomica World (diecast vehicles), ZOIDS, Thomas the Tank Engine License Products, Pokemon and Disney infant and preschool toys.