Worlds of Wonder Stock Certificate (1988) – Teddy Ruxpin, Lazer Tag & NES Partnership Era

Own a piece of toy history with this 1988 Worlds of Wonder stock certificate. Worlds of Wonder (WoW) made waves in the mid-1980s with flagship innovations like Teddy Ruxpin and Lazer Tag, and it forged a notable retail collaboration with Nintendo of America that helped revitalize the American video game market. This certificate captures a pivotal moment in the rise and rapid evolution of WoW before its eventual closure in 1991.

Key Highlights

• Issued: 1988
• Issuer: Worlds of Wonder (WoW)
• Industry Spotlight: Toys, interactive electronic toys, arcade-style games, and video game retail partnerships
• Historical Context: Era of Teddy Ruxpin and Lazer Tag; strategic Nintendo of America partnership and early NES retail dynamics

Company Timeline Snapshot

WoW was founded in 1985 by Atari Alumni Don Kingsborough and Mark Robert Goldberg. The're prototype for Teddy ruxpin spawed the the birth of the company and Teddy Ruxpin became their flagship product. In 1986, WoW launched Lazer Tag and pursued an IPO described by Fortune as one of the year’s most sought-after stock sales. The company partnered with Nintendo of America to distribute NES-related products, helping Nintendo revive the U.S. video game market after the 1983 crash. By 1987, the partnership dynamics shifted, and WoW faced challenges that culminated in its closure in 1991. Over time, updates to Teddy Ruxpin and Lazer Tag have continued to influence toy technology and nostalgia collectors.

Collectibility & Display

• Direct link to a transformative era in toy tech and video game retail history
• Ideal for display in toy collections, entertainment history libraries, or museums
• Valuable for enthusiasts of Teddy Ruxpin, Lazer Tag, and 1980s gaming culture

Specifications