same Street items. To satisfy tech-loving kids, Mattel has accessorized Barbie with interactive games and software. However, its disastrous 1999 purchase of educational software maker The Learning Company cost CEO Jill Barad her job. Mattel is selling the software business to Gores Technology Group. The company hopes to reduce its reliance on its biggest customers -- Toys "R" Us and Wal-Mart, which account for one-third of its sales -- through its own catalog and Internet sales.Nintendo-It's not a game, boy, it's serious business, and Nintendo Co., one of the Big Three video game console makers, knows it. Its 64-bit N64 console system places it behind Sony (but in front of SEGA), but its Game Boy system remains the handheld console leader. Nintendo has chosen to stay with a cartridge format rather than switching to cheaper CD-ROMs (at least until its Dolphin console is launched at the end of 2000). It is the leading maker of game software with hits such as Pokemon, Super Mario, and The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo has licensing agreements with other software makers, including Electronic Arts, to make games as well as with other firms to make trading cards and toys based on its characters.Ohio Art-Toymaker The Ohio Art Company -- like a kid playing with its best-known product -- tries to draw attention to itself without shaking things up. In addition to Etch A Sketch drawing devices, the company's toys include the Betty Spaghetty doll, drums, and Water T-Ball. About one-third of Ohio Art's sales come from metal lithographed and molded plastic products, including serving trays, film canisters, and auto trim. Ohio Art's products are sold to retailers, wholesalers, and catalog firms and through international licensees. Wal-Mart and Toys "R" Us together account for more than 25% of the company's sales. The Killgallon family owns nearly 60% of Ohio Art, which was formed in 1908.Sega-The #3 video game console maker worldwide (behind the dueling S...
