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Niantic and Hasbro are making a Transformers AR game
'Transformers: Heavy Metal' is making its way to phones later this year.
Japan will send a transforming robot ball to the Moon
Japan plans to explore the Moon with a transforming ball robot made with the help of Sony and Tomy.
Tomy's Dancy Beatz is a dancing disco ball you can choreograph
Tomy has unveiled a new dancing toy at the 2020 New York Toy Fair that shows shades of the Sony Rolly. It's called Dancy Beatz, and based on the video render the company has released, it will look like a disco ball with arms. The dancing robot will have five different modes to choose from, including a Dance Battle Mode to teach it pre-recorded routines. If you want to teach it your moves, though, you can put it in Program Mode -- it will save the dance you choreograph and use it later. Tomy says the robot has 900 possible dance moves to choose from and discover.
Lightseekers brings your video game into the real world
Action figures can look a little staid next to video games where your character can walk, talk and fire all manner of weaponry. But there's still something special about the tactile experience of holding a cool character in your hand, which is why we've seen game developers embrace the world of toys with products like Skylanders, Amiibo and LEGO Dimensions. But, while placing a figure on a base can unlock characters or entire worlds, the interaction between game and toy tends to end there. Lightseekers, launching today on Kickstarter, changes that dynamic by making its action figures a living (and almost breathing) part of its games.
High-speed maglev toys are coming in 2015
Takara Tomy promised us that maglev technology would make its way to playsets next year, when we spoke at this year's Tokyo Toy Show. It had two very different toys on hand, one a train that the company claims can reach up to 600 KPH (relative to its scale, at least). To our untrained eyes, all we can say is it seemed pretty damn fast. The train contains its own magnet that levitates it off the plastic track, which is itself laced with magnets. The resulting air cushion reduces one of the biggest buzzkills in all of physics: friction. Since the magnetic field produces both an upward and forward thrust, there's no need for a set of Hot Wheels-style accelerators that manually hurl your car around the track.
Motion-controlled Battroborg Warriors deliver armed robot combat
Last year's Battroborgs were a blast, but not without their quirks. Accuracy was not one of the tiny bot's strong points, and moving or turning was an exercise in frustration. This year, TOMY decided to simplify things a bit, while adding armed combat to the mix. The resulting Battroborg Warriors wield swords and scythes, and ditch the dual-fisted controls for a more streamlined system that uses only a single accelerometer-based remote. Obviously, we had to swing by the company's booth at Toy Fair to try our hand in a one-on-one battle against the reigning champion, Senior Brand Manager Tom Zahorsky.
Takara Tomy's Auto Mee S robot scrubs mobile devices, saves seconds of effort
We can't say that we've ever been so exhausted or pressed for time that we couldn't wipe down our mobile device screens. There must be someone out there for whom that's one scrub too far, however, as Takara Tomy has just rolled out its Auto Mee S robot to do the job. Plunk the tiny cleaner down and it should bring a shine to a typical smartphone within four minutes, and a tablet within eight. It's smart enough to detect the device's edge while needing only a single AA battery to work for three hours. Yes, the Auto Mee S is really more of a toy than a serious substitute for a lint-free cloth, although the mix of novelty and utility may still justify a purchase of the ¥1,575 ($17) gadget if you're in Japan after the March 28th release -- just think of it as Junior's First Roomba.
Battroborg updates Rock'em Sock'em Robots for the Wii generation, we go hands-on
When Battroborg hit shelves in Japan last June we were, admittedly, a tad jealous. Where were our tiny, motion controlled boxing bots? Well, if you can be just a bit more patient, the vicious little toys should be landing stateside in time for Christmas. Tomy was nice enough to bring them by our office for a little preview and to help us work out some intra-office tension. So, beyond the obvious Wii and Rock'em Sock'em Robots comparisons, what's it like piloting these puny pugilists through battle? Head on after the break for impressions, pics and a dose of combat -- Engadget style.
Tomy BattroBorg 20 throws motion-controlled punches, rocks 'em and socks 'em Wii-style (video)
The last time we saw someone move the game on for Rock'em Sock'em Robots, it was a motion-controlled experiment that was unlikely to see the light of day. Tomy must have been frustrated enough waiting for the practical reality to take matters into its own hands, as it's just unveiled the BattroBorg 20, a fighting robot that... lets you take matters into your own hands. The toy uses a Wii-style nunchuk motion controller that translates the player's own thrusts into the plastic robot's punches. Each robot can tell if it's been decked, although it takes just five punches to win by TKO -- these aren't exactly Queensbury rules. At an estimated $50 for each robot and matching controller on the July 14th release date, the BattroBorg isn't the cheapest way to relive the glory days of pint-sized fisticuffs, but it's certainly the most involving.
i-SODOG robot unveiled, dares you to resist its LED-puppy dog eyes
Takara Tomy's i-SODOG might not be as intimidating as other robotic quadrupeds, but it sure is a charmer. Freshly unveiled at the Tokyo International Toy Show, the puppy comes laden with touch sensors, 15 custom servos and a microphone, letting its master command it with up to 50 unique voice cues. The mechanical mutt's mind packs some basic artificial intelligence as well, allowing it to learn and modify its behavior based on the user's commands. If the pup flunks out of digital dog training, however, its owner can always assume control directly with the i-SODOG iOS / Android app or from a dedicated controller. Fido's chasing a Spring 2013 release for 31,500 yen ($400), but there's no word on a release outside of Japan. In the meantime, a video of the plastic pooch in action awaits you after the break.
Twimal the Twitter reader reads your tweets, looks adorable while doing so (video)
If you fancy using Twitter as much as we do, you'll probably scream like a pre-teen when you lay your eyeballs on what toy maker Takara Tomy has conjured up in Japan. Dubbed Twimal, this loveable Pokemon-esque desk companion plugs into your Windows machine via USB and has one reason for its existence -- to read your tweets. Available in blue or white (male or female voice, respectively), these little bots are able to read all sorts of tweets (replies, lists, user-specific, etc.), in what appears to be Japanese only. If you're interested in getting your 140-character messages read in the cutest way possible, look for these toys on digital shelves in Japan on March 31 for ¥2,480 (around 30 bucks). And do yourself a favor; watch the video after the break. You'll thank us later.
Takara Tomy's Ningen Gakki musical toy lets you smack your friends to the beat (video)
If you want to get your conductive body orchestra going, you no longer need 15 bikini models and a bunch of conductive paint. You just need a Ningen Gakki, coming this summer from Takara Tomy. It has four conductive patches on the limbs of its vaguely anthropomorphized shape. If two people each touch one of the patches and then touch each other a circuit is created and a note is played. Up to four people can play songs or drums by clapping hands or, as you can see in the video below, generally slapping each other about. The notes don't appear to get louder the harder the hit, but perhaps that's for the best.
Atlus distributing two new Naruto Shippuden games
Naruto games have been published in North America by D3 Publisher, Namco Bandai (who bought D3 Publisher), Ubisoft, and Tomy. Now Atlus is piling on, having announced a deal with license holder Tomy to distribute two new Naruto games. We think Atlus is acting as a distribution partner rather than sole publisher, as both games' boxes still bear the Tomy logo. Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles for Wii puts players in the roles of both Naruto and Sasuke as they search for the "Genryu" Elemental Dragons. And Naruto Shippuden: Naruto vs. Sasuke is a side-scrolling game for DS in which the two are at odds, and face off with a team of fighters that you recruit in-game. Both games will be released November 16. Atlus said that retailers will reveal pre-order bonuses in the next few weeks, and also teased "more Naruto Shippuden adventures on Nintendo DS in early 2011." The publisher went ahead and revealed two of those items early in the images it sent: a hat for both the DS and Wii game at GameStop, and a set of figurines as part of premium bundles from Amazon.%Gallery-100299%%Gallery-100298%
Mario Kart RC game brings the Mushroom Cup to your living room
Sure this ain't the first time we've seen Mario Kart step outside the game console, but we'll be damned if Tomy's Japanese line of RC cars don't inspire a serious case of gadget lust. In addition to the usual remote controlled shenanigans, these guys have the ability to "shoot" virtual shells and bananas at other cars; power-ups are indicated on the controller via LEDs; and cars contain infrared sensors so you know when you've been hit with a weapon (which causes you to rumble and slow down) Cars are available from Amazon Japan to the tune of ¥2,730 (around $30) each.
Tomy Mario Kart RC cars use power-ups, blow our minds
Well, science, you've really done it this time. We've had to tighten our belts to notches unknown in light of these tough economic times, but we won't be able to resist importing Tomy's Japanese line of Mario Kart remote-controlled cars. Now, this isn't exactly a brand new idea, but Tomy's toys don't just drive around -- they also use power-ups and shoot virtual shells and bananas at one another. Racers get periodic power-ups, which appear on an LED display on the controller. Each car comes equipped with infrared sensors capable of detecting when they've been hit with a weapon, which causes them to rumble and slow down. Each car will run you 2730 yen (around $30), but your makeshift replica of Bowser's Castle Circuit could cost around $600, depending on how much you invest in the pyrotechnics. [Thanks, Yogesh]
i-SOBOT goes haywire with stash of weapons, instills fear in mere mortals
We've seen these miniature robots dance and wrestle aplenty, so it's only a matter of time before they pick up weapons and murder us all for crafting their bulky looks and squeaky servos. Fortunately for now, this Takara Tomy i-SOBOT seems to be content enough with demolishing just balloons and polystyrene foam blocks, courtesy of its owner who blessed the bot with a range of "handmade" firearms and edged weapons. Don't be so quick to laugh, though -- that mini mini Gatling gun may be pointed squarely at your face one day. Until then, keep smiling and enjoy the video after the break.
Buy Naruto Shippuden 3, get a DVD or a thumb ring
Presumably, some people who like to play Naruto also enjoy watching Naruto. That's the idea behind the GameStop-exclusive limited edition release of Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 for Wii, which will include a DVD of Naruto Shippuden The Movie.Maybe you like to play Naruto and dress like Naruto characters, but for some reason you don't feel like watching it? GameStop and Tomy also have something lined up for your rather improbable tastes. Pre-ordering the standard edition of the game will get you an Akatsuki ring as worn by Sasori. This bundle is the only way to get an 'official' version of this ring. Which means that somebody is going to buy both of these sets!
Swag Saturday: Naruto Shippuden Ninja Destiny 2
Can you believe it?! We're giving away two copies of Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 for Nintendo DS, just in time for its release on September 15. TOMY continues the Shippuden story arc in this brand new 3D fighter. In addition to a copy of the game, winners will also get a Naruto headband, so you can totally be the coolest and totally-most-original person at an anime convention ever. We swear. Leave a comment telling us who the best character in Naruto is. Try to choose someone not featured on the box art. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada, excluding Quebec. Limit 1 entry per person. This entry period ends at 1:31 pm ET on Monday, September 14. We'll randomly select two winners at that time to receive: one copy of Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 and one Naruto headband (ARV $45). For a list of complete rules, click here
Joyswag: Naruto Ninja Council 4, Crimson DS Lite [update]
Update: Giveaway has come to a close, folks! Thanks for entering and be sure to keep an eye on your email!We have a nice little bit of Joyswag set to unload on a few lucky readers, courtesy of our friends at TOMY. Up for grabs is one grand prize featuring a copy of Naruto Ninja Council 4 ($30 ARV) and a Crimson DS Lite ($130 ARV), and two runner-up prizes each featuring a copy of Naruto Ninja Council 4. Not too shabby, eh? To enter, follow the easy steps below: Leave a comment telling us who your favorite Naruto character is You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec) Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day This entry period ends at 11:59 am ET on Monday, June 29 At that time, we'll randomly select one grand-prize winner to receive a Crimson DS Lite ($130 ARV and Ninja Council 4 ($30 ARV), and two runner-ups who will each receive a copy of Naruto Ninja Council 4 ($30 ARV) For a list of complete rules, click here
Virtual Wares: Pirates suffer a Masterful Pitfall
It's Monday, which means that the Nintendo faithful get a slew of new downloadable content. DSiWare is the place to be this week, with two new titles available for download, one of which is the first third-party offering on the service. For the Wii, both WiiWare and the Virtual Console each have one item available for download this week.
