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Bosch unloads LEGO Edition dishwasher to clean toys / dinnerware
A childhood isn't complete without a healthy stash of colored blocks to play with, but let's face it, the miniaturized (and LEGO-branded) version of Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 will eventually end up in the depths of a youngster's mouth one way or another. Taking a stand for germ-free toys (and the right to chew on nearly anything) is Bosch's LEGO Edition dishwasher, which sports a special "Toy cycle" to rid Tonka trucks and NERF blasters of microbial buildup without harming their "shape and integrity" (read: melting them into a pile of goo). While it sports the same grime-busting action as most high-end dishwashers out there, the additional cycle runs at 40 degrees Celsius in order to eliminate germs without destroying the plastic. The device comes in "freestanding, under the counter, and fully integrated" flavors, and can be found (only in Europe, curiously) now for €649 ($816), €749 ($942) and €899 ($1,130), respectively. [Via Slashgear]
Get your Irish hands on the Wii next month
Irish gamers will get a chance to get their hands on the Wii next month at the annual Toys 4 Big Boys, which features home entertainment and electronics through a variety of third-party supporters. Nintendo falls in line as one, offering up demo stations for visitors during the show on November the 10th, 11th and 12th.Any Irish readers planning on hitting Dublin for the event?[Via Cubed3]
Another chance to pre-order a Wii?
If you're like some of us, then you're still out in the proverbial cold in regards to a Wii-orde ... no, no, it's not worth it.In any case, some rumors are flyin' around the intertron, as they often do, and one of particular interest mentions that last bastion of childhood, Toys R' Us, taking Wii preorders on October 29th. Perhaps they'll have more than eleven units, but regardless, TRU representatives refuse to comment on such baseless grounds. The company's forthcoming "BigBook", full of awesome holiday-like sales, will spill the beans, so stay tuned for verification.[Thanks, Matt Heff!]
Nintendo toys from the '70s collected
A lot of casual students of video game history probably know that Nintendo manufactured traditional Hanafuda playing cards for nearly 100 years before diving into the video game business in the '80s. But not all Nintendo fans know that the company transitioned into the game space with a line of traditional toys and games in the '60s and '70s.A collector going by the handle dogbowl has a posted a small picture gallery containing some of the more interesting products Nintendo produced during this period. Some, like the Ultra Hand and remote control vacuum cleaner will be familiar to anyone who has played WarioWare Inc.: Mega MicroGame$. Others, like the marble race game and the spooky-looking board game pictured above will probably only be familiar to truly obsessed Nintendophiles. You can even see the inspiration for some classic NES and arcade games in toys like Wild Gunman and Mach Rider in their toy analogues. We can only hope that one day we'll get to see a Wii game based on these delightful flash cards.(Thanks ilostmyunicorn)
Amazing Allysen: animatronic dolls keep getting weirder
If you haven't already guessed by the unusual number of Hello Kitty, Tickle Me Elmo, and MystiKats posts that have graced these pages, we've got something of a Peter Pan complex going on around here; we're even more embarrassed to admit that whenever we come across a toy that's even remotely autonomous, well, there's no small amount of bickering about who gets to cover the story. The newest does-it-all doll to hit stores and Christmas lists this holiday season is Amazing Allysen by Playmates, followup and big sister to the company's last trip to the Uncanny Valley, Amazing Amanda. While Amanda was just a toddler meant to be "mommied," Allysen is a full-grown tween designed to replace your child's peer-pressuring real-life friends, and like most 10-year-old girls these days, loves smoothies, sporting the hottest new fashions, and gabbing on her cellphone. Allysen can perform all the same neat tricks that Amanda does -- responding to vocal stimuli, contorting her plastic face into "lifelike expressions," and recognizing her own accessories -- but steps up her game by actually remembering little details about her overlord BFF (birthday, hobbies, favorite smoothie flavor) and including those facts in future conversation. The $99 doll has already started trickling into stores along with several of her "sold separately" peripherals, and while you can pick up several expansion packs, it seems that her cellphone is limited to the pre-programmed ringtones -- which actually isn't a bad thing, because the day they start selling 'tones for dolls' non-working phones is the day we fall off "the grid" and move into a rustic little shack in Montana.
GoLive MystiKats complicates playing dolls
These days Engadget is a male-only operation (it wasn't always that way), so unfortunately we don't have a female perspective on 21st century dolls. That said, based on our thick-skulled testosterone-infused research, we've just come across a new concept doll that strikes us as a bit too involved for a toy that can be perfectly enjoyable even when simple. The new GoLive MystiKats Interactive Fashion System combines regular dolls, a dock, and a proprietary handheld media player that takes "themed cartridges." (According to the company's site, each of the four characters have particular powers, like telekinesis, which were bestowed upon them by a mysterious "kat" on their 18th birthdays.) Once you place a doll in the dock (or to use the company lingo, the "GoLive Share"), then connect the media player, the doll will "come to life," allowing you to play with the doll, um, on a TV screen. But there's one catch: the "interactive game play" only lasts for five hours. Now we're no experts, but we'd be willing to bet that we easily spent more than five hours interacting with our analog He-Man and G.I. Joe dolls action figures as kids. However, maybe that's the whole part of the shrewd plan: suckering parents into buying more cartridges. Either way, GoLive MystiKats are supposed to be available online and in stores for $100, but it's unclear how many accessories you'll get for that single Benjamin.[Via GizMag]
Toys "R" us names Wii "hot toy"
Apparently, it's the first time that Toys "R" Us has ever nominated a video game system as one of its holiday "hot toys." We couldn't agree more; the Wii is at the top of our holiday shopping list. We know what you're thinking and no, we do not plan to blow all of our holiday gift money on a Wii for ourselves, we plan to blow all of our money on Wiis for everyone else. We're pretty sure our grandma will love it. According to Toys "R" Us, the reason they came to the conclusion that the list needed Nintendo's console was due to it's incredible appeal across all ages. Toys "R" Us said "The Wii system appeals to young kids as well as adults," where the PS3 is "really geared to a savvy gaming enthusiast." [Via Joystiq]
T.M.X Elmo debuts. The "X" is for "eXtreme", dude!
Oh, yes, our old friend Tickle Me Elmo is back, only this time he's totally to the EXTREME, dude! There's a good chance you're already stockpiling these for sale on eBay -- we understand that two or three should be enough for a down payment on that dream home -- but in case you didn't hear, Fisher-Price introduced the new T.M.X. Elmo today. The "X" in T.M.X. stands for both "ten" (the toy is ten years old) and "eXtreme"; the new doll does pretty much the same thing as the oiriginal version -- i.e. it gets all crazy when you tickle it -- it just does it in a more, uh, extreme fashion. Toy industry analysts are already predicting a massive shortage of the dolls, which retail for $39.99 should you be fortunate enough to find one actually on store shelves.
Forget Barbie, we'll take the Samus statue
When we saw First4Figures first Metroid statue, we wondered "where's Samus?" As it turns out, she was coming all along. Though it's not shipping yet, they've released the statue's likely to be final appearance, in both Varia and Gravity suit varieties. Also coming are Samus' Light, Dark, and Phazon suits. The $99 11" tall statue will be available later Q4 2006, which is more than we can say for the recently dated Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. See also:Majora's Mask Fierce Deity Link figurineColossal figurine ... at 1/150 scaleCollectible Metroid statueSamus returns as... a Metroid paperweight
Sega Toys' Dream Pony is one freaky robot
Remember the Uncanny Valley? It's that place where robots look very much like the biological entities that they're meant to emulate, but just dissimilar enough to give them a very creepy appearance. Well we'd suggest that Sega Toys' upcoming Dream Pony falls squarely into the valley, as the 4-foot tall bot certainly resembles a real mini horse -- though as you can see in the pictures (both here and after the jump), it probably has the potential to really freak people out. Nonetheless, Sega is confident that this latest addition to its zoo of robotic pets will be popular enough among little girls (and immature men such as ourselves) that it can move 10,000 of these strange toys per year. Since you wouldn't pay $600 for a stuffed animal that just sat around looking weird, Dream Pony -- a virtual doppelgänger for Hasbro's Butterscotch -- responds to visual, audio, and tactile stimulation by jerking its head around or emitting a frightened whinny, among several other forms of exciting feedback. Although this robopony won't actually trot around the neighborhood like the real one your parents would buy you if they weren't so stingy, you can still sit on its back (assuming you're under 80 pounds) and "feed" it a plastic carrot over and over again. All-in-all, the Dream Pony doesn't really seem to provide the kind of long-term playability you'd get from an Xbox or a Robosapien, but once your little girl starts begging and whining for one, you'll have little choice but to welcome Dreamy into your home.[Via Pink Tentacle]
Progressive scan, 16:9 included in Downhill Jam
A rather excited fan of the site recently sent in an email correspondence with one Alex Ness of Toys For Bob, the developers behind Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam. While this reader could've used the opportunity to pry loose release information for the console or exclusive content in the game, instead his main focus was whether or not the game would support progressive scan and include an option for 16:9 aspect ratio. According to the email, these are to be included:"We're working on supporting progressive scan and widescreen right now and should definitely get it in before we ship."So there you have it, word directly from Alex Ness at Toys For Bob that Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam will support 480p and 16:9. Our readers, they are the best![Thanks enbob89!]
Invade your Toys 'R Us for free Mew
One of our fine readers sent us in a scan from Nintendo Power that tells of yet another promotional team-up with toys conglomerate Toys 'R Us. This time around, rather than handing out gifts for your virtual town, DS Fanboys may hit up their local chain for a free Pokemon. While the news that this Pokemon is not in fact a real living, breathing, lightning-shooting creature upsets us, we'll still take it.So those of you who decide to brave the elements and arrive at a Toys 'R Us on the 30th of September will be rewarded with a free download of the pokemon Mew. Arming yourself with a Pokemon game of choice (as long as that choice is either Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, or LeafGreen), you'll be free to get with the downloading come the 30th.[Thanks Ali!]
Disney GAME iT! portable consoles for the PB&J crowd
Probably not too hopeful about taking a big bite out of the PSP's or DS's market share, a company called Performance Designed Products is nonetheless releasing a new pair of portable 2.5-inch consoles that bring together the magic of Disney with the gaming excitement that only 90's era 16-bit processing can provide. Although not being advertised as such, the flame-adorned "Classic Pals" and all-pink, heart-shaped "Princess Pals" are clearly being targeted at either one gender or the other, a notion only furthered by the mix of characters chosen for these so-called Disney GAME iT! devices. Each product comes preloaded with 12 different, relatively simple games (suggested ages are six and up); boys get such titles as Mickey's Apple Cart, Pluto's Buried Bone Treasure, and the oddly-named Goofy's Loco Coconuts, while the girls' edition sports winners like Sebastian's Sea Urchin Symphony, Susie's Buttons and Baubles, and Flotsam and Jetsam's Potion Commotion. Although you can pick up a separate $15 kit that connects the $40 systems to your TV, there's no way to add additional games a la more traditional consoles -- which actually, will probably work out just fine, as chances are good that your kids will smash these portable units to bits before getting sick of the limited content.[Via GameZone]
Tachikoma, the killer spider tank toy now available
While it's no Spidernaut robot, fans of the anime series Ghost in the Shell will surely appreciate this new robot creation of the Tachikoma. Although Wikipedia tells us that regular Tachikoma "are as large as an average sedan," this miniature version probably could fit in your desk drawer. From what we can tell based on the videos, it only speaks Japanese, except for a high-pitched "bye-bye!" that is accompanied by a really cute wave. Cute for an anime robot, anyway. If you can read Japanese, tell us what the rest of the page says in the comments, m'kay?[Via Robot Gossip]
Mario and Toad toy controllers
Got 30 bucks to drop on toys? Yes? Well then, this little device is for you! This 17 second video will demonstrate all the joy these Mario and Toad toys will bring you. Or, not bring you. They walk, walk a little faster and turn left and right. Bored yet? If you don't have 30 big ones, laugh at the people who will actually buy this. [Via QJ Net]
Steal this toy: GTA Vice City action figures [update 1]
Rockstar Games and Medicom Toy Company have teamed up to release a set of action figures inspired by Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The limited edition set is part of the famous Kubrick line of toys. The set of five includes Tommy Vercetti, Lance Vance, Ricardo Diaz, Candi Suxx, and Ken Rosenberg, scruples-free attorney.Toys teach kids to kill? Barbie caught in hot coffee scandal? The bad jokes are limitless.The set will be available this fall, but you can pre-order now for $35 -- that's nearly one-fourth the cost of the Fierce Deity Link. How often do you get to say that a Sony (inspired) product is vastly cheaper than a Nintendo (inspired) product?[via PSP Fanboy][update 1: Misread the sales page; the entire Grand Theft Auto Kubrick line has been in development for two years, not just this Vice City set. Snark removed.]
Play GTA this fall... in toy form
Grand Theft Auto in your hands... sounds too good to be true, right? If for some reason, you want to ignore the impending release of Vice City Stories for the PSP, you can pick up these Kubrick toys. The set of five includes Tommy, Lance, Ricardo, Candi and Ken so that you can re-enact your favorite GTA scenes in the palm of your hand. Imagine how cool you'll appear to your co-workers as they see you screaming "It's time for the Lance Vance Dance!" while playing with these figures. They're available for only $35, a real bargain considering how some of my own most-wanted figures cost much, much more.[Via QJ]
Bandy the MP3-playing teddy bear
Kids love teddy bears, and kids love music, so what better way to get the little ones begging for your product than by combining two of their passions into one adorable package? Certainly not the first bear-inspired audio device we've seen, Mogoon's MP3- and WMA-playin' Bandy (not to be confused with the ice hockey-like sport of the same name) trumps most other offerings by featuring a built-in SD slot for loading up tunes or serialized versions of its fictional pre-history; 27 minutes of said history are pre-installed on an internal chip. Knowing that Bandy is bound to end up in some pretty dirty / dangerous predicaments, Mogoon also made the bear dust-proof, splash-proof, and able to withstand falls from up to two meters, ensuring at least a few days of usage before your kids manage to break it. The fun begins this fall -- in Europe, at least -- for around €69 ($88).[Thanks, Sven N.]
Nintendo documents Toys 'R Us goodies
We just can't stop covering this game! We love it and we aren't afraid to admit it. Our parents forbade that love, but we eloped and now they're forced to accept it. With the recent partnership between Toys 'R Us and Nintendo, there has been plenty of reason to keep plugging away in our towns (well, maybe not for some). In an effort to save you time and some of your life span as sunlight undoubtedly causes you pain, Nintendo of America employee Chloe felt she should document what exactly the 6 free gifts available are at your local Toys 'R Us. So maybe you've been holding back, thinking that dangerous star in the sky is not worth enduring for fabulous free gifts to place in a virtual home. Well, maybe this list of available gifts will change your mind: Green Pipe Flagpole 1-up Mushroom Starman Fire bar ? Box
Reader reveals Toys 'R Us woes
Charlie Staats, one of our most handsome readers, recently sent in a sorrowful tale of loss and regret. It also involved a talking dog obsessed with produce. To say the least, we thought it was a magnificent read. Aside from his included tale, Charlie spoke of things grounded a bit more in reality, namely arriving at a local Toys 'R Us to acquire one of the free goodies that are available via download. Instead, when following the steps on the sheet while in the store, he received a bottle sans item. When asking an employee "Hey, what's the haps, man?" he was greeted with a response that informed him another store in the local area was also reporting the same issue of bottle sans item. Any of you have the same trouble as our handsome hero Charlie? Completed the steps with ease and find the possibility of anything otherwise remote?
