From the makers of the popular NERF blasters comes the revolutionary LAZER TAG system, combining the power, precision and excitement of live-action blaster battles with the high-action, strategic, augmented reality game play of traditional video games.

Players download the NERF Lazer Tag app and then slip their iPhone or iPod Touch into the slot on the NERF Lazer Tag blaster. The App uses augmented reality to give users virtual targets to shoot via lazer, as well has a heads up display for tracking remaining power/rounds, scores, and health. There’s single player and two player mode and the lazer has a virtual range of up to 250 feet. There’s also a world wide virtual leaderboard that ranks each player’s profile and, with every successful mission, players will gain in-game access to upgradeable attacks, missions and gear.

The blasters will run about $40 a piece or $70 for a two blaster set. The App is fee for download at the iTunes App Store. Available late summer/early fall. Ages 8 and up.

Hat Tip – Engadget

Due to launch in late April, just in time for the film, the line of Avengers minimates will feature special exclusives to Toys R Us and Specialty/Comic Book stores respectively. Here’s a brief breakdown of where you can find each one.

Marvel Minimates – The Avengers Movie (Toys “R” Us/toysrus.com)
- Captain America & Thor
- Iron Man MK7 & Hulk
- Hawkeye & Black Widow (exclusive)
- Loki & Nick Fury (exclusive)

Marvel Minimates Wave 45 (Specialty stores/comic shops)
- Captain America & Thor
- Iron Man MK7 & Hulk

So, as you can see, Geoffrey will initially get the lion’s share of the exclusives, being able to sell the entire line. But you can bet that most comic book stores will simply go to TRU and pick them up and then mark them up as collectibles for their clients. Either way, they look rather cool.

Directed by Joss Whedon, The Avengers stars Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson (yum), Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. It’ll be premiering May 4th.

Hat Tip – Action Figure Insider

Big Bad Toy Store has the Dark Knight – Mister Potato Head style. The Dark Knight Spud, which is made under license by PPW in Los Angeles, has Mr. Potato Head putting on the cowl and cape and making his voice sound like a he just swallowed a frog. It comes with cowl and cape, batarang, utility belt, and the trademarked Dark Knight black suit and boots.

No other details are known about the Dark Spud – whether he’ll have a Tumbler or SpudPod, but you can imagine the kitchy play on words with it. We do know that it’s available on Preorder for $17.99 for a June 2012 delivery. And if you pony up another $2, you can get a “collector’s grade” edition. Whatever that means. Sounds like an opportunity to just get another few bucks from you for a special box worth a quarter.

I rather like these special Spuds, but I just wish they’d come up with just the pieces to add to it as the last thing I need is a closet full of potatohead torsos. Coruse, I remember when you used REAL potatoes for dressing up! Good times.

Hat Tip – TNI

The MOC depicts Hill Valley in 2015, from Back to the Future II. And it’s incredibly detailed with the iconic courthouse, the water pond in front of it, the robotic Texaco station, the 8s Cafe, and even then The Mega-plex showing Jaws 19 in 4D (meh, the Shark still looks fake!). All perfectly to scale and greatly detailed.

So well put together in fact that there’s a movement to get LEGO to consider a Back to the Future line of products. There’s already a custom LEGO maker from Japan who we reported a few months ago that’s making Delorean sets (I don’t know how they get away with that). And with the recent 35 anniversary of the Trilogy, a LEGO Series on the adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown would have great potential (Imagine a minifig with Doc’s hair, Great Scott!).

I think it’s a great idea, especially considering that LEGO already has a program where ideas can be submitted by fans and voted for manufacture. Here’s hoping we go Back to the Future Lego Style soon!

In addition to seeing the new line of LEGO Friends toys, there will be opportunities for kids to play with them, giving them the chance to build a Lemonade stand. And for every stand built, Toys R Us will donate $1 to the Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation up to $10,000. This foundation raises needed funds for the ongoing fight against childhood cancer. And each kid will be able to take home their Lemonade Stand to enjoy.

Now for the rules – there’s always rules on these kind of things, aren’t there? Anyway, the rules are that the LEGO Friends event is for children, ages 5-up. Parental supervision is required at all times. And all event materials and giveaways available while supplies last and distributed to participating children only. Limit one per child. Quantities limited; no rain checks. Not available in states where prohibited by law. Yada yada yada.

But it should be a great opportunity for girls to see what all the hoopla is all about with the new LEGO Friends sets. Recently there was an uproar over the new Brick line because the figures look nothing like the standard LEGO Minifig and girls complain they don’t really need a girl centric LEGO set. So head on over and find out for yourself!

Hat Tip –

If you’re not familiar with the Big Bad Bow, it’s basically a NERF NStrike weapon toy meets a compound bow. It comes with a trio of oversized foam darts which fit on the end and are propelled by a air emitting chamber that are look like they are powered by the twin casters on either end. Sadly, those are only cosmetic, but they sure look sweet and intimidating!

And although you can’t fire the darts with a bow string like a real compound bow, there is a trigger mechanism that powers the air piston that shoots the dart. It shoots the foam darts as far as about forty feet. Which isn’t really much if you’re Hawkeye trying to take down one of Loki’s henchmen, but still worth fun for playing pretend Avengers. There’s a target scope to help take careful aim at targets and the foam darts are great for knocking over tin cans to practice your accuracy. And if you’re really serious about your Nerf-archery, there’s modification videos on YouTube that will help you increase your range (one guy claims over 95 feet).

Cost is about $29, some assembly required.

Hat Tip –

The Personal Pitching Coach takes the standard pitchback design and adds a few things that help hone your pitching form. In addition to the 9 sector strike zone, it also has a high tech radar system which measures pitch velocit (from 20-99mph), calls balls and strikes, and even pitch counts for up to two different pitchers over the course of an inning. The Personal Pitching Coach will also tally strikeouts, walks, and total pitches, and it can be adjusted to handle both Little League and Major league strike zones. It’ll even measure for fast pitch softball so the girls aren’t left out. Made from durable 16-gauge steel with stainless steel hardware, the PPC is foldable and is powered by four D batteries that provide up to 100 hours of power.

But at $400 (compared to the low tech $20 model), it’s a bit pricey. But it’s Hammacher and that’s just how they roll.

Hat Tip – The Ferret

The sets seemed to be based on LEGOs Hero Factory line as they have the same basic connector pieces with just the addition of character specific ones and colors. The sets featured here are based on the Marvel Comics Avengers line and include Captain America, Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk. Those are the most reasonable ones to feature as the Hawk and Black Widow are more “humanesque” and just wouldn’t really fly for it. Although I’m sure that girls would love to see more Black Widow (and smart guys, too!).

Personally, although I am a complete Iron Man geek, it’s hard not to like the Captain America one with that sweet shield. But the Hulk one is a bit puzzling since he’s not wearing the trademarked ripped purple pants. I know the cloth isn’t going to work well as a plastic piece, but why not the color? There are also DC Ultrabuilds coming, and they are priced at about $15. Look for them this Spring.

Hat Tip – FBTB

Huge enough to play with anywhere and cuddly enough to fall asleep on, these Jumbo Pillow Pets are made of the softest plush fabric. That makes them great for kids who have a hard time going to sleep while traveling. And they also make for a familiar face when visiting family out of town. And because they are machine washable, they are easy to keep him clean and safe for kids. No “Velveteen Rabbit” syndrome here. Just toss into the washer and then into the the dryer. Nice and easy.

Jumbo Pillow Pets are a full 30 square inches and come as Jumbo Lady Bug, Jumbo Puppy, Jumbo Zebra, Jumbo Teddy Bear and Jumbo Panda. And I’m thinking if your kid is really into the Dreamworks picture Kung Fu Panda, this is a great way to play out the fantasy of having the Dragon Warrior with you on vacation! Course, for me, it would have to be the Teddy Bear. Is there anything better than the overnight friend who’s been chasing off the monster under the bed since 1908?

On sale at Amazon right now with a cost of around $50 with free shipping!

Hat Tip – Best Toy Guide

Let’s face it, the last thing you want is for your kid to go on a playdate, or visit grandma’s house and get caught drawing on the walls. By contrast though, you don’t want to discourage your child’s artistic talent either. So it’s always best to be prepared, and this Take Anywhere Chalkboard Cloth is idea for bringing with you everywhere your little artist goes.

Measuring larger than an square meter, it’s a bit bigger than your average chalk board. But that’s a good thing because it gives kids plenty of room to draw, or do their math work, or even for you to take the class outside and teach on a gorgeous day. Check out these features:

* Great rainy day activity
* Use indoor or outdoor
* Works with regular chalk
* Use on the floor, table or wall
* Fold away for compact storage
* Waterproof, durable surface
* Easy to clean just wipe with a damp cloth
* Use as a tablecloth for fun dinner parties
* Hang on the wall for shopping list/meal planner
* Easy to cut into any size
* Enough to make placemats as well
* Made from Oilcloth – easy to sew and hem or leave edges raw as Chalk Cloth doesn’t fray

And the best part is, the PVC used is phthalate free, meaning it’s perfectly safe for kids. Cost is about $40 AUS from Urban Baby.

Hat Tip – Babyology