The toys of tomorrow are here! Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo stopped by Your Life Arizona in Phoenix to show off some top tech toys that kids will be asking for this holiday season. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.
BEASTS OF BALANCE (SENSIBLE OBJECT)
- This fun new interactive game combines your favorite aspects of JENGA and Pokémon GO.
- Beasts of Balance is a true testament to kids’ stacking ability.
- As you build the tower, connect each piece to the play pilth and watch the creatures come to life in the connected app through innovative AR technology.
- Physical and digital gaming meet in an interactive cooperative experience.
- Bringing Augmented Reality to a tabletop format.
- Great for party games with friends and family.
- Beautifully designed game pieces.
- Ages: 7+
- MSRP: $99
- Available: Amazon; Specialty, Apple, CE
LIGHTSEEKERS STARTER KIT (TOMY INTERNATIONAL)
- Lightseekers is an action-adventure role playing game built for mobile devices that fuses together fantasy and reality, integrating video games and smart action figures with the latest in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, interactive trading cards and more.
- The mini-computer, known as the FusionCore, is embedded within each action figure and is the “brains” behind the smart connected toys.
- Players can take their experience to another level, adding physical accessories to their figures and scanning trading cards with the Lightseekers game app to customize their gameplay.
- Add smart action figures with interchangeable weapons you can level-up.
- Scan augmented reality trading cards that give you special in-game abilities.
- Connect motion-controlled flight packs that turn your figure into a game controller.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $69.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
- Communicate on the go with Kidibuzz. Kids can send texts, voice messages, photos, drawings and animated stickers over Wi-Fi to a parent-approved list of contacts such as family and friends.
- This kid-tough messenger features bumpers and a shatter-resistant screen, so it’s great for on-the-go fun. The device is preloaded with more than 40 learning games that cover a variety of subjects including math, spelling, science, problem solving and music, and a kid-safe web browser with parental controls.
- With its Android-based operating system, this messenger is compatible with popular Android apps and games that parents can choose to download and make available to their children.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
- Meccano M.A.X. is the most advanced Meccano robot to date.
- A.X. combines Artificial intelligence (AI) learning and customizable programming to create a one-of-a-kind personal companion. Infrared (IR) Navigation and customizable apps bring M.A.X. to life with almost limitless potential for personalization and interactivity.
- A.X. also includes a built-in gaming platform for added fun.
- No two M.A.X.’s will be the same.
- Ages: 10+
- MSRP: $149.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
- The Merge Cube is the world’s first holographic object kids can hold in the palm of their hand. Kids can play, learn, and explore in magical new ways.
- Download apps using a tablet or smartphone at www.MergeCube.com, view the cube through your device’s camera, and watch the Merge Cube come to life as it transforms.
- The Merge Cube experience can be upgraded by selecting the optional virtual reality mode and sliding a smartphone into virtual reality goggles to completely immerse yourself in holographic worlds.
- Ages: 10+
- MSRP: $14.99
- Available: Walmart
Nikko Air Race Vision 220 FPV Pro (Toy State)
• Get ready to race with the Race Vision 220 FPV Pro! Nikko Air has teamed up with DRL (Drone Racing League) to deliver the ultimate drone racing experience, leveraging elite drone racing technology, developed by drone racers, designed for future pilots.
• You can’t fly true FPV using a cell phone or on Wi-Fi without disruptions. Race Vision 220 uses 5.8 GHz analog frequency allowing the pilot to see real-time video transmission without delay or interruptions. It includes a full color LCD screen and FPV goggles that provide and immersive flight experience from the cockpit of the drone.
• Designed for pilots of all skill levels with 3 variable flight modes, multiple speed settings, and 16 one-touch stunts, this racing drone is sure to take you from beginner to pro in no time.
• Ages: 14+
• MSRP: $169.99
• Available: Amazon, Target
