Well, would you look at that.  Just yesterday we were comparing the Xappr iPhone gun to that of Laser Tag.  And today, by chance nonetheless, Hasbro goes and announces a new Lazer Tag gun for 2012 complete with an iPhone/iPod Touch slot.

Unlike the Xappr, the Lazer Tag Blaster  can operate independently of the iPhone, though your experience will be significantly enhanced with one of Apple’s iOS devices mounted in the holder.  With the free Lazer Tag app downloaded you’ll be able to face off against both virtual enemies or up to 24 real human players.  The HUD as Hasbro calls it, will show you your upgrade options as you succeed in defeating your enemies from battle to battle, as well as the ability to view your remaining power (as in life), enemies in the area and ammo reserves.

The Lazer Tag iPhone guns are capable of firing a virtual shot up to 250 feet and run on 6 AA batteries.  One Blaster will cost you $39.99, while a set of two nets you a $10 discount making the final price $69.99.  They’ll go on sale August 1st.

Press release below

LAZER TAG 2012 PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

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 gameplay of traditional video games. To experience the LAZER TAG game, players download the free LAZER TAG app to their iPhone or iPod touch device, connect their device to their LAZER TAG blaster, and find themselves immersed in a world where video games and real life connect. Using either single or multi-player mode, players can engage in a LAZER TAG match featuring either real life worlds or virtual opponents. Each LAZER TAG blaster equipped with a device has a virtual firing range of over 250 feet and contains a ‘Heads Up Display’, or HUD, which allows players to keep track of their gear and remaining power, while also providing a view of the augmented reality targets and enemies in the area. A virtual leaderboard keeps track of each player’s profile and, with every successful mission, players will gain in-game access to upgradeable attacks, missions and gear. With LAZER TAG blasters, the stakes are high, the game is real. Don’t just play it, live it.

The 2012 LAZER TAG product line includes:

LAZER TAG 2 BLASTER Set
(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99/Available: August 1, 2012)
Get into the game with the ultimate LAZER TAG 2 BLASTER set, brought to you by the makers of the NERF brand. Set includes two LAZER TAG blasters. For enhanced augmented reality gameplay, simply download the free LAZER TAG app to an iPhone or iPod touch device and then connect the device to the blaster to activate the immersive gaming experience. When in multi-player mode, blasters are equipped with a virtual firing range of over 250 feet and an on-screen ‘Heads Up Display’ which, for the first time with LAZER TAG, allows players to see the lazer and keep track of their gear and remaining power. In the solo campaign, the blasters provide a view of the augmented reality targets and enemies in the area. Performing well in combat and mastering levels will increase players’ stats on a virtual leaderboard, as well as unlock upgrades for attacks, missions, gear and firepower. Game may be played in single-player mode, or in multi-player mode with up to 24 people. Players can also play LAZER TAG without a device using the blaster’s classic multi-player mode. Each blaster requires 6 AA batteries, not included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

LAZER TAG Blaster
(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: August 1, 2012)
Live the mission and conquer opposing forces with the innovative LAZER TAG blaster, from the makers of NERF products. For solo campaigns, players begin the game by simply downloading the free LAZER TAG app to an iPhone or iPod touch device and then connecting the device to the blaster. Players are then immersed in a live-action virtual gaming experience like no other. The on-screen Heads Up Display reveals virtual foes and targets in single-player mode and real-life worlds in multi-player mode, all while keeping track of remaining power and hits. Playing the LAZER TAG game as a single player allows players to use skill and strategy to master levels of increased difficulty, earning points and rewards along the way. Multi-player mode pits players against enemies in an epic competition where ability, energy and instinct rule. LAZER TAG blasters boast a virtual firing range of over 250 feet! Game may be played in single-player mode, or in multi-player mode with up to 24 people. Players can also play LAZER TAG without a device using the blaster’s classic multi-player mode. Available in either white or yellow; each sold separately. Each blaster requires 6 AA batteries, not included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

We’ll have to wait until summer time to get a look at The Dark Knight Rises.  But until then, we can try and quench your thirst for all things Batman with what appears to be the bulk of official merch that was unveiled at this year’s toy fair, Toy Fair 2012.  We have to take our hats off to Idle Hands, who captured all of the photos in the gallery.  We’re not the type to go out and collect these kind of things, but if we had to, it would probably be the Batman or Bane bobble head.

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Batman, much like Star Wars, is one of those brands that can be attached to just about any object and be sold at a premium.  What’s our point?   The Dark Knight Spud.  Yup, this is Mr. Potato Head in a Dark Knight outfit, replete with Batarang and Utility Belt.  You can grab one at the Big Bad Toy Store for $17.99.  However, we’re not sure if you can remove all of his pieces (pants, eyes, hat, belt), just like the original Mr. Potato Head.

Winter is well under way, though you wouldn’t know it here in SoCal where we’ve experienced an uncanny amont of 70 degree days.  No matter, because we’ll never be able to go sledding, that is unless of course we drive 2.5 hours north.  And if we do, we’ll surely be dragging along VW’s – yes, the carmaker – latest sled, Crazy Bob.

If you can’t tell, the design is inspired from their latest model GTI.  Heck, it even says it on the sled itself, so you’d have to be pretty thick to not pick up on that.  Then again, if you have a penchant for sledding, then you may have already experienced a fair amount of head trauma, so will let it slide.

Feature wise there is a big red handle and a set of foot rests to help you keep your butt in the seat.  VW has also included your very own VW logo and a GTI honeycomb grill, though the latter will do nothing for performance.

If you’re interested in picking up Crazy Bob from the German company, expect to pay a few dollars shy of $90.  Unfortunately, we can’t find an official buy link, so hit the comments if you find one.

It’s not secret that we’re partially obsessed with all thing “Back to the Future” –  yes, the movie.  Okay, obsessed is a bit of an overstatement, but we’ve long longed for a pair of those self lacing Nike Shoes and a Hoverboard.

But as always, and probably forever (at least in our lifetime) those will probably never become reality.  So, for now, we’ll have to settle with this to scale (looks that way) LEGO version of the town from Back to the Future 2, Hill Valley.  If you look closely you’ll see that the detail is so precise that it even features a LEGO Marty McFly hovering across the water who, just like in the movie, is being chased by a pact of futuristic thugs – this really happened in the movie.

So where can you buy it?  You can’t.  It’s a one off.

Zombie movies shot up in popularity over the last few years.  It’s not the first time.  Back in the late 80s there were a whole hoard of films that depicted the genre in all its gory, blood flowing ways.  Fortunately, for us that’s as far as the fantasy has exceeded.  In other words, we have yet to see a real life zombie, but in the event that we do DoubleStar will have you equipped with their  Zombie-X AK rifle with an electric chainsaw.

Yup, we said chainsaw.  It’s not of the gas powered type and after hitting the video you’ll question how much damage the 18v wood (bone) cutter can inflict.  We sort of questioned the authenticity of the weapon itself, after all it is outfitted with a few biohazard symbols which are analogous to Hollywood. But after doing a quick search on Google we quickly discovered that Doublestar Inc is a legit manufacturer of guns that fire real ammo.  It’s also equipped with a special safety, a battery back found at the butt of the gun and a Biohazard labeled scope.

DoubleStar hasn’t said when it will go on sale, but given all the Gears of War nerds roaming the Earth, there are sure to be a few takers.

Slot cars have all been forgotten, or have they?  When we were kids they were pretty common place, but that was 20 years ago, long before the Internet and the advent of super advanced and immersive video games that required more than 10-15 hours of play to beat it (case in point Skyrim).  But it turns out that Slot Cars have advanced at the same pace as the rest of our toys, as proven by this video.  We’re not exactly sure what’s going on here, but it appears to be some sort of competition hosted in a German local.  Suffice to say, the cars are traveling so stupid fast that all the fun has been drained out of the toy, though it would appear that a hair senstive trigger figure is still the key to a successful lap.

What’s 19-feet tall and made entirely of plastic?  Probably a wide variety of things.  But nothing – with those specs in mind – will ever compare to this 19-foot model Apollo 11 Saturn V Rocket.  Still not impressed?  Consider the fact that it is made entirely from LEGOs.  You know, the little, iconic bricks that snap together.

It was built by Ryan McNaught and took hime over 250 hours to snap together 120,000 bricks.  Let’s also keep in mind this isn’t an out of the box creation; Ryan designed and built it himself.   We can only hope that it sports a working elevator and a few more Star Wars characters.

If  you’re truly interested in seeing it in person, the 19-foot Apollo 11 LEGO Rocket will be on show at Australia’s Brickvention next weekend

Don’t hold your breath for this scooter come backpack.  Why?  Because it’s currently only in the design/concept phase.  However, there is a good chance that it will become reality, since it does offer some utility in this chaotic, gotta be on time world.

The pics are pretty self explanatory.  As you can see the backpack is integrated directly into the scooter.  Or is the scooter integrated into the backpack?  Either way, when you’re ready to board a train, plane or moving machine, you can just just fold it up and strap it to your back.   Keep in mind you can also tote along all your goodies inside the bag, which has a few extra pockets as well as a fender, which should help to clear zombies (or people) out of the way as you cruise to your next destination.

Unfortunately, there is one flaw in the design.  Once the board has been folded down, you know, the thing you stand on, you’ll have to manually attach the wheel.  But on the a positive note, the wheels are big and bold, meaning you can cover a greater variety of terrain without all the discomfort associated with those rollerblade wheels.

It’ll be sometime until we can travel across the galaxy in a heartbeat. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t all be able to enjoy some of the technological advancements that Gene Rodenbarry envisioned.  Well my friends, the future is officially here…that is if you consider the future the Star Trek Electronic Door Chime.

Like all good things gimmicky you can pick this up at ThinkGeek for $29.99.  Installation is as simple as mounting it on the wall next to any door.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t include the necessary motors to open and close your door, but it will sound that classic Star Trek “swoosh” sound when someone crosses the threshold thanks to a built-in motion sensor. Alternatively, you can program it to emit a Red Alert sound, you know, just in case a Klingon enters your midst, or say a pesky younger brother.

The Dingoo A320 Pocket Retro Game Emulator comes out of the box ready to play games from such classic systems as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and classic arcade games from companies like Capcom, from Final Fight all the way to Marvel Vs. Capcom. With a directional pad, six face buttons and two shoulder buttons, the A320 is ready to go for all of the original control schemes, sacrificing nothing in terms of feel. Many of the emulators run perfectly, with perfect graphics and sound, and extra features like the ability to save your progress anywhere, so you can put down a game of The Legend of Zelda or Final Fantasy as easily as you might Galaga.

There are some things that would propel the Dingoo A320 into must-have status, but would require some extra horsepower and no doubt drive up the cost. Being able to link up with another Dingoo via USB for 2-player gaming would be fantastic: as it is unless the game supports hot-seat multiplayer, you’re stuck playing alone. Volume controls are all handled internally for each piece of software. In some ways, it’s a nice adjustable touch, but the default tends to be either whisper quiet or screechingly loud. Having to pause the action just to hear what someone else is saying is a bit of a disappointment. A little more processing power would go a long way into making these emulations more authentic, but again, an increased price point would need to be considered.

Like emulation itself, the ultimate goal of the A320 Pocket Retro Game Emulator is to be as close as possible to the real thing while adding some modern day comforts such as, in this case, portability. When the A320 gets it right, it’s absolutely fantastic. Playing any NES game I tested it on worked exactly as I expected, sounded like I remembered, and I had no complaints. Trying some Super Nintendo games, I noticed a fluctuating, inaccurate running speed and some missing sound effects. I tried a non-proprietary emulator which was as easy as transferring the file to the A320 and running it, and the speed and sound were better, but there were graphics missing. I considered going so far as rooting the device and overclocking it to get it to run at 100%, and while it is a possibility, it certainly ups the difficulty factor of using the device.

But for the casual retro gamer, or even someone who just needs a jack-of-all-trades personal media player, the Dingoo A320 Pocket Retro Game Emulator does a whole heck of a lot more than you would think just buying the device to play old games. It’s not going to beat a smartphone out when it comes to playing music or watching videos, but the fact that it’s extremely compatible, easy to update, and that it can do these things for as much as it costs is enough to take into consideration. It’s an ambitious little device, one that can do an awful lot, just not as well as its more expensive, specialized competiton.

Editor’s Rating

3.5 out of 5 stars

Very Good

Bottom Line: If you’re just looking for something to play Super Mario Bros. or Tetris on that feels more organic than a smartphone, the Dingoo A320 is a fairly ideal gaming portable. But the shortcomings become apparent the more familiar you are with most of the systems the A320 can emulate. It makes up for a lot of this lost ground with its other features, functioning just fine as an MP3 player, video player, e-book reader, even FM radio. It has a fantastic battery life, but can freeze from time to time if it’s jiggled around in a pocket during a bike ride, something that led to me making sure I always had a paper clip in my wallet to activate its recessed reset button.

Pros:

• Instant functionality with a wide variety of consoles, file formats, and applications makes the Dingoo more than just an emulator out of the box
• Packed-in cables that allow the device to output through a TV were an extremely unexpected bonus, and a great extra feature
• Standardized d-pad and button placement should make controls feel right at home for anyone familiar with portable gaming

Cons:

• Has a tendency to freeze when jarred even slightly, making it a poor choice to listen to music during a workout, for example
• Some of the built-in consoles the A320 advertises in emulating do not run at the correct specifications, leading to slow down, inaccurate sound emulation, and more
• Cables to connect to TV are almost painfully short. Without an extension composite cable, you’ll be sitting so close to the screen your mother would yell at you if she knew

The Dingoo A320 Pocket Retro Game Emulator is available from ThinkGeek for $99.99.

Die hard Apple fans will definitely want to get their hands on the newest Steve Jobs action figure available from Chinese toy company In Icons. Very realistic looking (down to the trademark turtleneck and glasses of Jobs), the toy company plans on selling the Jobs action figure starting next month for $99 (via Mashable). But that’s if Apple doesn’t send them a cease-and-desist letter since it’s doesn’t have the official stamp of approval from them.

Last time an unofficial bobblehead-type Jobs figure came out, Apple quickly shut down production with a cease-and-desist order with claims of copyright infringement. Apple followers will probably want to cross their fingers that if Apple decides to halt production on the latest Jobs toys it’ll be in mid-February, so they’ll still have some time to snatch one up before it’s too late.

In Icons teamed up with Hong Kong-based toy manufacturer Dragon In Dreams to create the 12-inch realistic figure (they also collaborated on the 2008 popular action figure of Barack Obama).

A few months ago commemorated the 10th anniversary of Grand Theft Auto III.  It was by far and away one of the most epic game of its time and ushered in a new era of gameplay as well as graphical bliss.  Now the game, the full game, not some watered down version, is coming to iOS and Android devices on December 15th.  That said, you’ll be able to control Claude using a set of on screen controls and engage in the same level of mayhem you enjoyed on the console.

But that’s not all the coolness that Rockstar has in store.  For $149.99 you can pick up this fully articulated 1:6 scale action figure of Claude, who comes dressed in his original attire.  It also includes a Liberty City Prison-issued jumpsuit along with a complete arsenal of weapons from GTA III that include a bat, knife, grenades, pistol, sniper rifle, submachine gun, pair of fists, baseball hat, one trigger hand and assault rifle.   The 12-inch figurine will see a limited production of just 1,500 pieces and as far as well can tell they’re still available for purchase.

While we wait for the Martin Jet Pack to go into production, and hopefully drop to middle class attainable price, we’re gonna go ahead and strap ourselves into something called the Flyboard, invented by jetski racing champion Franky Zapata.

Unlike the Martin Jet Pack and The Jetlev, both which cost over $100,000, this contraption can be yours for just over $6,500.  However, it works in a similar fashion to the JetLev, using a jet ski’s propulsion system to fire water an ungodly speed out of over sized nozzle located at your feet.  As a result thrust is generated that can lift its rider up to 30 feet in the air.  A set of secondary jets, held in the hand, allow the rider to perform a variety of twists and tricks, and much like a dolphin lets them to fire in and out of the water, as well as flip forwards and backwards into the cold abyss.

The embedded video is pretty entertaining.  We don’t speak French, but after looking around the web, it turns out that you’ll need to supply your own power source, in this case a Jet Ski, which can cost thousands of dollars.  Still, though, that’s a far cry from $100,000.

Comes next year your sworn enemies, as in your coworkers, will be seeking cover as you lay a foam dart assaut to their face with the iLaunch Thunder.

It’s been a while since Brando has flexed their gadget muscles, at least in our direction, but this cubicle toy, which is sure to be deemed “useless” by your boss, has all the excitement we look for in a gadget.  First off, you can control it using your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.  Just connect to it over Bluetooth and you’ll be able to lay down fire from up to 30 meters aways.  That said, it can fire up to 25 feet in almost any direction thanks to the 270 degree rotating turret and has a vertical variability of 40 degrees.  As a result Brando says it can cover 1400 square feet – we’re not about to run the math so we’ll take their word for it.

If its range seems limiting, you’ll be pleased as punch to hear that it has a built-in battery that can be recharged time and time again, allowing you to place it any where your card carrying (as in gun) heart desires.  Controls sound dead simple as well, allowing you to turn and tilt using your iPhone’s g-sensor, though there are the traditional touchscreen buttons in case you’re not into moving.  But who wouldn’t want to “shake to fire?”

5 foam missiles are included, but we suggest you buy a few more since they’ll probably get lost, or should we say stolen.   Shipment of the iLaunch Thunder will commence in mid to late December, so don’t plan on this being your one and only gift to that someone special.

You’ll have to hit up Sir Richard Branson if you want to explore the depths of the ocean.  You’ll also need a fair bit of cash, but often is the case that involves any activity that doesn’t take place on land.  The same monetary demands apply to the HydroView, but the good news is that once you throw down it’s yours for the time to come.

Unfortunately, you’ll never be able to set foot in this submersible.  Instead you’ll control it using your iOS or Android device – you lean the device in the direction you’d like to travel and it also works with a laptop.  But keep in mind that this toy ain’t wireless.  Instead it connects to a dock side box via a cable, which facilitates the live 1080p feed from the built-in camera replete with headlights.  Total diving depth is 75 feet for the standard version, though for some extra scratch you can upgrade and get one that goes 150 feet and includes twice the battery life.

So why would you want the Hydroview?  A fair question and one we kept asking ourselves.  That is until we realized this handy gadget is ideal for those who own a boat and don’t want to take a dip into the ocean to investigate the vessels hull, anchor or anything else that lurks beneath the water.

Aquabotix hasn’t said when they’ll ship the Hydroview, but you can preorder it now for $2,995.

Portal nerd alert!  Say hello the “consumer version of the Aperture Science Turret.”  Okay, so it’s anything but what is in the video game (sans machine guns), but Portal fans will still take enjoyment in this miniature, replica Turret.

It includes a bright LED light and real turret sound effects from the Portal and Portal 2 games.  To activate it, just squeeze the body and the Portal Turret will light the way. Though at 3.5-inches tall don’t expect it to light up more than the undercarriage of your couch and keep in mind the LED glows red, which as it happens won’t ruin your night vision, but won’t exactly help you spot that loose change you so desperately are seeking for laundry night.

Thinkgeek sells it for $24.99.

So at this point quadrocopters are kind of old news, right?  Wrong.  Check out this video, which depicts an MWC Quadrocopter doing back flips, full loops and the sort of flying we’d expect to see from an alien spacecraft.

Don’t believe us?  Hit the above video.  It’s all starts off rather normal, that is until its operator goes full throttle and fires this aircraft off into the distance and an ungodly speed.

Up until today, we thought NERF had a monopoly on the Styrofoam dart gun market.  Boy were we wrong.  This is Prime Time Toy’s AirZone Punisher Gatling Blaster which can fire 30 darts in as little as 20 seconds.  Pretty gnarly for a toy gun.

Much like a real gattling gun, there is an ammo box which holds the ammo belt. Squeeze the trigger and the electric motor, powered by 6 AA battery, engages what the company calls a super fast rotating barrel with a legit gattling gun sound – legit if you take into account it’s made from plastic.  There is also a set of handles to ensure that you’ve got control on where you fire the darts.

This gun has been available for about a year now and can be purchased at your local Toys R’ Us for $40.  It includes 30 rounds, though you can  more if need be.

Lay your eyes on any LEGO figurine and all you’ll see is a cold, hard plastic exterior.  Sounds about right to us. But imagine a world, a LEGO world for that matter, where all the mini-figs were stuffed full of blood and guts.  That’s just what artist Jason Freeny did.  This is in fact a 7.5-inch hand sculpted version of the classic LEGO figurine we all grew up loving.  So keep dreaming if you think you’ll see this in a toy store sometime this holiday.

While this 7.5-inch LEGO sculpture isn’t up for sale just yet, Jason has managed to sell a 9-inch anatomical Mario in the past, though we don’t know the price.  But based on the other figurines for sale, we’re assuming it could fetch an asking price of $1500-2000.