TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Electronic Handheld Games

By Brenda Ruggiero
May 2005

While the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS handheld video game consoles maintain high profiles, a number of lesser-known, more affordable electronic handheld games have been attracting attention as well. With summer trips planned and just around the corner, retailers would do well to stock up on the following portable games in preparation for excited travelers.

20Q Challenge by RADICA GAMES

20Q Challenge by RADICA GAMES This all-knowing handheld features “artificial intelligence” and can read minds. Players simply think of something, and then answer a series of questions. If the machine guesses within 20 questions, it wins. “20Q is an artificial intelligence, an electronic toy, a website and a phenomenon. Teachers everywhere…tell us how much fun it is to use 20Q with early readers in their classrooms, and as a motivator and reward for older kids,” Radica USA told TDmonthly.
— "A travel game we have for older children is 20 Questions. … the whole family can enjoy this one," said Peter, owner of Mr. Toad’s Toy Company in Naples, Fla.
— “The most perfect gift imaginable,” said DeeDee McMillen, co-owner of McMillen’s Magic in Trenton, N.J.
— Retailers have told TDmonthly that 20Q answers this pertinent question: What toy with wide appeal will boost my monthly totals? Since 20Q seems poised to do it again in 4Q, it’s been honored with a TDmonthly Top Seller 2007 award. 3/1/2005 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 8 and Up)

Big Screen Poker by RADICA GAMES

Big Screen Poker by RADICA GAMES This large-screen game features two different types of poker and a two-player option for added challenge.
-- This game was listed as a top seller on Wal-mart.com in April 2005.
-- As of April 2005, this popular game was currently out of stock on such sites as Amazon.com and UnclesGames.com.
-- Poker continues to be a growing trend, adding to the popularity of this game. 4/29/2005 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Big Screen Solitaire by RADICA GAMES

Big Screen Solitaire by RADICA GAMES This game takes Solitaire anywhere – without the need for a deck of cards or a computer. It offers Klondike or Vegas-style, and features a timer and automatic scorekeeping.
-- Fans like the fact that an earlier version of this game has been updated, including a different design and a bigger screen.
-- Consumers like the fact that the sound can be turned off on this game, which means they can play for hours without disturbing anyone else.
-- This game was a top seller on Amazon.com as of April 2005. 4/29/2005 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Scrabble Express by HASBRO INC.

Scrabble Express by HASBRO INC. This electronic version of the classic word game offers four different games and varying skill levels.
-- This game was listed as a top seller on sites such as ToysRus.com and UnclesGames.com as of April 2005.
-- One Amazon reviewer said, “…a lot of fun, but can also eat up a lot of time because it’s so addictive.”
-- Parents like the fact that this game is educational, plus it has retro value for them. 4/29/2005 (MSRP: $20; Age: 8 and Up)

Big Screen Tetris by RADICA GAMES

Big Screen Tetris by RADICA GAMES This popular game features a bigger screen and three variations of game play.
-- This game appeals to consumers of various ages. One shopper said, “I know two people who got this game for Christmas last year – one was 12 and one was 22.”
-- According to Wal-mart.com, where it was a top seller in April 2005, “Tetris has been a huge success in every game format, and this handheld will be no different.”
-- Consumers appreciate that a popular game has been updated – they like to try things that are new and improved. 4/29/2005 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Electronic Catch Phrase by HASBRO INC.

Electronic Catch Phrase by HASBRO INC. This game is described as the speed-injected version of charades, with the added bonus of talking.
-- This handheld was a top seller on Wal-mart.com and Amazon.com as of April 2005.
-- Unlike some other handhelds, this game appeals to, and was designed for, an older age group, requiring the ability to think quickly and follow clues.
-- Scott Rabe, marketing manager for adult games at Hasbro, says, “This product started as a game with multiple elements…Creating the game in the electronic format allows it to be more portable and easy to set up. These features provide the convenience for a quick round of game play and accommodate current lifestyle trends as people try to do more with less time.” 4/29/2005 (MSRP: $20; Age: 18 and Up)

Bop-It Extreme by HASBRO INC.

Bop-It Extreme by HASBRO INC. This version of the original Bop-It features two additional tasks for a total of five, and has more sounds as well.
— “They sell as well as ever,” explained Mary Miller, owner of Miller’s Toys in Los Angeles. “But after awhile, I pity the poor parents. Some kids can go hours on these things.
— “With Bop-It and Bop-It Extreme, many kids love the physical nature of the game play, while others enjoy the challenge involved in concentration and beating the best score,” said Wanda Sanchez-Miller, Hasbro’s senior marketing manager in the tween category.
— This game was a featured best seller on Wal-mart.com in 2005. 4/29/2005 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 8 to 12)

Simon 2 by HASBRO INC.

Simon 2 by HASBRO INC.

This next generation version of the classic game offers additional features, including adjustable skill levels.

-- One reviewer at Amazon.com said, “As a homeschooling family, we look for toys that will reinforce skills that we are teaching, challenge our children, and that are fun. This toy has it all!”
-- This toy is on the top seller list of such sites as Amazon.com in April 2005.
-- “Introduced in 1978, Simon was a pioneer of the electronic games category and helped start the electronic games craze that continues today,” says Wanda Sanchez-Miller, Sr. Marketing Manager at Hasbro for the tween category. “While the…lenses and classic game play remain the same, Simon 2 features the added benefit of offering families the ability to play ‘head-to-head’ with its ‘other side.’” 4/29/2005 (MSRP: $20; Age: 7 and Up)