ToyDirectory
April 24, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

March 2012 | Vol. XI - No. 3


New York Toy Fair 2012 - New Boys Toys

By Justina Huddleston
March 2012

When TDmonthly Magazine asked our reporters to find the most exciting new products for boys at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair, they delivered, with a list that ranges from a replica Ferrari pedal-car, to a scuttling robotic Scarab, to a fierce looking Darth Maul action figure. See the new toys our reporters discovered at Toy Fair below, and don't miss their finds for Girls and All Kids, too!

Regal Elite Force Flyer by REGAL ELITE

Regal Elite Force Flyer by REGAL ELITERegal Elite launches its new "Glove Force" technology, which allows users to direct their 'copters by turning their wrists left or right, with the help of a small thumb-controlled throttle. Launch date: Spring 2012. 2/14/2012 (MSRP: $49.95)


Monsuno Core™ and Transforming Action Figures by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

Monsuno Core™ and Transforming Action Figures by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.Collect hundreds of favorite characters from the Monsuno Animated TV Series for amazing transformation reveal and controllable, fast-action battle play. Each 1-pack comes with 1 collectible Monsuno core, 1 transforming action figure and 3 collector game cards. Launch date: March 2012. 2/14/2012 (MSRP: $7.99)


Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Power Tower Track Set by MATTEL INC.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Power Tower Track Set by MATTEL INC.Hot Wheels wall tracks are taken to the next level with this set, which includes a spiral elevator and fun demolition elements like a car chomper and a moving saw. Attached to the wall with 3M command strips, to avoid ruining walls. Launch date: June 2012.

— In a Summer 2012 survey, four out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Hot Wheels was their best selling brand of die-cast toy.


 2/14/2012 (MSRP: $44.99)


Transformer Prime RC Robots by HASBRO INC.

Transformer Prime RC Robots by HASBRO INC.With the simple press of the button, these robots go from car to Transformer. Choose from Bumblebee or Knockout. Launch date: Fall 2012. 2/14/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 5 and Up)


EDTOY™ MagnaMobiles™ Race Car by MANHATTAN TOY

EDTOY™ MagnaMobiles™ Race Car by MANHATTAN TOYMagnaMobiles are designed for kids to exercise their creativity. Put the pieces together and take them apart to create new and inventive vehicles. Magnamobilles roll, carry, lift, dig, drop and spin much like the real life machines they are modeled after. With multiple connectors on every piece, kids will have fun creating their own custom vehicles. All MagnaMobiles are made from high quality beech wood with a non-toxic finish. Launch date: January 2012.  (Watch the EDTOY™ MagnaMobiles™ Race Car Video Watch Video) 2/13/2012 (MSRP: $25.00; Age: 3 and Up)


HEXBUG® Scarab Micro Robotic Creatures by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

HEXBUG® Scarab Micro Robotic Creatures by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.The HEXBUG® Scarab is an exceptionally high-speed, mechanical, beetle-like robotic bug that skitters around on six angled legs. The high energy micro robotic creature propels itself forwards and backwards, and is capable of popping from its back to its feet if placed upside down. The Scarab’s lifelike behavior is eerily mesmerizing to watch and interact with. Packed with advanced design and engineering, each Scarab has an inner body loaded with robotic intelligence, protected by a hard, transparent exoskeleton casing. The HEXBUG Scarab moves so frenetically that it is nearly impossible to follow without a slow motion camera. The combination of the HEXBUG Scarab’s six specially designed angular legs, coupled with its lightning speed, make it easy to for it to propel against obstacles in its path and flip over if caught on its back. Three button cell batteries are included. Available in an assortment of five translucent colors including: Green, Blue, Orange, Black and Red. Launch date: November 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 8 and Up)


Switch & Go Dinos by VTECH

Switch & Go Dinos by VTECHTwo of boys' most popular toys - dinosaurs and vehicles - have been brought together to create a unique 2-in-1 play experience with VTech's Switch & Go Dinos. Each toy transforms from a dinosaur to a vehicle and back again in a few simple steps. Each comes equipped with an LCD screen for customized animation, dinosaur and vehicle sound effects and educational dinosaur facts. The line features seven unique and collectible dinosaur toys. Launch date: February 10, 2012.
— As of 10/30/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 43 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; easy for kids to make the transformation happen; sounds change between dinosaur noises and car noises, depending on which form the toy is in. Cons: One reviewer said the toy was too noisy. 2/10/2012 (MSRP: $15.99)


MIMOMICRO™ Card Readers & Drives by MIMOCO INC.

MIMOMICRO™ can be used as a USB flash drive with interchangeable microSD memory cards, and also functions as a microSD card reader to transport data between mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, and mp3 players to one's computer. "MIMOMICRO™ boasts three dimensional sculpted characters and the first in a series of vehicles. MIMOMICRO's cap-free design with flip-out USB plug also includes a built-in keychain and LED indicator light. Measuring a mere 1.6" H x 1.0" W in its compact form factor, MIMOMICRO™ lives up to its name," Clint Weiler, PR for mimoco llc, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2012. (Watch the MIMOMICRO™ Card Readers & Drives Video Watch Video) 2/1/2012 (MSRP: $12.95; Age: All Ages)


Star Wars Movie Heroes Darth Maul by HASBRO INC.

Star Wars Movie Heroes Darth Maul by HASBRO INC.Darth Maul has undergone years of demanding and brutal training under his master Darth Sidious to become an incredible Sith warrior. He demonstrates his skill by expertly spinning his double-bladed Lightsaber. He attacks with precision and ferocity, twirling the twin blades to strike his Jedi opponent.  This fierce DARTH MAUL figure is rendered in careful detail to look just like the character in the Star Wars: The Phantom Menace movie. He comes with his trademark double-bladed lightsaber. When the adventure is over for the day, set him on his battle base. Figure comes with weapon accessories, Galactic Battle Game card, battle base and die. Launch date: 2012.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, two out of 10 retailers said Star Wars characters were their best selling action figures.
— In a August 2014 survey, Charles, manager of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y., told TDmonthly that "Star Wars is finally coming back," and Star Wars toys are among their best-selling action figures. 2/12/2012 (Age: 4 and Up)


Hot Wheels Apptivity™ by MATTEL INC.

Hot Wheels Apptivity™ by MATTEL INC.Hot Wheels Apptivity™ lets kids take a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels car and race through three exciting game modes. Launch date: May 2012. 2/12/2012


Smithsonian kids Dinosaur Tablet by KIDZ DELIGHT

Smithsonian kids Dinosaur Tablet by KIDZ DELIGHTSleek high tech looking tablet with 21 smooth touch icons. Tablet has 4 activities to learn about Dinosaurs and 15 dinosaurs to discover – just like in the Smithsonian Museum. earn their names, hear their sounds, learn what their diet was and more fun information. Launch Date:  September 2012. 2/12/2012 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 3 and Up)


Barbecue Party by ASMODEE EDITIONS

Barbecue Party by ASMODEE EDITIONSBarbecue Party an action-packed game for preschoolers. It’s all about action-reaction as players try to load up the grill with all kinds of funny food before it pops a gasket.  Kids have to be very careful not to jiggle the grill when they lay an ear of corn, a tomato, or any of the other food pieces on top because it can jump at any time. Includes 16 plastic food pieces, 18 cards, & 1 pair of tongs/pliers. Launch date: June 2012. 2/10/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 4 and Up)


Switchbotz by IMAGABILITY

Switchbotz by IMAGABILITYThese construction toys allow kids to build their own transformational action figures. Prices range from $19.99 to $39.99. Launch date: February 2012. 2/10/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 8 to 16)


Cover Your Assets by GRANDPA BECK'S GAMES

Cover Your Assets by GRANDPA BECKThe new Game where the goal is to be the first millionaire! Stack pairs of assets, to cover your valuables before they are stolen by other players! Defend your assets with like cards in your hand or Gold or Silver Wild Cards! Easy to learn in just minutes, with layers of strategy for years of fun! This will be a your new Family Favorite! Loved by all ages. Kids, Parents, and Grandparents can all enjoy a great time together. Even dedicated, competitive, gamers get a kick out of the quick action, and the drama. Enjoy the emotional response as the value of your Assets increase each time they are stolen. Steal them back to gain even more value. Before they are stolen again, cover them with more Assets to protect them. Watch out though, if your new top set is stolen the one below it is in jeopardy again. Keep building up your assets till you become the first millionaire.

 2/10/2012 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 8 and Up)


Brainlock by ENDLESS GAMES

Brainlock by ENDLESS GAMESWearing "perplex-o-specs," glasses that let players only see mirror images, players must attempt to complete mazes and visual challenges. Launch date: June 2012. 2/10/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 10 and Up)


SillyHands by KELLYTOY U.S.A INC.

SillyHands by KELLYTOY U.S.A INC.These pairs of super-sized plush hands looks just like kids' favorite character's hands and slide right over their hands for slamming SillyHands™ make-believe. Each hand makes distinctive motion activated sounds and speech. Styles include Karate, Tiger, Alien and Boxing. Launch date: February 12, 2012.

Silly Hands ©&TM 2010-2013 Idea Vault LLC All Rights Reserved
Used by Kellytoy U.S.A. Inc. under license from Volcano LLC 2/10/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 3 and Up)


Monster Village (GIGO Blocks) by MAGNOTE

Monster Village (GIGO Blocks) by MAGNOTEEach Monster Village package contains over 90 block pieces to create two monsters with movable joints. The included assembly instruction comes in comic booklet form featuring the stories of each of the unique characters. Launch date: April 2012. 2/3/2012 (MSRP: $25.00; Age: 5 and Up)


Air Storm Pop Rocketz™ by ZING

Air Storm Pop Rocketz™ by ZINGPrepare for take-off with this pocket-sized, take-anywhere, air-powered rocket launcher that blasts foam rockets 50 feet. Real rocket launch action that’s safe for indoors and out. Launch date: Spring 2012. 2/10/2012 (MSRP: $4.99; Age: 5 and Up)


Tribute Kendama by KENDAMA USA

Tribute Kendama by KENDAMA USAThe Tribute Kendama is a Japanese wooden skill toy that challenges hand-eye coordination, focus, balance, and creativity. Enjoyed by millions in Japan, its only recently been introduced into the USA thanks to KendamaUSA. " It is the only Kendama designed so that the cups can never fall off the handle, which is the #1 customer complaint with copy-cat brands," Jeremy Stephenson, president of Kendama USA, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2007.
Awards: 2012 ASTRA Toy of the Year Award Nominee
— David Castillo, vice president of The Red Balloon Toy Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Kendamas, especially ones from Kendama USA, are one of their store's best-selling toys. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $22.00; Age: 9 and Up)


American Alligator Puppet by FOLKMANIS INC.

American Alligator Puppet by FOLKMANIS INC.This big cuddly AMERICAN ALLIGATOR PUPPET will swamp kids with affection. This realistically rendered puppet, with soft plastic teeth, is a life-size 31-inches long. Launch date: 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $59.99)


18" Pirate Monkey Peek-A-Boo Plush by FIESTA

18" Pirate Monkey Peek-A-Boo Plush by FIESTAThis cushion, embroidered with pirate monkey, unzips and turns inside out to become a plush monkey pirate. Launch date: January 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $26.00; Age: 3 and Up)


DC Super Friends The Joker Funhouse Game by THE WONDER FORGE LLC

DC Super Friends The Joker Funhouse Game by THE WONDER FORGE LLCThe Joker is up to his usual tricks, and he must be stopped. Superman, Batman, Green Lantern and The Flash team up, calling on their special powers – X-ray vision, the Batarang, force fields and lightning speed – to dodge The Joker’s gags and stop him in his tracks before he reaches the getaway car. The Fun House game board is packed with preschool play power: a wacky rolling ball, secret messages, and a launching Batarang will draw young super heroes into the action. Launch date: 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 3 and Up)


Screaming Skulls Helmet Cover by CRAZEEHEADS INC

Screaming Skulls Helmet Cover by CRAZEEHEADS INCThis helmet cover features an edgy skull design. Stretchy fabric can fit over most helmets. Launch date: 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $31.99; Age: 8 to 18)


Ferrari 150 Italia by BERG USA, LLC

Ferrari 150 Italia by BERG USA, LLCLike Ferrari’s new Formula 1 race car, the Ferrari 150° Italia pedal go-kart has new design elements and sponsor stickers. Made for the young Ferrari enthusiast this kart uses our unique drive system. The BFR hub allows the driver to pedal forward, coast with pedals remaining static, pedal backward to engage a coaster brake and once stopped, pedal in reverse. Launch date: March 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $599.00; Age: 3 to 8)


Traffic Play Carpet - Blue & Green by LUCA AND COMPANY

Traffic Play Carpet - Blue & Green by LUCA AND COMPANYIVI three dimensional carpets encourage imaginative and creative play. These carpets are an alternative to today's fast-paced, technology-based toys. These unique carpets are designed by a Turkish architect and mother of two and were developed to promote independent thinking and a traditional process of discovery through play. Carpets are 100% polypropylene, hypo-allergenic, anti-static, stain resistant and made from non-flammable material. 3x5 feet. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $149.99; Age: 2 and Up)


Hot Wheels “Full Throttle” Light Box Design Set by FASHION ANGELS

Hot Wheels “Full Throttle” Light Box Design Set by FASHION ANGELSDesign “Full Throttle” cars with this portable light-box. This set includes light-box, 30 stickers, 25 car design sketch sheets, 20 films, 10 “Tree-Free” colored pencils, pencil sharpener, storage pouch and instructions. 3AA batteries required, batteries not included. Launch date: 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 4 and Up)


X-Wing by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES

X-Wing by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMESX-Wing is a tactical ship-to-ship combat game in which players take control of powerful Rebel X-wings and nimble Imperial TIE fighters, facing them against each other in fast-paced space combat. Featuring detailed hand painted miniatures, X-Wing recreates exciting Star Wars space combat throughout its several included scenarios. The X-Wing starter set includes everything players need to begin their battles, such as scenarios, cards, and fully assembled and painted ships. Launch date: Q2 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $39.95; Age: 13 and Up)


Angry Birds Dog Tag Fun Packs by ENTERPLAY LLC

Twenty designs featuring feathered friends and their swine foes. Each pack comes with high gloss finish dog tag, ball chain and two Angry Birds sticker sets. Launch date: March 2012. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 5 and Up)








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