Hot Toys For The Holidays

Xbox Kinect

The holidays are here and that means that nation’s busiest shopping season is upon us once again.  People want to know what’s hot, what will be at the top of kid’s wish lists and where to get them at.  Video games and video game systems are always a big draw and the first on the list for any technologically savvy kid.  This year there are a few video game systems that have gotten a lot of oohs and ahhs with gaming enthusiasts. These gaming consoles have added motion detection technology to their gaming system to enhance their video game playing experience. This season’s heavy hitters are Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Kinect, and the PlayStation 3 Move. Essentially following and expanding the footsteps of the Nintendo Wii, both video games have taken their own turn in the motion playing arena.  The Xbox Kinect utilizes a camera and a microphone to detect voice commands and body movements to play games and controlling Xbox Live (Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, Zune, ESPN, etc…), basically making you the controller. While the PlayStation 3 Move has a hand controller similar to the Wii called a wand, which gives you a full range of motion to control how you play the game. Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect with Kinect Sports retails for $149.99, Walmart, GameStop and Amazon are offering console bundles (with a Xbox 360 Console, Kinect and bundled games) starting at $375.00. The Playstation 3 Move starts at $100 at most stores which include a wand, a camera and the Sports Champions game. Similarly priced bundles are also available at your local Target and Best Buy stores.

PlayStation Move

If your kids aren’t into the video game craze and may be a little younger, the Zhu-Zhu pet hamsters are back!  These popular furry hamsters are back and they now have a line of hamsters to targeting boys.  These new hamsters have names such as ‘Stonewall’ and ‘Duke’.  Starting at about $10, these are more reasonably priced toys, and are also very popular and may be hard to find. They are available at Toys R ‘Us and other large department stores.

Happy Shopping!