Toys 'R' Us Announces Its Annual List of the Hottest New Toys for the 2005 Holiday Season

Toys 'R' Us Joy List Predicts The Toys That Will Top Kids' Wish Lists WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toys "R" Us today announced its annual list of toys anticipated to be the top choices of children this holiday season. The Toys "R" Us Joy List -- organized by age from infants to big kids -- features 36 toys that are new to market this year. From this list, 14 toys were selected as the overall "best of the season." The toys featured are available at all Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and at http://www.toysrus.com/. "The Toys "R" Us Joy List provides holiday shoppers with a starting point in their search for the right gift for each child on their list," said John Barbour, President, Toys "R" Us, U.S. "Time is a precious commodity during the holidays, and Toys "R" Us makes shopping easier by keeping shelves stocked with all the hottest toys from educational and classic, to great options for technology-driven entertainment on the go." "Customers will find that Toys "R" Us offers an unparalleled selection of new toys, old favorites, some terrific Toys "R" Us exclusives and many other great values," continued Barbour. "And our experienced and toy-trained sales staff is ready to help customers find that perfect toy to light up a child's face." TOYS "R" US JOY LIST THE BEST OF THE SEASON The 14 new toys that Toys "R" Us has named the best of the season are (in alphabetical order): Bratz(TM) Rock Angelz(TM) Tour Bus from MGA Entertainment Dora's Talking Kitchen(TM) from Fisher-Price FLY(TM) Pentop Computer from LeapFrog Fly Wheels(TM) Rapid Fire Launcher from Jakks Pacific Furby(R) from Hasbro GBA Micro from Nintendo Giggles and Coos Baby Doll from You & Me iZ(TM) from Zizzle Laugh & Learn(TM) Musical Learning Chair(TM) (with activity table) from Fisher-Price LEGO(R) Vikings Fortress from LEGO Pixel Chix(TM) from Mattel Roll-A-Rounds(TM) Drop & Roar(TM) Dinosaur from Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Aquadoodle(TM) from Spin Master Tumble Time Tigger(TM) from Fisher-Price THE TOYS "R" US 2005 JOY LIST FROM THE WORLD'S TOY STORE Listed below is the overall Toys "R" Us Joy List, which represents an expanded list of top new toys suitable for specific ages from infants to big kids. Birth to 12 Months Elmo's Musical Peek-a-Boo Gym from Fisher-Price Elmo comes to life and plays one of baby's favorite games while interacting with his best friends from Sesame Street -- Cookie Monster, Ernie and Zoe. They entertain with activities, lights, music and fun phrases. The gym also features more than 40 songs, phrases and sounds in three modes of play that will inspire creativity. Elmo will also play peek-a-boo randomly throughout play. The activities include light-up piano keys and buttons, roller ball and a spinning dial that will teach children ABC's, 123's, colors, music, animals and more. Ages 6 months and up. Requires 4 AA batteries (included). Laugh and Learn(TM) Stride-to-Ride Learning Walker from Fisher-Price It's a walker, a ride-on, and a great vehicle for learning. Beginning walkers can steady first steps while enjoying lots of fun activities on the busy dashboard, which includes a working steering wheel, beeping horn, radio buttons, headlight knob, clicking turn signals, turning key and shape sorting hood. Then, when a toddler is ready to ride, the legs lock together to form a comfortable seat. Music, sounds, lights, and speech bring the learning fun to life. Ages 9 months to 3 years. Requires 3 AA alkaline batteries (not included). Learn-Around(TM) Playground from LeapFrog The Learn-Around Playground is the first all-in-one activity center that links physical movements to learning connections as baby grows from sitting to crawling to standing. With LeapFrog's patented technology, baby can control two play modes with the flip of a page. This "smart playground" introduces crawling and sitting infants to colors, shapes, first words, textures and cause and effect; and standing and cruising toddlers to the alphabet, numbers and counting, rhyming words, language encouragement and musical creativity. Ages 6 months to 3 years. Requires 3 AA batteries (included). Roll-A-Arounds(TM) Drop & Roar(TM) Dinosaur from Fisher-Price Baby can send their Roll-a-Rounds friends down color-coordinated ball drops and ramps as colored lights and lively tunes highlight the action and trigger roaring sound effects including giggles and even a "hiccup." Additional busy activities include a twirling butterfly, rattling bird and spinning dinosaur, plus ten songs and three sound effects to entertain and encourage baby. Ages 6 months and up. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). 13 Months to 2 Years JoJo's Dance Mat from Pop Rocket Kids can march, spin, and jump along with JoJo and her friends. JoJo's Dance Mat is an interactive playmat that encourages children to get up and play -- just like JoJo's Circus, the Playhouse Disney original series that focuses on movement and interaction. Children can choose to play in one of four different modes: Dance, JoJo Says, Find or Music. Each mode encourages children to demonstrate their skills finding JoJo and her friends, identifying colorful objects and dancing along with the music. The mat includes a speaker module that plays music when activated. Ages 2 years and up. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Laugh & Learn(TM) Musical Learning Chair(TM) (with activity table) from Fisher-Price This chair and side table come to life with fun learning activities, including a clock that teaches numbers and counting, a color-changing lamp that teaches opposites like "on" and "off" and an activity book that teaches about animals. The chair knows when baby is sitting or standing and greets him or her with phrases and the alphabet song. In Music Fun mode, baby can play "musical chairs" as the songs start and stop as baby gets up and down from the chair. Additional songs, sound effects and activities are included on the side table. Ages 12 months to 36 months. Requires 3 AA batteries (included). Thomas & Friends Ride-On with Track from Learning Curve Thomas & Friends fans can now enjoy an easy drive rechargeable battery powered ride-on train set that operates on track, carpet or hard surfaces at speeds up to two miles per hour. This Toys "R" Us exclusive set includes a rechargeable battery and charger, push-button on-off switch, and electronic train sounds. Ages 18 months to 3 years. Requires 2 AA batteries and 1 6- volt battery (included). Tumble Time Tigger(TM) from Fisher-Price The sound-activated Tigger tumbles, does cartwheels and even handstands -- all to a fun beat. Kids simply press Tigger's ear to start the action, and magically bring him to life by clapping their hands and calling out to him. He's got something to say, too, with lots of fun phrases as kids continue to clap their hands to the funky musical track and wacky sound effects. Ages 18 months and up. Requires 6 AA batteries (included). 2-4 Years Barbie(TM) and the Magic of Pegasus-Barbie(R) as Princess Annika(TM) Doll This fall, Barbie(R) takes flight in a first-ever original fairytale, Barbie (TM) and The Magic of Pegasus. Graceful winged horses, enchanting princesses, and a magical kingdom set amidst the clouds creates a fascinating world of fantasy and adventure in 3-D enhanced scenes. The Barbie(R) as Princess Annika(TM) doll can change a look just like magic. Barbie is dressed in a gorgeous lavender gown with sparkly accents and a silvery crown. With one quick twist, girls can change the look of Barbie's dress from princess pretty to princess glam. She also comes with a magical light-up wand. Ages 3 years and up. Wand requires 3 LR44 button cell batteries (included). Bella Dancerella(TM) Cinderella Princess Dance Studio from Spin Master Bella Cinderella takes kids on a journey to the magical world of Cinderella. Bella and her friends invite Cinderella fans to learn the steps to ten classic dances. Found only at Toys "R" Us, this 40-minute instructional DVD comes complete with a Cinderella dance mat and musical wand with an enchanted ribbon, fairy duster and magical star accessories. Ages 3 years and up. Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). Bulls-Eye Bounce & Roll(TM) from PLAYSKOOL Now preschoolers can experience the thrill of the arcade at home with Bulls-Eye Bounce & Roll. The action never stops with two ways to play --Roll It or Bounce It. Each game has three modes of play to meet the child's skill level -- Target Practice, Match Me and High Score Challenge. Electronic music and lights flash as players score points and an electronic announcer keeps track of the score. The toy even folds up for easy storage and cleanup. Ages 3 years and up. Requires 3 AA batteries. Dora's Talking Kitchen(TM) from Fisher Price This charming kitchen features a life-size Dora character that leads children on adventures to complete different recipes. Each recipe card encourages children to locate and identify different ingredients in the kitchen, all accompanied by fun sound effects, in English and Spanish. Dora's kitchen includes more than 25 additional play pieces, realistic sink, opening refrigerator, oven and more. The set also features realistic music, sound effects and character phrases, including a blender, phone and radio. Ages 2 years and up. Requires 3 AA batteries required (included). Function Junction Train Table Set from Imaginarium By rail, road or air, this exclusive Toys "R" Us transportation train set gets you there. This complete 100-piece train set comes with a deluxe train table for years of imaginative adventures. Features include: airport with plane and helicopter, roundhouse, suspension bridge, seven train cars, plenty of people, community buildings and lots of hardwood track -- all on a big 48" x 33" x 16" table with a double-sided playboard and two storage drawers. Ages 3 years and up. No batteries required. Giggles and Coos Baby Doll from You & Me Little ones will fall in love with this beautiful 16-inch soft-bodied baby doll, only available at Toys "R" Us. So lifelike, her expressions change with everything she does. Press her hand and she giggles and coos. Feed her and she makes sounds as her face moves. Lay her down and her eyes close and her tummy moves up and down as she goes to sleep. Colors and styles may vary. Ages 2 years and up. Requires 3 AA batteries (included). Thomas & Friends Aquadoodle(TM) from Spin Master This innovative toy is based on the same principles of Aquadoodle and encourages creativity even at the youngest age. Thomas and Friends Aquadoodle, available exclusively at Toys "R" Us, takes aquadoodling to a whole new level. Thomas, complete with his whimsical sounds and song, can follow train tracks that kids create using the magic water track roller and magic water pen that makes no mess. Train lovers just add water to the pen and watch as all the colors appear as they draw on the mat. Colors fade as they dry in as little as five minutes so kids can start doodling all over again. Ages 2 years and up. 2 AA batteries required (not included). 5-7 Years Furby(R) from Hasbro Furby, one of the best selling toys ever, is back. Hasbro's all-new Furby features EMOTO-TRONICS technology, making him more vibrant, expressive and humorous. Through advanced voice recognition, Furby can hear and react to what a child says. Furby has amazing technology allowing him to sing, tell jokes, dance, and express a full-range of emotions from happy to sad or even mad. It also features an off switch so it won't break into song during the middle of the night. Ages 6 years and up. Requires 4 AA batteries (included). Guess Who? Game Disney Edition from Milton Bradley With this Toys "R" Us exclusive game, one of the Disney characters in the crowd is the mystery face on an opponent's card. Players need to guess which one. They simply ask yes or no questions to eliminate the possibilities. When there are one or two of everyone's favorite Disney characters remaining, players finish the game by choosing the right one. Kids who are the first to discover their opponent's mystery character wins. Then it's time to mix up the game cards and start again. Ages 6 years and up. No batteries required. Leapster L-Max(TM) Learning Game System from LeapFrog Leapster L-Max takes learning to the max as the only educational handheld that connects directly to a TV to unlock a new level of learning. Kids can "game on-the-go" with the handheld or use the dual-screen action to expand the learning and fun onto the TV screen. The touch screen and interactive stylus enhance the game experience while the Leapster and Leapster L-Max library of 20 titles provides a variety of action-packed games that teach essential preschool through fourth grade skills. Ages 4 to 10 years. Requires 4 AA batteries (not included). LEGO(R) Vikings Fortress from LEGO The mighty Viking Fortress is under attack by the Fafnir Dragon. The heroic Viking warriors use their catapult to drive the monster away. Will they succeed? This detailed set, only available at Toys "R" Us, features a working catapult, a fierce dragon, and more for hours of adventure and fun. 1,019 pieces. Ages 7 years and up. No batteries required. Littlest Pet Shop(TM) Whirl Around Playground(TM) from Hasbro For a day of amusement, the Littlest Pet Shop pets gather at the Whirl Around Playground. Here, pets play on the Merry Go Round, take a ride on the swing and test their speed on the obstacle courses. Pets can ride up an elevator, walk across a bridge, swing on a hammock then slide back down to the ground. Magnets in the pets' feet activate accessories on the playground. The Littlest Pet Shop Whirl Around Playground playset comes with two exclusive pets, a Maltese puppy and a gray mouse. Ages 4 years and up. No batteries required. Pixel Chix(TM) from Mattel Pixel Chix combines the latest in LCD screen technology with the excitement of 3-D video play. The Pixel Chix virtual girlfriend lives inside a small 3-D house. She eats, sleeps, works out and hangs out ... at the touch of a button. Girls can interact with their Pixel Chix friends by using the seven buttons on the house, and the more they play with them, the more their relationship will grow and surprises will unfold. Girls can even connect the houses together so their Pixel Chix virtual friends can visit each other for a party. Houses come in three designs. Ages 7 years and up. Requires 3 AAA batteries (included). V.Smile(TM) Pocket Learning System from VTech The V.Smile Pocket turns game time into brain time by combining a video game platform and educational content in a portable learning system that goes anywhere or connects directly to the television for gaming at home. The battery-operated pocket console allows early school-age learners to play a variety of exciting and imaginative games anywhere they go, guided by popular characters. More than 20 brain-building V.Smile Smartridges(TM) are available, including Toy Story 2, Spider-Man & Friends, SpongeBob SquarePants and Cinderella. Ages 5 years and up. Requires 4 AA batteries (not included). 8-11 Years Bratz(TM) Rock Angelz(TM) Tour Bus from MGA Entertainment It's a party on wheels with this rockin' hot tour bus, available exclusively at Toys "R" Us, which comes with five places for the Bratz Rock Angelz to hang out and get ready for the next city on tour, including a cruising lounge, primping station, smoothie bar, chill-out loft and a real-working Jacuzzi. This tour bus is loaded with other accessories and features amazing detail. Bratz Rock Angelz fashion dolls and other accessories sold separately. Ages 6 years and up. Requires 5 AA batteries (not included). FLY(TM) Pentop Computer from LeapFrog The FLY pentop computer is an innovative learning tool that combines education and interactive gaming. Its power comes from an optical scanner that actually recognizes and responds to what is written on special dot-enabled FLY(TM) paper. Acting as a pocket-sized tutor, it helps kids solve homework problems in math, practice spelling, or translate words from English to Spanish. It also offers kids the opportunity to play fun, interactive games, like Flyball(TM), FLY Journal(TM) and The Battle for Gotham City(TM): Batman Begins(TM). Ages 8 to 13 years. Requires 1 AAA battery (included). Fly Wheels(TM) Rapid Fire Launcher from Jakks Pacific This empowering, high-powered Fly Wheels launcher, found exclusively at Toys "R" Us, has a rapid-fire mechanism that allows kids to launch five Fly Wheels with the pull of the lever. All types of collectible Fly Wheels can be used. The Rapid-Fire Launcher is over two feet long, and is designed like a real race car. Set includes: Rapid Fire Launcher and two exclusive Fly Wheels. Ages 8 years and up. No batteries required. I-Dog(TM) from Tiger Electronics I-Dog, a sleek and stylish, palm-sized robot dog, is sure to become any music aficionado's best friend. This portable pooch loves to listen to music and will groove along to any song it hears -- from hip-hop and rock to jazz and country. I-Dog will wiggle its ears and sway its head along to every beat. Through the use of advanced technology, I-Dog expresses its likes and dislikes through a unique seven LED pattern. Plug any music system directly into I-Dog and the tunes will broadcast through a built-in speaker. Ages 8 years and up. Requires 2 AA batteries (not included). Lincoln Navigator (1:6 Scale RC) with MP3 Player Sound System from Fast Lane This Toys "R" Us exclusive is a 1:6 scale full function radio control car with MP3 player sound system built into the car. The MP3 player features light up speakers, as well as play, stop, forward, rewind and volume controls. The car also has working performance headlights, signal lights and brake lights and a street styled custom interior. Finally, the vehicle is equipped with authentic sounds including a revving engine, screeching brakes, horn and alarm system. Ages 8 years and up. Requires 1 9.6V and 4 AA batteries (included). Nintendogs(TM) from Nintendo Nintendogs, made exclusively for Nintendo DS, lets users pick a lifelike puppy from 18 different breeds and then train it to do tricks using personal voice commands. Puppies can retrieve discs and balls, and even get bathed when dirty. In addition, players can walk their pups around town, where they will meet other neighborhood dogs and maybe even find new doggie toys. Players with Nintendo DS can interact wirelessly with their friends' Nintendogs by setting their DS to bark whenever another puppy is within wireless range. Rated E for Everyone. Hardware sold separately. RoboRaptor(TM) from Wow Wee International The realistic RoboRaptor interacts and reacts to its owner and surrounding environment based on its mode and mood. Multi-sensory awareness allows RoboRaptor to hear, see and feel people around it. This robotic dinosaur comes equipped with multiple touch sensors in the head, mouth and tail, and sonic hearing sensors to detect sound and direction. In addition, RoboRaptor has infra-red (IR) vision sensors that help determine and avoid obstacles. It also features a fully automated demo mode and an easy-to-use remote control. Ages 8 years and up. Requires 6 AA and 3 AAA batteries (not included). TicTalk(TM) from LeapFrog LeapFrog and Enfora, a global leader in wireless communications, have partnered to develop the first parent-controlled cell phone for elementary school-aged kids. TicTalk offers the power of a cell phone, yet has parental controls for kids who aren't ready for the responsibility of a real mobile phone. Designed with parents and educators in mind, each TicTalk comes loaded with fun learning games that teach over 400 school skills in core subjects such as math, spelling, social studies and science. Parents control phone usage through http://www.mytictalk.com/. Ages 6 years and up. Requires rechargeable battery unit (included). Big Kids GBA Micro from Nintendo Game Boy's edgy new hardware comes in silver or black, each with three removable, fun faceplates so users can personalize their micro depending on their mood. Game Boy micro measures just 4 inches wide, 2 inches long and 0.7 inches thin. It weighs 2.8 ounces, yet it boasts the same power as previous Game Boy Advance models, complete with the ability to play all Game Boy Advance games, a library of more than 700 titles. Ages 6 years and up. Rechargeable battery included. iZ(TM) from Zizzle iZ is the ultimate fusion of music and toy. Music fans can twist and turn iZ's ears to create new combinations of rhythm and lead tracks or press his belly to change the beat. iZ's eyes bounce to the rhythm of the music, and his horn pulses in rainbow colors to the beat. Owners can use the included cable to plug in their iPod(TM) or any music source to listen to iZ play their favorite songs. Ages 5 years and up. Requires 4 AA batteries (not included). Need for Speed(TM) Most Wanted from Electronic Arts Need for Speed(TM) Most Wanted challenges the user to become the most notorious and elusive street racer by combining exciting street racing and tuner customization with the intensity of strategic pursuits. Users can customize the ride and go head-to-head with challengers and others in pursuit. This game allows players to get in the driver's seat of the hottest cars-including tuners, exotics, and muscle cars-and experience high-speed, open-world street racing at its best. Rated T for Teen. Hardware not included. Nerf Big Bad Bow from Hasbro Kids can take their archery skills to the extreme with the Nerf Big Bad Bow, a Toys "R" Us exclusive. Standing over two feet tall and designed after a real compound bow, the Big Bad Bow can launch arrows up to 40 feet away. The bow comes with an arrow storage that holds two arrows for quick reloading, targeting scope for accurate aiming, and a pull back mechanism that readies the arrow for action. Ages 6 years and up. No batteries required. PSP(TM) Value Pack from Sony The PSP (PlayStation Portable) Value Pack system is a dynamic entertainment medium that utilizes a wide range of digital content including games, audio, video, internet access and photo downloading. For use with UMD discs only, and compatible with Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo. Support file formats include MP3, ATRAC3plus, JPEG and MPEG-4. Ages 8 years and up. Rechargeable battery unit included. Razor(TM) Dirt Rocket MX350 Electric Motocross Bike from Razor The Dirt Rocket is a scaled down dirt bike that allows riders to live out their off-road fantasies. It features off-road gearing with large knobby tires for maximum power, dual suspension and riser handlebars with authentic styling. In addition, there are over 10 miles of travel time per charge. The Dirt Rocket is not for use on public streets or anywhere there is traffic, and should be used only in controlled riding environments. Ages 12 years and up (maximum weight of 140 pounds). About Toys "R" Us Toys "R" Us, Inc. is one of the leading specialty toy retailers in the world. It currently sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 675 toy stores in the U.S. and 624 international toy stores, including licensed and franchise stores as well as through its Internet sites at http://www.toysrus.com/, http://www.imaginarium.com/ and http://www.sportsrus.com/. Babies "R" Us, a division of Toys "R" Us, Inc., is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells merchandise through 221 stores in the U.S. as well as on the Internet at http://www.babiesrus.com/. DATASOURCE: Toys "R" Us, Inc. CONTACT: Kelly Cullen, +1-646-366-8822, or , or Kathleen Waugh, +1-646-366-8823, or , both of Toys "R" Us Web site: http://www.toysrus.com/ http://www.imaginarium.com/ http://www.sportsrus.com/ http://www.babiesrus.com/ http://www.mytictalk.com/