Disney’s knocking on the door and asking you to come outside to play. On Tuesday, Disney introduced their new tech toys for kids, Playmation. With Playmation kids become an active part of the story and can take their play with them on the go.
Using wearable technology and mobile software, kids’ virtual play comes to life with activity, encouraging jumping, running, and their own imaginations. So very Stark Industries. Speaking of Stark, the first roll-out of the play system is the Marvel’s Avengers starter pack that comes with five connected toys: one wearable Iron Man Repulsor, two Power Activators, and two Smart Figures — Captain America and Iron Skull — which are exclusive to the pack.
At the Disney Playmation event I got to try the Iron Man Repulsor for myself and it did feel very real. The idea isn’t for you to become Iron Man, but rather for you to take a lead role in an adventure full of creativity using your own imagination. Strapping on the gear, you are instantly connected to JARVIS who sends you on your mission and you can’t help but feel like an Avenger. The accessories can be adjusted to fit sizes from child to adult.
Additional Smart Figures include heroes Black Widow, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, Falcon and Vision, as well as supervillains Ultron and Loki, and I even spied a MODOK figure amongst the display. Another piece of play-set to be released? Gamma Gear Hulk Hands! Imagine smashing away your frustrations with wearable tech. Ahh, sweet release.
Playmation works with a mobile app, using Bluetooth technology to connect to the cloud. What that means is that no internet connection is needed. You can play with it in a small room, larger open space or even outdoors. The toys also work in multiplayer mode, allowing kids to play together and sync their gear to complete missions.
Being the geniuses that they are, Disney is rolling out Playmation with the help of their most popular franchises. After the debut of The Avengers starter pack later this year, next up is Star Wars in 2016, followed by the ever-popular Frozen in 2017. Imagine yourself actually becoming Elsa and letting it all go? Yeah, I’d bank on that being a guaranteed hit.
The Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Starter Pack pre-order begins July 7, will retail for $119.99, and will launch in October — just in time for the holidays.
Check out pictures from the launch event in the gallery below.
What Avengers mission would you like to take on? Let us know in the comments!
