In addition to these exclusive, collectible Anakin Podracing 3D specs, AMC plans to give away a host of other cool swag during the first weekend of the film’s 3D rerelease. With the purchase of a Real3D ticket (usually pushing $20, but hey, I’d drop a Jackson for that) kids will also get a Hasbro Star Wars FIGHTER PODS collectible toy. There will also be a LEGO Star Wars feature area, Darth Maul face-painting, special character appearances for photo opportunities
and demonstrations of the upcoming Xbox Kinect™ Star Wars™.

But not every AMC Theater will these special events. Check out the list below for a theater near you:

The 10 participating Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace exclusive event screening theatres are:

Atlanta: AMC Southlake 24; Boston: AMC Loews Liberty Tree Mall 20; Chicago: AMC South Barrington 30; Denver: AMC Highlands Ranch 24; Los Angeles: AMC Tustin 14 at The District; AMC Ontario Mills 30; New York: AMC Empire 25; AMC Garden State 16; Phoenix: AMC Mesa Grand 24; San Francisco: AMC Emeryville Bay Street 16

All giveaways are while supplies last, with limit of one per ticket. The promotion will take place February 10-12 only at the AMC Theaters listed above.

Hat Tip – AFI

“We’re not making announcements at E3,” Kazuo Hirai, Deputy President of SONY at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show

Saying that the Playstation 3 is only half way through it’s ten year design life, Kasuo Hirai was adamant that the Playstation 4 is a long way off and that there wouldn’t be any next generation platform announcement at the annual E3 gaming convention in Los Angeles. And considering that SONY is focusing hard on the new Playstation Vita mobile gaming platform, that only makes sense. To announce a PS4 when you’re trying to push a new mobile platform would only serve to undercut efforts to get PSP fans to adopt the new handset.

Does that really mean we won’t see a PS4 for another 5 years? Not likely. For one, if Microsoft does announce XBox 720 at E3, then there will be pressure on Sony Computer Entertainment to respond in kind of be behind the curve and give Microsoft yet another unchallenged window like when the XBox 360 came out. Also, Sony continued to sell the PS2 after they released the PS3, so they will likely do the same thing with the PS3/PS4 window.

In addition, Hirai says that while SONY does offer games for sale and download through it’s Playstation Network, there are no plans to cut brick and mortar retailers out of the distribution pipeline since most people don’t want to eat up a large portion of their internet bandwidth downloading graphics intensive video games.

Hat Tip – CNN

The idea is pretty simple. Physical toys and game sets are set up with special QR codes affixed to them. Then you download the WoWee AppGear app from either iTunes (for iOS) or the Android marketplace (for Android) and then you let the play begin. The toys will come to life while you interact with the environment and start shooting up the joint.

Doesn’t that look like fun? And rather than kids just sitting like a lump on the couch playing, they actually end up moving around, which is always a good thing. WoWee is planning six different games and apps for 2012, including Alien Jailbreak, Zombie Burbs, and Elite Commander, with a price ranging from around $10-20 (probably for the actual toy sets).

I’m telling you, this augmented reality thing really has no end to it. As an old school Dungeons and Dragons player, I’d love to see a bunch of friends gatehred around the old map, drawn out on plotting paper, and seeing battles actually come to life when you input a dice roll number on your iPhone. Or, as my son loves YuGiOh, seeing the monsters come to life and fight it out like it does in the TV show. That’s the future my friend!

Hat Tip – Our sister site, COOLEST GADGETS

Both platforms are long overdue for an upgrade and there’s been plenty of talk about what the upgrades would look like. For the XBox 720, there’s talk that in addition to faster processors (rumored to be PowerPC-based processors from IBM) and RAM, that the 8th generation Microsoft console will also sport not only on-board DVR recording capability, as well as being able to record game play as it happens, but also the next generation ‘Kinect 2.0′ with “significantly upgraded motion control tech ” including the ability to lip read (ok, that’s kinda scary). By contrast, the buzz that that SONY is dedicated to not being left behind this time and is planning a console that is far more powerful than what Microsoft is planning.

And if the rumors are true – and let’s face it, often they aren’t – then not only will there be another gaming arms race, but both launch announcements at e3 are sure to steal the stage from Nintendo, which is planning a huge splash for their new Wii U gaming concept.

It seems that Walt Disney Interactive has been developing a sequel, which will bring along Mickey’s new sidekick … Walt’s first cartoon character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. It was supposed to be kept under wraps, but instead, it was accidentally leaked as part of a Disney newsletter! And Disney fans being Disney fans, they couldn’t wait to get the news out onto the Interwebs. Here’s the text that was inadvertently leaked:

Disney Epic Mickey 2 is the latest game in the critically acclaimed Disney Epic Mickey videogame series. In this all-new action-platforming game available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii, Mickey embarks on an epic journey and is pulled back into a world filled with Disney’s forgotten characters. Players can choose to play single-player as Mickey or for the first time players can also choose two-player split screen mode. In the two-player mode one person can play as Mickey wielding magic paint and paint thinner to dynamically change the world and the second player can play as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit – Walt Disney’s first cartoon star – with the power to fly like a helicopter and use electricity to fight or friend enemies and solve challenges. Team-up and choose your path to save this forgotten world because the choices you make will alter the story and change the end of the game!”

Frankly, It’s about damn time Disney did something with Oswald! If you’re not familiar with the whole sad affair, Walt created Oswald for Universal Pictures and believed that while he worked under the Universal banner, that Oswald was his to control. But when he left to start his own company, he learned that Oswald wasn’t coming with him. On the way west, a betrayed Disney created Mickey Mouse and the rest was history until about 5 years ago. When professional football came into the mix. See, football announcer John Madden signed a deal with NBC and left Monday Night Football. His partner Al Michaels wanted to go with him, but couldn’t get out of his ABC contract. But he didn’t want to go to ESPN, which was getting a handmedown Monday Night Football. The deal that was struck was NBC Universal got Michaels and the Walt Disney Company got Oswald the Lucky Rabbit back where he belonged. Walt would’ve been thrilled.

And we’ll all be thrilled when this dynamic duo comes to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the Wii. Question is, WHEN? Stay tuned.

Hat Tip – Platform Nation

Now to be accurate, the report comes from D’Vice, which we reference a lot and the reporter seems convinced it’s a fake. He points to a lot of mispellings in Japanese, and the fact that the e “Japan Institute of Technology,” doesn’t exist. He also says that the video was actually produced by SONY Entertainment, which will be releasing a video game next month called WipeOut.

OK fair enough. But if it’s a fake, it’s a damn good one (check the video below for yourself). I mean, who wouldn’t want levitating race cars that can zoom around a track getting faster as it’s pushed by some electromagnets. Toss in that liquid nitrogren “fuel” additive, and you’ve got Bill Nye or Beakman written all over it. It won’t change the world, but it would sure be a blast to play with! So come one, BanDai … get to work on this, will ya?!

For Girls:

1. Barbie – let’s face it, you can’t go wrong with Barbie. At 50 years old, she’s still hot and fashionable and with the new I Can Be a Computer Engineer Barbie, she’s putting forth a great message that girls can be anything they want.

2. Bizu Style Studio – With Bizu Studio, girls can make their own jewelry and accessories. Comes complete with beads, Beading Tool, 4 Character Templates and 2 Key-Chain/Backpack Attachments.

3. Fur Real Friends Electronic Pets - Nothing beats a puppy for Christmas. And with the realistic fur and interactive nature of the Fur Real Friends, kids can have that special friend without parents worrying over potty training! When you talk to her, she responds with a puppy babble. Give her a bone, she makes crunching sounds like she’s chewing it. And pet her back and she barks and wags her tail.

4. WowWee Paper Jamz Pro Mic Series – with Paper Jamz Pro Mic series, kids can live the rock star fantasy of their favorite stars. Features 2 built-in songs, auto mode that adjusts effects on the fly, Perfect pitch to keep you in tune, auto harmony sound, and a Chorus Multiply mode

5. Gift cards – When in doubt, the all purpose gift is a gift card. And if you give an iTunes gift card, you’re turning your coolness factor up to 11.

For Boys –

1. NERF – It’s NERF, or Nothin’. That’s the slogan and it’s true. Boys love the Nerf NStrike toys and the new disc shaped Vortex line is a must have for the holidays. Greater range, cooler designs, and disc shaped darts. But if you don’t want to risk getting something they already have, you can always just get accessories like more ammo or the cool bandoliers (you can’t have enough clips), or don’t worry about it, you can always use a second gun!

2. Hot Wheels Video Racers – With a video camera built into it, the Hot Wheels Video Racer gives a driver’s eye view of all the action. And every kid has the fantasy of racing on a Hot Wheels track. So this is a must. Just make sure you bring a track if your Nephew doesn’t have one. Or if he does, more track is always welcome.

3. LEGO – There’s no way you can go wrong with a LEGO building set. Because one, kids can always use more bricks and b) with sites like Rebrickable, the more sets you have, the more sets you can build you don’t have! And if you’re kid is into a certain line – like Ninjago, Star Wars, or especially the new DC Super Heroes line, they’ll certainly think you’re the coolest Uncle or Aunt on the planet with a new set under the tree!

4. Video games – What kid doesn’t like video games? And with new titles like SkyRim, Portal 2, and Little Big Planet 2, there’s a great game for all ages.

5. Gift Cards – Why a gift card? Well, kids love to choose their own toys and they’re likely to get more cards from other family members. Adding to the talley means they can get larger gifts or multiples. And if you’re the Uncle who gives the card that gets them over the top on a huge gift, he’ll remember you for it!

In 1920, nearly 50 years before I was born, the top toys for Christmas were the Teddy Bear, Erector Set, and Lionel Trains. Noteworthy facts about each, the Teddy Bear was named after former President Teddy Roosevelt – who refused to shoot a black bear while on a hunt. and Lionel Trains is now owned by musician Neil Young.

Then, in my era, the hot toys were Rock’em Sock’em Robots, Barbie, GI Joe, and the introduction of a little juggernaut known as Star Wars action figures. It also marked the beginning of what would soon come to dominate the toy world, as video games like PONG were the obsession of every kid willing to forsake outdoor play for watching a little white dot bounce back and forth across the screen.

By the 1990s and 00s, video games were well entrenched as kids have wanted Game Boys, Playstations, Nintendos and XBoxes. Yeah sure, kids have wanted action figures like Power Rangers and Buzz Lightyear, LEGOs and Transformer Dolls (and remember POGs?), but it’s clear that kids trends have gone from imaginative play and building things, to virtually blowing stuff up while networked with other kids all around the world. For a peak into the evolution, check out the timeline here.

So what do you have to do to get ahold of this bad boy? Well, first you have to be a member of Nintendo’s GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards. Then, you need to either purchase or trade something in during the month of December. Each time you trade or purchase, you will receive an entry into the drawing, and said transaction can either be done in-store or online. And that’s it.

And in case you think this is a stunt, the Kart’s were actually commissioned by Nintendo for the Los Angeles Auto Show. It was one of two that were built by West Coast Customs auto build shop. It’s a real life automobile, too, designed with front-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, and a mock propeller on the back. Now you can’t cruise underwater with it, but that won’t stop you from driving around town and getting envious looks from every gamer you drive by (make sure you have plates though or you’re bound to get a nice, shiny, little ticket!).

For more information about Mario Kart 7, visit http://www.mariokart7.com. For more information about West Coast Customs, visit http://www.westcoastcustoms.com.

Hat Tip – Joystiq here and here.

When you turn on your 3DS, you will see that there’s a software update that’s ready to download and install. So, it’s a simply affair to confirm the update and install it. Then you’re ready to make 3D movies. Wwith a 3D video recording capability also comes a few other nifty features including a timelapse capability courtesy of an app called Interval Shot, and a stop-motion animation app called Frame Pick. And the 3DS will also pick up some new Puzzle Swap panels, more collectible hats for StreetPass Quest, Accomplishment Achievements, a StreetPass Map and Slideshows for completed puzzles.

But the bread and butter feature is going to be the 3D video recording. Now realistically, the quality won’t be all that great. The Nintendo 3DS camera was only marginal when used to take 2D pictures. But kids are certain to get plenty of mileage out of it as they’re creative imagination will surely turn the quality up to eleven.

Hat Tip – DVice