Sign of the Apocalypse: Cyborg Monopoly

Monopoly, complete with unnecessary electronics.

Hasbro has figured out that they can make more money selling a $50 version of Monopoly instead of a $15 version. How do you justify a $50 price tag? Why, by adding an electronic tower in the middle that watches your every move, keeps track of all the money, and rolls the dice for you. They've even changed the rules a bit to take advantage of the fact that all the random events are stored in the electronics. The tower uses infrared to track the pieces, and you "roll the dice" by cupping your hand over your piece. The tower then makes fake dice rolling noises and tells you the result.

I have nothing against a $50 board game; some of my favorites are in that category. But what I like to get for $50 is high quality: Nice components, amazing artwork on the board, miniatures, an array of visual and tactile sensations. This monstrosity seems to be the worst of both boardgames and electronic boardgames, rather than the best of each.

On the other hand, it did get a mention in the New York Times, and on this blog. Really, is this the best Toy Fair can produce? I hope not.

Hasbro Brings 3D to iPhone/iPod Touch

Viewmaster 2010?

Yeah, you read that right. Hasbro. Not exactly a cutting edge technology company, but you have to give them credit for thinking big. They must have looked at the iPhone market, and the excitement over Nintendo's upcoming 3DS with the 3D display, and said "What if we could combine the two?"

This is their answer. My3D, a device that lets you slide in an iPod Touch or an iPhone, and it sells for $30. Of course, you'll need 3D content, which they're hoping will be games (some free), TV and movies, and perhaps even virtual excursions into aquariums and the like.

Gee, maybe they can redo some old Viewmaster collections and put them up as apps.

OK, perhaps you're sensing some skepticism on my part. Good catch... I think that putting something up to your face like that for more than a few moments will get real old, real fast. And how exactly would you control a game when the iPod is inside the case? Throwing your head around? What do you do when the phone rings? No amount of marketing will save a bad idea, and this is one of those cases. How bad it is depends on how much money Hasbro throws at it, which I hope for their sake isn't a lot.

I don't think this will take over the world. Remember, you heard that prediction here first.