Top Ten Toys for March 2004

Here are the Top Ten Toys for March 2004, arranged in no particular order:

1) The PlayStation 2 ($179.99) by Sony is equipped with a 128-bit Emotion Engine processor that enables lightning-fast gameplay and impressive graphics power. The console builds on its home entertainment value by doubling as a DVD player and accommodating most of the original PlayStation´s vast library of games. PS2 is known for its excellent selection of titles for the adult gamer.

2) The Microsoft Xbox Console ($179.99) includes the popular "S" style Microsoft controller, as well as games Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Tetris Worlds Online, a two-month trial subscription to the Xbox Live service and all necessary cables to connect your Xbox to your TV. A DVD kit (sold separately) is required to access DVD playback ability.

3) The Transformers 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime ($79.99) by Hasbro features accurate detail, superb construction, innovative features and lots of points of articulation to make for a great action figure.

4) Pokemon Colosseum with Bonus Disc ($49.99), the first Pokemon title for Nintendo GameCube, offers players two paths, a storyline (RPG) mode and 3D battle mode. A transfer feature on the Nintendo GameCube disc will allow players access to Jirachi in their Pokemon Ruby or Pokemon Sapphire games through the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Advance Cable.

5) With the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Disk Launcher ($39.99) by Mattel, kids can really play the card game like they see it in the hit TV show Yu-Gi-Oh!. The Duel Disk Launcher is life-size and fits on kids´ left wrist. Push a button and the disk moves into a new dueling position. Features an electronic number display to keep score. Works with the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. Requires 3 Button cell batteries (not included).

6) The Nintendo GameCube Console-Limited Edition Platinum ($149.99) by Nintendo includes one controller, manuals, and cables to connect to the TV. It also features a 4 game controller ports built in and a compact design. The system plays a wide variety of games for all ages.

7) The Leapster Multimedia Learning System ($89.99) by LeapFrog lets children play action-packed learning games, read electronic storybooks, create works of art, and watch interactive videos. Full color system features a backlit screen for easy viewing, and a headphone jack for quiet play. Teaches letters, phonics, rhyming, spelling, numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, art, music, and more.

8) For those who wax nostalgic over classic arcade games from the early 80s, they’ll likely get a real kick out of Namco TV Games ($24.99) by Toymax. The legendary Pac-Man, Galaxian, and Dig Dug are included in their full 2-D, 5-figures-or-lower-scoring, 32-color-palletted glory. Plus, the price is right!

9) The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King ($45.99) video game by Electronic Arts features third-person action/adventure gameplay, as well as eight playable characters, including Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Sam, and Frodo. Players can make characters jump and swing from ropes, fire catapults, kick boulders, and more, plus live out the final installment in the trilogy with seamless movie-to-game transitions.

10) Nintendo’s Mario Kart: Double Dash!! ($46.99) is a kart racing game featuring classic Nintendo characters. Players can pick a partner and race through wild courses as they compete in tough circuits. Players can also link the game with eight other players using a broadband adapter and race each other