The New @StarlinkGame Now Available at @BestBuy #StarlinkGame #ad

December 22, 2018 by 14 Comments

My son is really into video games, like so many kids his age.The new Starlink Game, Starlink: Battle for Atlas brings toys into gaming by giving kids a buildable space ship toy as their controller, and other toys as interactive game pieces.

starlink game

In a similar fashion of “Toys to Life”  games such as Skylanders, Lego Dimensions, and Disney Infinity which were very popular but no longer produce much product (if any),  Starlink: Battle For Atlas breathes new life into the genre. It combines space exploration and toy space ships which kids will not be able to resist. Fun side note for New Jersey residents- all the humans in the game hail from the Garden state. Get outta here indeed!

Starlink: Battle for Atlas is an open-world space saga that features modular toy technology that allows players to assemble and customize real-world physical starships, link the starships to their game controller, and launch into an epic adventure across the Atlas star system, either in single player or with a friend in two-player split-screen local co-op. Each modular component and pilot attached to the starship appears instantly in-game, allowing players to directly affect the course of their battle in a meaningful way.

This game and set is available on Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

There are a ton of extras- toys, figures, ships, weapons, and more- that are available for purchasable as well.  Lots of add ons for extra fun, we’ve gotten a few for the kiddo and he’s really enjoying himself.

There are several Weapons Kits available, my son has the Starlink Battle For Atlas Weapons Pack Crusher + Shredder, which right now is on sale for $4.99. They give you more ways to fight your enemies and save Atlas.  He also got (one of many available) Pilot kits and Starship packs, which let give you different messages and more ways to play. All of these are on sale now, and will keep your kids busy over winter break. 

Priceless.

Some basic information

The Starlink: Battle for Atlas starter pack is the main set and is required to play with Starship, Pilot, and Weapons packs. All Starlink modular toys only work with Starlink: Battle for Atlas video game and controller mount on PS4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. These innovative modular toys allow you to build unique starships which can be customized on the fly for a new way to play as you adapt to overcome any challenge you encounter in this epic open world adventure. You can connect your modular toys to your controller mount and see them come to life in real time in the game. Your child can craft his or her own starship loadout from their arsenal of wings, hulls, weapons, and pilots. Adapt to any challenges you face in real time and have fun doing it.

From 12/16-12/22: Save $25 on Starter Packs. Plus, save 30% on Starlink toys. Check it out now! Here is my son and his thoughts on the game.

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Legrand In-Wall TV Power Kit @LegrandNA @BestBuy #ad

December 19, 2018 by 21 Comments
Disclaimer- The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
wall mounted tv
Do you have a mounted TV, but dislike the wires hanging down the wall? There is a new solution for that. Now you can hide those ugly TV Cables with the Legrand In-Wall TV Power Kit. It is easy routing of TV power and HDMI cable in-wall, with no electrical wiring required.
You can connect your television to cable and electricity seamlessly and in  style with this Legrand flat panel recessed connection kit. In-wall storage takes control of cables and wires to eliminate tangles across your floor, keeps everything looking neat, and a white decorator plate provides a finished overall look. This Legrand flat panel recessed connection kit offers convenient access to the back of your TV. It is compatible with any TV brand.
hide wires
It expands and extends power to a wall mount TV without modifying the home’s existing electrical wiring. It can power multiple devices such as a TV, speaker bar, and/ or internet media box. It supports almost any type of power plug including right angles and wall warts. The unique decorator based power inlet strap provides flexible project support for ganging other connections, and hides both power and AV cables for a clean, professional installation.
hide tv wires
You can get your Legrand In-Wall TV Power Kit at Best Buy, they are available now. It’s the perfect time to get your home ready for guests with all the holiday parties coming up. Sprucing up is the perfect excuse to head on over and check it out- also available online.
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WIN a “Blast!” retro/classic videogame console from AtGames #GiftGuide

December 17, 2018 by 119 Comments

 AtGames Digital Media Inc., have released their latest classic video games- the Blast! family of products. The Blast! series of HDMI dongle and wireless controller bundles features eight to 20 classic titles per model.

blast video games

“This upcoming range of products represents an unprecedented value for families and gamers of all types,” says Dr. Ping-Kang Hsiung, CEO of AtGames. “With a wide selection of innovative, expandable HDMI dongle and wireless controller products with fun-to-play games of every type, there’s truly something here for everyone.”

The Blast! family includes the Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 1, Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 2, Activision Flashback Blast!, Legends Flashback Blast! and Bandai Namco Flashback Blast!, all of which come with a USB-powered HDMI dongle that plugs directly into the TV and an ergonomic six-button wireless gamepad. The Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 3 swaps the wireless gamepad for a pair of wireless game paddles, which are specially optimized for its selection of classic paddle and ball games.

Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 1 features 20 Atari 2600 classics like Centipede, Millipede and Yars’ Revenge.

Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 2 features 20 Atari 2600 classics like Adventure, Asteroids and Missile Command.

Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 3. features 20 Atari 2600 paddle-based classics like Breakout, Pong and Warlords.

The Activision Flashback Blast! features 20 of the most iconic Activision home classics, including Pitfall!, H.E.R.O. and River Raid.

The Legends Flashback Blast! features Space Invaders and an additional 11 favorites like Burnin’ Rubber and Jungle Hunt.

The Bandai Namco Flashback Blast! features eight gaming mainstays, including Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig Dug.

retro video games

Every Blast! includes high-definition video output, an intuitive menu system, save and resume game functionality and the ability to rewind a game in progress to recover from a play misstep. An optional second wireless gamepad can be purchased for games that support two players.

These “plug & play” products include an HDMI dongle and wireless controller bundles and feature eight to 20 classic videogame titles per model.

The Blast! family includes the Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 1, Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 2, Activision Flashback Blast!, Legends Flashback Blast! and Bandai Namco Flashback Blast!, all of which come with a USB-powered HDMI dongle that plugs directly into the TV and an ergonomic six-button wireless gamepad. The Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 3 swaps the wireless gamepad for a pair of wireless game paddles, which are specially optimized for its selection of classic paddle and ball games.

Games featured include Centipede, Millipede, Yar’s Revenge, Asteroids, Missile Command, Pitfall, River Raid, Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig Dug.

Blast! family products retail for $19.99-$39.99.

One of you will be able to win a console- please feel free to use the RC form below to enter. Good Luck! Ends Jan 10, 2019.

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Gifts For the Gamer in Your Life #GiftGuide

December 1, 2018 by 9 Comments

If you have a gamer on your holiday shopping list this year, there are some fantastic games that have recently come out that we think they will really like.

LEGO fan? Who isn’t? No matter what age, in this house, everyone likes LEGO. Combine it with video games, then mix in the DC Universe, and you have the recipe for a win right there.

“LEGO DC Super-Villains” has just been released, and let’s gamers play as villains for the first time ever. In collaboration with DC Comics and joined up with DC Super-Villains including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Lex Luthor, Deathstroke, Killer Frost, Sinestro, and more from the Legion of Doom, players set out to create chaos and strike out against good.

Following the trio of “LEGO Batman” , it is a similar style action-adventure game featuring a features a two-player cooperative multiplayer mode. It is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

LEGO video games

For another LEGO game, check out “LEGO The Incredibles”.  Coming out in time to join the new Incredibles movie, this fun-filled game features all your favorite characters getting themselves into and out of trouble. Take control of your favorite Incredible and act out sections from the movie, recreate favorite scenes and home and family life. Make sure you battle and defeat all the bad guys and team up with other members of the family while you save the world, LEGO style.  Available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

lego game

Can’t get enough LEGO?  We were really looking forward to the “LEGO Harry Potter: Collection” game, and cannot get enough of it. The LEGO Harry Potter games were the first ones that created a huge hub to interact between missions or chapters. There are many secrets to discover in Hogwarts and it’s grounds. You can play as many different characters once you unlock them, and you will need to do so in order to progress to different areas. This compilation brings LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 to the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One with both top-selling videogames remastered into one.  This game will cast it’s spell on everyone, young and young at heart alike.  Available now Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.

best video games

“Scribblenauts Mega Pack” is a  new two-game collection which features entire versions of both “Scribblenauts Unlimited” and “Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure”. You also get special bonus content for both games. “Scribblenauts Unlimited” follows the storyline of trying to save your sister, who is trapped. You have to solve puzzles to save her. Each gamer can create and summon anything they can imagine, from characters like Mario to a puppy to a rainbow to whatever else. Your creations then run about in your world. You can share creations with other players, as well, by putting them in a “hub” or shop. This is a 1 player game.

Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure lets your imagination run wild(er) by combining the Scribblenauts world with thousands of DC characters and objects. Available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.

yo kai video game

My child is obsessed with Yo-Kai, and I’m guessing he’s not alone. The latest Yo-Kai games, “YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Red Cat Corps” and “YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: White Dog Squad“, let players team up with up to three other friends either at home or online (parents, be on your toes as to whom your child “friends” online) to fight the “Big Bosses”. Develop and use skills and special “Soultimate Moves” and befriend more then 400 Yo-Kai on your journey. These games are different from previous Yo-Kai games in that instead of playing turn-based battles, the “Yo-Kai Watch Blasters” games have gamers play in fast paced, real time battles and missions with action-RPG throughout. During these battles, you directly control your Yo–kai as you strategize with different skills and equipment to defeat bosses.

YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Red Cat Corps and YO–KAI WATCH BLASTERS: White Dog Squad are available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems for $39.99 each.

harry potter video game

Can’t think of any game that the recipient may not have? Give them a game-related item instead. Find the perfect present for the gamer in your life among these unique graphic tees designed by in-house and independent artists. You can choose from many game-related prints, pop culture-inspired designs, and Japanese animation graphics, among many others.

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Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player #ad @BestBuy @madebygoogle

October 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Watch movies, shows, live TV, YouTube, and photos streaming on your TV from all your family’s devices with Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player available at Best Buy.
Stream from your phone to TV
Plug Chromecast into the HDMI port on your TV and to power and stream your favorite entertainment right from your phone with just a tap. Watch shows, listen to playlists, and more. And while streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do.
Works with the streaming apps you know and love
Enjoy TV shows, movies, videos, songs, games, sports and more from over 2000 apps like Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV, and HBO NOW. Find more at g.co/chromecast/
Start streaming with just your voice
Just say what you want to watch from compatible apps and control your TV hands-free, with Chromecast and Google Home working seamlessly together.
“Ok Google, play Stranger Things from Netflix on my living room TV.”
Upgrade your TV for less
Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV. It’s so affordable you can get one for every TV in the house.
High-speed wireless connectivity
Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi connects to the Internet through your wireless home network (wireless router required and sold separately).
Compatible with your existing HDTV
Easily connects to high-definition televisions with HDMI connectivity.
Subscriptions are required to view some content.
Google Home, Chromecast, and compatible content required to cast to a TV using Google Home.
Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription.
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Win Barbie® Doll & Swimmin’ Pup Pool as well as App Game Code!

October 15, 2018 by 77 Comments

Barbie is one of the most iconic toy brands in the world, encouraging children to explore their limitless potential and grow through the power of play. And now, the beloved and trusted brand is releasing a new mobile app that allows kids to explore their creativity and create their very own adventure: Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, inspired by their favorite Netflix show. We’d love to work with you on a feature highlighting the app’s family-friendly fun that your readers and their kids are sure to love.

win barbie

Available now on iOS and coming soon to Android, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures lets players create their very own Barbie Dreamhouse experience. Join Barbie and friends for a bunch of fun activities including baking, dancing or even epic pool parties. Plus, players can design every room in the house, dress up characters in fashion-forward looks and hang out with all of Barbie’s BFFs (and their puppies)!

This would be fun for any Barbie lover, and it’s nothing scary for parents. A safe app is a good app. Of course, always monitor your children’s Internet use to be safe.

You can win a code for your child to use, as well as a Barbie Doll toy set.

barbie playset

“Join Barbie doll, swimming mommy dog and puppy for complete pet play right out of the box with this fun pool play set! Inspired by the movie Barbie™ & Her Sisters in a Puppy Chase, these three are ready for pool-time fun. Place the mommy dog in the water-filled pool, and push the button on her back to see her swim around and around, all on her own! Puppy wants to try, too! Just attach the puppy to its mommy’s back so the puppy can learn to swim! The fun feature can also be activated with Barbie doll’s hand for a totally wow moment! Watch the pups as they swim again and again to perfect their doggie paddles. And help them practice perfect dives off the diving board. Barbie doll is also ready to make a splash wearing a floral plastic swimsuit with pink cover-up. But dip her into warm water for a fashion change – her suit changes color from purple to pink! The two pets match with island-themed floral details.”

Feel free to enter using RC form below. Ends Oct 31, 2018. One winner chosen by RC random generator. Must complete entires to win, will be verified. Good luck!
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Relay, A Smartphone Alternative For Children

October 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Relay (Republic Wireless)

What do you do if you have young children who you know aren’t ready for a cell phone (perhaps because you aren’t ready for the inevitable battles about screen time and social media), but you still want to be able to reach them when they’re not with you? Relay may be just what you’re looking for. Relay is essentially a walkie talkie, with a few fun twists. For example, since it works over 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, it has they same (essentially unlimited) range as a cell phone, so friends in different states can communicate with each other. And it has GPS tracking, so if you use the free companion app, you can see where all of your Relays are in real time. Relays also come in a variety of friendly colors and with stickers, so your child can personalize his or her device.
We did have a few issues with Relay. First, they didn’t seem to hold a charge for much more than 4-6 hours. Second, they use a proprietary magnetic charger, which means you’re in real trouble if you lose or misplace yours. That said, we know that Republic Wireless is continually adding features and we’re confident that these issues will be resolved soon.
As you know, we love companies that support their communities, and Relay is doing just that, donating $5 from each of the next 5,000 Relays sold to Common Sense Education, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students harness technology for learning and life by providing teachers and schools with free research-based classroom tools. For ages 5 and up. $99 for one, $149 for two, $199 for three, plus about $6.99 per month per device for unlimited use. https://relaygo.com/
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Maxi The Taxi Dog- now an app!

September 17, 2018 by 8 Comments

Maxi, the adorable and adventurous dog from the book “The Advntures of Taxi Dog” (and others in the series about his excursions) by Debra Barracca, is now available as an app. And not just any app- one that gives your child an AR plus 3D experience.   If you’ve red the series, you know all about Maxi and how much fun he has. If you haven’t- well, there’s no time like the present. There is even an option to have the book read to you on the app itself- page by page, while you are entertained by Mai the whole time.

maxi the taxi dog app

Maxi The Taxi Dog reads you his story.

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