Electronic toys

The listing of toys below is in order of popularity with the 6- to 12-year-olds at our test.

FurReal Friends Biscuit

$180, ages 5 and up

Very lifelike (and almost life-sized) golden retriever that obeys voice commands and has touch, light, and sound sensors.

What kids liked

“The dog listens to voice commands and looks very realistic.” “Sounds like a real dog.” “Responds to what you do, and it’s really cute.”

What kids disliked

“You have to repeat commands sometimes.”

Bottom line

Very lifelike, and it worked well, but it’s pricey.

Jakks Pacific EyeClops Night Vision

$80, ages 8 and up

These Night Vision infrared goggles have two settings—“Surveillance” and close-proximity “Stealth” mode. Package claims that it lets kids see in absolute darkness up to 50 feet.

What kids liked

“Everything—they’re night vision!” “You can see people who can’t see you.” “I wish they had thermal-vision goggles, too!”

What kids disliked

They work in one eye only.

Wild Planet Spy Gear Spy Video ATV-360

$100, ages 8 and up

Remote-control all-terrain vehicle with built-in video camera and spy listener allows kids to see and hear what the ATV sees. Has a 360-degree view button to eliminate blind spots.

What kids liked

“Really cool.”

What kids disliked

It was difficult to steer.

Bottom line

Kids who want to spy on their families will enjoy this.

Jakks Pacific EyeClops BioniCam

$85, ages 8 and up

A “step up” from the Bionic Eye we tested in 2007, this portable microscope has an LCD screen that can be used at magnification levels of 100x, 200x, and 400x. It also has a digital camera and USB thumb drive to transfer images to a computer.

What kids liked

You can see what things look like magnified. “My mom’s shirt is so pretty,” one tester said.

Bottom line

Kids played with this for a bit, then moved on to other things. The same might happen at home.

Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro

$30, ages 8 and up

A remote-controlled “micro” car that drives on the floor and even up walls. It can use four different radio frequencies, so you can race against your friends’ cars.

What kids liked

The car climbs walls!

What kids disliked

It falls down, and you have to wait for it to charge. (Note: One of our samples had intermittent problems with charging, but when it was working, it worked well.)

Bottom line

Kids who like remote-controlled cars will enjoy it.

Zizzle ESPN Sportscaster Mic

$18, ages 6 and up

The microphone and speaker (with belt clip) let kids make calls and announce the game. It has three modes (football, baseball, and basketball) with game sounds. Also features announcer tips and built-in calls by ESPN’s Steve Levy.

Bottom line

Kids lost interest in this fairly soon. A kid who likes being “onstage” might enjoy it.

Barbie iDesign Ultimate Stylist

$30, ages 5 and up

Includes 60 cards, a card scanner, and a CD-Rom to be used with your PC. Create fashion looks for different “fashion models” by mixing and matching the various fashions that have been swiped and added to the “closet.” Create a fashion show with your customized music, lighting, and theme. Cards can also be used to play fashion card games.

What kids liked

“It has cards that you can swipe—I like that.”

Bottom line

Requires a computer. Little fashionistas, such as six of the girls at our Toy Test, will enjoy creating outfits.

Mattel The Dark Knight: Stealth Launch Batmobile Vehicle

$30, ages 4 and up

One touch of a button reveals twin projectile missiles and becomes a launcher. Includes two vehicles and one Batman figure.

What kids liked

It has a motorcycle that shoots out of the car and “comes rolling out fast.”

What kids disliked

A 6-year-old had some trouble closing the car to put the motorcycle back in.

Bottom line

Kids who like Batman and/or launching things may enjoy this.

Ben 10 Ultimate Omnitrix

$20, ages 4 and up

Derived from the “Ben 10” cartoon show, this is a wristband toy. Turn the bezel and press to activate sounds and lights. Use different alien figures (only one is included) to “unlock” special alien effects.

Bottom line

OK for big fans of the Ben 10 show. Others aren’t likely to be interested.

Hasbro The Incredible Hulk Power Glow Mask

$15, ages 4 and up

This plastic mask lets you push a button and see the Hulk’s eyes glow with rage.

Bottom line

Only a few kids were interested enough to pick this toy up and try it out, and they lost interest quickly.