Crayola Introduces Young Kids to Gaming

September 2004 - Techno Source, a privately held toy company, and a leader in electronic toys, games, and learning aids, announced that it has signed a license agreement with Binney & Smith to produce electronic games based on the Crayola brand. The initial line, which features two handheld games and one TV play system, will be available nationwide in the fall.

"For over 100 years, Crayola has been trusted by parents to provide ways for kids to express their creativity, and to use their imaginations as they play," said Eric Levin, Executive Vice President of Techno Source. "With our line, we have worked closely with the experts at Crayola to deliver on that promise in a world where electronics have become an increasingly important factor in kid's playtime."

"With young kids eager to play electronic games like their older siblings, parents want to be comfortable knowing they are purchasing age-appropriate products, from a trusted source," said Diane Baldovsky, Associate Licensing Manager, Binney & Smith. "With My First Electronic Game and My First TV Play System, children as young as three years old can be introduced to the world of gaming in a way that is educational, imaginative and, most importantly, fun."

The first two LCD-based handheld games, Crayon Racer and Paint Splat, retail for approximately $7.99 each. Part of Techno Source's exclusive My First Electronic Game line, these are designed with little hands and active imaginations in mind. Each features bright colors, big buttons, and soft edges. The gameplay has also been specifically designed to be age appropriate-providing a fun challenge, but avoiding features found in games for older children, which might frustrate first-time gamers.

In Crayon Racer, children can drive their crayon-shaped race car around the track in a traditional LCD racing game, and also, thanks to its unique car-shaped housing and realistic sound effects, play with it like a toy car. In Paint Splat, children must maneuver a bucket on the large LCD screen in order to catch paint droplets before they splat on the ground.

TV play systems are one of the hottest new trends at retail. These self-contained, video gaming systems are battery operated and simply plug into the a/v input jacks in any standard TV. All the software and hardware is built into the controller itself - making them extremely portable, affordable, powerful, and easy-to-use.

The Crayola My First TV Play System has a colorful, kid-friendly controller that is specially designed for little hands and packed with 20 activities, including an electronic coloring book and fun, arcade-style games. The Crayola My First TV Play System is the first product in Techno Source's My First TV Play System line, and is expected to retail for approximately $19.99.

SOURCE Techno Source