September 17, 2006

Hasbro's new life-sized pony toy Butterscotch.

Forget the World Equestrian Games. The biggest competition of the year will be unfolding in toy stores, where two "life-size" ponies will be squaring off.

In one corner is Hasbro's Butterscotch and in the other, Sega's Dream Pony.

Both have robotic features and will be lining up to take advantage of the Christmas market, helping out parents whose young daughters eventually pose the BIG question ... can I have a pony for Christmas?

The two ponies, about 1.2m tall, are strikingly similar in appearance and, while children won't be off for a ride around the block, they will be able to sit on them (while the horse makes walking noises!)

Hasbro describes its Butterscotch pony as realistic and life size, it joining the company's Furreal range.

Butterscotch, entering the US market with a recommended price tag of $US299, can move her head up and down, and side to side. Her eyes open and close, and when the mane is brushed a contented whinnying can be heard. Tickle her ears and her head will turn, and she'll munch on her very own (supplied) carrot. Butterscotch will sniff when her muzzle is petted.

Fortunately for parents, the exhaust end is non operational, although she will swish her tail.

Hasbro say the toy is suitable for children aged four and up, with Butterscotch's weight limit for riders set at 36kg. Butterscotch comes with a carrot, brush, halter and special adoption certificate. Toy stores in the US are understood to already be taking orders for them.

Sega's Dream Pony joins its list of robotic pets, and, at a recommended retail price of just under $US600, the company still expects to sell 10,000 of them. It, too, responds to visual, audio, and touch stimulation, and can be ridden provided the child is under that magic 36kg mark. It also has a desire for plastic carrots.