Tokyo Toy Show 2011 event report

Over 125 toy manufacturers nationwide have gathered to exhibit their wares at the Tokyo Toy Show, Japan's largest such event. Spanning the four days from June 16th to June 19th, members of the public are admitted free on the 18th and 19th.

Bandai's booth displays both the latest hits and tomorrow's big releases every year, and this year is no exception. While the focus is on the recently-announced Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, a wide variety of Gundam merchandise is on display, including 'Gage-ing', the new battling game using chips implanted in models and figures, and 'Gundam Try-Age', a digital card game.

First, let's take a look at the Gundam AGE section of the Bandai booth.

The Gage-ing Builder line of painted, completed figures allows owners to create their own designs by swapping 'Arm-Ware' and 'Leg-Ware'. Mounting a total of four Gage-ing Chips in locations such as their shoulders and chests, they can be scanned into kiosks and used in electronic games.

■ GB Gundam AGE-1 Normal　Early October 2011 / 2,940 yen

■ (left) GB AGE-1 G-Ware Titus Arms　Early October 2011 / 1,260 yen
■ (left) GB AGE-1 G-Ware Titus Legs　Early October 2011 / 1,365 yen
■ (right) GB AGE-1 GB AGE-1 G-Ware Spallow Arms　Early October 2011 / 1,260 yen
■ (right) GB AGE-1 G-Ware Spallow Legs　Early October 2011 / 1,365 yen

■ (left) GB Genoace　Early October 2011 / 3,150 yen
■ (right) GB Gafran　Early October 2011 / 3,150 yen

Just like the GB line, the new Advanced Grade line of Gunpla contain Gage-ing Chips. These kits can participate in Gage-ing Battle in 1-3 unit squadrons.

■ AG Gundam AGE-1 Normal　October 2011 / 630 yen

■ (left) AG Gundam AGE-1 Titus　November 2011 / 630 yen
■ (right) AG Gundam AGE-1 Spallow　December 2011 / 630 yen

■ (left) AG Genoace　October 2011 / 630 yen
■ (right) AG Gafran　October 2011 / 630 yen

■ (upper left) Gage-ing Haro　Late October 2011 / 5,985 yen
■ (lower left) Gundam Activation Device: AGE Device　Early October 2011 / 2,415 yen
Gage-ing Battle Base kiosk, planned for free play at shops (photo right)

■ Gage-ing Carrying Case　Early October 2011 / 1,575 yen

■ HG Gundam AGE-1 Normal　September 2011 / price TBD

■ 1/48 scale Mega Size Model Gundam AGE-1 Normal　Winter 2011 / price TBD

Next, a look at the free demo play of 'Gundam Try-AGE', a new card game. The 'Gundam Try-AGE Start Dash Guide' manual and a promo card are being given out. Those who try the free demo also receive the 'Trial Smartcard'!

■ Candy Toy Mobile Suit Gundam AGE (working title)　Early December 2011 / 294 yen

■ MS Frontier　November 2011 / price TBD

■ MasColle Gundam Head Collection vol. 1 (7+1 varieties)
December 2011 / 580 yen

■ SD Gundam Gashapon Senshi NEXT04　October 2011 / price TBD

■ RG MS-06F Mass Production Zaku　July 2011 / 2,625 yen

■ MG Delta Plus　August 2011 / 4,725 yen

■ MG Gundam Epyon EW ver.　June 25, 2011 / 5,040 yen

■ HGFC Shining Gundam　August 2011 / 1,575 yen

■ HGFC Master Gundam and Fuun Saiki　August 2011 / 2,730 yen

The following item is planned for Tamashii Festival 2011, which will be held at Belle Salle Akihabara on July 16th and 17th.

■ Robot Damashii Side MS G-3 Gundam (Metallic Coat)
Exclusively at Tamashii Festival 2011 / 3,500 yen

■ FW GUNDAM CONVERGE SP01　September 2011 / 1,155 yen
A two-piece set of ν Gundam and Sazabi.

■ FW GUNDAM CONVERGE3 (10-piece set - 6+1 varieties)　
Late June 2011 / 3,675 yen
■ FW GUNDAM CONVERGE2 (10-piece set - 6+1 varieties)　
on sale now / 3,675 yen

■ SD Gundam Gashapon Senshi NEXT03　Mid-July 2011 / 200 yen

Also on display are Gundam jigsaw puzzles and stickers.

Admission is free, so be sure to drop by this weekend!