Zhu Zhu Pets™ in Japan(ese)...and more Kung Zhu!

Good Morning, Zhu Zhu Addicts!

A few days ago, I noticed a link added to the very top of the Zhu Zhu Pets™ homepage that directs you to the ZZP section of the SegaToys site.  Looks very cool, huh?  My trusty page translator was very helpful on this website.  It appears the hamsters are going to retail for 1000 Yen (about $11 US dollars) with a release date of April 3!  Some of the names might be changing a bit... for instance, my translator is saying Mr. Squiggles name is "Mr. Sukuiguru".  I think I sort of like it ☺

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I always enjoy the articles StLouisToday.com does regarding Cepia and Zhu Zhu Pets™.  Their newest one can be found HERE.  They talk about the sweeping wins at the TOYT awards, as well as some of the new product lines to be introduced.  (From what I have read, it sounds like the new products will start showing up around May/June). 

I really think the Kung Zhu is going to be huge.  Some of those Bakugan and Pokemon-loving boys who felt the original ZZPs were too girly or little-kidish will jump right on these!  They don't look so sweet, do they?  I am excited to see what happens when these are released!

My favorite quote from the article: "Parents can also expect Zhu Zhu Pets-licensed bedding, pajamas, crafts and backpacks to follow."  I can't wait to get my girls new backpacks for school!

Kung Zhu Hamsters Photo!

Good Morning, Zhu Zhu Fans!

I have been scouring the Internet since yesterday, trying to find some photos of the Kung Zhu™ line of hamsters that were unveiled at the Toy Fair 2010... and today I found some!  Though I don't have a boy (yet), I do have 5 nephews who are totally into Bakugan.  I can see how this hamster line will appeal to the boys who enjoy this sort of fighting toy!
"There's also a much-anticipated Kung Zhu line of battling hamsters geared primarily for boys aged 8 to 12.


Katz said the Kung Zhu line will have eight initial characters split into two battling groups called "Special Forces" and "Ninja Warriors."


"We're using a smart chip technology to create good and evil action figures that come to life," said Katz.


"As you put them through training, these characters will transform their personality," he said.


Katz said the Kung Zhu hamsters start off as "cute" and "mild-mannered." Then they become "fighting, battling warriors."


"You can actually hear that transformation take place," Katz said.


Kung Zhu hamsters feature snap-on armor, weapons, vehicles and a "battledome."


"It's all the things that boys really love," said Katz. "But the coolest thing is that you don't know who the winner or the loser is going to be."

Cepia's Zhu Zhu Pets™ ROCK OUT at the TOTY Awards!

Good Morning, Zhu Zhu Addicts!

"Cepia, LLC Sweeps with Top Honors and Two Category Awards for Zhu Zhu Pets"

This seems to be the buzz today on Twitter and the toy websites after this weekend's Toy of the Year (TOTY) awards.  Cepia's Zhu Zhu Pets™ took the overall Toy of the Year award, as well as winning in the individual categories of Girl Toy of the Year and Innovative Toy of the Year.  This is a HUGE accomplishment for any toy company, and the fact that Cepia is a fairly young company makes it all the more sweet!

New York Toy Fair...and Congrats, Ms. Hornsby!

Good Saturday Morning, Zhu Zhu Maniacs!

Starting tomorrow, New York welcomes the 107th International Toy Fair!  Though it is open to trades people only, it will be exciting to see what new, fun things come out of this expo.  According to the website, over 100,000 products will be available to view.  I hope we get a sneak peek of what Cepia has up its sleeve for the coming year!  The Toy Fair runs Feb 14-17.

 

The festivities begin with tonight's "Toy of the Year" awards.  Zhu Zhu Pets™ are nominated in the categories of "Girl Toy of the Year" and "Most Innovative Toy of the Year".  Good luck Cepia!  I hope you win!

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Also, a big congrats to Natalie Hornsby, VP of Marketing at Cepia LLC.  She will be a keynote speaker at the Engage! Conference, speaking of the innovative techniques she employed to promote Zhu Zhu Pets™ into their rock-star status.  This conference is running concurrently with the Toy Fair (and in the same building, it appears).  Very cool! 

Zhu Zhu Pets™ Becoming Global! And Even a Cartoon!

Good Morning, Zhu Zhu Hunters!

On Monday, February 15th, it appears that the Zhu Zhu Pets™ will make their retail debut in New Zealand!  According to the article, it seems as though it will be the original 4 hamsters (plus Patches), along with the original accessories/house pieces.  Retail for hamsters will be $29.99 each. 

Remember when Mr. Squiggles was in Japan a few weeks ago?  I think I might know the reason now!  Sega Toys in Japan recently licensed the rights from Cepia to sell ZZP's in Japan and all over Asia!  It appears that they will start showing up in retail shops in April of this year. Sega is also working to develop a manga (comic book) version  to be out sometime this year. 

Most exciting??  Well... they plan to broadcast an animated version of Zhu Zhu Pets™ sometime around Spring 2011!  Japan animation, known as anime, is my absolute favorite type of cartoon, so I am very excited about this.  Anyone remember Hamtaro?

They could almost pass for Mr Squiggles and Chunk!  LOL

Rocky and Friends to Appear Soon?

Hey Zhu Zhu Peeps!

Back in mid-October, a cryptic message was posted on the Zhu Zhu Pets™ official blog.  My favorite tech-savvy friend reversed the track so we could hear the message (you can see/hear the original post here).  Eight new hamsters were hinted at, even before Jilly and friends hit the market!

In the CNN interview from my last posting, it was said that new characters would be released every 6 weeks.  I think that time must be drawing near!  The names in that cryptic recording appeared to be Rocky, Moon, Spotty, Tex, YoYo, Cappuccino, Jinx, and Peachy.  Yesterday, a cartoon picture of a "new friend" Rocky was posted on the official blog.

That super-fast sneak peek video that Cepia posted on their website shortly before Christmas also had a TON of new accessories and hamsters/friends shown.  This particular hamster popped out at me at the time:

With the color and the shape of the "birthmark" on its back, I think there is a good chance that this hamster is Peachy.  Hopefully with Rocky mentioned on the ZZP blog, that is the cue that these newbies will start showing up in time for Easter baskets!

Zhu Zhu Pets™ Rockstars, Zhu Zhu Pets™ Wild Bunch, and Other Surprises for 2010

Having a good weekend, Zhu Zhu Fans?

I just came across an AMAZING article/video on CNN's website.  With the highly anticipated "Toy Fair 2010" in New York next weekend approaching, Cepia gives out this preview of the next generation of Zhu Zhu Pets™ to be released in the coming year! 

"Among the new Zhu Zhus is a line of four hamsters called Rockstars names "Pax," "Kingston," "Rider" and "Roxie." The names are inspired by the children of celebrities, including Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani.  "Rockstars are the first long-haired hamsters with attitude," said Katz. Although the hamsters don't interact with each other, Katz said a smart chip in each toy gives it its own unique personality.

Katz said the new "Wild Bunch" collection extends the brand beyond hamsters. "There's a skunk, hedgehog, raccoon and a bunny," he said.  "The appeal of this new collection is that these are animals that every child wants to have but parents won't let them have it," said Katz.

There's also a much-anticipated Kung Zu line of fighter hamsters geared primarily for boys aged 8 to 12.

Cepia will introduce 40 new Zhu Zhu characters in total this year, launching a new line every six weeks, said Katz."

Watch the video clip for great info and awesome sneak peeks of the newbies in action!

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With the amount and variety of ZZPs to come out, especially with newbies being released every 6 weeks, there will be a lot to pick and choose from on the market.  Up to this time, it has been feasible to realistically  "collect them all!".  I think now it will be a matter of choosing the ones that really appeal to the individual kid(s) and that they really want in their collection.  Let's face it... of course they will WANT them all, but a house and bank account are only so big ☺

From my past experience, I figure this is the point where some of the newbies may be in higher demand.  Before Christmas, people just really wanted to get any or all of the "series 1" ZZPs.  When we were surprised with "series 2" shortly before Christmas, it seemed that people had their specific favorite they REALLY hoped to be able to track down.  Jilly was the hot commodity at that time, though I knew plenty of people who were Scoodles, Winkie, and Nugget-lovers.  It will be exciting to see what new items pop up and when!

Though I wish they would have shown some of the new accessories in action in the video clip, I will certainly keep my eye open for any other news, photos, or videos to share here with you!

Limited Edition Baxter, the Zhu Zhu Baby Hamster

Good evening, Zhu Zhu Fanatics!

Activision announced today that the new Zhu Zhu Pets™ game for Nintendo DS will come with an exclusive, limited edition baby named Baxter!

"Activision Publishing today announced that Baxter, an exclusive Zhu Zhu Pets hamster baby, will come packaged as a Collector’s Edition with the initial release of the Zhu Zhu Pets video game for Nintendo DS.

This Collector's Edition will be produced in limited quantities and will be available only until they sell out. Available for the regular price of $29.99, Zhu Zhu Pets fans get more than they could ever imagine - an amazing, adorable game and a rare Zhu Zhu Pets baby hamster that fits perfectly into the collection.

Zhu Zhu Pets for Nintendo DS allows players to care for and play with their favorite toys virtually. Players will race their hamsters through different mazes to collect carrots, coins and new hamster friends and babies. It's an endlessly enjoyable game that lets you have fun with Zhu Zhu Pets anywhere! "

Looks like a fun game!  Am I too old to ask for a Nintendo DS for my birthday???  Amazon has edited the presale title to include the baby hamster... order now, get free shipping, and don't worry about hunting it down in a few weeks ☺

 

Zhu Zhu Pet Surgery

Hey, Zhu Zhu Peeps!

After reading the directions on some message boards, I decided to attempt a little "surgery" on some sluggish hamsters.  Since I am a very visual-type learner,  I thought some of you might be interested in seeing how to take the hamster apart.  This is very helpful in getting a lot of wound-up hair/string/fuzz off of the wheel axel, or cleaning off some of the extra lubricant "goop" that sometimes builds up in the gearbox.  These can both cause the hamster to slow or stop.

PLEASE NOTE: Taking the gearbox of the hamster apart is not sanctioned by Cepia, LLC. and may void the warranty for your hamster.  This video was made as an educational source for those who have read the instructions on various websites and would like to see how it is done.  Vigorous cleaning inside of the gearbox (as I found out on the next hamster I did) can misaligned the gear wheels inside, which will require a lot of patience (and the help of a needle or toothpick) to return to the proper places.  Basically, be warned that if you decide to take apart your hamster, you could potentially break it.  If you don't want to assume this risk, call Cepia's customer service (800.225.9319) regarding any issues you may have with your hamsters.

Planning your Zhu Zhu Pets™ Party!!

Good Monday Morning, Zhu Zhu Fanatics!

Did you all attend the Twitter party for Mr. Squiggles last night??  My daughter and I did!  And beyond belief, this usually not-so-lucky momma actually WON a prize!!  I will be sure to share with you when I get it and see what it is ☺  The host, Maria  Bailey of MomTv, said there will be more ZZP Twitter parties throughout the year, so I highly encourage you to attend in the future.

Nicole of The Party Animal Blog tweeted me during the party to let me know she added some stuff to her Zhu Zhu Pets™ Party theme!.  A little while back, I shared the link with you to her AMAZING ZZP cupcake tutorial:

I would say, if you are planning a Zhu Zhu Party, her site is an invaluable resource.  She has links to Etsy sellers who can help you with items like invitations, as well as tips for making your own.  She also has a lot of ideas for party games using your Zhu Zhu Pets™, as well as links to free printable games like Hamster Bingo.  My absolute favorite is the adorable pom-pom "Hamster in a Ball" craft:

I have added a link in the sidebar that will take you directly to Nicole's Zhu Zhu Party Page.  I will be sure to cue you to any updates when she adds them!

The great thing about Zhu Zhu Pets™ is that they are really reasonably priced.  Right now, you can get hamsters at Walmart for 7.44... or Babies & outfits for $5... and they make great party favors to get all of the kids in on the fun!