Mattel Inc., the worldwide leader in toys manufacturing, take Barbie for example, has just unveiled its latest high-tech development – the HyperScan, the industry’s first game hybrid gaming system that utilizes CD-ROM and RFID technology, bringing enhanced elements of collector card games and video games together in one easy-to-use, highly customizable system.

Available this October, HyperScan is designed for children aged eight and older and combines re-writable Intellicard technology with the fast-paced, button-mashing action of video games for the first time in the video game space.

"HyperScan delivers an all-new category of video gaming for today's kids, with the hottest properties such as Marvel X-Men and Cartoon Network's Ben 10," said Cynthia Neiman, Vice President, Games & Interactive Marketing, Mattel Brands. "This new game system bridges the gap in gaming experiences for the tween boy who has graduated from traditional plug & play games but is not quite ready for the mature content and expense of high-end video game consoles. HyperScan gives them another option, offering kids an entirely new way to play collector card games and video games in one, with age-appropriate content. It is a hybrid that combines two play patterns into an ever greater experience."

The hybrig gaming platform comes with enhanced features such as the RFID technology that scans collectible game cards and brings characters to life, an advanced 32-bit processor with enhanced graphics, speed and sound, and about 100 corresponding game cards – 10 to 20 character cards and 80+ modification cards – with 20 to 40 hours of play on each character card.

Cards will be released using a matrix scheme of various series and a rarity system to drive collectibles Initial software titles available at launch, which include Marvel X-Men, Cartoon Network's Ben 10 (based on the network's hit TV show) and Mattel's Interstellar Wrestling League. Marvel Heroes will also be released in November.

“Players scan their cards over the HyperScan console and their favorite characters magically come to life on their television screen. During video game CD-ROM powered play, kids can pause and scan their collectible game cards over the console to upgrade, modify and enhance both their offensive and defensive battle and play abilities such as extra strength, armor and special attack. When victory is theirs, players re-scan their cards and their new winning powers are permanently upgraded directly onto their Intellicard for use in future game play. The HyperScan collectible cards will be available based on a rarity scheme, meaning that players won't know what cards they're getting in their game packs, spawning a new powered-up collector card trading trend that enhances the interactive features of HyperScan,” explained the company.

The HyperScan game system comes with the console, one controller (designed for tween-sized hands), one X-Men CD game and six X-Men collectible game cards for a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Game Packs include one CD game and six collectible game cards at $19.99 and the Booster Packs include six collectible game cards for at $9.99. Additional HyperScan controllers will be available for $19.99 each.

Furthermore, the HyperScan accessories include an Intellicard card case, available for $7.99, and a console case for holding HyperScan hardware, software and accessories, available for a street price of $19.99. HyperScan will be available in October on the US. retail market.