RC Toys On the Shelf at Toys R Us in 2008

Mike writes: The unique feature of this specialty boat from Nikko is that it can dive on demand up to 12" under water for about 10 feet. That's a cool way to avoid crashes with other RC boats, bridges, and inflatable pool toys. It's 1:30 scale, has a fully functional controller with forward, reverse cruising, left/right turn, stop, and a diving function. The futuristic looking body sports a high visibility, bright neon yellow color. Ready to use right out of the box, the 9.6 volt battery pack and charger are included along with the battery for the transmitter. It comes in both 27MHz and 49MHz so get a pair for some competitive racing. This diving boat RC could be a great new summer water toy for the beach or pool. Recommended for ages 8+.

Sam writes: This cool boat/submarine looks awesome. I read reviews to see how people who actually bought this RC liked it. Most reviewers were attracted to its "jet fighter" look but I made sure to read bad reviews too. Most complaints were about the lack of speed control. With options of left, right, up, down, (no reverse) once turned on the RC stays at one speed while you control direction and depth. Even with some negative points, buyers still recommended it for its high speed, long run time (up 1.5 hours - wow!), and range. Even 10' under and several feet away control was easy. The toy is 49Mhz, for ages 6+, comes with all batteries needed. With its unique sub wings and high-tech look it is a great RC water toy. Not perfect but fun.

Lyla writes: For beginners and little kids, The Fast Lane Alien Insect Flyer looks like an ugly colorful bug but is actually a flying RC. The radio controlled bug is designed for indoor flight and recommended for children 8+. The simple RC requires 6 AA batteries (not included) and charges on the controller. This so-ugly-it's-cute bug is appealing to children and has simple functions like one basic channel. Made from lightweight foam, it has two twin propellers and "feet" landing gear. It's similiar to the Revell Swarm Insect Flyer.

Tyler writes: My pick is this ATV with a totally awesome paint scheme. The frame is painted in a metallic dark red and the body itself is a two tone grey paint scheme. It has realistic rear suspension, working headlights, and a rider who is wearing authentic licensed gear from Yamaha. The headlights are a bonus because it enables me to race around the backyard at night without losing track of the RC. The 2-channel radio system has forward, backward, reverse, left, and right controls. It didn't say on the box but the Yamaha Raptor 700R ATV is about 13" long so probably a 1:16 scale and comes in both 27 MHz and 49 MHz frequencies. The recommended age group for this RC is 6 and up. I'm 10 years old so I'm in the clear. Whoo hoo!

Jacci writes: Toys 'R Us has lots of Power Rangers toys. The only RC in the bunch I found was the Red Ranger Jungle Master R/C Cycle from Bandai's Power Rangers Jungle Fury line. For ages 4 to 8, it's a very basic RC that comes with an action figure, is about 6" long, and has a red, black, and white color scheme. A small pistol grip transmitter controls the 27MHz action including forward and reverse. Recommended for floors and sidewalks, it requires 3 AA and 1 9V battery (not included). This is not the same toy as the Red Tiger Strike Rider and other non-RC transforming toy cycles from the Jungle Fury line and would probably appeal more to very young children with mom or dad operating the RC.

Sarah writes: What grabbed my attention about this plane is its sleek design and hi-tech appearance. RC helicopters are the usual indoor flyers, but this lightweight bi-plane has a 3 foot turning radius making it easy to fly in most every room. With a 7.5 in wingspan it's very compact and doesn't use up much space. This YouTube video shows the RC flying through a house. You can hear its quiet buzzing. The Megatech Avion has a 2-channel infrared controller, requires 4 AA batteries, and runs around 10 minutes or so on a 20-minute charge. (Buy Direct)