The game itself seems about as fun as reading theoretical physics when you're drunk, but the controller seems like it would work nicely with more than a few games on the DS—namely the Korg DS-10 simulator, or future versions of Rock Band-type games—IF it had proper support and wasn't Europe-only (for now). Even better, someone could always hack it, conjure up some home brew magic, and use it for some live, chiptune wizardry. Mmmmmmmm...chiptuuuune. [Joystiq via Ubergizmo]

RilakKuma, meaning "Relax Bear," is the name of the character whose eyes and nozzle are seen on the back of the netbook. This model is packing a 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB of RAM, 160GB HDD and an 8.9-inch screen, so it's totally anonymous except for that adorable case, which apparently costs a hefty amount. The limited-edition netbook (only 500 were made) costs over $850 USD, but nobody ever said cuteness came cheap. [Akihabara News via Engadget]

Using a fake BBQ and fake food, players must be the first to successfully collect fully "grilled" plastic foodstuffs. So, it's all the fun of grilling without the payoff. If only they would make a sweet dishwashing simulator followup. [Bandai via Akihabara News]

Gyozas, like empanadas, dumplings, or knishes, consist of a stuffing (usually ground meat and spices) wrapped in a thin piece of dough (a "gyoza skin" here in the States) that is then deep-fried, pan-fried, or steamed. They can be a little tricky, because if they're not sealed airtight they can explode in mid-fry, spraying burning hot oil and gyoza insides everywhere. This gadget looks to automate the process for a perfect seal.

It may not be the most versatile of kitchen gadgets, but if you're doing a huge batch of gyozas and are some kind of wuss who fears horrible oil burns, we could see it being pretty handy. It's Japan-only for now, but we're sure an import kitchen supply store would have this or a similar device. [Akihabara News]

You can choose between three daimyo characters from the Sengoku, or Warring States. The more you walk, the closer you and your foot soldiers will come to conquering Japan. Although, something tells me Samurai wouldn't need a nap after five minutes on a treadmill. [Bandai via Impress via Tokyo Mango]

Lisa over at Tokyo Mango writes that the Somen noodles start their journey from the house at the top of the slide, twisting and turning their way to the bottom, where the food is met by a strainer. It also looks like there are parts of the slide that house extra ingredients or something. WOWEEE!

I want one, and I want one now. Maybe if I bring this home next time I have dinner with my parents, my dad won't consider me the great disappointment of his life? [Impress via Tokyo Mango]

The iPhone app, which is free, gives you three different Mugen Pop Pop play modes: normal, repeat and scramble.

Normal - Touch Mugen Pop Pop bubble to hear "Pop" sounds - Be on the lookout for surprise sound effects!

Repeat - Select difficulty level - Mugen Pop Pop will play a "Popping" sequence and then flash all buttons. It is then your turn to "Repeat" the popping sequence. A sound will be heard when you've completed it correctly and new sequence will start.

Scramble - Select difficulty level - Mugen Pop Pop will illuminate one or multiple "Pops", you must "Scramble" quickly to touch the Pop before Mugen Pop Pop scrambles you.

Get a poppin'! [iTunes]

Something about the just right amount of resistance, the yeasty mist striking my fingers. It's a glorious self-contained activity, akin to smoking or popping a zit, and it can be yours for infinite use with this Mugen (Endless) Beer Can from Bandai. Crack a beer without the damage to your liver or social life. Then crack it again. And again. And again.

Wait, this is no fun. What did I ever find exciting about opening a beer? Oohhh, I must be an alcoholic! [Bandai via Crunchgear]

When the water balls have finished their journey through the maze, they are sucked back into the water tank to be reborn once again (haha...innuendo). So, it's kind of like a water fountain, only way more sciency. The device should be available in March for roughly $40. [Bandai via C Scout Japan via DVICE]

Gachapin and Mukku may be cute characters for kids on Japanese television, but the hardware under the hood of this neon green netbook is approved for all ages. It features a 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM, WiFi, a webcam, and a 1Seg television tuner. At $878, this netbook is a pricey purchase for parents—but it may turn out to be an investment in their future. Perhaps they will become the first 7-year old Microsoft professional or make your family rich writing iPhone applications. [Bandai via DVICE via Boing Boing Gadgets]

It has numerous LED light sources, moving parts and sound effects, and along with awe, inspires some sort of Godzilla-like instinctual response to crush it's little buildings and trains right down into its wooden pedestal. And smack down a giant moth. [Bandai via Akihabaranews]

[Digital Gadgets Freak via Technabob]

But it's finally happened. Bandai has developed the RPG Pedometer.

Space Cruiser Yamato and 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother are two game/pedometers that Bandai will release in time for this holiday season. As users walk, their characters will both level up and reach new destinations on the map, unlocking new chapters in a story that unfolds over 90 days of exercise.
And while the game hardware itself doesn't look that robust, the systems feature an online component similar to Nike+ that tracks your workouts and weight.

Priced at $45, the only point we're not certain about is whether or not the games will be localized for the US. While we get clarification on the matter, it's probably best to assume Japan only. [Trends in Japan via bbGadgets]

[Trends in Japan]

It's sadly Japan-only for the moment, where it sells for around $100. But there's a cool Flash simulator on Bandai's site where you can play with a virtual Luminodot and plan your designs with PDF templates. But I want this thing sitting on my desk.

[Luminodot (Japanese) via Technabob]

The device registers user profiles so that Smart Berry owners can only send and receive mail from friends. Up to four units can communicate with each other at the same time if they're all within a 10-meter diameter. Additionally, it also has a virtual Tamagotchi-like pet you can play with. The toy costs $97 and is targeted at girls from ages 6 to 9. Boys who want to send emails on a faux-mobile device while raising their own virtual pet are SOL this time around, I guess. [Tech On]

[Robot Watch]

Each one of the six is a different color and has a different name—Alpha, Bravo, Charley, etc. The $16 Hex runs on a tiny battery, responds to handclaps and steers clear of objects all by itself. Sounds rather like my man after I had housetrained him.

Bandai Hex bug [UberGizmo]

From what we can tell, the pocket device simulates the feel of popping bubble wrap while using a tiny speaker to make that ever so satisfying popping noise. What bubble wrap aficionados will find disturbing, however, is that every 100 pops bestows the user with a fart, barking dog, door chime or sexy voice. Sexy voice? How does smut find its way into even the most harmless devices?

Seriously, we're trying to upgrade our salt and pepper shakers.

Product Page [via randomgodstuff]

It'd actually be a pretty nice case if it weren't for the annoying animations and all that shouting. Guess it's only for Gundam fans.

Check out the video after the jump.

Talking PC Case [Nexus404 via Technabob via Uber Gizmo]

After responding to fifty personal questions such as "Have you ever killed a man and gotten away with it?", "Do you dress up in women's clothing when alone?", and "Why do you have the compulsion to make up fake questions for the readers...is it the latent memories from your subconscious speaking out?" your virtual you is assigned 22 personality traits that sum up your entire, pitiful human psyche.

We're just not sure...is it really worth $25 to watch another person sit around in their underwear, wasting their life away? Probably.

Fun Japanese video after the jump.

Product Page [via gearfuse]

Bandai Shape Up Adviser (Japanese) [via The Raw Feed]

Bandai NetTansor (Japanese) [via Akihabara News]

Like real-world ant farms, people simply watch the virtual ants go on with their lives, moving dirt, making tunnels, getting nervous when approaching the queen to ask for a favor, etc. Up to 100 different nests can be built by the ants, ensuring that no matter how dull and meaningless your work day is, you can always watch your pets toil away.

Look for Ant's Life Studio (in Japan, at least initially) in November for around $69. – Nicholas Deleon

Salary Man Sims [Tokyo Times]

1/12 Scale Gundam RX-78-2 [ Insert Credit via Kotaku ]

From Japan (big surprise), here's the Bandai Unazukin, a new tiny toy that can be a good companion as well. Made to react to your voice, this doll-like thing will nod or shake its head "whenever appropriate." Though I just can't imagine exactly how it knows when you want a nod or a shake, but maybe that's part of its charm.

With 4 different movements altogether, it's battery powered and can shake its head back and forth once or twice and nod once or twice. Comes in white, yellow, red, blue and green. Frightening, but only $12.

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