Bandai incorporates augmented reality into their retail packaging

Back when we were younger, one of the ways we’d find out about a new toy was through television advertisements, and even though ads are still deployed today, Bandai together with Aurasma have come up with a new and somewhat novel concept of retail packaging for toys through the use of augmented reality.

According to Bandai’s marketing director, Darrell Jones:

“The toy industry is always looking for new ways to excite customers so we are thrilled to be the first partner of this pioneering 3D technology creating 21st century window shopping. The fact that consumers can see their toys virtually and also watch them in action in the TV commercial anywhere in the world is a real first for the toy industry, and we look forward to extending the partnership across all our toys in 2012.”

All the child (or parent) will have to do is view the product (such as Thundercats or Ben 10 toys) through Aurasma’s app and the toy will “come to life”. It’s an interesting albeit novel way of retail packaging, but we’re guessing that this should sit well with children and to a certain extent even adults who might find this new use of augmented reality fun and exciting. So is anyone planning to head to your nearest Toys R Us and take Aurasma’s app for a spin?