Of course, the reason for the sudden influx of Toy Story items is the upcoming Toy Story 3, the final chapter of Disney-Pixar’s franchise (or so we imagine until they announce a fourth installment). In the film, the toys are given away to a daycare, where they must contend with a group of toddlers and join on with a slew of new toys in order to escape.

Images of those new characters are slowly being released by the folks at Pixar. We’ve seen a good amount already, from Ken to Peas in a Pod, but here’s a look at the latest: an octopus by the name of Stretch. Take a look!

Den of Geek reports:

You pretty much know the drill with these by now, we suspect. Disney is drip-feeding through, one-by-one, the new additions to the cast of the Toy Story franchise. The latest addition to the cast is Stretch, who bears a little bit of a similarity to B.O.B. from Monsters Vs Aliens, from where we’re sitting.

There are still quite a few more characters to be revealed in advance of the film’s 18th June debut in the US (we get it the month after in the UK), but the finest bit of promotional imagery we’ve seen thus far – discounting the trailer – is still this poster from last week.

We’ll bring you news on more characters as we get it.

Bioshock 2 fan? Well, then it’s likely that you’ve not only finished it, but are well aware that there’s new content for the game arriving today, March 11th! The great thing about today’s networked consoles is that you no longer buy a game, play it, and see it end; instead, people can compete internationally for high scores and bonuses, learn tips, tricks and cheats from the world-wide web or just download brand new characters, accessories or levels for a gaming experience that lasts and lasts.

Of course, the popularity of Bioshock means that this is a truly big deal in the community, so here’s the info for the uninitiated, delivered straight from Gamespot.

BioShock 2 proved to be a big winner as part of Take-Two’s fiscal first-quarter earnings report earlier this week, shipping 3 million units across the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. With sales figures like that, the publisher should find plenty of fertile soil for BioShock 2’s first expansion. Today, 2K Games said the first add-on, called Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack, will arrive on all three platforms March 11 for $5 (400 Microsoft points).

The Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack is aimed at the game’s multiplayer mode, which was developed by Dark Sector studio Digital Extremes. With the pack, players will be able to attain rank 50 in multiplayer mode, as well as play as Louie McGraff and Oscar Calraca. The Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack is rounded out with 20 new trials, a third upgrade for each weapon, and five new masks.

2K Games noted that it has several more add-on packs scheduled to arrive in the next few months that will expand both the single-player and multiplayer portions of BioShock 2. Included in the packs will be additional narrative, as well as new tools and challenges that are designed to further flesh out the tragic fall of Rapture.

More good news for fans comes in the form of NECA’s awesome Bioshock 2 toy collection, which not only includes 7-inch figures of Big Sister and Subject Delta, but also an awesome deluxe Big Daddy, a 7-inch Big Daddy in doll form and a Hypo Syrings light-up replica. Great additions to any Bioshock fan’s toyshelf.

And perhaps none so effectively as the guys at Fewdio.com. A talented team of seven men brings to life some of the best urban horror out there today. Sure, there are a couple that definitely lean in the cheesy direction and they do throw in a screamer or two, but for ambient, creeping dread, you’ll find few groups who do it better. The 3-15 minute movies are an ideal format that allows the Fewdio folks to explore dozens of different ideas. Check out their website.

Here’s a sample of what you might find. Click to visit their youtube channel!

Look at the size of that thing!

A brand new DSi is about to hit shelves and it’s got one major selling point: the thing is big. Sure, it’s also got a brighter, sharper screen that will make Professor Layton’s declarations of “INCORRECT” all the more shameful, but mostly this is just an upgrade that’s meant to spare our generation’s poor, strained eyes. I know it’ll do me some good, though I’m not sure I’ll upgrade–possible the DS Lite’s greatest fault is that it’s so durable I have no motivation to get rid of it!

Here’s the word from CNet:

It was just about a year ago that Nintendo released the DSi handheld system, the next evolutionary iteration of the company’s hugely popular DS portable hardware. Boasting two tiny cameras and larger screens, we only recommended the device for those who were new to the world of DS gaming or wanted access to the online DSi Shop.

At a press conference Wednesday morning in San Francisco, Nintendo officially unveiled the remaining details about the next DS to hit North America. The DSi XL features even larger screens (93 percent bigger compared with the DS Lite) and has a much wider viewing angle. Set to go for $190, we’ll see the DSi XL in stores on March 28 in two colors (burgundy and bronze).

We got some hands-on time with the DSi XL earlier this month and were instantly surprised by its weight. It’s noticeably heavier than both the DSi Lite and DSi, but we actually enjoyed the sturdiness. Obviously, the most notable detail about the DSi XL is its size, and while our Nintendo rep said it’s still “pocketable,” we can’t imagine a scenario where the DSi XL would fit comfortably in a pair of jeans.

When we first flipped the DSi XL open, we were blown away by the two enormous screens. Even more impressive was the fact that video quality didn’t seem to suffer as a result of enlarging games beyond the size of their native aspect. While we had fears about pixilated performance when the XL was first announced, we’re happy to report that games look great, as our demo with Mario Kart DS proved.

Nintendo is branding the DSi XL as a “social” device, partly because of the dual screens’ generous viewing angle. We tested this claim out with an XL set up on a tabletop and couldn’t find a perspective that seemed to dim the display. While this improvement was no doubt exaggerated by having an old DS “fat” nearby to compare to, the screens truly are vibrant, unlike any DS system currently available.

We also really liked the new stylus the XL will ship with that closely resembles a pen or permanent marker. It’s by far the most comfortable first-party stylus yet, though it won’t snap into the device for storage like those before it. We’ll have our full review of the DSi XL in coming weeks, so stay tuned to CNET Reviews for the latest. For now, be sure to check out our First Look at the Nintendo DSi XL in the video player above.

Of course, our blog is figure-related, so while we’re talking about Nintendo, Mario and the gang, here’s a link to our Super Mario section on Cmdstore.com. We’ve got vehicles, plush toys, figures of all sizes, pixellated keychains, cards and more. Just the thing for any retro gamer or anyone currently following the many adventures of Mario (hopefully via Bowser’s Inside Story–that game was awesome.)! Check it out!

Nintendo section:

Yesterday came the sad news that child star and 80s teen heartthrob Corey Haim had been found dead of an overdose. It came as a surprise to few as the world has been watching his slow decline into drugs for years, but it was the ending everyone hoped would be avoided. Always troubled, he seemed the archetypal fallen star even at 38.

Naturally, the celebrity community lent their voices to the outpouring of condolences, grief and shock via social networking website Twitter. At a time like this, some celebrities chose to simply offer their best wishes, others seemed completely shocked and others used the platform to spread a positive message to the world to stay away from drugs, which every year kill 20 000 in accidental overdoses alone. It’s a sobering number and one that only seems all the more real when it claims a public figure.

Here are the reactions from the stars, found on Canoe.ca.

Ashton Kutcher: “Rip Corey Haim ‘Childhood hero.’”

Meredith Salenger (Haim’s Dream A Little Dream leading lady): “Just woke to hear Corey Haim passed away. Heartbreaking. so sad. Rest in Peace Corey.”

Melissa Gilbert: “Corey Corey Corey. You will be missed. May those who love you find peace knowing that there is no more torture for you…no more pain. My heart aches for your mother. Fly well, dear talented boy.”

Karina Smirnoff (‘Dancing With The Stars’): “What is happening with Hollywood? Corey Haim found dead from overdose. Another talent lost to drugs.”

Melissa Joan Hart: “No way! I just saw him last week at a Lupus event!”

Alyssa Milano: “Just woke up to the sad, sad news that Corey Haim passed away. RIP sweet boy.”

Kevin Smith: “Lost Boy goes home: Corey Haim, dead at 38. G’bye, LUCAS. You gave hope to the weird & unlikely.”

Billy Bush: If u look at the list of guys corey haim worked with…its a who’s who of trouble. Poor guy, surely he was deeply troubled

Ralph Macchio: “Always so sad and disturbing when the addiction and demons prevail. RIP Corey Haim.”

The news was also devastating to close friend and frequent collaborator Corey Feldman, half of the 80s-dominating duo known as the Coreys who in recent years starred with Haim in a reality show. ET Online reports…

“I was awakened at 8:30 this morning by my brother and sister knocking on my bedroom door. They informed me of the loss of my brother, Corey Haim. My eyes weren’t even open all the way when the tears started streaming down my face,” Feldman discloses.

Feldman and Haim costarred in seven movies together including ‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘License to Drive.’ In addition to their films, the actors had an A&E reality series in 2007 called “The Two Coreys.”

“I am so sorry for Corey, his mother Judy, his family, my family, all of our fans, and of course my son, who I will have to find a way to explain this to when he gets home from school,” Feldman says. “This is a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul, who will always be my brother, family, and best friend. We must all take this as a lesson in how we treat the people we share this world with while they are still here to make a difference. Please respect our families as we struggle and grieve through this difficult time. I hope the art Corey has left behind will be remembered as the passion of that for which he truly lived.”

Just released from the Newswire website today.

TORONTO, March 10 /CNW/ - The call to brawl can be heard far and wide this month as Bakugan fans share their excitement about the launch of the new Bakugan Season 3: Gundalian Invaders toy line.

Featuring an exciting new collection of weapons and characters, the Bakugan Season 3: Gundalian Invaders toy line gives true warriors the opportunity to act out the adventures of Dan, Marucho and Shun, as they attempt to save Earth from the evil Twelve Orders, as seen on Bakugan’s hit TV series, Bakugan Battle Brawlers: Gundalian Invaders airing this Spring.

Coming off an incredibly successful 2009, the new Season 3 toy line launches this month due to high demand from brawlers who can’t wait to expand their collections, learn new game strategies, and gain an advantage over their friends with the latest brawling gear.

Adding to the excitement of the new toy line this Spring, the Season 3 Bakugan line marks a new era in Bakugan battling with the launch of an all new, and free, Bakugan online game – Bakugan Dimensions! Every Season 3: Gundalian Invaders Bakugan and Bakugan Battle Gear will come equipped with an exciting new heat activated online access code that magically appears by rubbing it with your finger. Once the code has been unveiled, players may enter it online at www.bakugan.com where that specific Bakugan character will appear in Bakugan Dimensions so you can battle online against people from around the world. Players can also create and personalize their own Bakugan brawler, chat with friends, show off their Bakugan collection, and more.

Starting April 1st all Season 3: Gundalian Invaders access codes entered online at www.bakugan.com will automatically be entered to win one of four, Bakugan Season 3: Gundalian Invaders prize packs.

“Bakugan Dimensions will be a great place for kids to enjoy a fun, safe and free virtual world where they can show off their collection, game knowledge and test battling skills online,” said Ronnie Frankowski, Vice President, Marketing with Spin Master Ltd. “Bakugan is hotter than ever and we are excited to bring fans the best Bakugan experience yet in both its new virtual world and the toy world so kids can engage in epic Bakugan battles anytime, anyplace, against anyone – worldwide!”

Rolling out this month are all new Core Bakugan Season 3 characters as well as the next brawling must-have – Bakugan Battle Gear – all new weapons that magnetically attach to your Bakugan, enhancing their cool new look and increasing their G-Power strength to get players a strategic advantage to win. Featuring four cool new designs, each Battle Gear comes with one metal Gate Card and one Ability Card.

This Spring will also deliver an exciting new collection of Bakugan Super Assault characters – new incredibly designed and coloured Bakugan transforming spheres each with a super powered special ability such as a dice throwing ability, spinning feature or vibrating mechanism. Also new this month is the new Baku-Morph, a large-sized Bakugan Deka character that transforms from a marble to a Bakugan monster to a Bakugan warrior.

The Bakugan Season 3: Gundalian Invaders toy line is available at retailers across North America now.

About Spin Master Ltd.

A multi-category children’s entertainment company since 1994, Spin Master has been designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing consumer products for children around the world and is recognized as a global growth leader within the toy industry. Spin Master is best known for such popular brands as boy’s action phenomena and 2009 Toy of the Year winner Bakugan Battle Brawlers(TM), 2008 Toy of the Year winner Air Hogs(R), Aquadoodle(TM), Tech Deck(TM), and Moon Sand(TM). The company has also marked an entry into children’s media with the launch of Spin Master Entertainment, a division focusing on the design, development and production of television and other media properties. Spin Master employs over 800 people with offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Hong Kong and Mexico. For additional information please visit: www.spinmaster.com.

The most recent release is a 5-bakugan pack consisting of: Darkus Clawsaurus, Darkus Dharak, Darkus Airkor, Pyrus Strikeflier, and Super Assault.

Intended to reflect Ultra Magnus’ core appearance without the battle armor, the MP-02 Ultra Magnus utilizes the MP-01 Convoy/Optimus Prime mold and is similarly accompanied by a rifle, an energon axe, Matrix of Leadership accessory, and Megatron gun mode. Ultra Magnus is cited as a disciplined, varyingly self-doubting soldier with unsurpassed courage. In Transformers: The Movie, Optimus Prime passed the Matrix to Ultra Magnus, who accepted the fabled artifact reluctantly. Unfortunately, Ultra Magnus’ subsequent, brief tenure came to a crunching halt when Magnus was unsportingly waylaid by a swarm of Sweeps on Junkion.

Now into Halo 3, we just got a set of new figures that make up the seventh series of toys from their five-inch collection. We’ve already seen the likes of Master Chief, Cortana and a host of jackals, War Chieftans and Elites. This line includes Hayabusa Steel, Spartan Security Orange, Spartan Rogue Blue, Elite Flight Yellow, Oni Operative Dare, Tartarus and Sgt. Forge. It also includes a very cool weapons pack including two Spike Rifles, two SMGs, two Shotguns, two Plasma Rifles and many more. Here’s a look and a link!

Each figure stands about 6 inches tall and is an exclusive, explained by the manufacturers as such:

* a new Lex Luthor in his iconic purple and green jumpsuit,
* Superman from the Braniac / Superman 2-pack but with normal eyes,
* Batman from the Batman / Clayface 2-pack but without the mud splatters,
* Two-Face from DCSH with new paint deco, and
* and Catwoman from DCSH with new paint deco.

When I first heard about the game Hotel Dusk for the Nintendo DS, I knew that it was exactly the kind of thing I’d been missing: a story-driven game with mystery elements and a point-and-click interface that would be as close to the Lucasarts collection as I could hope to get. When I got my hands on it, I was not disappointed in anything but the brevity of what was a very well put-together game. It had some of the best dialogue writing the Nintendo has seen in years and truly lovable characters who genuinely felt real and interesting.

They’ve announced an upcoming sequel and I look eagerly forward to its release, hoping it will provide answers to the questions that remained at the end of Hotel Dusk. Unfortunately, though, if I finish the next game without closure, I might never get it. Why not? Well…

Here’s the unfortunate news from The Nintendo World Report:

On March 1, developer Cing began the process of declaring bankruptcy in Japan. The company currently lists a debt of 256,000,000 yen (2.5 million USD), and their case is being handled by Japanese legal firm Mihoko Kido.

Cing is best known for creating the DS titles Hotel Dusk: Room 215 and Trace Memory. They also produced a Wii sequel to Trace Memory (released in Japan and Europe, but not the Americas), and co-developed Little King’s Story for Wii along with Town Factory. Their last DS titles, Hotel Dusk sequel Last Window: Midnight Promise and Again: Eye of Providence, will be released later in the year.