Storobia Archive

Zhu Zhu Pets

Zhu Zhu Pets from Cepia LLC are almost too simple to be called robots. Despite that they've created an interest far beyond many more sophisticated robotic toys. So much so that they're the 2009 Christmas gift sensation with parents across the US trying to find stores where they can buy them.

What Are Zhu Zhu Pets?

A Zhu Zhu pet is a battery operated electronic toy hamster that runs on wheels. There are currently four different models available to buy and collect: Mr Squiggles, Num Nums, Chunk and Pipsqueak. Each is a different colour and has its own set of sounds and "personality".

So what do they do? Well basically you put them down and they run (or rather wheel) around. Their actions have a degree of randomness built in and are sufficiently realistic to appeal to their target audience, which is children aged 4+.

There are also extras available to buy. The various Zhu Zhu pet accessories currently for sale include a funhouse, spiral slide and, of course, the traditional hamster wheel. In the words of Cepia: "Collect and Connect all of the Zhu Zhu Pets™ Hamster accessories to make a Humongous Hamster city!"

One of the reasons that Zhu Zhu pets are so popular is probably that they're affordable: list price is around $10. However this Christmas demand is outstripping supply and few stores actually have them in stock. So these little toy hamsters are apparently selling on auction sites for prices up to $60.

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