Rhythm Bits
Roughly the same size as the original Walkie Bits, Rhythm Bits (リズムビッツ) are sound-responsive robot turtles from Takara Tomy. They were released in October 2007 and retailed for 1,500 yen (1,575 yen if tax is included).
A screenshot of Tomy's product page about them, taken from datemanto's livedoor blog.
The archive.org captures have missing images.
They require two LR44 button cell batteries, while the controller they come with, which resembles a red base with a record ontop, requires three AAA batteries.
Color List
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| Melokame (メロかめ) | Momokame (モモかめ) | Shuwakame (シュワかめ) |
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| Cherikame (チェリかめ) | Paikame (パイかめ) | Orekame (オレかめ) |
Functions
Before playing with your Rhythm Bit you need to turn on the controller, which communicates with your Rhythm Bit via infrared signals.
When your Rhythm Bit hears a high-pitched sound, it walks forward, but when it hears a lower pitched sound, it moves backwards; it reacts in the same manner when you call it in a high pitched or lower pitched voice.
Like the original toy, as Rhythm Bits walk, they shake their tails.
Apparently, you can change the speed of their movements by using the controller.
Trivia
- On February 13 at the Tokyo International Gift Show, prototype Rhythm Bits were displayed. Most of the prototype Rhythm Bits shown (pink, red, blue, and yellow) were produced in lighter colors. Melokame seems to be a slightly different shade of green with a darker green shell, and it stares to its right instead of upwards. The prototype versions of Paikame, Momokame, and Shuwakame also stare to the right while the released ones don't.
Also, either a different plastic was used for their heads and legs or these parts on the prototypes were painted, because the plastic for the heads and legs doesn't look the same as what was used for the released counterparts.
- Rhythm Bits were actually expected by Tomy to be released in July 2007 for 1,800 yen, according to an article from The Daily Star.
- Tomy had a display for these toys at the 2007 Tokyo Toy Show.
Gallery
The shells of these guys are interchangeable with the shells of the "Petit! Happy Bits" turtles.
Videos
Links
- Website screenshot
- Takara Tomy blogpost
- IT Media article
- Listing for a second-hand orange Rhythm Bit
- Toy Show display
