Okay parents, we've been through this twice before; this time we get it right. The latest installment of the franchise your children go crazy for is officially launching on October 13 in North America and October 18 in Europe. You should probably be taking notes.


Skylanders: Swap Force features 32 completely new characters — 16 of which feature the nifty new swap mechanic — as well as more new versions of older characters, if the Ninja Stealth Elf shown in the Wii U starter pack above is any indication.

The starter pack retails for $74.99, with regular characters priced at $9.99 and Swap Force characters taking on the Giants price tag of $14.99. As you madly dash from WalMart to WalMart at midnight on October 13, keep in mind that all 100+ original figures work in the game as well, so if you can't find the new figures, your kids can wait.


Oh, and you might want to preorder — participating retailers will have an exclusive figure for mothers and fathers exhibiting foresight.

Skylanders: Swap Force is coming to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Wii and 3DS, with Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions in the works as well.