Microsoft partners with Build-A-Bear Workshop

Microsoft has collaborated with the retail chain, Build-A-Bear Workshop, on four types bear of soft toy that connects with Xbox 360 title Kinectimals Now With Bears.

Consumers who buy one of the bears can use the Kinect camera to scan in the bear's special Microsoft Tag, and import the bear into the game.

"Now guests can go from high touch to high tech with their bears and 'connect' in this innovative video game where they control the fun and direct the animation," said the toy company's founder Maxine Clark.

"Kinectimals Now With Bears offers a fun entertainment experience for the whole family."

Special Xbox 360 station demoing Kinectimals Now With Bears will be placed in a number of stores across the UK and US.

The bears will be sold online and in stores from October 11.