Buy the Bakugan whenever you can find them. I have been to TRU, Target, Walmart and all have been out most of the times I am there. To answer many of the questions asked - yes, it's appropriate for 7 and up boys. My DS turned 9 in Oct. and loves to play with his friends. You do need at least the starter pack w/ 3 Bakugan to play. DS found a tin at TRU that had 3 Bakugan and several cards with storage for more. Series 1 vs. 2 - Series 2 has a different action card that comes with them that the series 1 didn't have.
