Productivity software, robots, missile systems - sure, that stuff is cool and all, but come on. What's the good of progress if you can't make better toys?

This month, TIME Digital celebrates the achievements of those heroic men and women who are busy inventing the next generation of games, gadgets, time-wasters, doo-dads, and playthings. Rebecca Winters takes us into the wonderland that is the future of high-tech toys. Maryanne Buechner gives us a peek at Dreamcast, the superpowered game console that conquered Japan and is heading for the U.S. Our DVD Buyer's Guide helps you navigate the complexities of next-generation home theater formats. And Julian Dibbell explores the seamy side of fun with his essay on the future of high-tech pornography.