The 2008 Elmo is called Elmo Live and is coming on October 14th, 2008.
A pre-sale opportunity will be available in the spring for consumers to reserve Elmo Live for delivery on October 14th.
The price of Elmo Live will be $59.99.
For the first time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real Muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street.
Elmo Live features mannerisms which are right on target as his head bobbles back and forth as he speaks.
He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs, all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games.
Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo's foot, tummy, back or nose.
"Initial reaction from industry insiders has been so strong and so decisive – even greater than the initial response to T.M.X. Elmo -- that we just couldn't keep this a secret and realized this story must be told now," says Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands.
Elmo Live will go on sale at retail nationwide on October 14th, 2008.