Controlling your new remote control car via two joysticks on a remote is so last decade, well that’s the feeling we’ve just got from seeing two new RC cars from two different toy companies aimed at two very different age groups.

You see if you believe the toy industry, the next big thing in remote controlled cars is going to be “frickin' lasers”.

The Lazer Stunt Chaser from Flair is a super-fast stunt car that will whizz around your house at breakneck speeds following a laser beam that you are pointing at the floor.

The experience is akin to getting your cat or dog to chase one of those presentation laser pointers. Anyone that’s done that will know how much fun it is, but also how quickly you’re told off by those in the room (if you haven’t done it, it’s hilarious).

Back to the Lazer Stunt Chaser, and you point your laser gun where you want your car to go and it does its best to get there as fast as possible, racing backwards, forwards, or in most cases spinning on the spot. It’s like a crazed zombie.

The “Stunt” element comes in the guise of ramps you can hurtle the toy off and the basic set comes with half ramp to send your car up the wall. With a car that can work even after it’s been turned upside down, it’s great fun as you can imagine.

Those looking for something a little more sedate can opt for Thomas and Friends Follow Me Thomas train. There are no stunts or ramps to be found here, but still the same laser pointer technology with the train following the laser as you move it around.

Instead of a fearsome looking pistol style controller you get a lantern that looks like it’s been lifted from an old train. The technology is the same however.

The Lazer Stunt Chaser will cost around £30 when it comes out later this month, while the Follow Me Thomas costs £44.99 as is available in August.