All posts in “Toys”

Lamborghini previews Huracán Super Trofeo EVO and Urus ST-X Lego sets

At the Super Trofeo World Finals at the Jerez de la Frontera Circuit in Spain, where world-class athletes put their driving skills to the test in the big kid toys, Lamborghini unveiled two brand-new toys for everybody that are set to launch in 2020. The Huracán Super Trofeo EVO and Urus ST-X are paired for the next Lego Speed Champions set.

The Huracán Super Trofeo EVO is already one of Lamborghini’s most popular racing models and competes in the single-make Super Trofeo series. The Urus ST-X is set to compete in track and off-roading competitions starting in October 2020 at the Misano World Final in an all-new race. Now both of these cars will be available for purchase in Lego form. 

Fortunately, 2020 marks the start of a new chapter for Lego Speed Champions with the evolution to the more accurate ‘8 Studs Wide’ design, and we felt that we could now do the popular brand justice,” Lego Speed Champions design manager specialist Chris Stamp said. “Especially the wide body of the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO. And with the awesome Urus ST-X we also introduce our first Super SUV into the theme, which fans will hopefully be just as thrilled with as we are.”

The Huracán model includes realistic parallels such as the shark fin, air scoop, front diffuser and large wing. It features a black scheme with slick accents and advertising sponsors. The set is 659 pieces in total and also includes starting “lights” and two figurines. Though pricing is yet to be released, the set will be available starting January 1, 2020. Seems like a missed Christmas opportunity, no?

Traxxas Traxx TRX-4 All-Terrain Tank Treads

With the buzz around drones these days, traditional remote-controlled toys such as cars, boats, and others are not getting enough love. However, despite the current trend, manufacturers are still coming up with new and fun gimmicks. Take the Mekamon Berserker V2 Combat Robot for example, which is something you don’t see every day. Here’s another one called the Traxxas Traxx upgrade system. This add-on turns the stock rig into a go-anywhere monster.

By default, the Traxxas TRX-4 is already one capable RC toy. Its all-terrain design makes it perfect for 4×4 enthusiasts to play around on a much smaller scale. However, it seems that the manufacturers want to unlock its potential. The Traxx set up replaces the wheels and off-road rubber with a set of treads. Just like the ones on heavy machinery and tanks, this adds superior traction to climb even the steepest inclines.

Moreover, this awesome conversion increases the ride height for superior ground clearance. True to its all-terrain claims, the Traxx conversion is capable of trudging through whatever is in the way. The all-weather durability comes from the hardened steel stub axles, self-lubricating metal bushings, and rubber-sealed ball-bearings. Since everything ready to go out of the box, you’ll spend more time playing than assembling the various components.

The Traxxas Traxx conversion kit is one of the many items we’re showcasing that feature tank treads. There’s a Bentley Continental GT, a drone, a personal transport, a sedan and a lot more. This upgrade includes a set of four that will fit on any TRX-4 RC rigs with minor adjustments for certain models.

Get it here

 Images courtesy of Traxxas

LEGO 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0

Calling upon men’s innate desire to build stuff, LEGO regularly releases new playsets for kids and adults. So far, we’re loving the Technic lineup that features more complex builds with the pieces numbering up to the thousands. In fact, we recently featured a replica model of the 2020 Land Rover Defender, which is coming your way later this year. On the other hand, we are likewise enjoying the standard brick collections. That is why we’re anticipating the arrival of the LEGO 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 a couple of months from now.

The upcoming release is part of LEGO’s Speed Champions series that cater to buyers who love race cars. Some of you might already own the previous version that came in a lime green colorway alongside a Porsche 911 RSR. We believe that this is a reissue of the 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0, but this time in a white colorway. Just like the other cars under the same lineup, the details are quite close to that of the real thing. Never mind the badge, gearheads will instantly recognize the iconic aesthetics of the German sports car.

Included in the package is a new driver minifigure sporting a Porsche t-shirt under a brown leather jacket. Other accessories include a racing helmet and three cones. Unlike the Technic range of replicas, there not much articulation except for the spinning wheels with rubber tires. The Speed Champion series offers other race cars as well. Popular machines such as a 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback, a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a Ferrari 488 GT3, and others more. Unlike the LEGO 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0. these are now available for purchase.

Start your collection here

Images courtesy of LEGO

LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender series is one of the most beloved vehicles in the market. Owners often enjoy going on off-road adventures aboard this reliable 4×4. Impressive performance and capabilities allow it to become a household name among SUVs. Other than restoring and customizing these British beasts, fans can now build one albeit on a smaller scale. The LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender is another exciting addition to the brand’s lineup of automotive recreations.

Like most Technic sets, this automobile replica will feature working parts that emulate the real thing. These include a suspension system, 4-speed sequential gearbox, steering wheel, a winch and more. It appears that LEGO will pattern it on the 2020 Land Rover Defender with an Olive Green colorway. Upon completion, it will measure about 16.5-inch in length. Expect to have hours of fun building this fantastic 2,573-piece Model so that you can proudly display it together with the actual SUV parking on your driveway.

Those with a passion for brick-building already know how enjoyable the regular LEGO playsets are. Furthermore, those who desire a challenge can always go for the massive sets out there. For example, the Star Wars: Millennium Falcon comes with a staggering 7,451 brick count. Other pop culture-inspired offerings include the Stranger Things: Upside Down deluxe playset and the Jurassic Park: T-Rex Rampage playset. Lastly, Astronomy buffs will get a kick out the NASA Apollo Lunar Lander creator set. The LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender will supposedly drop sometime in October and retail for about $203.

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LEGO NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander Creator Set

Fresh from the announcement of its Netflix series tie-in, LEGO is introducing another exciting set of bricks. Last month, the company revealed the Stranger Things: Upside Down Deluxe playset that challenges you with 2,287 pieces. Now, it’s back with another awesome item that’s truly out of this world. Releasing under its Creator label, the LEGO NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander shoots for the moon. As hinted by the name, this space exploration package is a must-have for collectors who want a fun toy replica on display.

This new set is releasing on July 20, 2019, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. NASA is lending its resources to help LEGO craft this 1,087-piece Creator set, which makes it as authentic as it gets. This is not the first time that the Eagle lunar lander made an appearance. Its first release was in partnership with Discovery Channel back in 2003. However, the upcoming offering is a lot bigger, uses more bricks, and features a lot of intricate details thanks to NASA’s collaboration. Likewise, In 2017, the Saturn V rocket set came with a miniature version of the historical craft in scale with the massive rocket.

For comparison, the Discovery Channel variant is not only smaller, but it uses different colors for some of the parts. Meanwhile, the 2019 remake now features golden pieces instead of the older bricks, which were tan. Moreover, a special base that mimics the surface of the moon also makes an appearance. The LEGO NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander includes two astronaut minifigures complete with NASA graphics and golden helmets.

Grab the Saturn V set now while waiting

Images courtesy of LEGO

Fortnite X Nerf Blasters

Without a doubt, Fortnite is a global gaming phenomenon and that everyone still can’t get enough. It’s popularity already eclipsed that of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and still shows no sign of stopping. However, Apex Legends, a new free-to-play battle royale shooter from Respawn Entertainment, seems to be gaining ground. Statistics still show that the software from Epic Games is still on top. That’s why Hasbro is set to release the Fortnite X Nerf collection of replica guns on March 22, 2019.

Just like the cartoonish graphics of the game, the toys come in brightly-colored plastic. Fans will immediately recognize these iconic firearms that are some of the most popular weapons of choice in-game. For now, there are a total of eight models in the lineup with varying features. Each one sports the familiar orange tips required by federal regulations, Five of the products are dart blasters. These include the AR-L, SP-L, RL, TS, and Llama. Meanwhile, the HC-E, RL, TS-R all work as super soakers.

This is a great way to encourage both adults and kids to take a break from the videogame and mess around in real life. Some of the models are clearly inspired by actual firearms, while the rest only exist in the game. Prices range from as high as $49.99 for the AR-L and as low as $9.99 for the TS and Llama blasters. The family-friendly nature of the shooter gives Hasbro a perfect opportunity to market these toys. Let’s hope that the Fortnite X Nerf collection adds even more fan-favorites in the future.

Images courtesy of Hasbro

Grab one here

Goshfun Worker Tactics Mortar

We’ve come a long way when it comes to friendly fun using projectiles. Children or the kids in us now have a lot of options when it comes to simulated warfare. We know that real conflict is an unfortunate and sad truth. Yet, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t engage in a round of friendly combat. Those who want a hint of realism can go for airsoft guns. On the other hand, water balloons and Super Soakers are ideal for summer, and Nerf is always a great choice anytime. Take it to a whole new level with the Goshfun Worker Tactics Mortar.

We’ve seen various versions of the foam-blasting toy that are ideal for assaulting the enemy team, but why risk getting hit when you can bomb them from afar. This is where the Goshfun Worker Tactics Mortar comes into play. This small plastic toy replica of an actual 60mm mortar fires foam shells up to a range of 6 meters—we know the distance sucks, but hey, it’s a toy for crying out loud.

It can apparently give you a tactical advantage during Nerf combat, so position yourself well and out of range of the opponent’s blasters. The only thing missing in our opinion is a spring-loaded mechanism that could shoot out foam shrapnel for a small hint of realism.

For a $69 toy, it’s surprisingly very detailed. The tube comes with a baseplate and an adjustable bipod assembly. The shells have springs built-in within and need to be primed just like the real thing. A priming tool comes with the package to lock the trigger mechanism. Once prepared, you just need to drop it in and watch as the enemy ducks for cover. Prepare to become the bane of the Nerf battlefield with the Goshfun Worker Tactics Mortar in your arsenal.

Goshfun Worker Tactics Mortar

Photos courtesy of Goshfun Worker

Marshmallow Crossbow

If you’ve ever felt the need to launch marshmallows with a crossbow, there’s a perfect tool for that, aptly called the Marshmallow Crossbow.

Handcrafted by Jeff Davidson, this quaint wooden toy is no match for your marshmallow-fearing foes (which is totally a thing — just Google “althaiophobia”). Forget about Nerf guns. This handmade crossbow lets you pummel someone with little clumps of fluff. Bonus points if you’re using stale marshmallow for better impact.

Using it is as simple as using any traditional crossbow. Just draw the bow, load up a marshmallow, then press the wood-carved trigger. Take note that you can adjust the marshmallow holder to accommodate varying levels of softness. Feel free to dust fresh marshmallows with cornstarch to prevent them from gumming up the weapon.

“There’s lots of cuteness about this thing,” according to Davidson. The cutesy factor appeals to just about everyone, including adults.

“I had a couple buy one for their elderly father to give him something fun to do. I can barely walk up the street with one without someone buying it right out of my hands.”

The Marshmallow Crossbow retails for $79 and is available on Davidson’s website, and also at 12 stores from Yarrow to Comox, including Litchfield, a high-end concept store in Gastown, and Boorman Archery in New Westminster. The crossbow features a simple, straightforward, yet elegant design, and would make the perfect gift for any kid at heart. Just make sure to hit your nearest grocery store to stack up on marshmallows so you don’t run out of ammo.

Marshmallow Crossbow

LIMBO Self-Balancing Electric Gyro

LIMBO is an innocent-looking spinning top on steroids. Technically a self-balancing electric gyro, this battery-powered desk toy spins for around 4 hours, making you the most popular guy at the office.

Underneath its sleek, CNC-machined shell, the spinning device packs an accelerometer, integrated circuit, and silent motor powered by a rechargeable battery which takes 30 minutes to recharge (via a micro USB port).

If four hours just doesn’t satisfy your spinning needs, there’s also a $299 World Record Kit that makes LIMBO spin for more than a whopping forty hours! Available in titanium or an aluminum version with different finishes.

Preorder From Kickstarter $50

Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer RC Car

Ripping the dunes at high speeds inside a Trophy Truck is an experience most of us will never live. You can, however, feel almost the same rush behind the remote of Traxxas‘ incredibly true-scaled Unlimited Desert Racer.

Built on an authentic 4-wheel drive desert race truck chassis, this little beast (27-in long) packs a 2200kV brushless motor with VXL-6s speed control and an ultra-tough drivetrain, allowing it to zip through sand at an eye-popping 50+ mph!

A ground clearance of 2.27-in and a 4-link solid rear axle provide smooth riding over obstacles “with authentic driving dynamics.” Complete with a tough, fully-integrated tube frame chassis, cantilever sway bars, 8 GTR shocks, and other accurately reproduced details of full-size desert racing trucks.

Buy From Traxxas $800