If you were a kid in the late ’90s, you probably knew about Furbys. Much like Pokemon, Power Rangers, Barbie, etc., they were something of a sensation and have been around for almost 30 years. (And if you haven’t had one, you’ve surely heard about how scary they are at some point in your life.) As the toy line celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023, Hasbro wants to bring them back once they’re back on shelves were 2018.
A transformer is on its way to the moon
Earlier in the week, Hasbro unveiled a new Furby line that will be available in July priced at $70. Like previous iterations, this one speaks Furbish (the language of her people), but has some interesting new additions, including repeating what she’s been told. It also dances, plays peaceful music, and says positive words to its owner. And for those who remember some of the earlier Furby controversies, Hasbro has addressed these: According to the new toy’s Amazon page, it will turn off and no longer connect to Wi-Fi.
In the press release for the new Furby line, Hasbro’s fashion and preschool vice president Kristin McKay said the company wanted the toy to “give the alpha generation everything they crave” while “harnessing on Furby’s nostalgic power.” Overall, it sounds like a regular kid’s toy in 2023 and something you’d expect from a company for a brand that’s also hitting a big milestone.
Still, some of its music and empathy-related features, plus the fact that it releases months after M3GAN in January, are fun little timing. While these new Furbys have been redesigned to be a lot cuter, they also keep the big eyes, which doesn’t quite help them debunk the “creepy” accusations that have hung around this toy for years. Not having wifi is an advantage, but he has the ability to communicate with other Furbys, which Blumhouse’s killer doll was able to do towards the end of the film.
In any case, Hasbro’s new Furby line will be available in online and brick-and-mortar stores starting July 15 for $70. Hopefully we don’t hear about one of them going on a mini killing spree after a dance in the hallway after that date.
[via USA Today]
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