The New York Toy Fair is happening this weekend (February 22-25). If you’ve never heard of it, NYTF is the place where the global toy community buys and sells products, pitches new ideas, and announces upcoming releases! Let’s take a look at some of my favorite video-game-centric collectibles and toys from previous years.
Kidrobot
NYTF 2015 had some of my all-time favorite announcements, but Kidrobot x Capcom took the cake. They announced their collaboration for a line of Mega Man vinyls at toy fair and my nostalgia screamed. The line kicked off with two SDCC exclusive 7’’ jumbo vinyl figures, a Break Man variation of Proto Man, and the red-and-white suit variation of Mega Man. Look, I know it might be half nostalgia, but THEY LOOK SO COOL.
Thames & Kosmos
Jumping ahead to 2017 NYTF, I’ve got to talk about the Tech Toy of the Year – CodeGamer (Thames & Kosmos). This toy presents Arduino programming language in an easily consumable, entertaining format to teach the basics of coding to children. Again, I could be biased since my background is in Software Development, but I love this idea SO MUCH. When the robots rule the world, you’ll wish you’d have given this toy a chance.
Arcade1Up
Speaking of Tech Toys of the Year, let’s look at the 2019 winner – Arcade1Up! They’re a company that makes ~4ft retro-style arcade cabinets with the classic joystick and button configuration we’ve all grown to love. My favorite release from them is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ themed cabinet. Hits me right in the nostalgia.
NECA
Now, let me mention one more 2019 release, NECA’s new Crash Bandicoot 7” Scale Action Figure. NECA had done previous Crash Bandicoot figures, but this one’s my personal favorite. It comes with 3 interchange head sculpts, all with different expressions and articulated eyebrows, AND an Aku Aku mask. This figure is so detailed, it’s crazy. He looks like he just hopped out of the game.
