Here are my favorite things from Toy Fair 2026
Source: Engadget
Toy Fair 2026 – Highlights from the Largest Toy Show in the Western Hemisphere
The fair wrapped earlier this week at the Javits Center in New York City. Below is a quick look at some of the most interesting releases that set the stage for the rest of the year.
Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Figures ($28 – $60)
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Transformers: The Movie, Hasbro is launching an “apology tour” to make up for the trauma of losing the beloved Autobot in 1986.
- New & re‑released figures – Astrotrain, Skywarp, Snarl, Shockwave, plus a standout Kranix model that looks as if it leapt off the screen (duck‑billed spaceship alt‑mode included).
- Crown jewel: a near‑life‑size Matrix of Leadership (15 inches wide) that plays Stan Bush’s “The Touch” at the push of a button.
- Availability: The Matrix sold out quickly; third‑party retailers like Big Bad Toy Store are still taking pre‑orders for the rest of the line after Hasbro’s initial stock ran out.
F1 Hot Wheels
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
A collection of the new 2026 F1 Hot Wheels cars.
- 2026 line‑up – Pantone‑colored cars, Brick‑Shop models (e.g., Elite Series Aston Martin with its own 1:64 scale car), and a Monster Truck Mutant Chaos set that includes real slime.
- F1 focus: detailed 1:64 scale race cars with metal bodies, rubber tires, and accurate livery for all major teams.
- Downhill Circuit Race – a multi‑level track that ships with three official vehicles (Mercedes, Haas, Ferrari) and allows overtaking or crashes.
- Release schedule:
- First five‑pack set – available now.
- Additional packs – arriving spring 2026.
- Downhill Circuit Race – expected fall 2026.
LEGO Star Wars with Smart Bricks ($40 – $160)
LEGO’s first batch of playsets featuring the new Smart Brick debuted at CES.
- Eight new sets highlighted, with three personal favorites:
- Millennium Falcon
- Luke’s Red Five X‑Wing
- Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter – an all‑in‑one set that includes a Smart Brick (not all kits do).
- Other notable kits: Ewok minifigs with the AT‑ST set; Mos Eisley Cantina (great for showcasing music and droid sounds).
- Important note: Check the tag on each box – “Smart Play compatible” means the set needs additional Smart Bricks from other kits, while “All‑in‑One” includes everything required.
- Pre‑orders: Live now; ships March 1.
All the New K‑Pop Demon Hunters Toys
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
- Featured figure: HUNTR/X Battle Rumi Deluxe Fashion Doll (right) – a personal favorite.
- Star trio: Rumi, Mira, and Zoey (breakout stars of 2025) return with:
- Three singing dolls that belt out the hit “Golden” at the press of a button.
- A deluxe Rumi figure complete with her Four‑Tiger Sword.
- Additional releases: Figures and miniatures for HUNTR/X, the Saja Boys, and more.
- Availability: Products won’t hit shelves until fall 2026, so fans will need to tide over with other K‑pop‑themed items for now.
Hatchin’ Yoshi ($50)
Spin Masters’ new Yoshi figure is poised to become the biggest draw of the upcoming Mario movie.
- Features:
- Yoshi bursts out of his shell with his signature yell.
- Pat his nose to make his eyes light up.
- Rock him to trigger a happy‑dance animation.
- Pre‑orders: Sold out. Keep an eye on retailers (e.g., Walmart) for the February 20 street‑date release.
Thames & Kosmos SolarFlowers
Not only do the SolarFlowers look great, they’re educational too.
- Four styles – each kit is a kinetic sculpture you can build (recommended age 8+).
- How it works: Assemble the model, attach the included solar panel, and watch the flowers spin without batteries.
- Release: Went on sale last month; re‑highlighted at Toy Fair for their blend of art and science.
Honorable Mentions
- Upcoming Masters of the Universe figures – details forthcoming.
All product names, prices, and release dates are based on information available at the time of writing and are subject to change.
Figures from Mattel’s line of Masters of the Universe figures
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
As someone who grew up during the 80s and 90s, I’m trying to be optimistic about He‑Man’s return to the big screen later this summer, and Mattel’s new line of figures is certainly helping. To help prime people for the movie, there’s a big range of upcoming toys highlighting He‑Man, Skeletor, Battle Cat and more—everything I would have absolutely loved as a kid. Those will be available later this spring.
Fisher‑Price Super Mario Little People collection
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
It’s hard to gauge the excitement of toys aimed at one‑year‑olds when they can’t read or get into Toy Fair. But as the parent of a toddler, I adore the partnership between Fisher‑Price and Nintendo that has resulted in a line of Mario‑themed Little People. All the big names are here, including Peach, Luigi, and Bowser, and there are even a couple of super‑cute playsets to go with them.
Perhaps the best part is that a six‑pack of figures and Bowser’s Airship costs under $25, which means your kid could be entertained for hours without you spending a ton of money.
This article originally appeared on Engadget:
https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/here-are-my-favorite-things-from-toy-fair-2026-183356720.html?src=rss