The news came out last week, but ICYMI, HasCon 2018 dates are announced!
Second-Ever HASCON FANmily Event Scheduled for Sept. 6 – 8, 2019 in Providence, R.I.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) today announced that it will host its second-ever HASCON event Sept. 6 – 8, 2019, in Providence, R.I. at the Rhode Island Convention Center and Dunkin’Donuts Center.
Hasbro hosted its inaugural HASCON event this past September, offering families and fans of all ages a completely new way to experience its brands, and a behind-the- scenes pass to the world of Hasbro. The event featured three days of hands-on brand experiences, meet-and- greets, sneak peeks, concerts, exclusive reveals, star-studded panels and fan-centric surprises.
“We couldn’t be happier with the feedback we’ve received from our inaugural HASCON event,” said John Frascotti, president, Hasbro, Inc. “We’re looking forward to once again delivering immersive entertainment experiences around our brands for fans and families in 2019.”
The 2017 event featured dozens of meet-and- greet opportunities with celebrities, athletes and influencers, including Mark Wahlberg, Stan Lee, David Ortiz, James White, Dude Perfect, Maddie Ziegler, James Gunn, Zach King, Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, and Isabela Moner, among others. Concerts by Flo Rida and Daya were included with the purchase of a general admission HASCON ticket. Guests were also invited to audition for a Hasbro video, and to select a toy or game to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots for children impacted by recent hurricanes.
More details about the 2019 HASCON event, including information about ticket packages, will be posted on http://hascon.hasbro.com.
Here’s a video of last year’s trailer:
I missed out on it this year, hopefully I will be in attendance for the 2nd one. The Kronos and a slew of other upcoming Nerf blasters were announced, so it’s definitely a show to watch for! There’s something to be said about the trade shows for sure, but it’s a little different when the brand themselves put on their own show that gives you a direct line to the brand masterminds themselves.
Hope everyone had a great Halloween! I haven’t been posting here as often as I would have liked, but you can still find me on social media!
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 2015)
Bring NERF battles to the next level with the mighty NERF RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster. Simply push the power-up button, then take aim and unleash motorized blasting power on the opposing team. The powerful, precise RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster gives fans and their allies an edge in battle and features an ambidextrous clip loading and release button, safety switch, and fold-up sight. The included NERF RIVAL 12-round magazine is also compatible for use with the NERF RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 blaster, sold separately. Blaster is available in both red and blue and includes 12 NERF RIVAL Foam rounds. Six C batteries required, not included.
Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.
Nerf Rival Zeus in Red
Nerf RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 Blaster
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2015)
Perfect for the heat of the competition, the NERF RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 blaster sends NERF RIVAL foam rounds soaring in the air with extraordinary velocity. To defend themselves and teammates against the opposition, pull the lever to move the RIVAL foam round into place, then take aim and launch! Blaster is available in both red and blue includes seven NERF RIVAL foam rounds.
Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.
Word has it these blasters will hit 100 fps, and up the accuracy in ways not seen before with Nerf blasters. While we won’t know for sure ’til these are released, I’m very intrigued with the intention and design of these blasters. Additional ammo, ammo tubes, and colored masks will be available when the line is launched.
I’ll continue to update with more Toy Fair reviews and thoughts as I get them done. You can imagine, there are a lot of pictures and videos to go through! Thanks!
Questions? Concerns? Leave them in the comments below!
A peek inside Hasbro HQ (and Nerf) with members of the design team (some familiar faces if you watch enough Nerf videos). To know where you’re going, it helps to know where you’ve been.
Wowsers! Amazingly enough, I can now say I’ve been to the New York International Toy Fair 2 years going. Insane. I’ve taken this little blog o’mine and managed to rub shoulders with people from the New York Times, Wired magazine, and The Toy Spy. Not too bad.
In any event, you’re not here to read me wax philosophic. You want to read about toys, all the cool things I saw, and what to expect in cool ways to play from 2012. There was a lot, so over the next few days this week I’ll be putting up showroom summaries and galleries, and we’ll go from there, yeah?
First up, HASBRO. Nerf. One of my favorite companies, and why wouldn’t they be? My blog is based on Nerf primarily but with other companies with similar products thrown in to keep things fresh (and for mad toy street cred. Not those kinds of toys, and this isn’t that kind of street.) Hasbro also has Transformers, Star Wars, and a myriad of other great licenses. Their showroom certainly didn’t disappoint.
Nerf! Of course, Nerf. They had on-hand the Lumitron and Rayven, which should be out in stores, as well as the Speedswarm. Basically, if it’s out now, they had it there. The Lightningstorm and Electrostorm were available as well, but being indoors and water+electronics being a bad idea, no test firing of the Super Soakers.
As you can see, the newest offering we COULD see (besides video showing the Elite line) was the Snapfire 8. 8 shots, turreted blaster for the Dart Tag line, with an adjustable power setting between range or rate of fire. Best thing about it was the blaster was primed by pulling the trigger, so it was the truest semiauto from Nerf without use of flywheels. it was a prototype though, so we’re hoping to get another look later on.
Nerf did in fact release the Nerf Elite (complete with obscured silhouettes!) sizzle video from Toy Fair – here it is fresh from their youtube:
Info:
NERF DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 2012) The NERF DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster features one-hand firing, an essential element when players are on the move during competition battle. This semi-automatic blaster allows competitors to load darts into the front and then cock and fire darts as the front barrel revolves with each trigger pull. The DART TAG SNAPFIRE 8 blaster also enables players to adjust the tension level for increased speed and distance. Includes 8 Velcro tipped DART TAG darts. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
Nerf did show some of the licensed products like shirts, bags, notebooks, etc. I even spotted a pair of Pumas! But blaster-wise, the coolest thing was this bike with a blaster holder:
I say blaster wise because Nerf sports is coming back with a vengeance… FIREVISION. The press kit tidbit:
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS 2012 PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
The NERF brand brings fans a completely new way to play with its sports gear in 2012 with the introduction of FIREVISION technology, an innovative enhancement featured in the debut FIREVISION SPORTS collection which allows for play in both daytime and dusk. To turn up the heat on throws, catches, and dunks, users simply put on the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear and flip the switch on the bridge to see reflective graphics and skins on the FIREVISION SPORTS products. Only those wearing NERF FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear will be able to see the action once the lights are out, so whether fans want to enter into casual games with friends or test their skills in competitive challenges one thing is for certain: You don’t want to get left in the dark.
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS Football (HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $19.99/Available: August 1, 2012) No sunlight? No problem. Put on the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear and turn on the switch to see this awesome football soar. Set includes one FIREVISION SPORTS football and two pairs of FIRE FRAMES eyewear. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS NERFOOP Basketball Set (HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $14.99/Available: August 1, 2012) Convert your room into the coolest court with the NERF FIREVISION SPORTS NERFOOP basketball set. Hang the set’s oversized backboard over almost any door, put on the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear, and turn down the lights. The darker the room, the brighter the reflective graphics on both the backboard and basketball glow, setting you up for a serious slam-dunk! Set includes one mini NERF FIREVISION SPORTS basketball and one pair of FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS HYPER BOUNCE Ball (HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $9.99/Available: August 1, 2012) The NERF FIREVISIONL SPORTS HYPER BOUNCE BALL ball shines new light on the game of catch. Wear the FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear to see the ball’s reflective skin glow in green or red and track how far and fast throws fly when the sun goes down. Includes one HYPER BOUNCE ball and one set of FIRE FRAMES eyewear. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES Eyewear Assortment (HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price: $5.99/Available: August 1, 2012) Give everyone a chance to get in your FIREVISION SPORTS game and stock up on FIREVISION SPORTS FRAMES eyewear. The new assortment includes one pair of FRAMES eyewear (choose from green or red). Players place on the FRAMES eyewear and flip the switch on the bridge to see FIREVISION gear in a whole new light. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
Essentially, you wear some sweet frames (either green or red lights) and they illuminate a sport ball that has been given a reflective treatment. The tape then glows whatever color shines on it, allowing the person wearing the frames to see it. Sadly, this didn’t translate well to film or photography, but the effect was astounding. Supposedly you have visibility up to 100′, and this kinda tech makes me think of limitless alternative applications. If only Nerf would put the same reflective bit on their darts, or on the Nerf jerseys. Think, a bunch of zombies wearing red light sets, seeking out humans wearing the reflective tape? Night missions would finally be proper… and go!
Unfortunately, there was no Vortex Pyragon to look at and demo, but hopefully later this year we’ll get a crack at that, too.
And that was just Nerf. Kreo, G.I. Joe, Transformers, KOOSH, Lazer Tag, and even the Hasbro board games are getting a new look. Clue: Elimination implements the Nerf Jolt into gameplay, mimicking the “Assassin” gametype that has been on college campuses for year.
CLUE Elimination Game Age: 9+; Players: 2-4; Available: Fall 2012; Approximate Retail Price: $19.99 Get out of your seat and up on your feet for an active game of CLUE that sends players on a mission to seek and eliminate their opponents using CLUE blasters in a thrilling showdown to become the last player standing. Elimination takes CLUE gaming to a whole new level by marrying the thrill and adrenaline rush of blaster play with the intrigue of the CLUE brand. The game comes with 4 uniquely designed blasters, 8 darts and a deck of mission cards. CLUE Elimination: Will you be the last one standing?
CLUE ELIMINATION Refills Game Available: Fall 2012; Approximate Retail Price: $7.99 Each refill pack includes 16 colored darts and additional mission cards.
Yep, nunchuks just to the right of the GI Joe shirt. Foam!
G.I. Joe got a redux of the Furyfire, and it looks like a new katana is going to come out to coincide with the movie. There was a foam and an electronic version, so people can choose their poison when it comes to how they fight. The above figure has a “quick-draw action” where you put the pistols on magnetic mounts on the back, hit a button, and the figure’s hands swing backward and magnets in the hands pull the guns out. In Snake-Eyes’s case, he draws swords.
The Transformers toys didn’t have any new blasters, but here are some highlights of the coolest of the cool from the Robot in Disguise:
Battleship is going to be a big push, with a KREO line and some new editions of the classic board game. New features (like air strikes and recon planes) and some wicked KREO sets. Here’s a few looks at those as well:
Please check out the rest of the pics here! Shots from the Marvel products, Star Wars, and more! Sadly, there weren’t any new Star Wars foam shooters, or anything for Transformers like the Cyber Blaster from last year.
Hey all! Back from the Nerf/Hasbro showroom, and while I have plenty of photos, wifi in the hotel = not so good.
I can do a few photos at a time, and for now here’s some of the good stuff. Most notably, the only new blaster on hand was the Snapfire 8. 8 shots, Dart tag line, and a trigger pull primes the blaster, rotates the turret, and there is a bottom dial on the handle to determine range vs. rate of fire. Videos to follow, once I get a better connection!
In the meantime enjoy some of the new photos. Also notable, a new Snake Eyes foam sword, The Furyfire GI Joe redo, and the BBB and Captain America blaster for The Avengers. We also saw new Hulk hands, that had no sound, but were foam, not the pillow versions previously out there.
The Toy Spy’s gotten a first look at the Hasbro Showroom before the festivities begin tomorrow; if you want to have a look (including Nerf related goodness) make sure to check out his gallery! Scroll down to see the Nerf images.
Hard to believe it was only two weeks ago that I was standing at Toy Fair, in New York City. Armed with a gift for gab and a media pass, I had managed to write and take FoamFromAbove from an obscure niche Nerf/foam dart shooter hobbyist blog to an obscure niche hobbyist blog with enough credit behind it to warrant a media pass at one of the largest toy industry-only events in the US. Rubbing shoulders with the bigwigs and looking at toys months before they hit the stores. A lot of the stuff here might not see a store shelf or retailer until Fall 2011.
I could go on at length about this, but nobody needs to know that. You’re here to read about the toys! I visited a LOT of companies, but anyone who’s followed me for some time knows where HAD to go.. Hasbro. For the past couple of years, 2 NDTLs, one Stampede major release later, I had to visit with those that knew me first. I saw everything! As you can tell from the various galleries (http://foamfromabove.blogspot.com/2011/02/big-show-welcome-to-toy-fair-2011.html), Hasbro rolled out a lot, and I didn’t even snap a photo of EVERYTHING. Pertinent to the blog, there is a slew of foam weaponry coming out in the form of Thor, Captain America, and of course, Nerf Dart Tag and N-Strike/???.
The Thor movie is going to send out some new melee weapons in the form of foam and electronic versions of Mjolnir (both super soft, see my videos @ youtube.com/foamfromabove), a sword and shield set, and a spiffy helmet befitting a Norse god of thunder. Captain America’s going to get a disc-shooting shield, flywheel powered, awesome embodied. Somebody get me two. Cap’s also going to have a half-helmet to match, something to keep the costumed hilarity going.
The Nerf Dart Tag line gets bolstered, with releases of the Speedload 6, Quick 16, Sharp Shot, and Swarmfire. Full details are here: http://foamfromabove.blogspot.com/2011/02/nerf-dart-tag-2011-release-information.html. Personally, my favorite out of the bunch is the Swarmfire, but the Quick 16 and Speedload utilize a new breech/internal clip system which should fit well with any arsenal, Dart Tag or N-Strike. How these new blasters will change the landscape of the NDTL this year remains to be seen; the furyfire has been the standardized equipment for two years now, and this would be a good time to see some change and upheaval in the interest of keeping things fresh. The Determinators have made it two years in a row and new blasters may be just what the champs need to keep’em sharp and guessing if they return this year.
N-Force has already had the Klaw Hatchet and Vantage Sword pop up and officially added to their lineup, but what’s to come was fantastic. I’ve seen some calls for spears and the like in conversation and on forums, so the new Vendetta double-sword, totalling at around 5’ long at full extension is going to hopefully answer those requests. It splits into two swords (hence the “double” of the moniker) and clicks together to make a staff/spear of sorts. Pretty cool looking, to boot.
And what about N-Strike? Supposedly a new line called the “Vortex” line is going to be a whole new slew of innovative gameplay blasters, precluded by the “Gear Up” series of tiger-striped blasters: the Barricade Rev-10, the Raider CS-35, Recon CS-6, and the Maverick Rev-6. Much like the “Clear the Way” clear series of blasters preceded the Stampede. They were tight-lipped on the technical details about the upcoming Vortex line, so look for new details later this year at This Very Blog on hopefully something new.
There were reports of Nerf looking to expand into accessories and fashion, and sure enough I saw headphones, a Nerf alarm clock (already spotted at Target), shirts, hats, and sneakers. Keep your eyes open, @NerfNation… I sense a change coming!
I also got to look up close at the new Super Soakers, but considering it’s still at just-freezing temps in Chicago I have not been able to properly test any of them and ya know, no water inside the showroom lol. They look and feel great though, can’t wait for the weather to get warmer! In any event, it was a great time inside the showroom and I look forward to what the next year will bring from Hasbro and Nerf!
Some items of note through the rest of the Hasbro showroom were some of the new merch coming from the Transformers, toys based on the upcoming “Dark of the Moon” movie – a new voice changing Optimus Prime helmet complete with glyph scarring, a toy blaster that fires Nerf darts, bunches and bunches of new figures from Marvel, Star Wars, and Beyblade, a new Ricochet remote control car, and… wow. Just so much! Seriously, if you haven’t already just look at the gallery:
Pretty good, right? Compared to the $100+ for the master replica types in stores right now, the $35ish price tag on these beauties is looking pretty good!
Stay tuned, I’ll have a few more reports and observations from #TF11 continuing.
Foam From Above 
