Tag: nerf

Blast OFF to 2023!

… by looking at 2022.

It’s here, the end of the year. 2022 brought A LOT of different things to blasters and related toys, and the field is bigger than ever. I’m going to focus on the “main” blaster brands you can find in US big box retailers, but Amazon sellers and direct to consumer vendors, I see you too. 

2022 Blaster Brand Power Rankings

Top of the Power Rankings this Year is Nerf.

I’ll say it. Nerf and Hasbro can be criticized for their prices, their designs, the barrage of new ammo types introduced, etc., but the main event in blasters I still have to say is in Potato Head’s house. Nerf had A LOT of lines come out this year. Rival isn’t dead. Ultra had new models. I couldn’t even keep up with all the Nerf Elite 2.0 releases, Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Dino Squad, and everything in between. Hyper got new releases, and Gelfire is new to the Nerf line but another segment for them to put a foothold in. (There’s even more on the hroizon, and the future predictions will be on another post,)

That’s a lot of blasters. Not even mentioning Nerf LMTD. And there’s the rub. Nerf LMTD opens the doors so much wider than I think anyone but the people at Nerf understand (and their lawyers). If you had told me 5 years ago I would own a Nerf Aliens Pulse Rifle, I’d have called you a liar. And… I now own a foam dart firing blaster from Aliens. With more on the way, the Halo Needler certainly is grabbing attention even now. Technically, Nerf Ball was announced as well, it’s just more Nerf to go around.

So Nerf is not only claiming a lot of real estate on toy shelves, but on literal land too. They have campaigns and marketing all over the place with deep pockets to go along with it. From potentially having limitless IPs to make legendary blasters for, to having a wide variety of blasters and lines to choose from, and experiential attractions, Nerf has the spread and the reach to easily claim being the strongest brand even now.

Fave Nerf blaster from 2022 – 

TIE: Aliens Pulse Blaster & Nerf Elite Moto Blitz 

One of the Favorites from Nerf in 2022!

Tied for 2nd – 

Dart  Zone & Buzz Bee Toys

Dart Zone – Fortifying their Position

Dart Zone had HUGE year. They’ve taken the niche of “pro” level blasters and games and really carved a piece of it for themselves. They offer a variety of darts but the darts are usable in other blasters for the most part. The Tomcat can’t use full length darts, but the 1.2 and Nexus Pro are compatible to use both half and full length ammo. The only drawback was I couldn’t use a majority of the pro blasters at some nerf wars I attended. The blasters shoot pretty strongly and a majority of the attendees were kids of other players.

However, I’d be remiss not mentioning the whole tournament Dart Zone held as well. Across multiple states, even attracting players from Singapore, it definitely made noise. The other grumblings I heard are a story time for another day, but as I wasn’t an attendee everything I heard is hearsay. All the same, well done on them for even doing it. 

Getting the license to use Jurassic World on blasters was fantastic for Dart Zone too. I know I always wanted a dino hunting blaster from watching Jurassic Park, and their Jurassic Pro fulfilled an age old want.The other non pro blasters like the Pyroraptor and Blue Blaster were fun too, but the real theme came out with the Pro. I also really liked the Vulcanator, the wacky design reminded me why silly blasters are great to own, and not to take this hobby too seriously. 

Fave Release: Dart Zone Vulcanator

BuzzBee Toys – Not Just Bolt Action

Buzz Bee Toys is never to be counted out. Typically they have a few solid performers every year, but they don’t have the production output that Nerf has. Abraham’s M4 blaster, the Thermal Hunter, and other past releases from other years were great, 

This year was no exception. the Alpha Auto 72 is one of my favorite blasters this year, no doubt about it. It has high capacity, drum fed, good range, and I definitely managed to get tags with it. And it was still a regular strength blaster, so I could use it anywhere I played. Buzz Bee also released fun looking blasters like the Pixelator and Tornado, but the Alpha Auto hits so many positive notes for me. Cost, Capacity, Functionality, and aesthetics are all there. Well done this year, Buzz Bee.

Fave Released Blaster: Alpha Auto 72

ZING

I love the Zing brand. Marshmallow Blasters is under their label now, they make a consistently good product, them being at this spot on the list isn’t a knock on them. Someone had to go here, and the other lines had so much going on in comparison.

The new Dominator bow and battle packs are great for outdoor play, and their continued efforts to capitalize on archery tag continued this year, and I’m here for it. But, that’s about all I have to say blaster/launcher wise this year. Zing makes so much more than bows, but it’s not a lot I can factor into this list. That being said, I look forward to what they have coming up and will definitely get my bows and arrows out once the weather warms up for me. 

Fave Release: Dominator Bow

XShot

I don’t have a lot to say about XShot this year. I haven’t heard from their PR team since the Faze Clan blasters dropped, and all I know is they released a new Skins line since. But like every year, XShot has multiple color refreshes (in the Skins line this time, the Faze Clan blasters were the third recolor of the Orbit and Meteor I’ve seen). One year the new model was the Crusher, this year I think there are two new models? Maybe one? Everything else I already have in last year’s color. 

Sure, everyone does it but they also have multiple new products. I haven’t seen that from XShot yet. The entire line is budget friendly and has impressive power from what I know in past experience, but this year I just don’t have much more to report on them and I don’t have the budget to buy more of the Same Thing.

Honorable Mentions

And there really is SO MUCH MORE available on the internet! Amazon, Direct to Consumer, and Amazon make all these other different toys available. Foam blasters that no one else is making, gel blasting toys that are super realistic, and so on. Buyer beware on safety, because there’s no guarantee these toys adhere to the same strict US toy safety guidelines but there is definitely some impressive product out there.

One of my favorite gel blasters. High powered, magfed, and decently priced!

To 2023! 

Nerf Review] – Nerf Hyper Evolve 100 Blaster (New 2022)

TRANSCRIPTION: (apologies in advance, I used free Notta software for this)

Welcome to a foam from above. We are looking at the Nerf Hyper evolve 100. I believe it’s around 60 or $70. But let’s go over some of the basics. Your jam door there. And here, safety. Docking bay doors.  Going to call it a docking bay because it looks like a spaceship when it does that. When I initially saw this announced, I thought it was electric. It was basically a reshell of the Mach 100. That is not the case. 

The blaster itself comes with only 70 rounds. This is kind of what I got in here. It also comes with eye protection. And that’s about it. Still feels comfortable. And then there is no slam fire.  It’s a new Ammo type. A couple of new models. This is the latest one. The loading switch for the bay doors. It’s accessible by both left and right hands. The safety is on the left and the right side. Rail system there.  Rail system there. You can mount the additional ammo containers on it along with I believe the rival accessory should work on this too. This looks like the same thing. I’d say it’s not as heavy as the Hyper Mach 100.  And I do prefer a pump action forward mech.

The new door, I love it. And if you want to get the new stuff. Your Nerf Hyper Evolve 100 is out. This really depends on the type of ammo that you like.  However, I do have this caveat. Make sure to use the blaster indoors. Your ammo retrieval rate for this is going to be you do run the risk of it being pretty low just because how small these are compared to rival rounds, but yeah, still solidly built blaster, solid ammo.  Nice looks.

Love the presentation of it. Thanks again to Hasbro for sending out a free sample. I appreciate it. Appreciate you for tuning in. If you like what you see, make sure to hit like and subscribe.  Blast that Like & Subscribe button for me!  

Manchester-based NERF Action Xperience (NAX) kick-starts UK rollout

Been sitting on this news for some time, but there’s still plenty to talk about! Nerf has a number of initiatives out there, from the mobile tour in North America, a Nerf theme park in Brazil, and a Nerf Action Xperience in Singapore, Nerf is putting another theme arena in Manchester!

This isn’t the first time that Nerf has had a UK based experience, there was/is a setup at Quest arena from years ago, but this is new and looks to be a more standardized setup as this would mark the second location called a “Nerf Action Xperience”. The full press release/article follows:


“Having successfully entered a licensing agreement with global branded entertainment company HASBRO, Rocafella Leisure have recently secured the investment to commence work on the first NERF Action Xperience family entertainment centre (FEC) in the UK.

Each NAX centre provides guests with a multitude of NERF fuelled indoor activities to explore, exhilarate and excite. It consists of three different zones to activate those ultimate NERF adventures in a purpose-built and immersive environment.

The competition zone allows groups to battle it out with different NERF blasters in three immersive themed arenas.

The sports zone features a huge atrium of NERF-related sports challenges including basketball and football volley. Finally, there is a dedicated training zone to hone players targeting skills, truly providing something for everyone.

The inaugural FEC will open in the recently rebranded Trafford Palazzo (Manchester) in Summer 2023, marking the start of a UK-wide rollout which will see two further locations added within the coming years.”

“The NERF Action Xperience in Manchester embodies Hasbro’s Brand Blueprint 2.0, our strategic approach to bringing Hasbro’s iconic brands to life, for fans of all ages,” said Matt Proulx, VP Location Based Entertainment at Hasbro, Inc. “As we expand the NERF franchise into new categories, we will continue to introduce innovative experiences for consumers – and we’re excited to partner with Rocafella Leisure to bring the NAX experience to fans throughout the UK.” 

Working alongside Peel L&P, who now own and successfully manage Trafford Palazzo, Rocafella Leisure shared the same vision to create a unique and rich blend of IP-led entertainment within the venue, which adjoins one of Europe’s largest retail and leisure destinations, the Trafford Centre.

The new Nerf FEC being introduced by Rocafella Leisure will join Trafford Palazzo’s growing tenant mix as it continues to elevate its offering whilst becoming a rivalled destination for retail, leisure and entertainment for families of all ages. The tenant mix currently includes Primark,

Merlin operated LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE, Silentnight, Homesense, Natuzzi, newly opened Italian restaurant, Matterello and the newly announced forthcoming addition, King Pins which is due to open in the Spring of 2023.

Work has already begun on altering the current layout and infrastructure of the ground-floor unit, located just inside the main entrance of Trafford Palazzo, installing a mezzanine floor and preparing the mechanical and electrical infrastructure in readiness for the main contractor to start the first phase of building works.

Mark Whittaker, Executive Director Property Investment & Management for Peel L&P said:

“We are really excited to welcome Nerf Action Experience to Trafford Palazzo. The brand aligns perfectly with all existing operators and will I’m sure be extremely popular with visitors, old and new.

“Over the past year, we have focused on developing an activations and events strategy within our mall space which has attracted significant interest and demonstrates the power of creating experiences for customers within a retail space. We are excited to develop our strategy and offering further to bring some spectacular collaborations to Trafford Palazzo.”

Rocafella Leisure have agreed an exclusive partnership with Archie’s, the Manchester based American-inspired diner to be the operator of the food and beverage (F&B) offer within the FEC.

The team–up with Archie’s seemed a logical fit, helping deliver a first-class F&B offering that is grounded in quality and service, and where both brands can use similar values and positioning to attract like-minded customers.

This relationship presents Rocafella Leisure with a trusted ready-made F&B proprietor with appropriate menus, that can organise and deliver children’s parties and have the added advantage of attracting passing footfall to boost their sales.  

Amer Rafiq, co-founder of Archie’s said: “We are hugely excited to be partnering with NAX on such a high-profile attraction coming to Manchester.

“The decision to work together was an easy one, as our overall brand proposition and american-inspired menu has great appeal with the intended audience coming to NAX.

“Working with NAX has enabled us to take a huge step in our growth plans, providing a route into new markets where entertainment and dining are possible under one roof. A sector that both organisations are well-equipped and eager to capitalise on through this successful partnership. 

“We look forward to opening our doors next summer as we welcome battle-ready NERFers to experience the high-quality food and drink from our menu as they refuel after a fun and energetic time at NAX.”

As the build takes shape, investments into local services to launch the new centre, provide a positive contribution to local economic growth. Once up and running, 45 new jobs will be created, offering opportunities to kick-start a career within the leisure and hospitality sector.

A curriculum is being developed to help schools and colleges utilise the facilities for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning as key STEM topics can be demonstrated through the gameplay and operations within the venue.

Chris Hayes, Chief Executive of Rocafella Leisure Group said: “This is a momentous moment for Rocafella Leisure as we establish, what we believe, a world-renowned destination that personifies the brand values of NERF within an entertainment setting.

“HASBRO have been extremely supportive of the vision we have proposed and like us are extremely excited to bring this venue to life; continuing to enable and inspire the use of their IP in pioneering ways within the LBE (location based entertainment) sector.

“Not only are we creating a place for families and adults to experience NERF beyond their own homes, we will transport them to an immersive space where they can play with the freedom to challenge, compete, and take home bragging rights – if they wish!

“The industry needs new entrants, those that look to disrupt and strengthen the family entertainment offer, and through NAX we firmly believe we will do that. Creating an experience that is backed by long-standing and well regarded IP and brings together families under one roof, supported by forward-thinking landlords who share the same outlooks on the future of the sector.

“Through NAX we also blend fun-fuelled active play with learning, providing an interactive and innovative STEM focused programme that helps young people understand certain areas we offer. They may look at the trajectory of darts from a blaster; the mechanics of how the games work or the digital and technical complexities that run our venue.

“I can’t wait to finally get this open and provide a beacon destination that cements the North West as a leading light in family entertainment. I hope to see many of you there!”

Fit-out work is due to be completed in Summer 2023, with an official opening to follow soon after. To keep up to date with potential opening dates keep an eye on the NAX website www.nerfax.co.uk“

Notes:

●      Rocafella Leisure Group are the official licence holders for the delivery of the NERF Action Xperience in location-based entertainment within the UK

●      NERF is a trademark of Hasbro and is used with permission. © 2022 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro

NERF X LEAGUE OF LEGENDS COLLAB – JINX

League of Legends is one of the most-played competitive games in the world, played by more than 20 million people across 145 countries every day. In League of Legends, Jinx is an impulsive character, bringing her own chaotic brand of pandaemonium wherever she goes. With her iconic rocket launcher Fishbones, she unleashes the loudest blasts and brightest explosions, leaving a trail of mayhem and panic in her wake.

The NERF LMTD Jinx Fishbones features an 18-dart capacity drum with 6 clusters of 3 darts, so you can blast enemies with a 3-dart burst each time you pull the trigger!


The NERF LMTD X LEAGUE OF LEGENDS JINX FISHBONES is available for pre-order exclusively on Amazon from November 14, 2022 – January 3, 2023. See below for full details. You can download high-res images HERE.

(Text)

As you go off shopping for that blaster fiend you know, be ready for one of the largest selections of ammo out in stores, EVER!

In stores you’ll have your choice of Nerf, Dart Zone, Adventure Force, Buzz Bee, and XShot, and darts, round ball ammo (aka high impact rounds/Rival rounds), gel ammo, Ultra darts, pro darts, short darts, Mega darts, Mega XL darts, demolisher rockets, streamline darts, XL distance darts, and more. I aim to help you keep your stories straight and your ammo choices consistent. When buying a blaster, do make sure to get extra rounds to go past the initial blasting!

I’m sticking with what you’ll see in most major retailers, as Amazon ammo can be literally hit or miss on quality. When buying store brand, you can be sure that certain safety tests are performed and that the ammo you’re buying is safe in construction and materials.

Column A is all the Elite/streamline/ long style darts. You see these the most probably, and all the darts in this box should work with other brands that use similar darts. Your performance using mags may differ based on combination of brand dart/blaster, but they’ll work.

B contains different Rival/high impact round (HIR) ammo you may see in store or on store websites. Non Nerf brands from Adventure Force and XShot will work with Nerf blasters, and vice versa. I’ve heard plenty of not good things about round ammo on Amazon, so while it’s cheap I don’t recommend buying anything unless it’s one of the brands in this box.

C… this box has all the ammo types that don’t work with any blasters except the ones they’re designed for in their specific brand. Yep, Nerf has a diverse collection. Ultra, Mega XL, Mega, all have their own specific ammo type and won’t work with anything else recently released.

NERF LMTD X STAR TREK STARFLEET TYPE 3 PHASER BLASTER



(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $119.99/Available for pre-order starting September 7, 2022)

Celebrate the 35TH anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation with the NERF LMTD Star Trek Starfleet Type 3 Phaser and Starfleet Type 2 Phaser! They capture the look of the phasers used by Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The Type 3 motorized dart blaster has light-up effects that simulate the look of being assimilated by the Borg in homage to the film, Star Trek: First Contact, light-up phaser effects, phaser sounds, authentic First Contact movie sounds, an internal 5-dart clip, and fires 1 dart at a time. The Starfleet Type 2 Phaser fires 1 dart and has a pull-back priming handle.


With their premium design details, the blasters honor the iconic Star Trek, the universe that has sparked imaginations and engaged fans for more than 50 years. The blasters come in premium packaging that’s perfect for display. Eyewear recommended (not included). Includes 7 foam Nerf Elite darts. Type 3 phaser requires 4x 1.5v AA alkaline batteries (not included). The new NERF LMTD Star Trek Starfleet Type 3 Phaser is available now for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse and Amazon.

NERF LMTD SHARP92 BLASTER

(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available for pre-order starting September 9, 2022 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET) The NERF Retro line celebrates 30 years of dart blasting, paying tribute to iconic blasters from the past! The Sharp92 blaster brings back the NERF Sharp Shooter, which was released in 1992 and was the first Nerf blaster to fire the now iconic NERF foam darts, launching a whole new way to blast into adrenaline-pumping outdoor play. The blaster is a reproduction of the original Sharp Shooter dart blaster, so you can relive those first NERF battles and create new memories as you blast into new NERF games. The nostalgic blast from the past continues with the package itself, which captures the look of the original package. And like the Sharp Shooter blaster from 1992, the Nerf LMTD Sharp92 blaster includes suction-tip darts. Fire into fun in 3 easy steps. Pull back the handle, load a dart into the barrel, and squeeze the trigger. Includes blaster, 3 suction-tip NERF darts, and sticker sheet. Eyewear recommended (not included). Available for pre-order exclusively at Hasbro Pulse and Amazon on September 9, 2022 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET.

Hasbro/SpinMaster Vs All Other Gel Blasters

Toy Water Bead Blasters at Center of U.S. International Trade Commission Investigation

The article above is to the Toy Book, and James over there is infinitely more qualified about sounding off on this than I am.

HOWEVER, I did work on Razor Vapor years ago, so I do have some background on encountering some of the patents that Maya Group held and are now owned by Spin Master.

To be honest, I’m piecing a lot of this together and especially since I was tagged on an inflammatory Twitter account that has a lot of other information on this situation. Check the Toy Book article first, and I’ll update this page when I feel I have it complete.

The Nerf Destiny Gjallarhorn is Coming…

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR:

Check out the Bungie Blog – https://www.bungie.net/en/Explore/Detail/News/51485

MSRP: $185

Ammo: Mega Darts (fired from a shell, possibly like the Shell strike or Sledge Fire). Comes with 3 shells

Batteries required (not included

Availability:

“This special Early Access Window to the Bungie Rewards pre-order offer will be available starting on July 7, 2022, at 10 AM PT.   

Early access to the pre-order will be granted to players who acquire the Gjallarhorn Rocket Launcher by completing the quest in the Destiny 2: Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack before July 7, 2022. Eligible players must be signed up for Bungie Rewards and Bungie Store to purchase during the Early Access Window.  

For more information on how to sign up for Bungie Rewards please visit our help center.“

Listing from the Bungie store – Bungie Rewards Nerf LMTD Destiny Gjallarhorn Blaster
OUT OF STOCK SKU BGA21087100
$185.00
This special Early Access Bungie Rewards Pre-order offer will be available starting on July 7, 2022.


Early access will be granted to players who acquire the Gjallarhorn rocket launcher in the Destiny 2: Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack before July 7, 2022. Pre-order available during an Early Access Window from July 7 to July 21 to players with the 30th Anniversary Content pack that have earned the Gjallarhorn in-game. Remaining units will be made available to everyone after the Early Access Window, subject to availability. Due to the unique nature of this item, shipping availability to locations outside of United States, Canada, Australia, European Union and United Kingdom regions. may be restricted.


NERF LMTD is a premium, fan targeted line that brings to life some of the most iconic items from entertainment and video games to create one-of-a-kind showpieces. Bungie Rewards offers collector’s items to earn, acquire and unlock that are uniquely crafted to commemorate various tiers of in game accomplishments. Visit the Bungie Rewards page for more information.


This Nerf LMTD dart-firing blaster replica is inspired by the iconic Gjallarhorn rocket launcher from the Destiny video game franchise. Massive in size, measuring more than 4 feet (1 meter) long, the blaster is designed at a 1:1 scale and features sculpted details faithfully replicated from the game. In addition to capturing the look of this overpowering launcher, the Nerf LMTD Gjallarhorn blaster includes the first-ever Nerf Mega dart shells, which each hold 3 Nerf Mega darts and fire 3 darts at a time. Load a shell into the breech, prime, and pull the trigger to send all 3 darts bursting from the blaster. The Nerf Gjallarhorn blaster includes 3 shells and 9 darts. The scope illuminates, adding to the blaster’s impressive visual presentation. It comes in premium showpiece Nerf LMTD packaging, covered with intricate details inspired from Destiny lore.


Eyewear recommended (not included). Requires 2x 1.5v AA alkaline batteries (not included).


Includes: Blaster, 3 Nerf Mega shells, 9 Nerf Mega darts, Instructions


Nerf and all related properties are trademarks of Hasbro.

Ages 12 and up

TO AVOID EYE INJURY:

WARNING: Do not aim at eyes or face. Use of eyewear recommended for players and people within range. Use only official Nerf darts. Other darts may not meet safety standards. Do not modify darts or blaster.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts may be generated. Not for children under 3 years.
Requires 2x 1.5v AA alkaline batteries (not included).

Assembly required.

©2022 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

©2022 Bungie, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DIGITALLY RENDERED IMAGES SHOWN. PRODUCT MAY VARY IN FINAL PRODUCTION

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