Toy Honest 2026 simply wrapped earlier this week and whereas I’d have favored to spend much more time there, I’ve my very own children (and all their toys and trinkets) to take care of. That mentioned, there have been a ton of cool new merchandise on show on the Javits Middle in New York Metropolis that set the stage for the remainder of the yr, so here is a fast take a look at a few of the most attention-grabbing releases from the most important toy present within the Western Hemisphere.
To have a good time the fortieth anniversary of Transformers: The Film, Hasbro is launching an apology tour to make up for traumatizing theatergoers with the dying of essentially the most beloved Autobot again in 1986. To kick issues off, Hasbro is releasing a handful of recent figures alongside re-releases for some widespread bots together with Astrotrain, Skywarp, Snarl and Shockwave. I wish to give a particular shout-out to the mannequin for Kranix, which seems extremely correct, as if he simply leapt off the film display screen. And though his duck-billed spaceship alt-mode may look a bit awkward, I would not have it some other approach.
The crown jewel of the road is perhaps a near-life-size model of The Matrix of Management, which measures greater than 15 inches vast and even performs Stan Bush’s iconic music “The Contact” with the push of a button. Sadly, the attraction of the Matrix is so highly effective that it is already bought out, together with at third-party retailers like Massive Unhealthy Toy Retailer, which fortunately continues to be taking pre-orders for the remainder of the lineup after the preliminary inventory from Hasbro dried up.
A set of a few of the new F1 Sizzling Wheels vehicles for 2026. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
Sizzling Wheels has large plans for 2026 together with a brand new line of Pantone-colored vehicles, Brick Store fashions just like the Elite Collection Aston Martin (which comes with its personal 1:64 scale automotive) and a Monster Truck Mutant Chaos set with precise slime. Nevertheless, I might argue the corporate’s new F1 choices are the cream of the crop. Not solely are there a bunch of extremely detailed 1:64 scale racecars with metallic our bodies, actual rubber tires and correct livery for all the massive groups, there’s additionally a brand new Downhill Circuit Race course that comes with three official autos (Mercedes, Haas and Ferrari) that includes a number of ranges and the flexibility to overhaul or crash into different vehicles. In case you’re like a variety of Individuals who’ve just lately fallen down the F1 rabbit gap resulting from Netflix’s Drive to Survive, these new formally licensed miniatures are certain to hit the spot.
The primary five-pack set of vehicles is on the market now, with extra arriving later this spring earlier than the Downhill Circuit Race course drives by someday this fall.
Darth Vader’s TIE fighter is an all-in-one set, which suggests it comes included with one in all Lego’s Good Bricks, which is not true for each package. (Lego)
We have been eagerly awaiting the primary batch of playsets that includes Lego’s nifty Good Brick after it debuted at CES. However now that the corporate has detailed eight new units that includes its newest innovation, we’re much more intrigued. For me, the three standout kits are the Millennium Falcon, Luke’s Purple 5 X-Wing and Darth Vader’s TIE fighter as a result of performing out the Demise Star trench run full with reactive lights and sounds won’t ever get previous. I even have a delicate spot for the Ewok minifigs that include the AT-ST set. Alternatively, the Mos Eisley Cantina package looks like an effective way to spotlight the good brick’s skill to play music or kick out some rowdy droids. The one factor to look out for, although, is the tag on the set that claims whether or not it is Good Play appropriate or if it is an all-in-one set, as a result of the previous will want Good Bricks from different kits to ship Lego’s newfound interactivity.
Pre-orders for these are dwell now, with units slated to ship on March 1.
All the brand new Okay-pop Demon Hunters toys
The HUNTR/X Battle Rumi Deluxe Style Doll (proper) is perhaps my favourite of the bunch. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
Rumi, Mira and Zoey might have been the most important breakout stars of 2025 and Mattel is seeking to hold that momentum going with a ton of recent toys and figures for everybody’s favourite demon hunters. There are three new singing dolls that may belt out the trio’s hit “Golden” on the contact of a button and a deluxe determine of Rumi full along with her 4 Tiger Sword. There are additionally a ton of different dolls and miniatures showcasing HUNTR/X, the Saja Boys and extra. The one draw back is that these merchandise aren’t popping out till the autumn, so you may should tide your self over with different Okay-pop-themed merchandise for now.
If Rosalina is not cautious, Yoshi will turn out to be the most important draw of the brand new Mario film. (Spin Masters)
Yoshi appears poised to steal the highlight from Rosalina within the upcoming Tremendous Mario Galaxy Film and this launch from Spin Masters is simply reinforcing the lovable inexperienced dino’s aura. From inside his shell, Yoshi can burst out together with his signature yell. After that, you may pat his nostril to make his eyes mild up or get him to rock when he is actually blissful. However in order for you one, you are going to should be vigilant. Pre-orders are already bought out, so you may must hold a detailed eye on retailers like Walmart when he formally goes on sale on February 20.
Not solely do the SolarFlowers look nice, they’re academic too. (Thames & Kosmos)
Technically, these went on sale final month, however Thames & Kosmos’ SolarFlowers caught my eye once more at Toy Honest resulting from their mixture of artwork and science. Out there in 4 completely different types, every package incorporates a mannequin you could construct your self or together with your children (really helpful age 8+) that turns into a long-lasting showpiece. After placing the kinetic sculpture collectively, you may join the included photo voltaic panel to carry the entire package to life (no batteries required) and make the flowers spin for perpetual leisure.
Upcoming Masters of the Universe figures
Some upcoming figures from Mattel’s line of Masters of the Universe figures. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
As somebody who grew up in the course of the 80s and 90s, I am attempting to be optimistic about He-Man’s return to the massive display screen later this summer time and Mattel’s new line of figures is definitely serving to. To assist prime folks for the film, there’s a wide range of upcoming toys highlighting He-Man, Skeletor, Battle Cat and extra, all of which I’d have completely beloved as a child. These will likely be obtainable later this spring.
Simply look how cute these are. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
It is onerous to gauge the thrill of toys geared toward one-year-olds once they cannot learn or get into Toy Honest. However because the dad or mum of a toddler, I am keen on the partnership between Fisher-Worth and Nintendo that has resulted in a line of Mario-themed Little Folks. All the massive names are right here, together with Peach, Luigi and Bowser and there is even a few tremendous cute playsets to go together with them. However maybe the most effective half is {that a} six-pack of figures and Bower’s Airship prices beneath $25, which suggests your child could possibly be in for hours of enjoyable with out you spending a ton of cash.
