Furby is back!
Toy giant Hasbro announced Monday that the adorable robot, which made its debut 25 years ago in a big way because of its ability to develop language skills, is getting a reboot.
This stuffed toy will be sold on Amazon from July 15th.
“A new generation of kids will be able to discover their own curious little creatures and comradely spirits that are sure to become their next best friends,” the company said in a press release. .
The latest version features five voice-activated modes and more than 600 responses, including lights, sounds and 10 unique songs, the company says.
More importantly, the new Furby has an off button.
“What’s even better is that you can turn the Furby off when you’re done with the fun for the day,” Hasbro said.
Hasbro hopes to replicate the consumer craze as shoppers flock to stores, queuing up to get toys in time for the holidays.
In the first three years, 40 million Furbys were sold worldwide.
The 5-inch doll was equipped with a computer chip that could speak in its own “modified” language.
The frenzy that sparked demand for Furby quickly sold out in stores and was later offered for sale via online auction site eBay at a steep price increase, but the must-haves such as Cabbage Patch Dolls and Tickling Me turned out to be huge successes. It reminded me of my debut. Elmo.
“Since its sensational launch in 1998, Furby has taken the world by storm, influencing every corner of the cultural zeitgeist, from music to television to film,” said Hasbro’s Fashion Preschool division. Vice President and General Manager Christine McKay said. .
“On the 25th anniversary of the brand, we wanted to inspire this new generation with the same excitement by harnessing the power of Furby nostalgia while giving Generation Alpha everything they wanted.”
Tiger Electronics, the maker of the original Furby, was acquired by parent company Hasbro in 1998.
