- 1Teletubbies Toys100%
Teletubbies Toys brought the colorful, surreal TV characters into kids’ hands, with talking plush dolls being the most popular. A bizarre fact is that early versions of the talking toys were recalled because they randomly spoke gibberish that some parents mistook for inappropriate words.
- 2Sony PlayStation86%
Sony PlayStation revolutionized gaming with its CD-based system, allowing for larger games with full-motion video and high-quality audio. Titles like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid cemented its legacy. A fascinating fact is that the PlayStation was originally a collaboration with Nintendo to create a CD-based SNES add-on, but when the deal fell through, Sony developed it into its own console.
- 3Power Rangers Toys80%
Power Rangers Toys brought the action of the hit TV show into kids’ hands with morphing action figures, Megazords, and role-play weapons. The toys' popularity led to frequent shortages, especially for the Red and Green Ranger figures. A cool fact is that the original Megazord toy could combine with other Zords to form larger, more complex robots, making it one of the most interactive toys of its time.
- 4My Little Pony Toys78%
My Little Pony Toys saw a revival in the 1990s with the My Little Pony Tales line, featuring new, colorful designs and accessories like brushable manes and tails. These ponies came with themed playsets and were highly collectible. A cool fact is that some of the rarest 90s ponies, like Rapunzel, are now highly sought-after among collectors and can sell for hundreds of dollars.
- 5The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)77%
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a gaming powerhouse, bringing 16-bit graphics and legendary titles like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country into homes worldwide. It introduced Mode 7 graphics, allowing for groundbreaking 3D-like effects. A fun fact is that the SNES controller introduced the now-standard four-button diamond layout, influencing almost every gaming controller since.
- 6Bop It! Toy75%
Bop It! Toy was an interactive rhythm game that tested players’ reflexes with commands like “Bop it! Twist it! Pull it!” The challenge increased as the game sped up. A fun fact is that Bop It! was originally going to be a shaped cylinder but was redesigned to have its iconic handles after early testers found it more fun to hold.
- 7Game Boy Color73%
Game Boy Color introduced full-color gaming to the Game Boy lineup, enhancing classics like Pokémon Gold & Silver and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX. A cool fact is that it was one of the first handhelds to include backward compatibility, allowing it to play original Game Boy games in colorized formats.
- 8Skip-It67%
Skip-It was an ankle-looped toy with a counter that encouraged kids to jump over it as it spun around their legs, combining exercise with fun. It became a playground staple, often leading to fierce competitions. A fun fact is that the built-in counter was an innovation added in the 90s version, allowing kids to track their skips, making it even more addictive.
- 9Woody (from Toy Story)60%
Woody (from Toy Story) became an instant favorite among kids after the success of Toy Story in 1995, with pull-string Woody dolls flying off store shelves. His cowboy design and classic sayings made him a must-have. A cool detail is that Tom Hanks’ brother, Jim Hanks, often provides Woody’s voice for toys and video games instead of Tom himself.
- 10Nintendo 6457%
Nintendo 64 introduced 3D gaming to the mainstream with classics like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007. Its innovative controller design included the first widely used analog stick. A fun fact is that the rumble feature that became standard in later consoles was pioneered by the N64’s Rumble Pak accessory.
- 11Polly Pocket Toys50%
Polly Pocket Toys were tiny dolls housed in compact, fold-out playsets that resembled makeup cases. Each set featured a different theme, from castles to underwater adventures, and was designed to be portable. A cool fact is that Polly Pocket’s original tiny scale was changed in 1998 when Mattel acquired the brand, making the dolls larger and more detailed.
- 12Beanie Babies50%
Beanie Babies took the world by storm in the 90s, with their limited availability and unique tag system making them highly collectible. People believed they would become valuable investments, leading to massive buying frenzies. A wild fact is that a couple once got divorced and had to divide their Beanie Baby collection in court, with a judge overseeing how they split the stuffed animals.
- 13Tickle Me Elmo Toy50%
Tickle Me Elmo Toy became the must-have Christmas toy of 1996, causing store riots as parents scrambled to get one. The plush would shake and laugh hysterically when squeezed. A fun fact is that the toy’s mechanism was originally developed for a laughing Sesame Street character called Ernie, but Elmo was chosen instead due to his rising popularity.
- 14Buzz Light Year Toy43%
Buzz Lightyear Toy was another massive success following Toy Story, featuring light-up wings, a retractable helmet, and voice clips. He was so popular that stores sold out for months. A fun fact is that in Toy Story 2, the "utility belt Buzz" action figure was based on a real variation of the toy that was released after the first film.
- 15Furby toys43%
Furby Toys were interactive, talking creatures that "learned" new words over time, becoming a sensation. A fun fact is that the Pentagon once banned Furbies from their offices, fearing they could be used as recording devices.
- 16Tamagotchi Toys38%
Tamagotchi Toys were the original digital pets, requiring constant care, feeding, and attention to keep them from “dying.” Their simple pixelated charm and attachment factor made them addictive. A fun fact is that rare Tamagotchi colors and versions from the 90s can sell for hundreds of dollars today among collectors.
- 17Betty Spaghetty36%
Betty Spaghetty was a stylish, customizable doll with bendable, noodle-like limbs and interchangeable accessories. A fun fact is that her unique, rubbery design was intended to mimic the flexible limbs of action figures but in a more fashion-focused way.
- 18Stretch Armstrong33%
Stretch Armstrong was the ultimate flexible action figure, filled with a mysterious gel that allowed him to stretch up to four times his original size before snapping back into shape. His durability and unique texture made him a favorite among kids who loved testing his limits. A fun fact is that the original formula used inside Stretch Armstrong was so resilient that vintage figures, even decades later, can sometimes still stretch—though many have leaked over time due to aging rubber.
- 19Star Wars Toys33%
Star Wars Toys exploded in popularity during the 1990s thanks to the resurgence of the franchise with the Special Edition re-releases and The Phantom Menace. Action figures, vehicles, and playsets became must-have collectibles, sparking a renewed interest in the original trilogy. A fascinating detail is that the 1995 relaunch of Star Wars figures featured more muscular versions of classic characters like Luke and Han, often referred to as the "buff" figures by collectors.
- 20Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys33%
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys were a massive hit in the 90s, featuring action figures, vehicles, and playsets based on the wildly popular cartoon series. The line introduced countless variations of the Turtles, from space explorers to samurai warriors. A fun fact is that one of the rarest figures from this era, the Scratch action figure, was released in limited numbers and can fetch thousands of dollars on the collector’s market today.
- 21Thunderbirds Tracy Island Toy30%
Thunderbirds Tracy Island Toy was one of the most in-demand Christmas gifts in the UK during the 90s, thanks to the revival of Thunderbirds. The detailed playset replicated the iconic secret base, complete with launching vehicles. A fun fact is that the demand was so high that Blue Peter released DIY instructions for making a homemade Tracy Island, leading to thousands of kids crafting their own.
- 22Transformers Toys25%
Transformers Toys continued their dominance in the 1990s with the Beast Wars line, which introduced a new generation of fans to characters that transformed into animals instead of vehicles. The intricate designs and articulation made them some of the most advanced Transformers figures at the time. A fascinating fact is that Beast Wars Megatron’s famous “Yesssss” catchphrase was inspired by actor Anthony Hopkins' delivery in The Silence of the Lambs.
- 23Pogs toys20%
Pogs Toys were a simple yet addictive playground game that involved stacking and slamming cardboard discs to flip them over and claim them. The collectible nature of Pogs, featuring everything from cartoons to sports logos, made them a huge fad. A fun fact is that Pogs originated from milk bottle caps used in a Hawaiian school game before becoming a massive commercial success.
- 24WWF Wrestlers0%
WWF Wrestlers action figures were essential for any wrestling fan, featuring stars like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker. They came in different styles, from stiff plastic figures to fully poseable versions. A fascinating fact is that early figures by Hasbro featured exaggerated cartoonish designs, but later Jakks Pacific figures introduced realistic face scans, setting a new standard for sports figures.
- 25Air Hogs toys0%
Air Hogs Toys were radio-controlled planes and helicopters that could be flown indoors and outdoors with ease, thanks to their lightweight foam construction. They were known for their durability and ease of use. A cool fact is that Air Hogs’ early models were powered by a unique compressed air system before moving to battery-operated designs.
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