Latest news with #Nano-mals
Engadget
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Hasbro's Nano-Mals are a virtual pet that rewards fidgeting
Since the original Tamagotchi landed on store shelves 28 years ago, not much has changed in the world of virtual pets. The basic gameplay remains, with players being asked to feed, groom and play with small digital creatures inside a handheld device. But new features have also been added, like Bluetooth connectivity and downloadable content (they're also a little bigger than before). This month, however, Hasbro is throwing its hat into the ring with the Nano-Mals, a $20 device that takes the standard features of a virtual pet and aims them toward a new purpose: fidget toy. The first thing you'll probably notice when you pick up one of the eight initial Nano-Mals models is how cute they all are: they're styled after both common and uncommon animals, including two cows, two cats, a red panda, a narwhal, and a pair of the second thing you'll notice is that there's no screen to be found anywhere; instead, the sole 'display' is a a light-up heart on the front of the toy that has three levels and changes color to indicate how satiated the toy is in terms of hunger, affection and play. Hands-on photos of Hasbro's Nano-Mals fidget toys How you fulfill these needs is where the Nano-mals distinguish themselves from other virtual pets: Instead of pushing buttons and navigating through various menus, you interact instead with the various parts of the toy directly. Push down on its ear to 'pet' it, flip its arms to 'dance' and push its nose to 'feed' it. The more you perform these actions, the more each color of the heart will fill up, eventually resulting in a rainbow kaleidoscope across the toy's chest. It's incredibly easy to do, not just because these are simple actions, but because they're engineered to be satisfying since it is a fidget toy. It feels good to flip the arms up and down and squish the ears. Not so much for pushing the shallow nose button though, meaning it was often the need that took the longest for me to fulfill. It just wasn't fun to push the nose! I can only hope that future iterations improve on this. Once you've figured out the basic functions, it becomes a game in itself to figure out the best way to hold and interact with the device. You don't need to look at it and the entire thing can be operated with one hand, which is exactly what you want in a fidget toy. I found myself rotating it between my fingers while flipping the arms – the device also contains an accelerometer so any significant movement also counts as 'play.' If you have more than one Nano-mal – which is quite likely given the device's low price – the toys will interact with each other, lighting up and talking to each other. It's cute but also a bit unsettling, as it was very reminiscent of this year's Black Mirror episode 'Playthings' with the Nano-mals emitting mysterious bleats and chimes just like the Thronglets. Fortunately, there is an off switch, and the Nano-mals will burble happily before shutting down when you use it. Hands-on photo of Hasboro's Nano-Mals fidget toys. (Kris Naudus for Engadget) However, the off switch isn't absolute as, should you press any of the buttons, the Nano-mal will still react, though maybe not effusively as if the device were powered fully on. This is a problem given that the Nano-mal is meant to be taken out and about (there's even a clip at the top), but will likely be banned from classrooms due to the possibility of it being accidentally triggered when a kid moves their stuff. The toys can be muted by holding down the nose for a few seconds, but it only works when the device is fully powered on, and resets every time the Nano-mal is turned off and on. Aside from that and the fact that I couldn't remove the attachment clip, which got in the way when I was trying to spin the device in my hand, I think the Nano-mal is a solid first try at this kind of toy. Kids will love how cute they are, especially when you dress them up in the included clothes, which double as protective cases for the devices. And adults will appreciate them too: Parents are big on screen-free devices, while the young-at-heart will appreciate having something to keep their hands busy that isn't their phone. The Nano-mals are available now at all major toy retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hasbro Unveils All-New Toy Brand, Nano-mals, Electronic Interactive Pets That Encourage Nurture Play, Sensory Play and Self-expression
Toy Fair® 2025 Attendees Can Get a First Look at the Nano-mals Product Lineup at Hasbro Booth #3435 Download Assets HERE PAWTUCKET, R.I., March 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, a leading games, IP, and toy company, kicks off the North American International Toy Fair® in New York (March 1-4, 2025) by unveiling the magical new toy brand, Nano-mals, where handheld tech play meets nurture, sensory play and self-expression. These mini electronic companions, which double as interactive fidget toys, are pocket-sized and fit in the palm of your hand. They will squeak, giggle, and purr when you show them love by filling up their digital heart meter. Launching in Fall 2025, the mini friends are the cutest new must-have tech pet companions, with eight adorable pets in the line to collect and connect. Nurture and sensory play are key components of the Nano-mals play experience, encouraging kids to learn how to care for these cute handheld pets to identify their needs. Each Nano-mals pal features over 70 sounds, lights and reactions, and comes with a textured outfit for added sensory play that snaps on and off with a satisfying sound. Kids can mix and match outfits with other Nano-mals pets to create their own unique styles. Additionally, each pet includes a portable keychain for on-the-go play, perfect for clipping onto backpacks, bags or belts, so the fun travels wherever you go. Nano-mals can even interact with each other: place two or more Nano-mals figures in front of each other to connect and discover more fun reactions, lights and sounds. "This Toy Fair is particularly special as we officially unveil Nano-mals to the world," says Tim Kilpin, Hasbro's President of Toys, Games, Licensing and Entertainment. "Through this exciting introduction, we're presenting tactile and nurture play with overall captivating interactive pets. We can't wait for kids to connect with their new best friends." The vibrant and adorably aesthetic Nano-mals product line was designed with inspiration from trends in consumer electronics. Each trendy pet features a uniquely textured outfit that can be mixed and matched for fun, cool and stylish looks: Strawberry Cow with Mint Tracksuit, Highland Cow with Tuxedo, Blue Kitty with Teal Mermaid Tail, Calico Kitty with Purple Iridescent Skirt, White Unicorn with Ombre Skirt, Midnight Unicorn with Yellow Mermaid Tail, Narwhal with Puffy Vest and Red Panda with Rocker Jacket. Nano-mals make perfect gifts for kids who love animal toys and interactive pets; they are affordable companions to collect and connect! Nano-mals figures launch Fall 2025 (8/1/25) at major retailers at SRP $19.99 (each sold separately). You can download official images and other product assets HERE. Stay tuned this summer for more exciting news from the brand leading up to the retail launch. You can also find the brand on social media @nanomalsofficial on Facebook, @nanomals on Instagram and @nanomals on TikTok. About Hasbro Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With over 164 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches over 500 million kids, families and fans around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more. Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MONOPOLY, HASBRO GAMES, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand that Matters by Fast Company. For more information, visit or @Hasbro on LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Crystal Flynn | Hasbro, Inc.|
Associated Press
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Hasbro Unveils All-New Toy Brand, Nano-mals, Electronic Interactive Pets That Encourage Nurture Play, Sensory Play and Self-expression
Hasbro, a leading games, IP, and toy company, kicks off the North American International Toy Fair® in New York (March 1-4, 2025) by unveiling the magical new toy brand, Nano-mals, where handheld tech play meets nurture, sensory play and self-expression. These mini electronic companions, which double as interactive fidget toys, are pocket-sized and fit in the palm of your hand. They will squeak, giggle, and purr when you show them love by filling up their digital heart meter. Launching in Fall 2025, the mini friends are the cutest new must-have tech pet companions, with eight adorable pets in the line to collect and connect. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Nurture and sensory play are key components of the Nano-mals play experience, encouraging kids to learn how to care for these cute handheld pets to identify their needs. Each Nano-mals pal features over 70 sounds, lights and reactions, and comes with a textured outfit for added sensory play that snaps on and off with a satisfying sound. Kids can mix and match outfits with other Nano-mals pets to create their own unique styles. Additionally, each pet includes a portable keychain for on-the-go play, perfect for clipping onto backpacks, bags or belts, so the fun travels wherever you go. Nano-mals can even interact with each other: place two or more Nano-mals figures in front of each other to connect and discover more fun reactions, lights and sounds. 'This Toy Fair is particularly special as we officially unveil Nano-mals to the world,' says Tim Kilpin, Hasbro's President of Toys, Games, Licensing and Entertainment. 'Through this exciting introduction, we're presenting tactile and nurture play with overall captivating interactive pets. We can't wait for kids to connect with their new best friends.' The vibrant and adorably aesthetic Nano-mals product line was designed with inspiration from trends in consumer electronics. Each trendy pet features a uniquely textured outfit that can be mixed and matched for fun, cool and stylish looks: Strawberry Cow with Mint Tracksuit, Highland Cow with Tuxedo, Blue Kitty with Teal Mermaid Tail, Calico Kitty with Purple Iridescent Skirt, White Unicorn with Ombre Skirt, Midnight Unicorn with Yellow Mermaid Tail, Narwhal with Puffy Vest and Red Panda with Rocker Jacket. Nano-mals make perfect gifts for kids who love animal toys and interactive pets; they are affordable companions to collect and connect! Nano-mals figures launch Fall 2025 (8/1/25) at major retailers at SRP $19.99 (each sold separately). You can download official images and other product assets HERE. Stay tuned this summer for more exciting news from the brand leading up to the retail launch. You can also find the brand on social media @nanomalsofficial on Facebook, @nanomals on Instagram and @nanomals on TikTok. About Hasbro Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With over 164 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches over 500 million kids, families and fans around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more. Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MONOPOLY, HASBRO GAMES, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand that Matters by Fast Company. For more information, visit or @Hasbro on LinkedIn. SOURCE: Hasbro PUB: 03/01/2025 08:30 AM/DISC: 03/01/2025 08:30 AM
