Every Year’s Most Popular Toy Since 1969 Explained | Each and Every | WIRED

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  • čas přidán 11. 06. 2024
  • Chris Bensch, chief curator at the Strong Museum of Play, delves into the backstories of each and every über-popular toy released over the last 50 years. In 1977 Star Wars action figures hit the market and revolutionized the toy industry. 1979's Atari 2600 popularized home video game consoles and 1995's Beanie Babies started one of the biggest collecting phenomenons we'd ever seen.
    To learn more about the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, visit www.museumofplay.org/
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    Every Year’s Most Popular Toy Since 1969 Explained | Each and Every | WIRED
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Komentáře • 2,2K

  • @howveyouben
    @howveyouben Před 4 lety +2311

    Chris here totally looks like he loves every single day of his job and I love people as passionate as him.

    • @ivandarri1944
      @ivandarri1944 Před 4 lety +16

      My exact thought, the respect I have for people like him has no bounds

    • @vincelestrade3758
      @vincelestrade3758 Před 4 lety +23

      Yeah, imagine having a job around something you’re actually that interested in. Never happened to me.

    • @yttis3257
      @yttis3257 Před 4 lety +10

      The Jiro Dreams of Sushi effect. A boring job made exponentially more interesting due to passion.

    • @hollynn2001
      @hollynn2001 Před 4 lety +2

      see retty nervous to me

    • @vincelestrade3758
      @vincelestrade3758 Před 4 lety +6

      hollynn2001 Yeah, he might actually have a tremor; I can imagine being a bit nervous about something like this regardless of your interest in the topic, though. His nerves may be amplifying the tremor as well.

  • @dimitreze
    @dimitreze Před 4 lety +2167

    "kids today are the most stupid kids ever"
    1975's kids buying pet rocks: hold my coke

    • @ineverchangemyplayericon3016
      @ineverchangemyplayericon3016 Před 4 lety +119

      Most people bought the pet rock to read the manual. It wasn't a toy , it was a best selling comic book in the form of a manual bunddled with a toy rock.

    • @PoppoYoppo
      @PoppoYoppo Před 4 lety +66

      Kids are just stupid no matter what year they were born

    • @augdawg6170
      @augdawg6170 Před 4 lety +3

      @@PoppoYoppo hm

    • @gaspermemorabilia3417
      @gaspermemorabilia3417 Před 4 lety +17

      Rock with a funny introduction manual sounds more entertaining to me then small rainbow colored rubber bands. Just saying, but who am I to judge?

    • @casedistorted
      @casedistorted Před 4 lety +1

      dimitreze lol people in general have always been stupid, just look at Black Friday crazes

  • @crazyeeveelady3636
    @crazyeeveelady3636 Před 4 lety +122

    The way he holds each toy like it's a precious artifact makes me smile

    • @F-35.Lightning
      @F-35.Lightning Před 3 lety

      @Kangarooster I don't know the name but it's a brain disorder, usually you can't control the shaking. It's fairly common for older people.

    • @santh0928
      @santh0928 Před 2 lety

      @@F-35.Lightning Parkinson

  • @shaemartin4770
    @shaemartin4770 Před 4 lety +387

    This is the only time I have ever heard the Wii U being called successful.

    • @nelliel8251
      @nelliel8251 Před 4 lety +9

      Successful, it was not.

    • @junrosamura645
      @junrosamura645 Před 4 lety +11

      The original Wii was an amazing social toy and so many young adults had them. As for the Wii U, I never saw one other than at the stores. I don't even see how it was better than the original? I'm sure there was something better that year which sold better and was more popular.

    • @drsnoes6337
      @drsnoes6337 Před 4 lety +4

      It was a good sistem but not so good sold

    • @ClellBiggs
      @ClellBiggs Před 4 lety +11

      It must have been a very bad year for toys.

    • @Death_Vail666
      @Death_Vail666 Před 4 lety +2

      It was just a Wii that was made to look different and had the latest electronic (the tablet) so they thought it would sell more. I don't see how PlayStation didn't make it with the PS2 it sold the record amount. More than any console ever has or since with over 150 million units. The PS4 has came close but it's just over 100 million. PS4 has sold more than this gen of consoles.

  • @the9file
    @the9file Před 4 lety +898

    first time i've heard someone describe the wii u as a "success"

    • @cowking6426
      @cowking6426 Před 4 lety +122

      Edit: I read an article wrong. This is wrong. Thank you for letting me know about my mistake.
      You're right. The Wii U was a commercial failure, but despite the poor sales and the confusion about the tablet add-on's use, it sold almost 14 million units in 2012, more than any other console that year, hence technically making it the best selling toy of the year.

    • @the9file
      @the9file Před 4 lety +28

      @@cowking6426 interesting fun factoid. i personally love the console & its library.

    • @cowking6426
      @cowking6426 Před 4 lety +17

      @@the9file I personally never bought the console, mostly because none of the games stuck out to me and I mostly get Nintendo consoles to play Pokemon anyways so
      I'm glad you enjoyed the Wii U tho! It's interesting that the Nintendo community is split on it, one side loved it while the other side completely forgot it existed

    • @TomoyoYumemi
      @TomoyoYumemi Před 4 lety +14

      As compared to the Wii, wich sold above 100 million units, doesn't sound that impressing. But if you stop to think, over 10 million is a big number

    • @jrfcss
      @jrfcss Před 4 lety +17

      And don't forget he didn´t mention playstation

  • @cassandratemple45
    @cassandratemple45 Před 4 lety +1545

    Lol I didn't think "slutification" was a word I'd hear said by this nice toy man.

    • @mollyross888
      @mollyross888 Před 4 lety +94

      Cassandra Temple “anime eyes” got me good as well.

    • @Zinetha
      @Zinetha Před 4 lety +40

      Not to mention "purple dinosaurness".

    • @blakebackes
      @blakebackes Před 4 lety

      Gabriela M. When?

    • @winterpupi
      @winterpupi Před 4 lety +9

      @@blakebackes 28:17

    • @indiciaobscure
      @indiciaobscure Před 4 lety +24

      I also liked how didn't say that was really an issue but that it gave 'options' for doll play as if girls haven't been undressing their barbies and slamming their bodies together since the 60s

  • @Oilerpa
    @Oilerpa Před 4 lety +455

    He should be hired by Netflix’s “The Toys That Made Us”

    • @linocappelli2765
      @linocappelli2765 Před 4 lety +9

      Oilerpa this is his audition to get hired as a consultant.

    • @someguynamedelan
      @someguynamedelan Před 4 lety +10

      He curates a toy museum. I wouldn't be surprised if he got this Wired gig BECAUSE he consulted with Toys That Made Us.

    • @someguynamedelan
      @someguynamedelan Před 4 lety +3

      @Nathan Trujillo There's a new season. As long as there are new generations of children, there are always toys to report on.

    • @souljastation5463
      @souljastation5463 Před 4 lety +1

      @@linocappelli2765 I'm not sure, he ignored the Transformers, that's unforgivable.

    • @Kalle72
      @Kalle72 Před 4 lety +1

      That would be absolutely below him. That show is edited and narrated like it was made for retards.

  • @craftmaster1885
    @craftmaster1885 Před 4 lety +147

    The razor scooter could be also used as a weapon...
    RIP my ankles 😣

    • @chelsey8737
      @chelsey8737 Před 4 lety +1

      Omg seriously. I remember having a specific way of getting on and off of the scooter in order to avoid this because I always ripped my ankles up. And the scariest thing was being next to someone while they were getting off because if they were going too fast they would spin the bottom and it would slash your ankles open

    • @riskvideos
      @riskvideos Před 4 lety +2

      I had a slight pain in my ankle when I saw it. Lots of fun times though.

    • @HankM56
      @HankM56 Před 4 lety

      CraftMaster 188 my left ankle still can bend outward cause of it

  • @CutieMiyukiChan
    @CutieMiyukiChan Před 4 lety +449

    i want this man to have his own series

    • @danmcguire7728
      @danmcguire7728 Před 4 lety +6

      He has been on national TV/Cable programs a number of times, fyi as in The Discovery Channel.

    • @FranVianzon
      @FranVianzon Před 4 lety +16

      You can also watch "The Toys that Made Us" on netflix for the same content

    • @Nick-zn1vj
      @Nick-zn1vj Před 4 lety +4

      I can watch him defend doll “SLUTIFICATION” for hours

    • @TheArthurkan
      @TheArthurkan Před 4 lety

      Are you trying to kill him? You saw how shaky his hand was? And you want to give him more human interaction?

    • @Oilerpa
      @Oilerpa Před 4 lety

      It’s called The Toys That Made Us

  • @andreigeeab153
    @andreigeeab153 Před 4 lety +209

    R.I.P to all the tamaghochi's that died since `97

    • @bing_bingbong4684
      @bing_bingbong4684 Před 4 lety +3

      Do you think making me cry is cool ?

    • @yttis3257
      @yttis3257 Před 4 lety

      I never owned one. I borrowed a friend's and was soo careful to keep it alive for the week I had it.

    • @subspace2913
      @subspace2913 Před 4 lety

      I never had one, but I didn't know they could die

    • @goldfishprime
      @goldfishprime Před 4 lety +1

      A spaceship came and took mine.

    • @Zinetha
      @Zinetha Před 4 lety +1

      Mine died when I went to school and my mom forgot to take care of it. We didn't realise there was a reset button in the back and threw it away. I was sad about it for several days.

  • @lionellines6351
    @lionellines6351 Před 4 lety +217

    Just in case, here’s a quick guide to every toy in the video by year, plus a link to click to skip right to each one.
    1969: Snoopy Astronaut - 0:23
    1970: Nerf Ball - 0:49
    1971: Weebles - 1:35
    1972: Uno - 2:18
    1973: Skateboards - 2:57
    1974: Dungeons & Dragons - 4:08
    1975: Pet Rock - 5:13
    1976: The Bionic Woman & Cher - 5:59
    1977: Star Wars Action Figures - 6:59
    1978: Simon - 8:01
    1979: Atari - 8:38
    1980: Rubik’s Cube - 9:24
    1981: He-Man - 10:23
    1982: Care Bears & My Little Pony - 11:20
    1983: Cabbage Patch Kids - 13:03
    1984: Trivial Pursuit - 14:44
    1985: Teddy Ruxpin - 15:20
    1986: Lazer Tag - 16:12
    1987: Jenga - 17:07
    1988: Nintendo Entertainment System - 17:54
    1989: Nintendo Game Boy - 18:26
    1990: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - 19:28
    1991: Super Soaker - 20:15
    1992: Super NES - 20:51
    1993: Barney - 21:34
    1994: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - 22:17
    1995: Beanie Babies - 22:50
    1996: Tickle Me Elmo - 23:34
    1997: Tamagotchi - 24:44
    1998: Furby - 25:37
    1999: Pokémon Cards - 26:19
    2000: Razor Scooter - 26:51
    2001: Bratz Dolls - 27:29
    2002: Beyblade - 28:25
    2003: Robosapien - 29:09
    2004: Puppy Surprise - 29:38
    2005: Webkinz - 30:00
    2006: Nintendo Wii - 30:45
    2007: iPod Touch - 31:29
    2008: Littlest Pet Shop - 32:04
    2009: ZhuZhu Pets - 32:40
    2010: Monster High Dolls - 33:22
    2011: Skylanders - 34:08
    2012: Nintendo Wii U - 34:38
    2013: Tekno - 35:12
    2014: Rainbow Loom - 35:36
    2015: BB-8 - 36:39
    2016: Hatchimals - 37:38
    2017: L.O.L. Surprise! - 38:22
    2018: Fingerlings - 38:55
    I hope this helps! Enjoy the video!

    • @n.jurenic
      @n.jurenic Před 4 lety +7

      i can see my lifespan in your comment, and i feel weird now.

    • @TuberTugger
      @TuberTugger Před 4 lety +3

      Thank you for just saving me 40 minutes

    • @iampoch01
      @iampoch01 Před 3 lety +2

      Thank you. It's still worth a watch but this is very helpful. This should be a sticky.

    • @RetroActionUK
      @RetroActionUK Před 2 lety

      Kenner Star Wars and Masters Of The Universe need to be in place of Star Wars and He-Man.

  • @maureenseel118
    @maureenseel118 Před 4 lety +95

    Interesting that American Girl doll is in the background but never discussed.

    • @thisisntfine6729
      @thisisntfine6729 Před 4 lety +4

      Its irrelevant

    • @maureenseel118
      @maureenseel118 Před 4 lety +4

      @@thisisntfine6729 merely making an observation

    • @JerzCe73
      @JerzCe73 Před 4 lety +3

      I noticed that too. But, it has such a high price point, I think it never really hit that stride. Well, not like Cabbage Patch Kids.

    • @schaddalton
      @schaddalton Před 4 lety +3

      So is a tricycle and Mickey Mouse and others. It's just a set piece for the background.

  • @milkycash
    @milkycash Před 4 lety +886

    Every Year’s Most Popular Toy
    Lego: Am I a joke to you ?

    • @rozsik93
      @rozsik93 Před 4 lety +120

      I think it's same thing with barbie. It is sold for so long that there is no "WOW" element with it. There is no demand for one specyfic set/ doll coz there is always other one.

    • @GuyWithAnAmazingHat
      @GuyWithAnAmazingHat Před 4 lety +60

      Lego's just waiting for Every Century's Most Popular Toy to be made in the future.

    • @boxhead6177
      @boxhead6177 Před 4 lety +60

      The products listed were by the first year they achieved popularity or mainstream success... for Lego, it was more than 50 years ago. 1940s and 50s in europe before expanding to US in 1961.

    • @piyam5948
      @piyam5948 Před 4 lety +14

      Totally thought Lego Star Wars was going to be there

    • @MegiddoTheImmaculate
      @MegiddoTheImmaculate Před 4 lety +12

      @@boxhead6177 if it's by popularity or mainstream success, why is the Wii U on the list? It wasn't popular and was famously not successful for Nintendo.

  • @aricwood869
    @aricwood869 Před 4 lety +239

    This is one of those guys who you would never think to hire as a spokes person or host, yet is undeniably charismatic in a weird way!

    • @llondriga
      @llondriga Před 4 lety +11

      Aric Wood True! I think it might because he is talking about something he knows so well and clearly loves. Whatever the reason is... he makes the video feel short!

  • @bionic_jaden4051
    @bionic_jaden4051 Před 4 lety +96

    Kinda disappointed that he didn’t mention the Transformers 😔

  • @fageskata5219
    @fageskata5219 Před 4 lety +59

    This presenter has an almost Mr. Rogers feeling...a kid at heart for life. Good for him to not be one of the disenchanted depressed people making up today's oi polloi

  • @Ssanzotera
    @Ssanzotera Před 4 lety +127

    Anyone else just get absolutely clueless as to what most of the toys were after like 2013

  • @GeorgesDegoumois
    @GeorgesDegoumois Před 4 lety +703

    I don't know what to do with this information

    • @campusfrogs6487
      @campusfrogs6487 Před 4 lety +17

      Pick your favorite

    • @buffalog6126
      @buffalog6126 Před 4 lety +15

      You are gonna be fun at parties with that information

    • @GeorgesDegoumois
      @GeorgesDegoumois Před 4 lety +54

      @@buffalog6126 Bold of you to assume I get invited to parties

    • @user-zu6ts5fb6g
      @user-zu6ts5fb6g Před 4 lety +3

      @@GeorgesDegoumois dont watch youtube, its rotting your brain

    • @user-zu6ts5fb6g
      @user-zu6ts5fb6g Před 4 lety +1

      if you dont watch the right stuff

  • @JM-co6rf
    @JM-co6rf Před 4 lety +45

    wasn't expecting him to say the word "SLUTIFICATION"

  • @jessiewrites4753
    @jessiewrites4753 Před 4 lety +61

    I was having a panic attack and this video captivated me and interested me so much I forgot about my anxiety. Thanks!

    • @ultraboombean
      @ultraboombean Před 4 lety +8

      I found it soothing as well. I also recommend ' The Toys That Made Us' on Netflix that is also soothing.

    • @yaboyreege7158
      @yaboyreege7158 Před 4 lety +3

      If a simple video distracted you then you weren’t having a “panic attack”

    • @jessiewrites4753
      @jessiewrites4753 Před 4 lety +13

      Chim Konda I didn’t know you were a psychiatrist. Thank you for your insight

    • @yaboyreege7158
      @yaboyreege7158 Před 4 lety +2

      Jessie Writes oh excuse me when I was writing that I was having a panic attack. I became confused and manic and forgot what I had done

    • @jessiewrites4753
      @jessiewrites4753 Před 4 lety +10

      Chim Konda manic episodes don’t come and go in the span of 42 minutes but I’m glad you are feeling better

  • @juno9023
    @juno9023 Před 4 lety +336

    i would be so proud of myself for selling pet rocks 😂

    • @danbrown1344
      @danbrown1344 Před 4 lety +16

      The best of kind of entrepreneur - the type that becomes rich off of something that pretty much anyone could make

  • @KORIBLADE100
    @KORIBLADE100 Před 4 lety +290

    Cant believe binoicles wasn't on here, didn't realize how influential bratz was

    • @axeavier
      @axeavier Před 4 lety +15

      lego in general should've been there but perhaps it wasn't because it was more gendered

    • @axeavier
      @axeavier Před 4 lety +3

      @@Reckreational For sure, and it is still popular to this day but I wouldn't know if it's THE play toy of any year. If it's in terms of sales, I couldn't find which made more. All I know is that bioncle made 100m in the first year and bratz made 2B by 2005 since the 2001 launch. However Bionicle was presented as toy of the year by a toy association. Nevertheless, both are unique. Bratz is interesting since it takes dolls to a different level in customisation and style and Bionicle is neat since it takes the whole lego concept into a completely different direction

    • @toysmostwanted
      @toysmostwanted Před 4 lety +10

      Was surprised Transformers wasn't on the list.

    • @KORIBLADE100
      @KORIBLADE100 Před 4 lety +1

      @@toysmostwanted true, didnt even think of that

    • @irradiatedbadger
      @irradiatedbadger Před 4 lety

      And the bionicle movie should have been nominated for best movie of the year

  • @jellyjamm2799
    @jellyjamm2799 Před 4 lety +36

    “1975... the pet rock”
    Oh... the 70s

  • @mikewilliams6025
    @mikewilliams6025 Před 4 lety +21

    1968: In 2001, after conquering space travel, humanity will transcend into its next phase of being.
    Actual 2001: Bratz!

  • @Highladyfire93
    @Highladyfire93 Před 4 lety +298

    I’m so mad I didn’t see Polly Pockets.

    • @itzzzsss
      @itzzzsss Před 4 lety +18

      Or M.U.S.C.L.E.S., Transformers. Some are mostly toys for parents who got money

    • @hihihihihello
      @hihihihihello Před 4 lety +3

      Polly pockets is dead.

    • @jackdennis706
      @jackdennis706 Před 4 lety +10

      @@itzzzsss Seriously, Transformers was one of the biggest toys of the 80s I don't know how it didn't make it on

    • @HaydenRoberts08
      @HaydenRoberts08 Před 4 lety +5

      And the “boys version” Mighty Max!

    • @ultraboombean
      @ultraboombean Před 4 lety

      @@hihihihihello nah Polly pocket is making a comeback

  • @eubie6506
    @eubie6506 Před 4 lety +291

    this guys needs to be protected at all costs
    but i'm surprised fidget spinners weren't on here!

    • @ReversibleOctopus
      @ReversibleOctopus Před 4 lety +5

      OMG those were THE WORST!

    • @smk33321
      @smk33321 Před 4 lety +34

      Fidget spinners were more of a Summer fad that year, I think this list is more definitive of the holiday seasons

    • @ayingchanda
      @ayingchanda Před 4 lety +2

      Gei

    • @chriswinston1223
      @chriswinston1223 Před 4 lety +8

      It's not a toy. It's a pacifier for iGen idiots when they have to leave their safe spaces.

    • @ORGSE
      @ORGSE Před 4 lety +23

      Chris Winston ok boomer

  • @echotree
    @echotree Před 4 lety +26

    This just reminds me of every toy I wanted as I kid but didn't get lol

  • @ISuckAtTalking
    @ISuckAtTalking Před 4 lety +57

    the fidget spinner was dramatically more popular but whatever

  • @Hyavobi
    @Hyavobi Před 4 lety +121

    And till this day friendships end because of differing uno rules

  • @openingband
    @openingband Před 4 lety +653

    YOU DID NOT SEARCH FOR THIS VIDEO. THIS VIDEO FOUND YOU!

    • @yttis3257
      @yttis3257 Před 4 lety +2

      Back in my day you had to actually go out and search for media. With only your sub feed to guide you.

    • @vistas5823
      @vistas5823 Před 4 lety

      CZcams promotes it to you because it's "safe" content. No worries of it violating guidelines. They would love it if everyone only watched these kinds of channels.

  • @ralphwiggum3134
    @ralphwiggum3134 Před 4 lety +85

    2019's hot seller would be baby Yoda if they could get it to market.

    • @ChescoYT
      @ChescoYT Před 4 lety +2

      Steam PC, but it's free.
      *Edit: Im almost sure i commented on the wrong video...lol

    • @mrcrock2095
      @mrcrock2095 Před 4 lety

      It definitely would be!

  • @NathanRichHotpot
    @NathanRichHotpot Před 4 lety +19

    23:27 That dog is freezing.. get him a heater!

  • @JordanAnthony
    @JordanAnthony Před 4 lety +81

    he really be holding a power rangers in space toy while talking about mighty morphin'.

    • @sails1993
      @sails1993 Před 4 lety +4

      I came here to say it. Thank you

    • @SethRogenable
      @SethRogenable Před 4 lety +4

      There were plenty of discrepancies in this video. I am 28 so that one really stuck out to me.

    • @landonvincent7974
      @landonvincent7974 Před 4 lety

      He also mispronounced "famicom" as "famicon"

    • @THEAnimeHERO
      @THEAnimeHERO Před 4 lety

      There's a few display errors in it. The comics shown for He-Man & TMNT weren't the correct ones for those years.

    • @tylersaez4095
      @tylersaez4095 Před 4 lety +1

      Oh thank God I wasn't the only one who noticed

  • @thelistener1198
    @thelistener1198 Před 4 lety +116

    My pet rock went for a swim in the sea and never came back 😥

  • @erictaylor5462
    @erictaylor5462 Před 4 lety +10

    My parents got me a pet rock, but he didn't pay for one, he just made one.
    It's amazing to me that this product sold so many units, considering that rocks are available for free just about everywhere. All you need is a rock, a box and some shredded paper.

    • @Tanzadog1
      @Tanzadog1 Před 4 lety +7

      @Eric Taylor You obviously didn't read the marketing materials at the time about the dangers of getting wild rocks and treating them as a pet rock :)

  • @StockpileThomas1
    @StockpileThomas1 Před 4 lety +24

    2019 needs a Baby Yoda Furby

    • @peppapigworldworld8889
      @peppapigworldworld8889 Před 4 lety

      tsattostrava there’s already a yoda Furby but I still do agree we need a baby one

    • @Top_Hat_Man
      @Top_Hat_Man Před 4 lety

      1983: Ewoks Are Cute.
      2017: Porgs Are Cute.
      2020: Baby Yoda Is Cute.
      2036: *Spider-Man Batman Chewbacca Is Cute.*

  • @outsider_in
    @outsider_in Před 4 lety +657

    Most popular toy of 2012: *The Wii-U*
    **Press X to Doubt.**

    • @Pusliin
      @Pusliin Před 4 lety +45

      He said in the beginning "Not just popular, but influential ont he later ages" (or something like that).
      It spawned the Nintendo Switch, and you could say it spawned the idea of people using a screen to participate in games played on the big screen, with smaller screens in their hands... If you know about Kahoot or Jackbox TV ;)

    • @GuyWithAnAmazingHat
      @GuyWithAnAmazingHat Před 4 lety +16

      Nintendo might not have the best sales all of the time but they are always the one who makes innovations in gaming, PC, Sony and Microsoft just keeps making higher quality games of existing genres and methods of play with no special innovations comparable to Nintendo.

    • @visualcoco
      @visualcoco Před 4 lety +5

      Ok so what toy debuted and sold better in 2012 than the wii-u? They're basing this list on the release year of the product

    • @JaAiden
      @JaAiden Před 4 lety +7

      @@visualcoco One of the issues is that a lot of the big toys of 2012 were older products. Furby was still huge that year, as were Skylanders, Monster High toys, Beyblades, scooters... a lot of the other stuff on this list. The other toy probably deserving a mention would be "learning tablets" like the LeapFrog tablets, although these had existed well before 2012 and, similar to the Wii U, would burn out soon afterward. So I guess in the end, 2012 was a year where earlier successes clung on, and newer successes wouldn't last.

    • @MegiddoTheImmaculate
      @MegiddoTheImmaculate Před 4 lety +4

      @@visualcoco they're not basing it on the release year. A lot of these are after the toy had already been released. They're basing it on when something achieved notoriety.
      Several toys that were more popular than the Wii U in 2012 include Skylanders and Ninjago. Skylanders was technically released in 2011 but it's also a spin-off of Spyro the Dragon which originally released in 1998. Ninjago was also released in 2011 but it's also technically a Lego spin-off even though they created it as a new property.
      I mean, they have Tekno the Robotic Puppy on the list at 2013 even though it was originally released in 2000. A full 13 years before the place they have it at.
      Either way, the Wii U wasn't popular when it was released. It was never popular and was a financial failure for Nintendo.

  • @pinkjhit7661
    @pinkjhit7661 Před 4 lety +364

    “we don’t know what’s going to be the hot toy for 2019” yes we do, it’s going to be baby yoda

    • @bedinor
      @bedinor Před 4 lety +9

      knockoffs don't count.

    • @k0nidias
      @k0nidias Před 4 lety +28

      Not coming out until like May 2020... they didn't think to make them ahead of time

    • @alwayzzootedgaming4334
      @alwayzzootedgaming4334 Před 4 lety +9

      @@k0nidias they didnt want to spoil The Mandalorian series on Disney plus

    • @blakjack6359
      @blakjack6359 Před 4 lety +6

      Hehe guys baby yoda good lMoA updoots to the left

    • @exodore2000
      @exodore2000 Před 4 lety

      @@alwayzzootedgaming4334 Sure I believe that story.

  • @zombywoof864
    @zombywoof864 Před 2 lety +3

    90s was definitely the decade to be a kid. Toys were in their prime as far as quality, unique, and creative, and let's not forget to mention the entertainment. there was tmnt, goosebumps, Power Rangers, pokemon, Nickelodeon gave birth to Nick toons + other amazing content. It was just pure magic.

  • @akaglty
    @akaglty Před 4 lety +9

    I was very surprised that Transformers didn't appear on the list in the 80's.

  • @carolineiscoolest
    @carolineiscoolest Před 4 lety +215

    bruh what about those little iDog robots??????????

    • @axeavier
      @axeavier Před 4 lety +10

      @@ecmhands poo-chi should've been there, not the aibo or idog

    • @nuhbudi
      @nuhbudi Před 4 lety

      omg throwbacks

    • @freyadavis3287
      @freyadavis3287 Před 4 lety

      Bruh lol

    • @DJ-xx7qi
      @DJ-xx7qi Před 4 lety +1

      Poochi was such a fad... also disappointed when i got one realizing it doesnt actually walk at all lol

    • @The_One_Time
      @The_One_Time Před 4 lety

      ecmhands Aibo isn’t a toy. If it was, who would pay over $2000 dollars for one?

  • @Rome.
    @Rome. Před 4 lety +32

    Netflix "The Toys That Made Us" features some of the more popular toys mentioned here.....

    • @Gtafan-mu6hr
      @Gtafan-mu6hr Před 4 lety +1

      Yeah like Transformers and Star Trek

    • @peppapigworldworld8889
      @peppapigworldworld8889 Před 4 lety +1

      The toys that made us is great I hope it gets a season 4 cause it’s become a annual thing for me because I watched the first season the day it came out I was so hooked

  • @psei64
    @psei64 Před 4 lety +4

    I loved listening to this host! He so obviously loves his job and loves playthings and finds them fascinating even though he's (usually) outside of the suggested age range. As an adult with a particular fascination in toys, it was a joy to hear him speak.

  • @stephanieboynton2745
    @stephanieboynton2745 Před 2 lety

    Hi Eddy! This is Steph. I saw myself in this video! It has been an honor and a pleasure working for you all of these years. You are one of a kind. Love the documentary, so genuine!

  • @djzipster147
    @djzipster147 Před 4 lety +312

    Why'd they make this poor man hold every toy the whole time he was talking with his shaking hands? Set up a table display or something!!

    • @kingjames4886
      @kingjames4886 Před 4 lety +43

      ikr? it's kinda distracting wondering/worrying about this guys shaking.

    • @BeardedDragon645
      @BeardedDragon645 Před 4 lety +49

      @@kingjames4886Its a hand tremor that he can't control. Maybe parkinsons, but really not a big deal

    • @stephhhie17
      @stephhhie17 Před 4 lety +8

      There is a table just below frame. Some of the toys are resting on it.

    • @yttis3257
      @yttis3257 Před 4 lety +10

      He could be really nervous and the items could be anchoring him. Like a comedian that leans on the mic stand.
      Or he could be self conscious about the way he would talk with his hands.

    • @cutiepatooty123
      @cutiepatooty123 Před 4 lety +2

      When I saw him with the Simon Toy

  • @Furgorocho
    @Furgorocho Před 4 lety +55

    I can't believe how people had a rock as a pet.

  • @trevorhunt
    @trevorhunt Před 4 lety +2

    Nostalgia bombardment, thanks Chris and Wired. It'd be amazing to see the runner-ups of each year!

  • @crobinson2624
    @crobinson2624 Před 4 lety +23

    I think beanie babies were really the first “Pokémon” because you had to collect em all.

  • @trevorbatchelor3269
    @trevorbatchelor3269 Před 4 lety +24

    I didnt even know this was made 49 minutes ago, i thought this was something that was in my recommended for months

  • @Gotinox
    @Gotinox Před 4 lety +74

    I really expected to see Transformers and Yu-Gi-Oh cards!

    • @schmootheonly
      @schmootheonly Před 4 lety +2

      Power Rangers kind of covered Transformer like toys, taking it back to its Japanese roots

    • @jewmungus1423
      @jewmungus1423 Před 4 lety +7

      As a 2000s kid, I was expecting both the Nintendo DS and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to make the list

    • @Wheresthepepsibismol
      @Wheresthepepsibismol Před 4 lety

      I expected the Billy Bass

  • @susanfrombflo8368
    @susanfrombflo8368 Před 4 lety +1

    Great list & very entertaining! Thanks Chris Bensch & Strong Museum!

  • @Redvinetv
    @Redvinetv Před 4 lety +107

    I'm worried about his shaking hands :( Be well Mr. Toy Expert!

    • @coco-ls6zq
      @coco-ls6zq Před 4 lety +4

      yeah i noticed that too, looks like stroke after affect

    • @seary2416
      @seary2416 Před 4 lety

      C P or Alzheimer’s?

    • @ajnode
      @ajnode Před 4 lety +9

      he's an alcoholic and the 40 minute recording without a scotch was sending him over the edge

    • @theworldoverheavan560
      @theworldoverheavan560 Před 4 lety

      same

    • @MicahGlover
      @MicahGlover Před 4 lety +28

      It's just tremors. I have them and it's not that big of a deal. There really isn't a cure and the only medication prescribed for it is beta blockers, which suck to take. It hasn't effected me throughout my life and career. I've been an aviation electrician that had to solder tiny wires and rebuild connector plugs with little tiny pins etc. And I'm an artist. The shakes actually help my lines look organic. When drawing foliage I just let my shakes make the random squiggles. The only thing it really limits me on is using an etch-a-sketch. My etch-a-sketch drawings keep erasing while I'm drawing!

  • @amandaengelman5168
    @amandaengelman5168 Před 4 lety +10

    Y'all gotta stop questioning this man's information. You know he can cite his sources.

  • @Speakup117
    @Speakup117 Před 4 lety +5

    Yay! Finally a large company realizes there’s an audience for long form content, it just has to actually have substance. This gentlemen is a wonderful speaker.

  • @peterfrank3365
    @peterfrank3365 Před 4 lety +29

    This guy is exactly how I imagined a toy expert would look like.

  • @littlemisscat20
    @littlemisscat20 Před 4 lety +7

    This video should have come with a childhood nostalgia warning

  • @AverytheCubanAmerican
    @AverytheCubanAmerican Před 4 lety +108

    That Mickey in the background is creepy

    • @aboodyboi
      @aboodyboi Před 4 lety +4

      That doll in japanese schoolgirl uniform is creepier

    • @sominboy2757
      @sominboy2757 Před 4 lety +4

      The mouse knows all

    • @joehealey3835
      @joehealey3835 Před 4 lety +3

      Mickey has F I N G E R S

    • @esuelle
      @esuelle Před 4 lety +5

      It represents the ever watching eye of big Disney.

  • @amelia3841
    @amelia3841 Před 4 lety +15

    it's crazy to me that tekno the dog came out like 2000 but wasn't most popular till 2013!

  • @Bluewolverine
    @Bluewolverine Před 4 lety

    Great video. I really enjoyed the quick delivery of the information with presenting the products as they are discussed.

  • @bostero2
    @bostero2 Před 4 lety +10

    “Little play things have a special appeal”
    That’s going in my tinder profile...

  • @gothstrap
    @gothstrap Před 4 lety +16

    just looking at that razor scooter made my ankle bones hurt

  • @justtryingtounderstand440
    @justtryingtounderstand440 Před 4 lety +80

    WTF nothing about Transformers or G.I. Joe in the mid 80's

    • @samuellucci1511
      @samuellucci1511 Před 4 lety +5

      He-Man nabbed that spot

    • @Gtafan-mu6hr
      @Gtafan-mu6hr Před 4 lety +17

      F*** He-man. Transformers and G.I. Joe are better than f***ing He-man

    • @wesleymendez906
      @wesleymendez906 Před 4 lety +2

      Ok Boomer

    • @hydrolito
      @hydrolito Před 4 lety +2

      He didn't mention Voltron either.

    • @trans8010
      @trans8010 Před 4 lety +1

      @@Gtafan-mu6hr He-Man sold more toys than Gi Joe and Transformers. They got this one right.

  • @babysisdolls3336
    @babysisdolls3336 Před 4 lety +20

    i played with every single toy...he talked about..age 57.

    • @9tailsfan203
      @9tailsfan203 Před 4 lety

      lol me too except i'm 40. I had a lot of hand me down toys when i was little. But there's a few i skipped out on ,the pet rock for example

  • @sarahcoleman5269
    @sarahcoleman5269 Před 4 lety +2

    My parents actually won a radio contest in just before Christmas 1985, they won either a shopping spree or a selection of popular toys. I just remember it being a particularly bountiful year. Part of the prize was a Teddy Ruxbin, which included a cassette tape, a booklet, and a video. We used to have a picture somewhere of my brother and I zonked out with Teddy Ruxbin between us. XD

  • @sominboy2757
    @sominboy2757 Před 4 lety +42

    16:13 hol up, you could BUY Lazer Tag equipment IN A STORE???????

    • @KingNoob7
      @KingNoob7 Před 4 lety +2

      @@SWEbear021 they sell something like that now. It has a chest piece and a few different guns you can buy.

    • @kingjames4886
      @kingjames4886 Před 4 lety +4

      as far as I'm aware they still sell crappy consumer laser tag kits...

    • @natatatt
      @natatatt Před 4 lety

      Yep, used to play it with my 2 siblings back in the day. Pretty low tech though, you had to be quite near each other to successfully hit someone.

    • @chucklebutt4470
      @chucklebutt4470 Před 4 lety +1

      The best thing about those IR tag games is hitting them with a tv remote

    • @kingjames4886
      @kingjames4886 Před 4 lety

      @@chucklebutt4470 "set phasers to wide beam" lmao

  • @Pasakoye
    @Pasakoye Před 4 lety +16

    When it comes to Star Wars toys, you can't just have one storm trooper, you gotta buy a few.

    • @futuramayeah
      @futuramayeah Před 4 lety +2

      i never thought to do that , but when you say that, it makes sense

    • @tomstradetable6940
      @tomstradetable6940 Před 4 lety +2

      And yet, today they neglect army buildable characters for more reys

    • @hydrolito
      @hydrolito Před 4 lety

      All the Storm Troopers wore the same white uniforms so how would you tell them apart?

    • @tomstradetable6940
      @tomstradetable6940 Před 4 lety

      different weathering? perhaps markings for squads, legions, armies

  • @twitchster77
    @twitchster77 Před 4 lety +7

    This was really enjoyable and hit me in all of my nostalgias.

  • @christopherbraune04
    @christopherbraune04 Před 4 lety +8

    Where’s the LEGO!!!

  • @RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia
    @RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia Před 4 lety +11

    You didn’t mention Pogs... I remember them being just as big as the others on this list.

  • @abbiealterman
    @abbiealterman Před 4 lety +62

    Fun fact: Xavier Roberts did not come up with the idea of cabbage patch kids, google it. It’s awful and very interesting

    • @the.legit.batman
      @the.legit.batman Před 4 lety +10

      I was looking for this comment, the actual story is horrible :(

    • @kaitie648
      @kaitie648 Před 4 lety +3

      Thank you! It’s very sad how he stole the idea.

    • @93Nippon
      @93Nippon Před 4 lety +5

      I was really hoping this was mentioned in the video... I hate when people credit that guy!

    • @g0i2023
      @g0i2023 Před 4 lety +4

      Same thing happened to the poor soul who shared his idea of gourmet jelly beans with, what he believed, was his good friend. Instead, as Jelly Belly became a billion dollar sensation, the man who created the product originally was living in a trailer and broke and heart broken. To this day, I love Jelly Bellies, but I can't stand to know their father of phenomenon flavour and quality lost everything to a very mean and nothing sweet person. Look for the documentary, "Candy Man," (he wasn't allowed to use the actual name of his own candy in the title,) I think it's called, about the story of Jelly Belly.

  • @laurasims7948
    @laurasims7948 Před 4 lety

    Thank you, Chris for a great video! Would love to see another!

  • @HollieForrest
    @HollieForrest Před 4 lety +12

    I loved my bratz dolls and to this day I remember that blue car with the built in radio, I thought that was the coolest toy!!! I loved Myscene dolls too lol!!! Good times! ❤️

    • @ultraboombean
      @ultraboombean Před 4 lety

      Dude we had the radio car too. That was so cool. We always drove the car to the TV as a drive in movie for the dolls. Lmao we always got snacks set up too 🤣🤣

  • @danieladamico5485
    @danieladamico5485 Před 4 lety +4

    This video was SO good, I had so much fun. Thanks Wired and Mr. Bensch!

  • @Kceam
    @Kceam Před 4 lety +56

    No Lego? Or is that just because it was founded before 1969?

    • @KillaP4ND47
      @KillaP4ND47 Před 4 lety +3

      That’s what I’m saying, it’s one of the most sold toys in the world

    • @WIRED
      @WIRED  Před 4 lety +37

      Yup! It’s from before 1969, Kceam. Thanks for watching and commenting!

    • @Minotaur1975
      @Minotaur1975 Před 4 lety +4

      Probably because it's never been the "must have" thing in a particular year

    • @jendubay3782
      @jendubay3782 Před 4 lety +2

      WIRED also how is puppy surprise 2004? I had them in the 80s. Also cabbage patch was a stolen idea, the Pokémon cards shown aren’t real Pokémon cards, and you got the wrong version of power rangers for what you’re talking about.

  • @victors6062
    @victors6062 Před 4 lety +1

    Chris Bensch needs a CZcams channel of his own, there's a lot to talk of the toys he'd just presented, some others that didn't get in the list, and I'm very curious of the toys that are behind him. Chris seems to really love every toy he talks about.

  • @enjoyeverything4662
    @enjoyeverything4662 Před 4 lety +3

    This is my top five youtube videos I've ever watched. Chris loves his job and I'm happy for him for it

  • @tremendoussdynamite
    @tremendoussdynamite Před 4 lety +44

    This is the most interesting thing I’ve watched all year

  • @KenDanielMurphy
    @KenDanielMurphy Před 4 lety

    Thanks for the tour!

  • @StorytellerStudios
    @StorytellerStudios Před 4 lety

    Concise and clear review. Well done!

  • @coleworld8265
    @coleworld8265 Před 4 lety +9

    Seeing that the Wii U, a console that was consider d a failure, could make the list gives me hope for being successful in the future

  • @zig131
    @zig131 Před 4 lety +10

    26:18 Says Pokemon Cards but shows Topps Pokemon Stickers...

  • @TorQueMoD
    @TorQueMoD Před 4 lety +7

    No Transformers or GI Joe and the Wi U? This list is fired!

  • @SteelersCardinals1
    @SteelersCardinals1 Před 4 lety +1

    This video clearly showed me when my childhood ended. Thanks, Wired.

  • @abihrbacek9235
    @abihrbacek9235 Před 4 lety +6

    I remember robosapian so vaguely, it was weird to see again

  • @JoseAlba87
    @JoseAlba87 Před 4 lety +39

    Iteresting to see that Nintendo Switch didn't make on list.

    • @mythoughtsexactly2145
      @mythoughtsexactly2145 Před 4 lety +4

      Well in a sense the wiiu did made the switch successful if you think about it

    • @OlafLesniak
      @OlafLesniak Před 4 lety +4

      @@mythoughtsexactly2145 Wii U was a failure. To omit the Switch over the Wii U is a crime.

    • @TheSquareOnes
      @TheSquareOnes Před 4 lety +8

      @@OlafLesniak They obviously didn't come out the same year so they aren't in competition for the same slot, the inclusion of one had no bearing on the inclusion of the other.

    • @OlafLesniak
      @OlafLesniak Před 4 lety +1

      @@TheSquareOnes Have you heard of the toy hs chose for 2017?

    • @lenaertsjelke
      @lenaertsjelke Před 4 lety +8

      Olaf Lesniak it’s not surprising at all. LOL is huge. If you enter a toy store they’re literally everywhere and whenever they release a new product it’s gone very quickly.

  • @kmartdamien89
    @kmartdamien89 Před 4 lety

    This was such a refreshing Video I enjoyed seeing some of the earlyer toys that perhaps my parents grew up with and those that I had fond memories of growing up

  • @DBabbers
    @DBabbers Před 4 lety +1

    I love Chris, I want more videos with this man.

  • @rainbowmustachereviews
    @rainbowmustachereviews Před 4 lety +18

    Me: ooh toys
    Me: *sees that the video is 40 minutes long*
    Me: oh I’ll watch it anyway lol

  • @Kceam
    @Kceam Před 4 lety +58

    I thought there would be Fidget Spinners for 2017

    • @diegocornejo9223
      @diegocornejo9223 Před 4 lety +1

      Same

    • @sominboy2757
      @sominboy2757 Před 4 lety

      They came out spring/summer not christmas

    • @chucklebutt4470
      @chucklebutt4470 Před 4 lety +1

      It's crazy how fast fads come in and out nowadays. If fidget spinners were sold in like 1985 they'd demolish lol. haven't seen the whole video yet but does he mention the hula hoop? Actually, that's probably before '69 *just looked it up* hula hoops came out in 1956! I imagine the plastiques weren't as good as the newer ones tho.

    • @herzen9857
      @herzen9857 Před 4 lety

      I think it isn't in there because it's more of a fidgeting toy than a normal toy.
      I don't know how exactly to explain it.

    • @lillianward2810
      @lillianward2810 Před 4 lety

      【Chucklebutt】 ʘ‿ʘ oddly, the year Hula Hoops came out the company didn’t make a profit when they first became big. They went into huge production to meet the demand but then everyone sort of maxed out; it wasn’t the kind of toy that needed multiples of or had to be replaced.

  • @ClockworkWyrm
    @ClockworkWyrm Před 4 lety +3

    I can't like this video enough. This guy is living my dream job.

  • @dogmosatchmo
    @dogmosatchmo Před 4 lety +2

    Seeing Teddy Ruxpins face, got my eyes misty. Great memories with him.

  • @solidus0079
    @solidus0079 Před 4 lety +10

    1984: Trivial Pursuit
    *Optimus Prime weeps electric tears*

    • @jwprimetime9795
      @jwprimetime9795 Před 4 lety

      Trivial Pursuit question “what is the second best toy in 1984 after transformers?” --answer “me”.

    • @spacewolfcub
      @spacewolfcub Před 4 lety

      And yet, Cards Against Humanity did not make the list anywhere... -.-

  • @Sanorace
    @Sanorace Před 4 lety +22

    I feel like this glosses over nonbranded toys like slime and squishies. Those were much more popular and influential toys last year than whatever those finger things were.

    • @seelfire4725
      @seelfire4725 Před 4 lety +4

      but they prob are spread over diffrent companies, those fingerlings were only sold by one comp so all the income got funnelt into one number :o

  • @kristoffercedric4565
    @kristoffercedric4565 Před 4 lety +4

    Forget the toys, watching Chris explain everything so eloquently was worth the 40 mins and change.

  • @justinsullivan6392
    @justinsullivan6392 Před 4 lety

    This man speaks with passion and it's really beautiful. Makes me want to play too. Well done to him.

  • @brendaborrego6472
    @brendaborrego6472 Před 4 lety +7

    I like this man, I want to give him a hug.

  • @MrE_
    @MrE_ Před 4 lety +13

    I just wanted to hear someone talk about Ninja Turtles again

  • @ferr3tonze
    @ferr3tonze Před 4 lety

    This takes me back

  • @russelldobbins8290
    @russelldobbins8290 Před 4 lety

    this was so fun to watch, the razor scooter, tickle me elmo, pokemon cards, all of those were definitely the most popular must have toys of the year.

  • @thinlion01
    @thinlion01 Před 4 lety +95

    2019 or 2020 is gonna be Baby Yoda!

    • @Robotneonunicorn
      @Robotneonunicorn Před 4 lety +1

      thinlion01 I hope so! I really want one!

    • @JoaoPessoa86
      @JoaoPessoa86 Před 4 lety +1

      @@Robotneonunicorn it looks like they won't be available until April

    • @goldfishprime
      @goldfishprime Před 4 lety +1

      Young fool, if only you knew the power of the dark side.

    • @Robotneonunicorn
      @Robotneonunicorn Před 4 lety +1

      Fulano de Tal the plush comes out late May! Just preordered on amazon