Yep, today was a big day, with Hasbro putting out a press release and descriptions for toys across all of its brands. For Nerf, there were four big items, though. Let’s look at the info and dissect!
Press Release Info
As per the Hasbro Newsroom:
NERF ULTRA SPEED BLASTER (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $71.99/Available: 8/1/2022) Bring superior speed to the battle! The NERF ULTRA SPEED BLASTER is the fastest-firing NERF ULTRA BLASTER, unleashing 7 darts per second with fully-motorized dart blasting (requires 6x 1.5v C alkaline batteries not included). The blaster includes two 12-dart clips — launch a dozen darts in a row from 1 clip, then load the second clip to pour on a dozen more. The blaster also comes with 24 NERF ACCUSTRIKE ULTRA foam darts, the most accurate NERF ULTRA darts. With speed and accuracy at your fingertips, you’re ready to take the lead in NERF games. Eyewear recommended (not included). Available at most major toy retailers.
NERF FORTNITE COMPACT SMG MOTORIZED DART BLASTER (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $38.99 /Available: 8/1/2022) Inspired by the equipment used in Fortnite, the NERF FORTNITE COMPACT SMG MOTORIZED DART BLASTER comes in the Ultra Red Wrap from the popular video game! Power up lots of fastblasting fun with this motorized dart blaster that unleashes 8 darts in a row. Hold down the acceleration button to activate the motor then pull the trigger to blast 1 dart. The COMPACT SMG MOTORIZED DART BLASTER includes 8 Official NERF ELITE foam darts that load into the blaster’s internal 8-dart clip. Official NERF darts are great for indoor and outdoor battles and are tested and approved for performance and quality. A rubberized grip helps you keep a firm hold on the blaster as you take aim at your targets. Eyewear recommended (not included). Requires 4x 1.5v AA alkaline batteries (not included).
NERF ROBLOX ZOMBIE ATTACK: VIPER STRIKE DART BLASTER (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $44.99 /Available: 8/1/2022) Launch into dart-blasting zombie battles with the NERF ROBLOX ZOMBIE ATTACK: VIPER STRIKE DART BLASTER! Inspired by the Roblox experience Zombie Attack by wenlocktoad vs indra, the blaster includes a special code that allows you to redeem an exclusive virtual item on Roblox!* Sink your fangs into dart-blasting fun with this blaster that features a cool snake design and includes a removable 6-dart clip and 6 NERF ELITE foam darts and has bolt-action priming. Load the clip, slide the priming bolt, and pull the trigger to blast 1 dart. Use the attached bipod to help steady your aim and fold it up when not in use. The nonremovable scope helps with targeting. Official NERF darts are tested and approved for performance and quality and are great for indoor and outdoor games. Eyewear recommended (not included).
NERF MINECRAFT SABREWING MOTORIZED BOW (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $44.99 /Available: 8/1/2022) NERF and Minecraft come together to bring you the NERF MINECRAFT SABREWING MOTORIZED BOW that takes its inspiration from the popular game, Minecraft Dungeons! Experience real bow action and motorized dart blasting. Pull back the string with the priming handle to power up the motor, and press the blast button to fire 1 dart. The bow includes an 8-dart clip, so go ahead and unleash 8 darts in a row before it’s time to reload. The NERF MINECRAFT SABREWING MOTORIZED BOW includes 8 official NERF ELITE foam darts that are tested and approved for performance and quality and are great for indoor and outdoor NERF battles. Eyewear recommended (not included). Requires 4x 1.5v AA alkaline batteries (not included).
My Thoughts
Okay, the Viper Strike is a little out there. I think that’s as nice as I can put it because I really can’t see this being a big seller.
The SMG is an interesting concept, although having an internal clip does limit its usefulness. Flywheel blasters excel at rapidly firing off darts, and having to constantly top up an internal magazine takes away that advantage. In that regard, I like the Sabrewing much more. Not only is it a fun type of silly (pull back the string to rev the motors, and rapid-fire darts), it’s also capable of taking clips. You could legitimately use it in a war!
Finally…the Ultra Speed. It is expensive, but it promises a lot. Assuming it can keep up dart velocity at that rate of fire, you could have fun with it. Twelve-round clips are an improvement, though the rate of fire really needs more capacity to go with it. And if Hasbro actually sticks with Accustrike Ultra Darts and makes them more readily available (i.e. the main type out there), Ultra could see a light at the end of the tunnel. We’ll just have to wait and see.
