One of the most noticeable characteristics of the kids from the Gen X is their toys. From Hot Wheels to Barbie, these toys helped define an era. If you are unfamiliar with this generation you can click <HERE> for a great definition. Below is a brief walk down what toys we played with growing up.
What toys did we play with?
We loved to play with many different toys and were also the first to play with many electronic toys and board games that are still popular today! Some of these electronic games included Simon, Electronic Battleship, handheld sports games, and Operation. Other best-selling non-electronic toys include Twister, regular Battleship, and Hot Wheels/Matchbox cars. Until circa 1978 introduced the 3.75 inch figures for the upcoming Star wars movie.
This single toy line from an unknown company called Kenner, spawned the action figure market that is still quite popular today.
Gen x GI Joe Toys:
Kenner’s success with the new scale of action figures from their Star Wars movie line caught the attention of Hasbro. They realized that they could bring back their 12 inch GI Joe line that ran from 1963 and was discontinued in 1976 due to lagging sales. The new GI Joe would be re-introduced in the 3.75 inch scale with added articulaion. The new size would also allow the toy company to make a plethora of vehicles and playsets.
This re-launch pioneered several tactics in toy marketing, combining traditional advertising with an animated television mini-series and a comic book. The new line was a huge success, to the point that in 1985, Hasbro released the largest toy playset to date; (7 feet long) under the GI Joe moniker, The USS. Flagg:
He-Man ~ M.A.S.K. ~ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Then in 1982 The Masters of the Universe line had also come out with 6 inch figures and playsets:
Kenner was at it again in 1985 with the creation of M.A.S.K. which stands for; (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand:)
In 1984 Playmates wanted to get a piece of the success and introduced the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Gen 1 Transformers ~ Robotech ~ Voltron:
1984 seemed to be a banner year for Hasbro. They were in their 3rd year of a very successful G.I. Joe re-launch and released one of arguably the most popular and iconic toy lines that has weathered almost 40 years, numerous animated shows, and movies. Yup you guess it, the line is non other than ~ The Transformers:
Robotech originally came out in 1985 and was shortly followed by their very own toy line by Matchbox:
The Voltron force captured the imagination of kids in 1984. Matchbox and Panosh Place both cashed in onit’s popularity:
Many, many other Gen X Toys:
There are many more toy lines that have not been listed in this article. This is just a very brief overview of some of the most popular toy lines. If you would like me to add any other toy lines, drop a comment below!