Toy giant Hasbro has announced the return of its iconic Furby - a robotic fluffy toy that was hugely popular after its launch in the late 90s.
The toys will be available “to a new generation of kids” from July 15 and the creatures come in two new colours, purple and coral.
The Furby was first launched by Hasbro in 1998 and 40 million of them were sold globally in the three years following. The toys were known for speaking their own language, ‘Furbish’.
The phenomenon sparked a collector craze which drove auction prices above retail prices and was even banned from the National Security Agency (NSA) premises in Maryland.
As technology improved, so did the Furby toy - including its infrared eyes being replaced with two small LCD screens - until it was eventually shelved in 2016 amid declining demand.
The first Furby had infrared eyes which allowed them to communicate with each other. It could also be taught to say a selection of words. Hasbro then developed a smartphone and tablet app, which could translate Furby’s warblings into English.
This summer the creatures have been given a modern upgrade.
“For the brand’s 25th anniversary, we wanted to ignite the same excitement for this new generation by harnessing Furby’s power of nostalgia while giving Gen Alpha everything they crave,” Hasbro spokesperson Kristin McKay said.
The new versions feature five voice activated modes and over 600 responses, including lights, sounds, and 10 songs.
The five modes are: Dance Party, Copy Cat, Tell My Fortune, Let’s Chill or Lightshow.
Ms McKay said: “We’ve done a lot of research to understand what kids would want to see in a new Furby.
“Through this research, kids told us that it was important for Furby to be their ultimate best friend – a furry companion to do all the things a BFF would do, like dance to music, share fortunes, meditate, mimic each other in silly voices, and even put on a light show.”
Furby toys will also respond to “hugs, pats, belly tickles, shaking, and feeding of its pretend Pizza Charm”, Hasbro explained.
Children can care for their Furby by feeding them, combing their fur and dressing them up with included clip-on beads and fashion accessories.
Furby will be available on Amazon and all major retailers.
