Hasbro is looking to cash in on nostalgia by bringing back Tiger Electronics handheld LCD games that became popular during the ‘90s.
Hasbro, the parent company of Tiger Electronics, announced on Wednesday that it will be releasing four new versions of the classic handheld: The Little Mermaid, Transformers: Generation 2, X-Men Project X, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Featuring monochromatic graphics displayed on top of a static and colorful backdrop, the new versions of the handhelds play a single game and have a control setup similar to the originals. Hasbro said that the design and technology of the new versions “were created with the original handheld game unit in mind.” Each unit is powered by two AA batteries, which are not included with the games.
All four versions are now available for pre-order at Entertainment Earth for $14.99 each, with shipping slated for August.
Pre-order
The Little Mermaid Tiger Electronics Handheld Video Game
It's a journey of discovery as players help Ariel pick up human possessions. But beware of Ursula, the evil sea witch!
$14.99
Pre-order
Transformers Tiger Electronics Handheld Video Game
Play as Optimus Prime and battle to stop the Decepticons from causing total destruction
$14.99
Pre-order
Marvel X-Men Tiger Electronics Handheld Video Game
Play as Cyclops and fire optic lasers to defeat evil mutants Juggernaut and Apocalypse
$14.99
Pre-order
Sonic the Hedgehog Tiger Electronics Handheld Video Game
An exciting adventure where players try to defeat Dr. Eggman in all 6 stages to win the game
$14.99
Though the originals’ static background and blinking game elements made them confusing and difficult to play, the fact that they were very affordable and available everywhere made them a hit during the ‘90s. And since the new versions still have the originals’ outdated graphics and plain gameplay, it’s clear that they are not meant for today’s kids, but for ‘80s and ‘90s babies that would likely buy them for good old time’s sake.
This isn’t the first time a ‘90s LCD handheld has been relaunched. Back in 2017, Bandai Namco revived its line of Tamagotchi, a handheld digital pet released in 1996, which became one of the biggest toy fads of the 1990s and early 2000s.