Hexbug

My dad came to visit and was looking for a toy to give his godson (who is also my cousin) on his return home. He wasn't really sure which toys would most interest his godson or which toys were the latest or which were the most sought after on the market. Hey, the last time my dad played with a toy was quite a while back. My dad just said that's not true. Whatever the case may be...

In Target, my dad just perused the isles to find just the right toy. He noticed a toy called the Hexbug (named for the shape of the packaging as opposed to the number of legs) and instantly became interested in the toy.

He described his interest in the toy as being curious. He was excited that there was a toy out there that was robotic.

Hexbug was placed on the market in 2007 as a part of the HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures line. According to the website, "People are drawn to the HEXBUG brand for our products’ fascinating behavior, intelligent bug-like attributes and eye-catching packaging. Some of the products are so animated, they even fool cats, dogs and some humans into thinking they are alive!" Source:( http://www.hexbug.com/about).

My dad and I couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact, my dad was so excited after learning about the brand that he wanted me to write a post on it. So here I am writing a post. Although, I must say that I enjoy writing about it just as much as he enjoys watching the Hexbugs work and talking about them.

A Hexbug is defined on the Hexbug's site (http://www.hexbug.com/) as:
 "1. a micro robotic creature that reacts to its environment or that you control.
  2. An innovative, battery powered high-tech toy.
  3. Fun for all ages!"

There are several types of Hexbugs:
1) Original Hexbug, Nano, XL, Warrior (sizes/functions)
2) Ant
3) Crab
4) Inchworm
5) Larva
6) Scarab
7) Spider

I must say that Hexbug's website is really nice. They have great pictures of each Hexbug, videos, reviews, a Hexbug store and links to their Twitter, Google+, Facebook and Pinterest accounts.

RadioShack right now has a sale on the Hexbugs (http://www.radioshack.com/home/index.jsp). Some of these toys are even sold out online. I mention that because my dad and I went to five target stores in the state that I live in to look for them ( We weren't exclusively looking for Hexbugs. We were just 'site-seeing and if there was a Target in walking distance, we would walk in). One of the Target clerks called three stores and certain popular Hexbugs were sold out! We didn't realize that they were also sold in several US stores.

When my cousin got the Hexbug, he played with it until the battery died out. That's how much fun he had playing with it!

We had never heard about the product before but were pleasantly surprised by not only how they moved but by the fact that some selections were sold out in Target.

My dad did have a few ideas though. Firstly, he wished that there were more advertisements in Target about the Hexbug so we could know what they really were, how they worked and what made them different from other toys. He also commented that it would also be nice if they were rechargeable.

Overall, with the robotics and the heads actually spinning around, the products are a lot of fun. The robotic concept of the toy is what makes it so different from other toys out there on the market. The most fascinating thing for me, is how the legs move. I think it would also be nice to get the kids involved and excited about robotics before they hit high school. I think it would be a fun way to get them interested in robotics, math, engineering and the sciences. It's also a great way for kids to connect with one another in a wholesome way.

My dad wanted to buy one for himself. He couldn't decided on which size or bug was right for him. He was really impressed that a few years ago, this would just be a dream. He was amazed that he could play with something like this in this day and age.

By the way, the prices range depending on the size and make. Check them out and be the judge.

I was not paid or asked to give this review. These are just my comments on cool things that I'm interested in and hopefully others are interested in reading about before they purchase them.

What do you guys think about the Hexbug? Which ones would you like to buy/play with? In your opinion, what is the coolest thing about Hexbugs? What makes them more interesting than other toys on the market today? Do any of you all own a Hexbug? Are you interested in purchasing one or just curious? Don't be afraid to leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

This is one of the Hexbug's that we got. My dad bought another for his Little Brother (lol...he does our community's equivalent of Big Brother/Little Brother's volunteering.)