Toys · 1978
The Galactic Dawn of Modern Play
In 1978, toy shelves transformed as sci-fi blockbusters drove unprecedented demand for action figures, while electronic games redefined family entertainment. From iconic miniature heroes to blinking memory games, standard play gave way to futuristic pop-culture sensations.
- Kenner | Action Figures | USA
Kenner Star Wars Action Figures
Millions of children rushed to store shelves to finally collect 3.75-inch figures of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Han Solo after months of waiting.
- Milton Bradley | Electronic Game | USA
Simon
Unveiled at New York's Studio 54, this glowing circular memory game challenged players to repeat increasingly complex sequences of flashing lights and tones.
- LEGO Group | Building Toy | Denmark
LEGO Minifigure & Classic Space
The debut of movable minifigures with iconic facial expressions revolutionized LEGO sets, landing alongside the beloved yellow and blue Classic Space line.
- Milton Bradley | Board Game | USA
Hungry Hungry Hippos
A fast-paced tabletop feeding frenzy where four plastic hippopotamuses snapped up rolling marbles as players frantically pounded plastic levers.
- Texas Instruments | Electronic Toy | USA
Speak & Spell
Featuring groundbreaking solid-state speech synthesis, this bright red handheld computer helped kids learn spelling through a synthesized robotic voice.
- Mego Corp | Action Figures | USA
Mego KISS Action Figures
Dressed in theatrical rock costumes, 12-inch figures of Starchild, Demon, Spaceman, and Catman brought glam rock style directly into kids' playrooms.
- Mattel | Toy Vehicle | USA
Mattel Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper
Capitalizing on television's premier space opera, this sleek starfighter toy let kids stage dramatic dogfights against the Cylon Empire.
- Topps | Trading Cards | USA
Topps Superman: The Movie Trading Cards
Wax packs containing full-color movie stills, character bios, and sticks of bubble gum captivated fans eager for Christopher Reeve's big-screen debut.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?