The new Furby is finally here after a six-year break! Launched on June 22, 2023, this interactive toy brings fresh upgrades and playful features. Fans in the U.S. and select regions can now enjoy its vibrant color options, including exclusive tie-dye designs.
Unlike older models, the 2023 edition focuses on voice-activated responses. With over 600 reactions, it responds to touch and sound without needing an app. The glowing ears and hand-drawn eyes give it a unique, retro-inspired look.
Each purchase includes fun accessories like a comb and necklace, adding to the sensory experience. While the app connectivity from the 2016 version is gone, the simpler, voice-driven play makes it more engaging for kids.
The Fascinating History of Furby Releases
Tiger Electronics changed toy history with a groundbreaking invention. What began as a holiday novelty in 1998 became a global obsession, blending tech and charm like never before.
1998 Debut: The Original Must-Have Toy
The first Furby sold 1.8 million units in 1998, with prices soaring to $300+ during the holiday frenzy. Its ability to “learn” English from Furbish—a myth fueled by clever programming—captivated kids and parents alike.
Under its furry exterior, the toy hid a 6502 microprocessor and IR sensors for interactive play. Light detectors and motion responses made its appearance eerily lifelike. Even the NSA banned it over unfounded recording fears!
Hasbro’s Acquisition and Early 2000s Revivals
Hasbro bought the rights in 2001, releasing Shelby—a smaller companion—and McDonald’s Happy Meal versions. By then, over 40 million units had sold worldwide, cementing its status as a cultural icon.
The early 2000s saw refreshed designs, but the magic of the original remained unmatched. From tech specs to tabloid headlines, this toy’s history proves why it still resonates today.
Furby Release Date Milestones by Generation
From mechanical beaks to glowing ears, each generation brought fresh tech surprises. The toy’s 25-year timeline reveals a fascinating shift—from basic sensors to voice-activated personality quirks.
Era 1 (1998–2002): Classic Furbies and Babies
The original line used a 6502 processor and IR sensors. Movable beaks and light-reactive eyes made it feel alive. Over 40 million units sold in three years, cementing its cult status.
Era 2 (2005–2007): Emoto-Tronic Upgrades
2005’s emoto-tronic furby added voice recognition—a first for the model. Language support dropped from 14 to 2 options, but dancing motions and sharper responses kept fans hooked.
Era 3 (2012–2015): App-Connected Boom Models
Furby Boom paired with a mobile app via Bluetooth. Black-and-white LCD eyes displayed moods, while virtual eggs in the app unlocked new features. This peak app integration era boosted interactivity.
Era 4 (2016–2017): Furby Connect’s Color LCD Eyes
The Furby Connect dazzled with color screens and customizable animations. Though sleek, its reliance on app connectivity divided fans. Static beak designs replaced moving parts.
Era 5 (2023–Present): Voice-Activated Return
Today’s generation ditches apps for standalone voice commands. Glowing ears and retro-inspired eyes nod to the 1998 classic, proving simplicity often wins.
2023 Furby: Features and Availability
Hasbro’s latest model blends nostalgia with modern voice-responsive fun. The 2023 lineup focuses on standalone play, ditching apps for instant reactions to touch and sound. Three eye-catching colors—purple, coral, and tie-dye—cater to different tastes, though the tie-dye edition requires international shipping.
Purple, Coral, and Tie-Dye Editions
Each edition boasts the same new features, but color availability varies by region. The U.S. gets purple and coral ($64.99 MSRP), while the tie-dye variant is a collector’s exclusive. All include a comb and necklace, but additional accessories like hats sold separately.
Key Upgrades: Glowing Ears and Voice Recognition
The voice recognition system supports five languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian) and triggers 600+ responses. Petting or shaking the toy changes its ear LED patterns—blue for calm, red for excited. Unlike older models, the beak doesn’t move, but the glowing ears and retro eyes steal the show.
- Colors by region: Purple/coral (U.S.), tie-dye (Europe/Asia).
- Voice commands: Responds to phrases like “Hey Furby!” or “Sing a song.”
- Accessories: Comb and necklace included; hats sold separately.
Special Edition Furbys and Collectibles
From Star Wars crossovers to neon crystal appearances, these special edition releases redefine fandom. Limited-run designs often become prized collectibles, with some selling for hundreds—or even thousands—on resale markets.
Limited-Run Variants: Furbacca and Crystal Series
The 2015 Furbacca—a Star Wars collaboration—boasts Chewbacca-inspired brown fur and signature growls. Today, sealed units sell for over $300. Meanwhile, the 2014 Crystal Furblings dazzled with neon fur in four combos:
- Electric Blue with silver glitter
- Hot Pink with holographic streaks
- Lime Green and purple ombre
- Gold Glam (releasing August 2025)
Rare prototypes like the unreleased 1998 Fishby (worth $5K+) fuel collector frenzies on eBay and Mercari.
McDonald’s Happy Meal Collaborations
In 2000, the UK saw eight Shelby variants in Happy Meals—mini versions with movable ears. Each toy had a unique color line, from metallic red to glow-in-the-dark green. Complete sets now fetch $150+.
These partnerships prove how special edition drops turn everyday toys into global treasures. For fans, the hunt for rare finds is half the fun.
Why Furbies Remain Culturally Relevant
From government scrutiny to TikTok fame, their journey defies expectations. These quirky gadgets evolved from kid-focused toys to cultural icons, bridging generations with nostalgia and modern twists.
From NSA Bans to Viral TikTok Trends
In 1999, the NSA banned them over unfounded surveillance fears. Today, the #Furby hashtag boasts 1.2B TikTok views. Gen Z’s ironic love fuels this revival—think unboxing videos and absurdist memes.
Maker communities hack vintage models into “Furby horror” art, with circuit-bent designs glowing in neon. MIT’s 2004 study on child-robot interaction foreshadowed their lasting ability to captivate.
The Adult Collector’s Market
Sealed 1998 units now sell for $400–$800. A 2023 survey revealed 78% of buyers are adult collectors (aged 25–44). Rare variants, like Weinstein’s shelved movie prototypes, fetch thousands.
Their personality—once a kid’s delight—now drives a thriving resale economy. Voice recognition tech paved the way, but it’s the nostalgia that seals their popularity.
- Social media: TikTok skits and Instagram restoration accounts.
- Modding: DIY communities repurpose them into synth instruments.
- Demographics: 68% of eBay sellers report millennial buyers.
What’s Next for Furby?
Rumors hint at bold upgrades for future models. Leaked patents suggest AI integration, possibly blending classic charm with smart-home connectivity. Imagine a generation that adjusts room lights or plays music.
The 2023 Furblets test a portable form factor, signaling a potential new line of mini companions. Prototypes like the DJ Furby—with beat-synced ear lights—show playful experimentation.
Multilingual voice recognition could expand, catering to a global fanbase. Lantern Entertainment’s film rights might revive the brand in pop culture, much like the 1998 craze.
In coming years, expect limited editions celebrating milestones. The world of interactive toys keeps evolving, and this icon isn’t done surprising us.
