Nerf guns are always going to be a hit- they've been popular for decades, and it looks like they're going to stay that way for at least a few decades more. But Nerf's also branching out, and their latest line of toys, scheduled to release this 2015 holiday season, are nothing like Nerf fans are used to.
This newest line of Nerf guns, called the Nerf Rival line, are much more like a serious paintball gun or airsoft weapon. The weapons' design is less kiddy (although still made of colorful plastic, obviously) and will pack a much more potent hit when firing on someone else- it's been described as similar to a paintball gun, rather than the usual cushy Nerf balls, bullets or other projectiles.
Blaster Labs also has a description of the Rival line, straight from Hasbro headquarters:
"It's time to choose a side. In 2015, the NERF brand introduces the new RIVAL line, a new segment designed for an older audience and created to offer fans ages 14 and up a competitive, team-based experience. Build your collection with the RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster and the RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 blaster, both designed with high-impact power and precision battling in mind."
"Loaded with all new NERF RIVAL foam rounds, the design of which allows for ultimate accuracy and high velocity, NERF RIVAL blasters bring NERF battles to a whole new level. Show team pride and suit up in the NERF RIVAL Face Mask, available for both Team Red and Team Blue. It's NERF or NOTHIN'!"
The products are described as having a release date in Fall 2015, and they may send Nerf into an entirely new market- one that was recently held by other, more "serious" weapons like airsoft and paintball. If Nerf can get a foothold in those markets, they could grow to an entirely new level.
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