For over 30 years, Micro Machines have been bringing big fun in a micro size. Our miniature vehicles, playsets, and collectibles capture the imagination and take you back to the good ol’ days.
A Brief History
It all started back in the 1980s when the Galoob Toys company introduced Micro Machines to the world. These tiny scale replica cars, planes, trains, and playsets became an instant hit among kids and collectors alike.
The first Micro Machines toys hit the market in 1987. They featured a clever advertising campaign with actor John Moschitta Jr. speaking incredibly fast to highlight how many vehicles fit in each playset. Kids were amazed that Galoob could pack so much detail on toys half the size of a matchbox car!
Part of the appeal was the realistic textures, colors, and moving parts. Micro Machines incorporated real-life vehicle designs like the Suzuki Samurai, Dodge Viper RT/10, and Chevy Camaro. The model sizes ranged from 1:150 to 1:250 scale.
Early playsets included the popular Super Van City and Aircraft Carrier which allowed you to race, launch, and play out adventures. Part of the fun was collecting all the different vehicles and building your fleet. Galoob released new models frequently to keep their mighty micros exciting.
Throughout the 90s, Micro Machines continued expanding into new licenses for even more collectability. Popular themes included Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, and Nintendo. Kids could re-enact scenes from their favorite movies or video games.
In 1994, Galoob was acquired by Hasbro but Micro Machines lived on. Many classic vehicles got new updated versions alongside cutting-edge model concepts. Racing playsets evolved to incorporate loops, jumps, elevators and crashing actions.
Micro Machines took a hiatus in the late 2000s as interests shifted. But the brand came back swinging in 2015 after being re-licensed by Super Impulse. Modern sets incorporate popular licenses like Jurassic World, Hot Wheels, Power Rangers, and Call of Duty.
Today Micro Machines remain a staple in the toy collector world. Adults who grew up with Micro Machines now share their passion with a new generation. As toy tech improves, the future looks small but mighty.
Our Mission
The Micro Machines brand aims to inspire big, fast, freewheeling fun. We believe the iconic line of miniaturized vehicles, playsets, and collectibles brings out the inner child in all of us.
Our mission focuses on three core principles:
- Authenticity – Each Micro Machine is crafted to realistically capture the essence of the full-size vehicle it represents, right down to the finest details. We take pride in getting things right.
- Imagination – Micro Machines encourage hands-on, open-ended play. Kids can devise their own stories and adventures. There’s no wrong way to have fun.
- Community – For over 30 years Micro Machines have created a passionate, loyal community of collectors. We want to honor that heritage while introducing Micro Mania to new generations.
Everything we do goes back to making playtime as awesome as possible. The Micro Machines brand has always overflowed with imagination and personality. Our mission is to keep that inventive spirit alive.
When you open a Micro Machine, it unlocks a micro world of possibilities.
Our Values
Authenticity – We stay true to the signature Micro Machines aesthetic in every release. Our designers carefully study real-world vehicles to authentically shrink them down. You’ll find expertly replicated textures, colors, decals and moving parts. From muscle cars to construction equipment, we aim to do justice to all the meticulous details that make each vehicle unique.
Quality – Each Micro Machine meets high standards of quality control and durability. We use strong, child-safe plastics that can withstand rigorous play. Parts move smoothly right out of the package. And we diligently inspect paint jobs for proper coverage. You’re getting a premium toy built to last.
Innovation – The Micro Machines brand has always pushed the envelope on tiny toy engineering. We’re constantly experimenting with new ways to amaze fans. Our playsets incorporate house-brand tech to enable crashing, launching, looping and elevator movements you have to see to believe. We give classic vehicles modern upgrades while preserving their retro charm. You never know what we’ll think up next.
Fun – Micro Machines overflow with personality. Our themes and playsets are designed purely to maximize smiles. You’ll find tons of fun features that encourage adventure – ramps, jumps, surprise elements and hidden tricks. We also collaborate with cool pop culture licenses kids love. While our toys cultivate imagination, our main goal is sparking joy.
Community – Micro Machines have created generations of passionate collectors. We greatly respect the nostalgia and heritage of our brand. Our community is like family. We love hearing your stories and suggestions. Social media allows us to connect with fans in ways that were impossible decades ago. And we hope to pass along the Micro Machines legacy to a new era of imaginative kids.
Our Approach
The Micro Machines brand takes a creative, hands-on approach to designing our products:
- We meticulously study real full-size vehicles to capture every detail in micro form. Our designers are obsessing over every texture, color, decal and part to replicate it accurately.
- We use state-of-the-art 3D modeling software and rigorous prototyping to craft each Micro Machine. Modern digital techniques combine with old-school sculpting finesse.
- Moving parts must be engineered to perfectly fit the shrunken scale. The components inside each Micro Machine are precision-built to produce smooth rolling and motion.
- Our sculptors hand paint color schemes and graphics that pop visually. We match the paint choices to real automotive finishes. Tiny tampos recreate authentic badges and liveries.
- Rigorous quality control and testing ensures each Micro Machine meets our standards. We examine decorations closely and test performance thoroughly before packaging.
- Our designers invent creative playsets that enhance the imaginative fun. Raceways, launchers, elevators and crash zones add interactive thrills. The sets encourage kids to dream up their own adventures.
- We work with inventive partners and licenses to develop new themes that align with our mission. Reinterpreting popular brands in Micro Machine form opens fun crossover possibilities.
Our goal is always maximizing authenticity and durability. Each Micro Machine may be tiny in size, but it overflows with big personality. We take pride in capturing the full essence of iconic vehicles in micro form factor.
Our History and Heritage
Micro Machines have a rich heritage spanning over 30 years of toy history. Here are some highlights:
- Galoob launched Micro Machines onto the market in 1987 with an initial lineup of realistic mini cars and trucks. Their clever TV commercials featured the iconic fast-talking spokesperson.
- The vehicles quickly became a hit for their authentic detail. Early playsets like the Super Van City and Aircraft Carrier also proved popular.
- Through the 90s, the brand expanded into licensed themes like Star Wars, Transformers, Star Trek, Nintendo and more. This opened new storytelling possibilities.
- In 1994, Galoob was acquired by Hasbro but Micro Machines lived on. The brand reached peak popularity in the mid 90s.
- Hasbro gradually retooled many classic Micro Machines with new features and gimmicks. Track sets evolved to include more stunts and crashes.
- The line went on hiatus in the late 2000s as interests shifted. But Micro Machines returned after being re-licensed by Super Impulse in 2015.
- Today’s releases combine classic vehicles with modern licenses like Jurassic World, Power Rangers, Hot Wheels, Call of Duty and Fortnite.
- Micro Machines have cultivated several generations of passionate collectors. Adults love sharing their nostalgic childhood toys with kids.
- As technology improves, Micro Machines incorporate more advanced features while staying true to their identity. The future looks small but mighty!
We take great pride in continuing the Micro Machines legacy. Our designers study vintage releases to faithfully preserve specific details fans love. We also enjoy experimenting with modern updates. But the core mission remains capturing the essence of iconic vehicles in miniature form. Micro Machines have carved out a special place in toy history.
Our Design Process
A lot of care and craftsmanship goes into designing each unique Micro Machine. Here’s a look behind the scenes:
Idea Generation – Our designers carefully select which specific vehicles will become future Micro releases. They analyze fan suggestions, popular culture trends, and iconic automotive styles to pick the most exciting options.
Research – Next we gather extensive reference materials on the chosen real-world vehicle. Our team studies photos from all angles to understand the textures, curves, graphics, and details that define its visual identity.
Sketches – With research in hand, designers begin rough hand-drawn sketches imagining how to translate key elements into Micro form. This helps align the team on which details take priority.
3D Modeling – Digital sculptors recreate the vehicle in intricate 3D models on computers. The tiny scales require special techniques and precision. Hundreds of tiny tweaks fine-tune the proportions.
Prototyping – 3D printing technology allows us to quickly create physical prototypes of the developing designs. Seeing test models in real life guides refinements. We repeat this process until each vehicle looks just right.
Engineering – Our engineers figure out how to make all the parts move realistically. The mechanisms must smoothly fit the compact size but still be durable. Brand-new tooling gets custom crafted.
Graphics – Next we digitally wrap the 3D model with graphics matching the real vehicle’s paint scheme and liveries. Our illustrators hand paint some details for authenticity. Applying tampos transfers tiny logos and badges.
Testing – Before manufacturing begins, prototypes go through stringent evaluation. We check for proper part Fit, smooth Function, and consistent paint and tampo alignment durability. Our quality control ensures the design meets all Micro Machine criteria.
Manufacturing – Once approved, molds get CNC machined to precisely produce each part in toy-grade plastics. The pieces come together on assembly lines adding decoration, assembling, and packaging.
Playtesting – Before releasing a new Micro Machine, children test out prototypes for feedback. Seeing the toys in action helps us perfect the play experience and make final tweaks.
Reimagining real vehicles in micro form takes considerable effort. But the care put into each conversion pays off in the intricate details fans love. Our goal is always capturing the full essence of any car, truck or machine – even at tiny scales.
Our Playsets
Micro Machines wouldn’t be complete without awesome playsets for racing and adventures. Here’s an overview of our playset highlights:
- Super Van City – One of the first Micro Machine playsets from Galoob. This meticulous cityscape has roads, buildings, and ramps to race around.
- Aircraft Carrier – Another early classic, featuring a ship deck to launch planes from. Cranes and elevators move aircraft around.
- Transforming Playsets – Modern playsets convert from one mode to another. The Gas N’ Dash station expands from a gas pump to a service center.
- Star Wars Playsets – Let your Micro Machines re-enact scenes from the films. Locations include the Death Star, Hoth, and Tatooine.
- Connectable Tracks – Our specialty track pieces snap together easily. Loop the Loop, Spiral Racer, Corkscrew Chaos and more create wild stunts.
- Crash Racers – These ramped raceways encourage crashing vehicles together for exciting wipeouts. Spin Launchers add even more chaotic energy.
- Car Wash/Service Station – Realistic locations to clean and maintain your micro fleet. The Car Wash has spinning brushes and moving platforms.
- Collector’s Cases – Display your Micro Machines collection in style. Cases feature roads, city backgrounds and themed decorations to enhance display.
Part of the fun is collecting Micro Machines to populate your expanding playsets. New locations create endless storytelling possibilities. Our sets aim to spark imagination while showcasing your micro collection.
Our Most Popular Themes
Micro Machines incorporate many exciting pop culture licenses across TV, film, video games, and more. Here are some of our most popular themed collections:
Star Wars
Recreate your favorite Star Wars battles, chases, and adventures with iconic ships and vehicles from across the saga. Locations like the Death Star, Tatooine, and Hoth inspire galactic playset adventures.
Transformers
Micro Machine versions of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and other robots in disguise capture the essence of these robots in miniature disguise. Let the Autobot vs. Decepticon battle rage on!
Hot Wheels
This crossover merges two iconic toy vehicle brands. Micro Machine versions of classic Hot Wheels like Skull Crusher, Rodger Dodger, and Twin Mill combine nostalgia and novelty.
Jurassic World
Build your own micro Jurassic Park with 4×4 trucks, Jurassic Tour vehicles, and of course, iconic Jeeps to escape from rampaging dinos!
Fast & Furious
Fans of the high-octane Fast & Furious films can collect Dom’s Dodge Charger, Letty’s Plymouth Road Runner, and other iconic racing machines from the movies.
World of Nintendo
Recreate 8-bit adventures with Micro Machines versions of Mario Kart vehicles, Metroid spacecraft, Legend of Zelda items, and other Nintendo icons.
Call of Duty
This first-person shooter classic gets a Micro makeover with iconic multiplayer maps and vehicles like the Multiplayer Helicopter, ATV, and Armored Truck.
Our diverse theme collections aim to capture the essence of popular franchises in micro form. We work closely with partners to celebrate brands fans passionately love.
The Future
Micro Machines have come a long way in 30+ years while staying true to their identity. As toy tech keeps improving, our future looks both tiny and mighty.
Here’s a glimpse at what’s on the horizon:
- More Hyper-Detail – Advancing fabrication technology allows for even more intricate textures, graphics, and moving components to fit compact scales.
- New Scales – We continue expanding the Micro Machines size range for more variety. Imagine even tinier “micro-micros” or jumbo “mega-micros!”
- Advanced Play – Future playsets can incorporate smart sensors, robotics and other tech to enable interactive autonomous driving, stunts and more.
- Digital Integration – Apps, AR and other digital tools open new possibilities to enhance the play experience. But real-world imagination always comes first.
- Fresh Themes – As iconic brands emerge in pop culture, we can’t wait to add unique new vehicles to the Micro Machine universe for collectors to discover.
- Customization – Increased manufacturing agility could allow for small-batch production of fan-designed Micro Machines through contests, crowdfunding or on-demand fabrication.
- Community Connection – With web tools we hope to empower fans to shape future Micro Machine designs through engagement, feedback and co-creation.
We believe Micro Machines will continue thrilling future generations just as they have for the past 30 years. Passionate play and collecting never goes out of style. The mighty micro revolution has only just begun. We can’t wait to surprise and delight fans with what’s next.
At our core, we remain committed to our mission of authenticity, imagination and community. Everything starts with our love for iconic vehicles – capturing their essence and personality in imaginative micro form. When you hold a Micro Machine, you hold history in the palm of your hand. Here’s to 30 more years of big fun in a micro size!
