Battle Strikers Starter Set Review
Battle Strikers Starter Set Review
The Battle Strikers Starter Set Review takes us back to the whirring, clashing chaos of Christmas 2009, when Mega Brands introduced kids to one of the most fast-paced battling toys of the decade. Think Beyblades with a turbo boost — Battle Strikers turned spinning tops into a competitive, skill-based showdown powered by magnetic controllers. For many kids, the Starter Set was their entry point into a whole new world of battling fun, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about gifts of the year.
The Arrival of Battle Strikers in 2009
By 2009, the toy industry had already seen huge success with battling spinners thanks to the Beyblade craze earlier in the decade. But Mega Brands knew they had something fresh to offer. Battle Strikers introduced a unique magnetic control system that gave players real-time influence over their spinners in the arena. This wasn’t just “launch and wait” — it was active battling where skill and timing determined the winner.
Landing a spot on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2009 list put the Starter Set firmly in the spotlight. Children across the UK begged parents for their chance to command these spinning warriors, and retailers quickly learned to keep stock ready for the December rush.
What Came in the Battle Strikers Starter Set
The Starter Set was designed to give kids everything they needed to jump straight into battle. Inside the box, you typically found:
- Two fully assembled Battle Strikers tops, each with a unique design
- Two turbo launchers to fire the Strikers into the arena at high speed
- Two magnetic controllers, allowing players to “steer” their Strikers during play
- A small battle arena or surface to keep the action contained
This combination meant that kids could start battling right away without needing any additional packs. The controllers in particular were a game-changer, letting players swoop, collide, and outmanoeuvre their opponent’s Striker in real-time. The sensation of pulling a Striker into an epic crash felt unlike anything else on the market.
Why Kids Loved It
The appeal of the Battle Strikers Starter Set came down to two things: speed and control. The Strikers spun at incredible velocity thanks to the turbo launcher system, creating a sense of excitement and unpredictability. But unlike traditional spinning-top toys, kids weren’t just spectators. The magnetic controllers gave them a hands-on role in the outcome of every match, and that interaction made battles feel thrilling and personal.
The Starter Set also encouraged rivalry and competition. Kids could battle one-on-one, or invite friends to bring their own Strikers for chaotic group matches. Much like trading cards or action figures, Battle Strikers had a “collect them all” appeal, but it all started with that first Starter Set under the Christmas tree.
Parents’ Perspective
For parents in 2009, the Starter Set was an attractive option compared to pricier electronic gifts. Retailing around £25–£30, it provided hours of replayable fun without batteries or screens. Parents appreciated the social aspect — it got kids away from TV shows and video games, encouraging face-to-face competition with friends. The durable design of the tops also meant they could take a beating without breaking easily.
On the downside, the fast-moving Strikers sometimes caused chaos in living rooms, and the temptation to expand into more Striker packs added costs over time. Still, most families found it a worthwhile purchase that delivered excellent value as a main Christmas gift.
The Christmas 2009 Craze
Battle Strikers weren’t quite as universally dominant as Bakugan or LEGO that year, but they carved out a serious niche among kids who loved action-packed toys. Television advertising and schoolyard buzz helped propel the brand into mainstream attention, and by December many toy aisles dedicated full shelves to Battle Strikers products. The Starter Set was the foundation of the craze, giving kids their first taste of the excitement and leaving them hungry for expansions.
Parents reported shortages in some areas, with popular designs of Strikers selling out quickly. The combination of collectability and competitive gameplay made Battle Strikers one of those toys you simply had to have if your friends were already in on the action.
Comparisons to Other 2009 Toys
In the same Top 10 Christmas Toys 2009 lineup, Battle Strikers went head-to-head with other big-name toys like Bakugan and LEGO. While Bakugan focused on trading and strategy, Battle Strikers delivered instant, physical fun that kids could jump into without learning complex rules. Against Zhu Zhu Pets’ electronic charm and LEGO’s creative play, Battle Strikers offered something rawer and more competitive. It may not have been the single most popular toy of the year, but it filled a gap for kids craving head-to-head action.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Although Battle Strikers enjoyed strong sales and a devoted fanbase in 2009, its cultural impact didn’t last as long as some of its competitors. The toy line eventually faded from shelves as trends shifted back toward digital play and larger franchise-driven brands. Still, for the kids who experienced the craze, Battle Strikers are remembered fondly as “the tops you could actually control.”
Today, the toy is sometimes seen as a cult classic — a brilliant idea that burned bright for a few years before fading. Collectors still hunt for sets online, and videos of Battle Strikers battles continue to circulate among nostalgic fans.
Resale Value and Collectability
Unlike LEGO or Bakugan, Battle Strikers didn’t become a long-term collector’s market. However, sealed Starter Sets from the 2009–2010 period still attract buyers on eBay, often selling for £40–£60 depending on condition. For nostalgic adults who remember battling in school halls or at Christmas gatherings, owning a piece of that history can be worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
The Battle Strikers Starter Set Review highlights why this toy made such an impact during Christmas 2009. It was innovative, competitive, and genuinely fun, bringing a new level of interactivity to the world of battling tops. While it didn’t have the staying power of some other 2009 favourites, it remains a nostalgic gem for those who grew up with it. The Starter Set gave kids everything they needed to dive straight into the action, and for many, it was one of the most exciting gifts they ever unwrapped.
If you enjoyed this look back, explore our other pages including Mega Brands Christmas Toys, Must-Have Christmas Toys, and What Toys Were Popular Last Year. For forward planning, check out our Best Christmas Toys 2025 guide to see which toys might dominate this Christmas.
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