Furby Review

Furby Review

The Furby Review takes us into the quirky, ever-changing world of Hasbro’s most famous interactive pet. Making a major comeback in 2012, Furby landed a coveted spot on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2012 list, charming a new generation of children while giving nostalgic parents flashbacks to the original late-90s craze. With its unpredictable personality, expressive LCD eyes, and “Easter egg” responses, this reimagined Furby proved that some toys never really go out of style — they just evolve.

In this detailed review, we’ll look at how Hasbro reinvented Furby for 2012, the features that made it a Christmas best-seller, and why it became one of the year’s must-have Christmas toys. From its interactive personality shifts to its integration with mobile apps, Furby was more than just a talking plush — it was a digital companion with a mind of its own.

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The Legacy of Furby

First released in 1998, the original Furby became a cultural phenomenon, with millions sold worldwide. Known for its gibberish “Furbish” language and gradually learning English, the toy was a hit with both kids and collectors. By 2012, Hasbro decided to reboot the franchise with cutting-edge features while keeping the playful unpredictability that made it famous.

The 2012 Furby came in a range of vibrant colours and patterns, from neon animal prints to soft pastel shades. Each one featured moving ears, a motorised beak, and expressive eyes displayed on high-resolution LCD screens — a huge leap from the static eyes of the original.

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Interactive Features and Technology

What made the 2012 Furby truly special was its evolving personality. The more you interacted with it, the more its behaviour and tone of voice would change. Treat it kindly, and you’d have a sweet, giggly companion. Tease it, and you might unlock a sassy or mischievous Furby persona.

Furby’s LCD eyes displayed everything from heart shapes to dramatic side-eye glances, enhancing its emotional range. Built-in motion and sound sensors allowed it to respond to touch, voice, and music. You could even place two Furbies together and watch them “chat” in Furbish, creating a hilarious back-and-forth that felt unscripted.

For tech-savvy kids, Hasbro introduced the Furby app, which allowed you to “feed” your pet digitally, translate Furbish into English, and play mini-games. This app extended Furby’s lifespan as a toy, giving children new ways to interact beyond the physical plush.

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Play Value and Appeal

Furby’s unique blend of physical and digital play made it one of the most popular Christmas toys of 2012. Younger children loved its cuddly exterior and silly noises, while older kids enjoyed experimenting to see how its personality would change. The unpredictability meant no two play sessions were quite the same, keeping engagement high.

Parents found Furby appealing because it encouraged social play — children often played with their friends’ Furbies, comparing personalities and discovering hidden behaviours together. This collectability factor led to many households owning more than one.

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Why Furby Was a 2012 Christmas Sensation

Several factors cemented Furby’s place on Christmas lists:

• Brand Legacy – The original Furby’s reputation created built-in hype.
• Tech Integration – The app brought a fresh, modern edge.
• Customisation Through Play – Behaviour evolved based on user interaction.
• Social Toy – Encouraged children to play together in person.
• Range of Styles – Dozens of colours and patterns for personal expression.

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Collector’s Perspective

Collectors appreciated the 2012 range for its diversity in colours and limited editions. Some rare patterns, like the “Cotton Candy” pastel swirl or the “Tiger Stripe” neon, became highly sought-after on resale sites within months of release.

While the original late-90s Furbies are prized for nostalgia, the 2012 models have begun to gain recognition in their own right, particularly when sold in mint condition with the box and app code still unused.

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Consumer Feedback

Parents and kids alike left glowing reviews in 2012. One customer shared, “My daughter laughs out loud at the silly things her Furby says — I haven’t seen her this entertained in years.” Another wrote, “It’s almost creepy how alive it seems, but that’s exactly what makes it brilliant.”

Not every review was perfect — some parents noted that Furby’s chatter could become “a bit much” during long car journeys, but this was easily solved with the on/off switch (or removing the batteries if peace and quiet was essential).

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Buying Tips

If you’re searching for a 2012 Furby today, your best bet is online marketplaces or specialist toy shops. Check our best places to buy Christmas toys online guide for current availability. Be aware that colours and patterns affect price — rarer versions can command double the average market value.

For the most interactive experience, try pairing two 2012 Furbies together or connecting via the original app. While the app is no longer officially supported, many fan communities have found ways to keep it working on modern devices.

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Verdict

The 2012 Furby was more than just a reboot — it was a reinvention that captured the magic of the original while adding enough modern twists to keep children and collectors hooked. Its place on the Top 10 Toys This Christmas list was well deserved, and its interactive, personality-driven play kept it relevant long after the wrapping paper was cleared away.

From its wide variety of styles to its evolving moods, Furby offered something different from the average plush or gadget. Even today, it remains a fascinating example of how a classic toy can adapt for a new generation.

Discover more festive favourites from Hasbro on our Hasbro Christmas Toys brand page, or explore the full lineup in our 2012 toy archive.

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