Lazer Tag Electronic Game Top 10 Christmas Toys 1986

Lazer Tag Electronic Game Top 10 Christmas Toys 1986

The Lazer Tag Electronic Game of 1986 brought the thrill of futuristic battles into gardens and living rooms across the UK. Children strapped on electronic vests, picked up laser guns, and ran around pretending to be space warriors. Inspired by sci-fi blockbusters like Star Wars, the toy captured the excitement of high-tech combat in a safe, child-friendly format. For kids who unwrapped Lazer Tag that Christmas, it wasn’t just a game—it was the closest they could get to living out their sci-fi dreams.

1986: A Year in Context

1986 in the UK was a year marked by big cultural moments. Top Gun ruled the cinema, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster shocked the world, and video games were becoming a permanent fixture in homes. Against this backdrop, Lazer Tag felt futuristic, tapping into children’s fascination with technology and space adventures. It was a toy perfectly suited to the imagination of the time.

How Lazer Tag Worked

The set included a gun (called a “StarLyte”) and a chest sensor that registered hits. Players aimed at each other and fired invisible infrared beams—if your vest registered a hit, you were “out.” The system allowed for thrilling head-to-head battles or team games, turning gardens, playgrounds, and even hallways into laser arenas. It gave children the adrenaline of combat play without danger, combining elements of video games and outdoor fun (see Lazer Tag history).

Christmas Morning Excitement

On Christmas Day 1986, children who received Lazer Tag often dashed straight outside, battling siblings, cousins, and even parents. Parents remember the laughter and chaos of kids hiding behind furniture or racing through snow-covered gardens. For many, it was the most exciting toy of the year, encouraging both physical activity and imagination. Unlike board games or action figures, Lazer Tag turned the whole house into a playground.

Adverts and Popularity

Lazer Tag was promoted with futuristic adverts showing kids in glowing vests firing beams of light in epic battles. The marketing played heavily on the sci-fi craze of the eighties, and children bought into the fantasy completely. By the end of 1986, Lazer Tag had become a global sensation, even sparking competitions and leagues. It wasn’t just a toy—it was a lifestyle fad that had kids begging parents for extra guns and accessories.

Price Then and Now

In 1986, the Lazer Tag Electronic Game retailed for around £39.99, about £120 in today’s money. It was considered a premium toy, often a “main present” under the tree. Today, vintage Lazer Tag sets are collector’s items, with working models fetching high prices. Modern laser tag systems owe their existence to this pioneering toy, which set the standard for interactive electronic play.

Why Kids Loved It

Children loved Lazer Tag because it turned them into heroes of their own action films. The thrill of chasing friends with futuristic weapons, the excitement of scoring a hit, and the imaginative stories built around battles made it addictive. Unlike static toys, Lazer Tag encouraged physical play, teamwork, and strategy. It stood out as one of the first toys that truly blended technology with active fun.

Nostalgia and Legacy

For many who grew up in the eighties, Lazer Tag is remembered as one of the most exciting toys of their childhood. Adults today recall the chaos of indoor battles, the pride of owning the gear, and the envy of friends who didn’t have it. Lazer Tag sparked an entire industry of laser arena games that still thrive today. It remains a nostalgic icon of eighties play, representing the perfect blend of sci-fi and fun.

1986 Christmas Memories

Families remember Christmas mornings filled with laughter, as kids transformed homes into battle zones. Parents often joined in, making it a rare toy that bridged the gap between children and adults. For many, it wasn’t just a toy—it was the highlight of the entire festive season, creating memories that lasted long after the batteries ran out.

Conclusion

The Lazer Tag Electronic Game of 1986 was a groundbreaking toy that brought sci-fi battles into everyday life. With its mix of technology, activity, and imagination, it became one of the most iconic Christmas gifts of the decade. If you remember unwrapping one, explore the nostalgia in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 1986 archive. See how it compares with the most popular Christmas toys, and check how interactive toys have evolved in our Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 guide. Decades later, Lazer Tag still shines as one of the most thrilling play experiences ever created.

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