# Mobile-Controlled Racing Toys Scalextric's Spark Plug Lets Racers Control Cars & Restrict Power By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-05-10 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racing-toys References: [toyworldmag](https://toyworldmag.co.uk/news/scalextric-launches-spark-plug/) & [scalextric](https://www.scalextric.com/uk-en/spark-plug-wireless-dongle.html) Scalextric's Spark Plug [plug-in dongle and app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-plug-play-systems) gives players the ability to control their Scalextric [racing toy cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-2-fast-card-racers) with a smartphone or tablet, rather than using a traditional handheld controller. In addition to serving as a wireless controller for the toy cars, the Spark Plug app also gives users the chance to play with Single Player or Versus modes—in the latter, players can compete with others using a Spark Plug and boost their own cars and restrict power from their opponents. The immersive racing toy experience can be enhanced with music from a device's library, as well as a personalized racing screen and profile. Scalextric's [track system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-snap-track-system) can be used with character vehicles, including Batman, Wonder Women and Superman, and can be configured in different layouts. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Mobile-controlled Toys:** Toy companies can integrate mobile-controlled features to showcase the versatility of their product lines and bring in new customers. - **App-enabled Gaming:** Developers can leverage the gamification trend by creating app-enabled gaming experiences with real-life toys and accessories. - **Multi-player Toy Games:** Toy manufacturers may incorporate multi-player modes with networking capabilities to provide immersive, group play experiences for customers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy:** The toy industry can leverage mobile and app technology to create unique, interactive experiences, and increase customer engagement. - **Gaming:** The gaming industry may explore the potential of app-controlled real-life gaming, evolving the industry altogether. - **Technology:** The technology industry may collaborate with toy and gaming developers to bring unique mobile app-controlled experiences into the tech realm. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Racing Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-racing.md) - [Light-Powered Racing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightn-race.md) - [Camera-Equipped Remote Control Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snt-micro-fpv-car.md) - [Programming Code-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerone-2.md) - [Transforming Racetrack Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/racetrack-toy.md) - [Technical Education Car Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gocar.md) - [AI-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocar.md) - [Eco-Friendly Racing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turbo-edge-riders.md) - [Retro Plug-and-Play Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-plug-play-systems.md)