<!-- canonical: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-toy -->
<!-- robots: noindex -->

# Retro Touchless Toys
Simon Air Sees the Retro Toy Receive a Modern Handsfree Update

By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-02-16 | Life-Stages
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-toy
References: [geeky-gadgets](http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/21st-century-simon-air-memory-game-is-now-use-hands-free-technology-16-02-2016/) & [hasbrotoyshop](http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/)

Those that remember the original Simon game will recall the button-pressing madness that ensured with each round, but the new [Simon Air](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/training-system) updates the retro toy with a touchless interface.

Created by [Hasbro](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bop-it) as a way to help update traditional toys from the brand, Simon Air works by simply enabling players to move/wave their hands in front of embedded sensors. Set for a fall 2016 release to coincide with the Christmas season, Simon Air is a modern take on the classic retro toy.

Technologies like smartphones and tablets have gained market share with consumers thanks in part to innovative apps and games. With the release of the Simon Air from Hasbro, the brand is moving to regain old consumers and entice new ones to reinvigorate the gaming market.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.1/10
- Popularity: 40% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Touchless Interface Toys:** The Simon Air game introduces a touchless interface to enhance the retro toy experience.
- **Retro Toy Modernization:** Hasbro's Simon Air represents the trend of updating traditional toys with modern features.
- **Tech-integrated Gaming:** The release of Simon Air showcases the integration of technology and physical gaming experiences.

### Where This Applies

- **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers have an opportunity to incorporate touchless technology into their product lines.
- **Gaming:** The gaming industry can explore how to combine physical and digital elements to create immersive experiences like Simon Air.
- **Consumer Electronics:** The introduction of touchless toys like Simon Air opens up possibilities for incorporating similar technology into consumer electronic devices.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Foundation-Supporting '90s Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bop-it.md)
- [Nostalgic Motion Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hungry-hungry-hippos-move-n-munch.md)
- [Retro Plug-and-Play Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-plug-play-systems.md)
- [Digital Floating Pet Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitzee.md)
- [Next-Gen Fuzzy Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-furby.md)
- [Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-classic.md)
- [AI-Powered OUIJA Board](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-ouija-board.md)
- [Challenging Sensory Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quick-pops.md)
- [Modernized Nostalgic Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tin-cans.md)
