NERF BRAND TIMELINE
1969
THE “WORLD’S FIRST OFFICIAL INDOOR BALL”
The NERF ball was introduced as the "world's first official indoor ball." It was marketed with the messaging "Throw it indoors; you can't damage lamps or break windows. You can't hurt babies or old people." By the year's end, millions of NERF balls had been sold.
1972
NERF SPORTS SEGMENT BEGINS
A basketball game called “NERFoop” and the NERF football officially joined the family, starting the Nerf Sports segment.
1983
LIVING ROOM BASEBALL
NERF Baseball was released, allowing living room baseball for the first time.
1989
THE SOAKING BEGINS
The Soaking Begins: The introduction of the Power Drencher (the original name for SUPER SOAKER) revolutionized the world of water blasters. Invented by Lonnie Johnson, an aerospace engineer from Atlanta, Georgia, this blaster, later named the SUPER SOAKER 50, used patented air pressure technology resulting in the ability to shoot large quantities of water further and faster than any other product on the market. Entering the 90’s, the name was changed to the SUPER SOAKER brand, and in 2010 the brand joined the NERF family.
NERF BLAST-A-BALL
The Blast-a-Ball utilized ballistic balls and was packaged with two blasters, encouraging fans to play together.
1991
HASBRO BUYS NERF
Tonka Corporation (including Kenner Products and Parker Brothers) is purchased by Hasbro, Inc. and NERF becomes a Hasbro brand. NERF introduces its first bow and arrow.
1992
THE DAYS OF THE DART BEGIN
The NERF Sharpshooter was the very first NERF dart blaster.
2004
THE N-STRIKE MOVEMENT BEGINS
The N-Strike movement begins: The NERF N-STRIKE blaster featured the unique, Unity Power System that included three blasters that could be fired simultaneously or taken apart and fired individually. The Unity Power System introduced the tactical rail to NERF and with it, the idea of interchangeable parts and multiple arrangements for maximum play action.
2008
THE VULCAN ARRIVES
The NERF Vulcan blaster was introduced to the N-STRIKE line and remains as one of the biggest and baddest blasters to date.
2011
NERF VORTEX
NERF introduces the NERF VORTEX line of disc launching blaster in September, 2011. A completely new NERF blaster experience, the VORTEX line offered fans the latest in blaster technology and performance period
2012
FIREVISION LINE
NERF Sports get an upgrade with the innovative new FIREVISION line that allowed the game to continue even as the sun went down. Using reflective FIREVISION technology and Fire Frames eyewear, players could see the ball with or without the lights on.
2013
CENTURION BLASTER
The NERF brand continues to rise to fans’ wildest expectations and introduces the CENTURION blaster. The CENTURION is the first NERF blaster to use oversized MEGA whistler darts.
2014
45th ANNIVERSARY
NERF celebrated its 45th anniversary with expanded brand lines, improved blaster distances and performance, and design developments including the first built-in blaster camera and free-play styled Bash Ball.
2015
NERF MODULUS AND RIVAL
The NERF brand continues to expand to meet consumer demand and exceed expectations, introducing both the N-STRIKE MODULUS segment, which lets fans customize their blasters, and the NERF RIVAL line for players 14 and up, each designed with NERF fans in mind.
2016
TERRASCOUT
NERF epically develops its first remote controlled blaster drone, the NERF N-STRIKE ELITE TERRASCOUT RC drone. With a live video and camera feature, 18-dart clip for remote bombardment, and ability to function in and outdoors, NERF continues to build upon its superior blaster technology.
2017
ACCUSTRIKE
The NERF N-STRIKE ELITE line continues to improve with the ACCUSTRIKE line. With the most accurate NERF dart to date, the N-STRIKE ELITE ACCUSTRIKE series offers fans the ultimate in accuracy, performance, and blaster innovation.
2019
NERF X FORTNITE
NERF introduces a line of officially licensed Fortnite blasters that allow fans to experience Battle Royale through the active and adventurous fun of NERF.
ULTRA ARRIVES
NERF Ultra arrives in October of 2019. This line is all about distance! The innovative dart design makes NERF Ultra the farthest flying NERF dart ever.
2021
NERF HYPER
Nerf introduces the revolutionary Nerf Hyper system – featuring Nerf Hyper rounds with an innovative design and material for unparalleled performance to maximize capacity and speed
2022
NERF PRO GELFIRE
Nerf’s highest performing blaster with hydrated gel rounds for the ultimate competitor
2023
NERF ELITE JR
first ever 6+ blaster line
