TCC Issue 7: New Promos, Big Reveal by Basic Fun at the NYC Toy Fair

Issue 7 - September 30th, 2023
It's time for another exciting update on the new generation of LPS! This is a follow-up post for Issue 6, so if you need some context, definitely check it out!
So, as many of you may have been anticipating, the 2023 NYC Toy Fair is finally upon us–the annual event opened its doors this morning at 9:00 am EDT. Previously, Basic Fun! promised a first look at the new LPS for the Toy Fair, and they did not disappoint. The news doesn't just stop with this though! More promos have also been released via Basic Fun's website. This article will be updated if more info surfaces, but this is what we know so far!
==LPS Meets Roblox in Upcoming Collab==
A news article was released on September 28th 2023, announcing a Roblox collaboration with Suit Up Games! The project in question is an LPS "immersive digital play experience," set to release on December 8th.PR Newswire Staff. "LITTLEST PET SHOP Kicks Off Massive Global Relaunch with New Experience on Roblox." PR Newswire, 28 Sep 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/littlest-pet-shop-kicks-off-massive-global-relaunch-with-new-experience-on-roblox-301941399.html
The first look at the game premiered yesterday on the 29th, teasing gameplay and some of the pets that will be available. As many of the pets shown were also in Basic Fun's Instagram posts (and the toy fair!) as real figures, it looks like all of these designs are planned for the new gen's debut.
In the same article announcing the game, the following was also confirmed:
"Basic Fun! together with best-in-class distribution partners such as Bandai, will unleash the toy program in 20+ countries worldwide as early as Spring 2024, with over 140 bobblin’ pets to collect, featuring new characters, packs, and playsets."
Although the new game is aimed at a younger audience, youth and adult collectors alike are certain to enjoy the immersive world of LPS.
==NYC Toy Fair 2023==
===Promo Countdown===
Basic Fun began posting a 5-day countdown via their social media pages, leading up to the Toy Fair. Each image teases a new pet that will be part of the toyline!
Toy Fair Countdown	Toy Fair Countdown	Toy Fair Countdown	Toy Fair Countdown	Toy Fair Countdown
 	 	 	 	
===Event Details===
The 2023 New York Toy Fair will be running from September 30th to October 3rd, held in New York City at the Javits Center.
Visitors will be able to take a selfie in the Littlest Pet Shop photo op, located at Basic Fun's booth. This will be available from 10:00 AM Sep. 30th - 6:00 PM Oct. 2nd. Their booth is located in the Level 3 Exhibit Hall - 2235. "Basic Fun! Booth." Toy Fair, Sep 2023. https://tfny2023.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=61755 
Pictures of the LPS display have been released, and there's a lot to unpack from what was shown so far!
Here's a summary of what everyone's been spotting in this photo:
*A first look at the packaging! It looks to be Singles packs, Pet Pairs, Tubes, and Blind Boxes!
*The blind box display case says, "18 pets! No Repeats." Having no-repeat blind boxes is something a lot of collectors have voiced the desire for.
*A wide variety of pet species and colors! Some have fresh new designs, while others appear to be a throwback to some of the original G2 pets. Can you spot the brand new axolotl mold?
*It looks like a lot of the molds are leaning towards the 2010-2012 (pre-TV show of course) molds, as ones like the cat, bull, wolf, and sharks originally debuted towards the latter half of G2.
*Accessories! Many seem to be faithful to the originals, but it also looks like there's some new ones too.
*LPS collector cards, new checklists, some type of coin or token, and personality icons!
*There also appears to be four "levels" to the packs–single pets, pet pairs, playpacks, postcard pets, and even a full playset!
===More Toy Fair Leaks===
On October 1st, Instagram user @playliverepeat posted videos of the LPS booth at the Toy Fair. They shared some more info on what we can expect:
"Launching in January 2024, there will be blind boxes, collectible packs with 3-packs! In the spring there will be 69 pets, and in the fall 70 LPS! Look out for playsets: Pets Got Talent Pet Set and Fun Factor Playset in January 2024! Collector set includes 5 LPS, accessories, and a virtual code for LPS Roblox game."
==Site Update==
Upon the opening day of the Toy Fair, Basic Fun updated their LPS brand page! It now includes a live countdown for the Roblox game and updated banner showcasing new pets, as well as added promo images. If you haven't already, you can check out the website here: (link)
===Social Media Updates===
Basic Fun shared a promo image on Instagram of the panda mascot next to its collector card! Nothing's been confirmed as to what the levels on the card mean, but some think they might be related to product tiers or series of some sort. It also looks like the numbering system will be starting over, which has gotten some mixed opinions so far.
Collector Cards (via IG)	Collector Cards (via IG)	Collector Cards (via IG)	Collector Cards (via IG)	Collector Cards (via IG)
 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	
====Basic Fun Giveaway====
On November 2nd, Basic Fun announced a giveaway event via their @littlestpetshop Instagram page. It's an opportunity to be one of five people to unbox the new LPS pets before the in-stores release!Basic Fun Staff. "Giveaway Alert," Instagram, 02 Nov 2023. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzHlojpxH2j/
You can enter by liking the corresponding [IG post], following their account, and tagging five friends in the post's comments. The giveaway is available to North American addresses, and winners are picked randomly.
The giveaway ends at 10am ET November 10th, so jump on the opportunity while you can!
==Product Leaks & Reveals==
On October 9th, stock photos of upcoming LPS sets were leaked via a listing on Amazon Canada! It didn't take long before it was taken down, but it's exciting getting to see another glimpse of what to expect. Keep in mind these are not "final" images as of yet; until official announcements are made to the public, any leaks that find their way to the internet should be considered in prototype stage for now. That being said, here's the photos in question!
Amazon Leaks 	Amazon Leaks 	Amazon Leaks 	Amazon Leaks	Amazon Leaks
3-Pack Blind Box Assortment	Beach Besties Collector 5-Pack	Pets Got Talent Playset	 	
As we near the final weeks of 2023, it looks like Toys R Us Canada has already prepared its TRU-exclusive sets on their website! And, as of 12/6, they have already begun their release in-store. Congrats to the lucky collectors in the area! <3 More previews are popping up on other websites as well. Check out some of the sets here: (link)
It is unfortunate, but scalpers have already taken advantage of the early store release. Even if it may be tempting, please, never buy from scalpers! It only serves to enable them and rip off collectors. Let's build a better future with the new gen by taking away the power of scalpers, scammers, and overpriced sellers.
==Personality Type Info==
Basic Fun posted on their Instagram page on 11/25 that "Panda #1 is one of the only pets in LPS G7 Series 1 that has its personality mark on its eyes!" This has already sparked some upset with fans who were hoping for the eye types to return; however, it's important to note that this is only for Series 1. The implication of their statement leaves the next waves open to other possibilities, and yes, maybe a dedicated series of pets with eye symbols! For now, we'll just have to wait and see. 
What's everyone's thoughts so far? As the January-February release date draws closer, there's still plenty of details yet to find out, and room for changes to be made. The Toy Fair has always been the biggest source of confirmed LPS prototypes and changed sets, so nothing is set in stone quite yet. It'll be exciting to see what else unfolds for the toyline!
==Citations==
Category:Littlest Pet Shop
Category:The Collector's Corner
Category:Collector's Center