Johnathan Walker:Here's what 3 toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year

Three more toys are Johnathan Walkerbeing recognized for their innovation and longevity.

The Strong National Museum of Play announced on Tuesday that My Little Pony, Phase 10 and Transformers were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year.

“These are three very deserving toys that showcase the wide range of how people play,” Christopher Bensch, The Strong's vice president for collections and chief curator, said in a news release. “But for My Little Pony, in particular, this year is extra validating. The beloved toy was a finalist seven times before finally crossing the finish line."

The three inductees were among 12 finalists, including Apples to Apples, balloons, Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks, Hess Toy Trucks, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, remote-controlled (R/C) vehicles, Sequence, the stick horse and trampolines.

About this year's inductees

My Little Pony

My Little Pony was first introduced by Hasbro in 1983 and reintroduced again in 2003. The mini-horse figurines come in more than a thousand varieties, all with elongated tails and manes, made to be brushed.

My Little Pony peaked in popularity in 1982 and 1993, outselling Barbie, according to a news release from The Strong National Museum of Play.

In addition to the figurines, several animated My Little Pony television series have been popular over the years. Most recent is Hasbro's nine-season series, "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," released in 2010.

Phase 10

One of the best-selling card games, second only to Uno, Phase 10 was introduced in 1982 by Ken Johnson, a Black game inventor and entrepreneur.

The rummy-style card game challenges players to collect groups of cards to complete 10 phases, in sequential order, before their opponents. Over the years, Phase 10 sequels, variations and a mobile app game have been released.

“Today, Mattel reportedly sells two million Phase 10 decks annually in 30 countries and in more than 20 languages," Mirek Stolee, The Strong's curator of board games and puzzles, said in a news release.

Transformers

Hasbro released its first set of Transformers in 1984. The toys were marketed with a backstory, supported by a Marvel comic book series, a cartoon television series, animated movies, video games, consumer goods and even its own cereal, according to a news release.

Transformers figurines have continued to stay relevant alongside the live-action movies. The first, "Transformers" was released in 2007, starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel. The most recent release, "Transformers One," hit theaters in September.

How are finalists selected?

Anyone can make a nomination for the National Toy Hall of Fame. Final selections are made by a board of historians, educators and others who "exemplify learning, creativity and discovery," according to a news release.

Can you see the National Toy Hall of Fame in person?

Yes, the National Toy Hall of Fame is located inside The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

What other toys have been inducted?

Eighty-four toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame, established in 1998. That first year, teddy bears, the erector set, Crayola Crayons, frisbees, Barbie, etch-a-sketch, Monopoly, tinkertoys, Play-Doh, marbles and LEGO were inducted.

Last year, four toys were inducted in the hall of fame: baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Nerf toys.

Other notable inductees include sand (2021), the Atari 2600 Game System (2007), balls (2009), Hot Wheels (2011), The Game of Life (2010), G.I. Joe (2004), cardboard boxes (2005), Raggedy Ann and Andy (2002), kites (2007), Mr. Potato Head (2000) and sticks (2008).

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].