When the mobile-based Minecraft Earth was announced last year, it immediately drew comparisons to Pokemon Go because of its use of augmented reality and location-based activities. But it was very different (as senior editor Jess Conditt will attest) because it didn't require players to leave your home to play its mining and building gameplay. Mattel now offers Minecraft Earth a new play mode that Pokemon Go does not offer: NFC-enabled figurines.
Gallery: Minecraft Earth minis | 14 Photos
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The Boost Mini figurines will retail for $5 each. They will feature a variety of characters from the Minecraft franchise, including Steve, Alex, creepers ducks, a cow and others. Each figure is adorable on its own, however holding it up against an NFC-enabled device will unlock special abilities within Minecraft Earth for a certain period of time, which is displayed by a timer on the screen. You'll also get XP for signing up the mini in the game as a further incentive to collect them all (or take them away from friends).
The first batch of the spring season includes 20 minis with 10 capabilities. If you're the type of person who wants to take your Minecraft Earth game out and around, Mattel is also selling an carrying case in the shape of a potion that clips onto your belt.
My games
If you're not interested in the new game specifically but still want some of that sweet Minecraft toy fun, Mattel has also revealed a range of new $3.50 blind box minis themed to classic Minecraft as well as larger 3.5-inch figures that tie into the forthcoming Minecraft Dungeons. The Redstone Monstrosity is particularly enjoyable because it's scaled in a way that is comparable to the toys, measuring over six inches tall. The 3.5-inch figurines are $10 and the monstrosity is expected to be priced at $25 when it's released in the fall.
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