Beyblade facts for kids
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| Type | Spinning top |
|---|---|
| Company | Takara Tomy, Hasbro |
| Country | Japan |
| Availability | 1999–present |
Beyblade (called Beiburēdo in Japan) is a super popular line of spinning-top toys. They were first made in Japan in July 1999 by a company called Takara. Later, Takara joined with Tomy to become Takara Tomy, and they still make Beyblades today!
Companies like Hasbro sell Beyblades in Western countries, while others like Sonokong sell them in places like South Korea. The toys and their name were inspired by beigoma, a traditional Japanese spinning top. The idea is a bit like an old board game called Battling Tops.
Beyblade toys became even more famous because of a manga (comic book) series that started in 1999. Then, in 2002, Hasbro began selling Beyblades all over the world, along with a TV show that many kids watched. New versions of Beyblades have come out over the years, like Metal Fight Beyblade in 2008 and Beyblade Burst in 2015.
Contents
Playing the Game and Rules
Beyblade isn't just about collecting cool tops; it's also a game with specific rules! Usually, two or more players can battle. Each player can bring up to three Beyblades to a match, but once a match starts, you can't swap parts between them. You pick one Beyblade for each battle.
In some versions, like Metal Fight Beyblade, a points system was added. For Beyblade Burst toys, Hasbro has its own rules. Generally, the first player to get 3 points wins the whole match!
You earn points by how your Beyblade beats your opponent's. Here's how:
- One point if your opponent's Beyblade stops spinning first (called a Survivor or Spin Finish).
- One point if your opponent's Beyblade gets knocked out of the stadium or falls into a special pocket (called a Ring Out, Over Finish, KO, or Knockout Finish).
- Starting with Beyblade Burst, you get two points if your opponent's Beyblade "bursts" apart during the battle (called a Burst Finish). This is super exciting!
If both Beyblades stop spinning, get knocked out, or burst at the exact same time, it's a draw, and no one gets points.
Types of Beyblades
Beyblades come in different types, kind of like a rock-paper-scissors game! Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. But remember, because you can customize Beyblades so much, these aren't always strict rules.
- Attack Type: These Beyblades are all about hitting hard and fast! They try to knock out the other Beyblade quickly. They are usually heavy to deliver powerful hits. However, they don't spin for very long. They are often good against Stamina-Type Beyblades.
- Defense Type: These Beyblades are built to resist attacks. They are usually heavier and move slower, which helps them deflect hits from opponents. Their weight can make them launch slower and have less stamina. They are good at wearing down Attack-types but can be outlasted by Stamina types.
- Stamina/Endurance Type: These Beyblades are designed to spin for a long, long time! They might not hit as hard, but their goal is to out-spin the enemy Beyblade. They naturally have an advantage over Defense-Types because they can keep spinning longer.
- Balance Type: These Beyblades are a mix of all three types (Attack, Defense, and Stamina). They don't have one super strong point or a major weakness. They try to use a bit of everything.
Burst System Beyblade Types
In the Beyblade Burst series, the types work a bit differently, focusing on the "burst" gimmick:
- Attack Type (Burst): These Beyblades aim to burst their opponent with fast speeds and aggressive moves. They need to be heavy to knock out or burst other Beyblades. They often have low stamina because of their flat or rubber drivers that create a lot of friction.
- Defense Type (Burst): These Beyblades are all about being stable and heavy. They move slowly but can deflect attacks and stay put. They often use special discs that help balance their weight. They can even give Stamina types a tough time, but Stamina types can still win.
- Stamina Type (Burst): These Beyblades are designed to outlast their opponents by spinning longer. They are usually faster than other Beyblades. They often beat Defense Beyblades, but sometimes they might still stop spinning and lose.
- Balance Type (Burst): These Beyblades combine stamina with defense, or defense with attack, or even all three! Some Balance type drivers can even switch between two or three different modes during battle.
Beyblade Parts and Systems
Over the years, Beyblades have changed a lot, with new parts and systems being introduced.
Basic System
The first Beyblades were mostly made of plastic, except for some metal parts. They had four main pieces:
- Bit Chip: A cool decorative plate with a picture of a mythical creature. It also held the Attack Ring in place.
- Attack Ring: This part hits the opponent and determines how your Beyblade attacks.
- Weight Disk: A metal disk that adds weight and helps balance the Beyblade.
- Blade Base: This part controls how the Beyblade spins and moves. Later versions had a Spin Gear that decided if the Beyblade spun clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Magnacore System (MG)
This system added magnets! Beyblades in this series had magnetic parts that could attract or push away other Beyblades. Some stadiums even had magnets to change how the Beyblades moved.
Engine Gear System (EG)
These Beyblades had a special "Engine Gear" instead of a regular Spin Gear. This gear could give the top a burst of speed during the battle. You used a "Turbo Winder" to get the engine core ready.
Heavy Metal System (HMS)
These Beyblades were smaller and made mostly of metal. They spun much faster (1.5 to 2 times faster!) than older plastic Beyblades. They had four main parts:
- Bit Protector: Held the parts together.
- Attack Ring: Made of metal and plastic, designed for different attack styles.
- Weight Disk: Completely round and sometimes customizable.
- Running Core: The base of the Beyblade, which also determined its spin direction based on the launcher.
Metal System (Pre-HWS)
This system introduced new parts for metal Beyblades:
- Face Bolt: A screw that holds the Beyblade together.
- Wheel: The main metal part that hits the opponent.
- Track/Spin Track: Connects to the Face Bolt and determines the Beyblade's height.
- Performance Tip: The bottom part that changes how the Beyblade spins and moves, and how long it lasts.
Hybrid Wheel System (HWS)
Released in 2008, this system made Beyblades even more complex. It added a plastic "Energy Ring" and a metal "Fusion Wheel." This helped prevent launcher parts from breaking. The names of Beyblades in this system often tell you what parts they have (e.g., Storm Pegasus 105RF).
4D System
This was an upgrade to the Hybrid Wheel System. It introduced special "4D Fusion Wheels" made of multiple parts and stronger materials. It also had "4D Bottoms" with built-in tricks, like tips that could change quickly or spin freely.
Zero-G System
This system kept parts compatible with the Hybrid Wheel System but added new ones like "Crystal Wheels" and "Warrior/Chrome Wheels." The stadiums for this system had rounded bottoms that would pivot, making battles even more unpredictable!
Burst System
The Beyblade Burst toys have a super cool feature: they can separate or "burst" apart if they get hit enough! This happens because of a spring in the Performance Tip. This system has three main parts:
- Energy Layer: This is the top part of the Beyblade where it connects to the launcher and where most of the hitting happens. Newer layers, like "God Layer System" or "SwitchStrike," have special tricks or gimmicks. Some even have metal in them!
- Forge Disc: Similar to the old Weight Disk, this metal part adds weight and helps balance the Beyblade. Some discs can even have a plastic "Frame" underneath to change how the Beyblade spins when it's knocked over.
- Performance Tip: This is the base of the Beyblade that touches the stadium floor. The shape of the tip changes how the Beyblade moves, its speed, and how long it spins. Some "Dash" drivers have extra burst resistance and are marked with a red catch.
Burst System Evolutions
Over time, the Burst System has evolved with new features:
- Dual Layers: Layers with a clear plastic part over a solid colored one.
- Switch Strike: Each Beyblade has its own special trick or "gimmick."
- Sling Shock: Drivers can extend or reduce their height to create a flat surface, letting Beyblades climb stadium walls and swoop down for powerful attacks.
- Turbo/Cho-Z System: Layers often have metal and special "Cho-Z Wings" that extend when launched at high speed, helping prevent bursting.
- Gachi/GT System: Introduced a "GT Chip" (the Bey's avatar), a "Layer Base" with gimmicks (like restoring burst resistance), and a "Layer Weight" for extra weight.
- Hypersphere System: Features bulky drivers and special stadiums with tall, curved walls that Beyblades can climb to drop down for powerful attacks.
- Sparking System: Uses a "Ring," "Sparking Chip," and "Chassis." The Chassis makes the Beyblade bulkier and can have its own gimmicks.
- Surge System: Similar to Sparking but replaces the Chassis with special discs. Drivers are taller, and some have metal.
Stadiums and Launchers
Battles happen in an arena called a Beystadium, which is usually a shallow plastic tub. Different stadiums have different features. Some have open sections like in the anime, while others have high walls and pockets where Beyblades can fall out.
Common features include a "cyclone/tornado ridge" that helps Attack Beyblades move fast without falling out, and "cyclone/tornado points" that spin freely to add randomness to battles. Newer stadiums might have steep walls for Beyblades to climb or special pathways for unique attacks.
To launch your Beyblade into battle, you use a Beyblade Launcher. Some launchers use "Ripcord" (long plastic sticks you pull), while others use "Strings" (retractable strings inside). String Launchers are often preferred because they are more accurate and powerful, just like the ones characters use in the TV shows! Remember, launchers from different Beyblade series (like Original, Metal Fight, or Burst) usually can't be used with each other.
Images for kids
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A Beyblade L-Drago toy.
