If you haven't discovered Hexbugs yet you're missing a trick. They are cute little robotic creatures that react to their environment, and have a variety of habitats to live in. About an inch or so long, the Hexbugs are made of silicone and are available in a variety of bright colours, even glow in the dark varieties.With rather impressive engineering, just switch your bug on and its inbuilt battery will rotate a motor which propels the bug's rubbery legs forward. Mimicking the movements of real minibeasts, and able to detect walls and avoid obstacles, the Nano bugs can climb and run around their habitat, and they are completely addictive to watch.
Hexbugs are highly collectable, and great fun as well as creating challenges for older children. They also have educational value, which is always a bonus. Habitats start at £12.99 and can all be connected and re-configured to build impressive structures for the Hexbugs to run around in. Children can of course also build their own environments - lots of toilet roll tube and sticky-backed plastic possibilities!
Lara already had a couple of Hexbugs, so when she was sent the Nano V2 Hurricane set to review, she was delighted! Featuring an evolved V2 Nano, which can flip over and has superb climbing abilities, this habitat features a system of tubular tracks that the bug can climb up and free fall down through the Hurricane to a random exit. Just set it off and watch it go. These Nano V2 bugs are gravity-defying; they can climb up vertically, horizontally, around corners, and go through loops and tubes. It really is amazing to watch them clambering and racing about.
With an impressive 51 pieces, the Nano V2 Hurricane
retails at £39.99 and is widely available.
retails at £39.99 and is widely available.