The National Toy Hall of Fame inducted bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the playground slide into its class of 2026 on Thursday. The four were enshrined at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, after beating eight other finalists. The hall, which has inducted more than 90 toys since it began, honors playthings that have reached icon status and shaped how generations play.

Why did the hall pick four toys this year?

Organizers usually induct three toys, but the selection committee had too many favorites at the top of its ballot, according to Shane Rhinewald, the museum's communications director. The finalists were announced in September, and the winners were revealed live on the TODAY Show. An independent national advisory committee of scholars and experts in play, child psychology and education ranked the candidates alongside public votes.

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What makes these four hall-worthy?

The inductees cover very different kinds of play:

  • Bingo: American bingo traces back to an Italian lottery played around 1530, which inspired lotto and later the carnival game beano. A marketer renamed it bingo in the 1920s. Curator Mirek Stolee said bingo has become increasingly popular with young adults, with public games moving into bars and nightclubs.
  • Care Bears: The cuddly characters have taught kindness since the early 1980s. The brand, acquired by Authentic Brands Group in 2026, has reported more than $12 billion in lifetime retail sales and more than 500 licensing partners.
  • Pokémon Trading Card Game: The cards enter the hall as the franchise marks its 30th anniversary. Stolee credited the game with adapting earlier card game formulas and making them more accessible.
  • Slide: The classic piece of playground equipment joins previous inductees such as Barbie dolls and Monopoly.

What happens to the runners-up?

Tickle Me Elmo, Bop It!, Mahjong, Monster High dolls, Mouse Trap, Polly Pocket, Sorry! and Yahtzee were passed over this year. Last year's class included Battleship, Trivial Pursuit and slime. The 2026 inductees are now on view at the museum.

FAQ

Where can I see the 2026 inductees?

The four toys are enshrined and on display at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

How are inductees chosen?

An independent advisory committee of scholars and play experts ranks the finalists, and public votes also count toward the final selection.