As the nostalgia wave continues to dominate pop culture, iconic ’90s brands are finding fresh ways to connect with their audiences in the digital age. Many have ventured into Web3, launching NFT collections and blockchain-based projects that blend nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.
Here’s a look at some notable attempts.
1. POGs (The World POG Federation)
- What Was It?
POG Digital initially launched their first NFT collection on the Solana blockchain, featuring 1,000 collectible NFTs. This debut aimed to bring the ’90s milk caps game into the Web3 space. Following their Solana release, POGs expanded to Ethereum with an additional collection. - Mint Date:
The first Solana-based NFTs were launched on October 5, 2021, followed by an Ethereum-based collection on April 6, 2023. - Mint Price:
The Solana NFTs were priced at 0.5 SOL each (around $80 at the time). The Ethereum collection was priced at 0.049 ETH (approximately $90). - Benefits:
The Solana release focused on interactive digital gameplay, allowing players to “play for keeps.” The Ethereum collection integrated with blockchain-based video games like “Stack and Slam,” and included collaborations with projects like Bored Ape Yacht Club. - Current Status:
The project is active, with plans to integrate NFTs into further gaming experiences and release physical packs of Web3-themed POGs. - My Personal Experience:
From the beginning, I was involved with POGs, minting on Solana, staking, and earning $POGGER. It was an incredible experience to see a childhood favorite evolve into a digital collectible.
2. Hasbro – Power Rangers NFTs
- What Was It?
Hasbro launched a limited edition Power Rangers NFT collection through the Wax blockchain. The NFTs were tied to the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise. - Mint Date:
August 2021. - Mint Price:
Prices varied depending on the type of NFT pack, starting at around $20. - Benefits:
Some NFTs were redeemable for a physical Power Rangers Megazord collectible. Holders could trade, combine, or collect sets to unlock more exclusive items. - Current Status:
The project appears inactive, but Hasbro has hinted at future Web3 experiments.
3. Mattel – Hot Wheels NFT Garage Series
- What Was It?
Mattel launched the “Hot Wheels NFT Garage” series, a digital collectibles line based on their iconic toy cars. The NFTs were available in “packs,” with different rarity levels. - Mint Date:
First launched in November 2021, with subsequent drops in 2022 and 2023. - Mint Price:
Packs of seven NFTs were priced at $25 each. - Benefits:
Collectors could own digital versions of Hot Wheels cars with varying rarities (common to ultra-rare). Some packs included redeemable NFTs that could be exchanged for a physical collectible. - Current Status:
The project is still active. Mattel is continuing to experiment with NFTs, hosting sales through their proprietary NFT marketplace, Mattel Creations.
4. Adidas – Partnership with Bored Ape Yacht Club
- What Was It?
Adidas Originals launched a collaborative NFT project called Into the Metaverse, partnering with Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), gmoney, and Punks Comic. - Mint Date:
December 2021. - Mint Price:
NFTs were minted for 0.2 ETH (around $800 at the time). - Benefits:
NFT holders received exclusive access to physical merch (hoodies, tracksuits, and beanies) and digital wearables for use in metaverse platforms like The Sandbox. The project offered a phased roadmap for additional benefits and content. - Current Status:
Adidas continues to expand its metaverse efforts with additional NFT collaborations and digital fashion drops.
5. Pepsi – Mic Drop NFTs
- What Was It?
Pepsi launched the Mic Drop NFT collection, inspired by its long history of pop music branding in the ’90s. The NFTs featured microphone designs celebrating different musical genres. - Mint Date:
December 2021. - Mint Price:
The NFTs were free to mint; users only paid gas fees. - Benefits:
Holders gained access to an exclusive Pepsi digital community, with potential future perks hinted at by the brand. - Current Status:
The Mic Drop collection remains static, with limited updates on additional functionality or expansions.
6. Nickelodeon – Nick NFTs by Recur
- What Was It?
Nickelodeon collaborated with Recur to release an NFT collection celebrating its classic ’90s shows, including Rugrats and Hey Arnold!. The NFTs featured beloved characters in nostalgic and whimsical designs. - Mint Date:
The first collection dropped on July 18, 2022. - Mint Price:
NFTs were priced at $50 each. - Benefits:
Collectors could unlock slime-inspired designs and participate in gamified experiences to combine NFTs and create new rarities. Holders also gained early access to future Nickelodeon-themed NFT drops. - Current Status:
The project has seen limited updates, but Recur still supports the NFTs through its platform, suggesting ongoing engagement. - My Personal Experience:
I was involved in the Rugrats mint and bought three NFTs. I sold them when the price quadrupled the mint price before it eventually crashed back down. It was a rollercoaster ride, but worth the nostalgic thrill.
7. Gábor Csupó’s Inkhead Studios
- What Was It?
Gábor Csupó, co-creator of ’90s classics like Rugrats and Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, launched the “Cosa Monstra” NFT collection through his venture, Inkhead Studios. - Mint Date:
The collection was available for minting starting September 6, 2022. - Mint Price:
Each NFT was minted at 0.18 ETH. - Benefits:
Ownership of a Cosa Monstra NFT grants membership to Inkhead Studios, offering perks, utility, and benefits. Holders have IP and commercial rights to their characters. - Current Status:
The collection is available on OpenSea, with ongoing community engagement and potential future drops. - My Personal Experience:
I minted Cosa Monstra by Gábor Csupó and, although the project stalled out, I did win some amazing custom art prints that made the experience worthwhile.
8. Bandai – Tamagotchi NFTs
- What Was It?
Bandai teased a Tamagotchi-inspired NFT project, introducing digital pets on the blockchain. The idea was to evolve the iconic ’90s handheld toy into a virtual collectible experience. - Mint Date:
Announced in 2022, but an official launch date and further details have yet to materialize. - Mint Price:
To be determined. - Benefits:
Fans were promised an interactive Web3 experience, where their digital Tamagotchis could be nurtured and potentially integrated into gaming or metaverse platforms. - Current Status:
The project appears to be in development limbo, with no updates since the initial announcement.
Key Takeaways
The intersection of ’90s nostalgia and Web3 technology is fertile ground for experimentation, but not every project finds enduring success. While brands like Mattel and Adidas continue to innovate in the space, others like Bandai’s Tamagotchi NFT initiative have stalled.
For brands to sustain momentum, they must deliver long-term value to their NFT holders, whether through physical collectibles, exclusive digital experiences, or community-driven initiatives. As Web3 evolves, we may see more ’90s icons making a splash—if they can balance nostalgia with real utility.
