The Nikko Velocitrax Pro is a tracked radio controlled toy vehicle manufactured by Nikko Toys Ltd (Hong Kong), and released globally from 2018. An updated model was released in 2022, simply called the Velocitrax (10033, 10034), which had more bright kid-friendly colors.
As you know, TycoCollectors doesn't typically review modern R/C, however I've felt so excited by some of the more recent Nikko designs that I felt it was worth covering and considering how design and specifications have changed over the last 35 years.
Is Nikko, Nikko?
The first question that came to mind when seeing these products was... is the Nikko of today the same company that made such greats as the Nikko Dictator, and Nikko Turbo Panther? Not quite, but legally maybe?
It's like this... In 2014 all of Nikkos Japanese, Hong Kong, and European operations were purchased by Toy State, a Hong Kong based firm that has been involved in the toy industry since 1984. And right now it appears they've made Nikko a core, if not central part of their brand identity.
It's like this... In 2014 all of Nikkos Japanese, Hong Kong, and European operations were purchased by Toy State, a Hong Kong based firm that was founded in the United States in 1984.
Now one of the worlds largest and 'most innovative' suppliers of kids radio controlled vehicles, they also have licences for the brands Barbie, CAT, Hot Wheels, 007, and D.C. Super Friends.
And right now it appears they've made Nikko a core, if not central part of their brand identity.
Now almost 40 years since the Golden Age of R/C, even if the original Japanese Nikko was operating. would it even be like it was back in the day? Unlikely. All of the original staff and designers would be long gone, and only the assets and intellectual property would remain - which is what Toy State now owns.
And given what happened to my personal favorites Taiyo R/C (Japan) and Tyco R/C (USA), it seems to me that Nikko and Nikko fans got very lucky, especially given the modern Nikko's willingness to recognize its brand heritage. So my thoughts are, good on them, and I wish them the best of luck in their operations.
Below: Nikko has a history of creating tracked vehicles, with the Super Belt Buggy / Land Shark from the 1990s being the most well known.
Velocitrax Pro vs Velocitrax
The second question that came to mind is... which one do I buy? There's so many! Are they different?
The first release was the Velocitrax Pro in 2018 during a period where Nikko was making callbacks to some of its 'Golden Era' products, such as making a new Nikko Panther X2. Likely the Velocitrax was inspired by the Nikko Land Shark or Super Belt and they simply felt those original names were a bit corny. Which they were, and it's why we love them!
So the Velocitrax Pro was the original in 2018. Then in 2022 they released the same model, but named it just Velocitrax, and updated the color scheme to be more colorful and kid friendly perhaps. Certainly less 'realistic'.
So they are both the same, I'd suggest the newer one is just a an attempt to refresh the packaging and design with some bright colors, similar to how Tyco and Taiyo used Neon Pink and Neon Green in many of their 90s designs. They both quote the same top speed, and everything else seems to be equivalent, including the instruction manual.
I know which one I'd rather have, and I think that's obvious to everyone, but who knows, kids think differently.
Which one looks cooler? I think the answer is obvious, but I asked my 7 year old and 12 year old boys just in case I was out of touch.
They both said the original (Black/Green) was much cooler, as expected.
The eldest added that the yellow/red (newer) one looked "incoherent" and "childish".
Still, I can appreciate what Nikko were trying to do here, with the bright neon-like colors, similar to a 90s style R/C. So props to them for trying.
Features and Performance
Let's look at the basic specifications
- 1/14 scale Radio Controlled Racing Tank
- Full Function Forward, Reverse, Left, Right
- 2.4Ghz technology allows racing with friends
- 7.2V Lithium Ion battery (included) with USB charger (Pro states 'Fast 1hr USB Charger')
- 'High Speed' 14kph or 8.5mph
- Dual Controller that takes 3xAAA batteries (no more 9V!)
While it does seem generally tamer and smaller on all levels when compared to the Land Shark or Fast Traxx, it still looks like plenty of fun, so I've picked one up and will post a video once it arrives.
TV Advertisement
As is tradition, we need an action packed TV Commercial with jumps, slow motion, and crazy stunts!
ZZZZzzzZZzZzZzZZZ.....
I'm sorry, what was that? I fell asleep! "Terrain and obstacles are no match"? Sounds like it was written by ChatGPT. What kid is going to go "WOW!" at that? They're more likely to shout "NERRRRRD!" (Okay, maybe they're a bit more sensitive these days, and being a nerd is kind of cool, but you get the point).
Compare that to any Tyco RC commercial from the 80s or 90s which feels like it was directed by Jerry Brockheimer in comparison. Let's pick a random one here...
"Six Wheels of Blazing SPEEEED!"
Now THAT is how you advertise an R/C toy!
Okay, thankfully I found something better. I was getting worried!
That's more like it! Nice!
Availability and Collectability
So the original Velocitrax Pro is no longer in production, but you will find them around in used and new condition online, though they can be a bit pricey for some reason. I'm guessing because collectors like us are snapping them up.
The 2022 version is a little easier to find. A few of my local toy stores had them available online (assuming their stock is up to date), so I guess Nikko is still making them. Both are still listed on Nikko R/Cs website.
But are they collectable? I suspect they are, but only time will tell, and it will all depend on Nikko's strength of character. Will they make new, innovative, interesting toys that push boundaries and don't treat kids like babies? Maybe. I see potential there.
Their Elite Baja Trucks are 9.6V powered (yes!) with a 360 size motor, reaching 20km/h or 12.4mph which is reasonable, though still slower than a 1986 Turbo Hopper. There seems to be conviction in their design, obvious quality and durability. They just need that little extra spark, that killer product that grabs the attention of kids and adults alike, and makes us feel excited again.
Most of all, they need to stop playing it so safe, come a little closer back to their near hobby grade roots, and offer more value. Other Chinese companies such as WPL and MJX are making much higher performance and higher quality R/C (especially MJX) cars for similar or not much more money. And when kids see what daddy has, they want that. Not the babies toy!
