Playsets 1990 - 1992
Galoob continued to expand the breadth of variety of playsets offered in 1990, but as the popularity waned, the options were significantly reduced in 1991. 1992 saw a larger number of playsets offered compared to 1991, but still fairly limited compared to 1989 and 1990. Playsets do not follow the copyright dating standard as often as the vehicle packs where the year after the copyright is considered the year of release. In fact, many of the playsets include a matching copyright with the year of release. Typically, the best way to identify the year of release though for playsets is to compare the vehicles shown on the packaging.
Galoob continued to expand the breadth of variety of playsets offered in 1990, but as the popularity waned, the options were significantly reduced in 1991. 1992 saw a larger number of playsets offered compared to 1991, but still fairly limited compared to 1989 and 1990. Playsets do not follow the copyright dating standard as often as the vehicle packs where the year after the copyright is considered the year of release. In fact, many of the playsets include a matching copyright with the year of release. Typically, the best way to identify the year of release though for playsets is to compare the vehicles shown on the packaging.
1990 Playsets
1990 is known for rarity for Micro Machines, and playsets can fall into that same category as well. For instance, the blue SWAT chopper playset below is the only one known loose or sealed. Three SpeedShop playsets were released, with USA, Belgium (Burmah), and Spanish versions shown below. The Race Pinball Machine Game is from the UK only it appears and extremely rare.Other foreign examples from Australia, Italy, and France are included for comparison for other playsets. The collapsible portable case playset styles included some interesting changes, but infrequently found. Various train-themed playsets were released in 1990 and are some of the most popular playsets.
1990 is known for rarity for Micro Machines, and playsets can fall into that same category as well. For instance, the blue SWAT chopper playset below is the only one known loose or sealed. Three SpeedShop playsets were released, with USA, Belgium (Burmah), and Spanish versions shown below. The Race Pinball Machine Game is from the UK only it appears and extremely rare.Other foreign examples from Australia, Italy, and France are included for comparison for other playsets. The collapsible portable case playset styles included some interesting changes, but infrequently found. Various train-themed playsets were released in 1990 and are some of the most popular playsets.
1991 Playsets
In a serious curtailing to playsets offered by Galoob for the Micro Machines line, only 8 sets were introduced in 1991 and all other styles and options were halted. These 8 playsets were repeated for future years with packaging changes. A Spanish Off-Road Crossing is shown below for reference.
In a serious curtailing to playsets offered by Galoob for the Micro Machines line, only 8 sets were introduced in 1991 and all other styles and options were halted. These 8 playsets were repeated for future years with packaging changes. A Spanish Off-Road Crossing is shown below for reference.
1992 Playsets
The Hiways & Byways playsets were continued for 1992, but with different packaging and now numbered. Two examples are shown below. The Micro Village playset was released this year, but not in the USA. The Micro Village playset included 30 vehicles, and while most of the 30 were common, some of the playsets included rare 1990 vehicles, or others rarities such as all chrome vehicles or Sparklers missing paint stages. Due to the random nature of the vehicles included, albeit with some order based on eBay listings observed, these playsets are sought after by collectors if the vehicles are still present. Many of the Micro Village vehicles found will be presented later when loose vehicle pictures are taken. The Rollin' Raceways playsets each included unique vehicles shown on the boxes.
The Hiways & Byways playsets were continued for 1992, but with different packaging and now numbered. Two examples are shown below. The Micro Village playset was released this year, but not in the USA. The Micro Village playset included 30 vehicles, and while most of the 30 were common, some of the playsets included rare 1990 vehicles, or others rarities such as all chrome vehicles or Sparklers missing paint stages. Due to the random nature of the vehicles included, albeit with some order based on eBay listings observed, these playsets are sought after by collectors if the vehicles are still present. Many of the Micro Village vehicles found will be presented later when loose vehicle pictures are taken. The Rollin' Raceways playsets each included unique vehicles shown on the boxes.