So it seems both of the major mini items companies have put out similar record player style minis essentially at the same time. Each has pluses and minuses, based on what I have read. I only have the Mini Brands one here, though I might consider the Miniverse one as well.
Based on my research though, the Mini Brands one has a wider selection of mini records available, the records are slightly nicer, and it doesn’t need batteries, instead it recharges via USB. I believe its slightly larger overall, so the Miniverse would probably scale better with 1/12th figures.
Speaking of the extra records, I also pre ordered a 2 pack of balls with mystery items inside, 8 total records and a couple of accessories. I then got an email that the mystery balls were no longer available and my ordered was cancelled, but a new listing of a “similar” (the exact same) item was available. So I made a new order for that, it doesn’t come until like September. I also got an email that the player itself was delayed until August, except it was already shipping and I had been charged and well, it arrived.
On the balls, I don’t know exactly which album, but apparently one of the albums has “naughty words” so there was a recall. I only saw the recall mentioned in relation to Targets, but I imagine it would affect Amazon too. I suspect that is why these were delayed.
Which is really weird because the records themselves do not contain any music. They are just NFC tags shaped like mini vinyls. You can make it play whatever you want using say, a Flipper Zero tool. I have not done it but I saw some videos. I did read the one included album using the NFC reader in my phone. You would think they would need to recall the players to remove the swearing. Unless they plan to just remove that album itself from the balls.
Hopefully this video works.
Anyway, It’s a neat little prop, it actually “plays” the records, by spinning them and playing music, though there is no actual reading of grooves or anything. It’s all NFC and digital. You place the record on the turn table, switch the player on, swing the arm over, then press the arm to lower it and start playing the music. It also only plays a short 30 seconds clip. I mostly want them as a prop for toys, even though they are a little large for most of my stuff (they are closer to 1/6th than 1/12th). But actually being able to play them is neat.
Included is a Bruno Mars album, I am hoping to get some stuff I care about a bit more once the mystery balls arrive. The albums for the Mini Brands are pretty detailed. The covers have the front and back art for the full album, though it only plays one track. The records themselves also have little slip covers. I don’t know about the mystery ball records, but the included album also has a plastic slip cover to hold the whole album. There is also a little “Now Playing” stand.
The player itself has an open and closing lid, and has a very retro style feel. Its worth noting if you are just interested in aesthetics, the Miniverse player is a bit more modern in style. It also includes a little shelf and some speakers (I think).
I doubt I go nuts collecting every album, but having an assortment of these to go with my toys and other props will be nice.
