# Pokémon Cards, Care Bears, Bingo and Slides Enter Toy Hall of Fame

The four 2026 inductees were selected from 12 finalists based on longevity, iconic status, creativity and influence on play.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-11-05T17:08:33.325Z
Updated: 2026-11-05T17:11:41.579Z
Section: Entertainment
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/national-toy-hall-of-fame-2026-inductees-november-5

Bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the playground slide were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame on Thursday, joining a collection that recognizes toys and games with lasting influence on how people play.

The four inductees were selected from 12 finalists announced by The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. The remaining finalists were Bop It!, mahjong, Monster High dolls, Mouse Trap, Polly Pocket, Sorry!, Tickle Me Elmo and Yahtzee.

The museum evaluates nominees for iconic status, longevity, their ability to encourage discovery and creativity, and their influence on toy or game design. A public vote counts as one ballot alongside ranked submissions from a committee of historians, educators and popular-culture experts.

Bingo traces its history to an Italian lottery played around 1530 and later spread through Europe before becoming a widely played game in the United States and other countries. The museum said its appeal now extends beyond traditional fundraisers to younger adults playing in bars and social settings.

Care Bears began in the early 1980s and expanded from toys into books, television, films, games and home products. The Pokémon Trading Card Game debuted in 1996 and developed an international following connected to the broader Pokémon franchise.

The playground slide was recognized as a form of play that has persisted through generations. The museum said slides support motor-skill development, exploration and physical activity while retaining a simple appeal for children and adults.

The 2026 class joins 90 previously inducted toys and games, including LEGO, Barbie, Dungeons & Dragons, Hot Wheels, Monopoly and the Frisbee. The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998 and moved to The Strong in 2002.

Sources:
Associated Press — 2026 National Toy Hall of Fame inductees: https://apnews.com/article/74fd827e10dae7f28655539785731a19
Cox Media Group — Pokémon, Care Bears among newest inductees: https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/pokmon-care-bears-among-newest-inductees-toy-hall-fame/YPJ5VDKDMVGQBCGCHSVIRKXTZU/
The Strong National Museum of Play — 2026 finalists and selection criteria: https://www.museumofplay.org/press-release/national-toy-hall-of-fame-reveals-12-toy-finalists-2/

## Sources
- Associated Press — 2026 National Toy Hall of Fame inductees: https://apnews.com/article/74fd827e10dae7f28655539785731a19
- Cox Media Group — Pokémon, Care Bears among newest inductees: https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/pokmon-care-bears-among-newest-inductees-toy-hall-fame/YPJ5VDKDMVGQBCGCHSVIRKXTZU/
- The Strong National Museum of Play — 2026 finalists and selection criteria: https://www.museumofplay.org/press-release/national-toy-hall-of-fame-reveals-12-toy-finalists-2/