Board Thread:Rumor discussion/@comment-33092097-20190520232956/@comment-27306930-20190521024907

If 2020 plays out anything like 2019, 2018, or 2017, there will be plenty more leaks. And a few surprises too, I'm sure.

It's not written in stone, but typically blasters are released twice a year; in the Spring following the NYC Toy Fair in preparation for the summer break, and in the Fall as part of the ramp up to X-max. In the olden days it was more consistent, but the internet and e-commerce have disrupted that pattern. Nowadays, there are blasters released throughout the year. In the Americas anyway, I can't speak for parts of Europe and Asia.

Plus, it's important to understand there are different kinds of so-called "leaks". Some blasters are intentionally leaked by Hasbro as a way of creating hype. It's common to see detailed descriptions and high quality pics of up-and-coming blasters at sites like gizmodo.com and other tech/toy sites way before they're available for purchase.

Then there are strategic leaks. Blasters might be released in Malaysia or Singapore six months before they appear in the US or European markets. Nerfers in some Asian countries often have first access to blasters, and will leak information weeks or months before the general release on other continents.

Then there are planned leaks. Hasbro and other companies will let certain Nerf "influencers" have an early glimpse at selected blasters in an attempt to generate organic excitement. People like Drac, Coop, and Bobololo often review soon-to-be-released blasters a few weeks/months before general release. These leaks aren't technically fake, but they're planned, and coincidentally overwhelmingly positive. Hmmm.

Lastly there are bonafide leaks. Some Nerf enthusiast obtains information otherwise unavailable to the Nerfing public and posts a blog or a thread leaking whatever tidbits of info they managed to intercept, often with grainy pictures and conflicting details. These are the best type of leak because Hasbro isn't in control of the info, and we often get information that wasn't meant to be public, and a real glimpse of where Hasbro is headed. (Cue Mission Impossible theme song)

So whether it's influencing the influencers, faux organic marketing, timing of releases, or good old-fashion detective work, there will definitely be other leaks planned for 2020 Monkey². You can bet money on it 😎