Mattel Launches a New Era of Thomas & Friends™ with an All-New System of Play
The new system introduces Easy Connect track, refreshed engines, and authentic train play designed to help kids build stories, confidence and connection
Today, Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) unveiled, for the first time, an all-new Thomas & Friends™ system of play, Easy Connect. The beloved franchise is introducing a reimagined track system, a wide assortment of newly designed die-cast engines with magnetic connectors, and new motorized engines—together creating the easiest and most immersive Thomas play experience yet for preschoolers.
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Mattel unveiled, for the first time, an all-new Thomas & Friends™ system of play, Easy Connect. The beloved franchise is introducing a reimagined track system, a wide assortment of newly designed die-cast engines with magnetic connectors, and new motorized engines.
Debuting ahead of New York Toy Fair, the new Thomas & Friends lineup introduces a patent pending Easy Connect™ track system that helps young children build faster, connect more easily, and play independently. Paired with a refreshed range of push-along and motorized engines, the unified system is designed to grow with kids while bringing the world of Sodor, with its beloved characters, to life through authentic train play and storytelling.
Following the reveal of the franchise's refreshed visual identity, this launch signals the future of Thomas & Friends in 2026 expanding the world of Sodor. Featuring intuitive connections, wider rails, auto-rerail technology, and magnetic couplers across all engines, the system reduces frustration, builds confidence, and encourages imaginative, open-ended play, allowing kids maximum time creating their own Thomas adventures and playing out stories with their favorite characters.
"For generations, Thomas has helped children make sense of the world, and as the world continues to advance, the brand is reimagining play to bring greater ease, comfort and joy," said Ted Wu, senior vice president and Global Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel. "With this new system of play, we're staying true to our legacy while creating smarter connections that address everyday play frustrations and fuel imagination. From a new assortment of familiar engines to easy connections, we are creating an environment that supports independent, confidence building play for our preschool audience."
Key features of Easy Connect include:
- Compatibility across all new track sets, die-cast engines, and motorized engines
- Patent-pending Easy Connect design that enables faster, simpler building for preschoolers
- All-new design that automatically rerails engines and train cars when they become misaligned on the track
- Magnetic engine connectors designed for easy coupling and smoother play
- Interactive playsets with intuitive cause-and-effect actions that put kids in control
- A unified, expandable system that supports confident play and extended storytelling
- Connectors that make all new track sets backwards compatible with existing sets
The Thomas & Friends Easy Connect System product lineup kicks off with the following products exclusively revealed at Toy Fair New York, with more to be revealed later this year:
Thomas & Friends™ Exploring Tidmouth Sheds Train Set
Available Fall 2026 at mass retailers globally
- Preschoolers can push the included Thomas engine through a series of easy-to-activate features that includes a movable gate and drawbridge as well as a train-activated windmill.
- A turntable in front of the sheds allows kids to choose where Thomas goes next - another ride around the track or venture in for rest and repairs.
- Includes Harold the Helicopter with rotating blades for additional off-track play. Fully compatible with easy-connect track for open-ended storytelling possibilities.
Thomas & Friends™ Engine Die-cast and Deluxe Die-cast Assortments
Available Fall 2026 at mass retailers globally
- Preschoolers can play out their favorite railway adventures from the upcoming new content series and also create train-led stories of their own, with this wide array of characters.
- Engines are sized for little hands and feature magnetic couplers for easy connection.
- The basic die-cast assortment includes fan-favorite characters such as Thomas, Percy, Diesel, and Rosie.
- The Deluxe die-cast assortment includes 2-packs, like Thomas & Annie, along with larger engines such as Henry, James, and Gordon.
The Easy Connect play system is a part of the previously announced new look for the Thomas & Friends franchise. This new era will honor the 80-year heritage fans know and love while giving a modern aesthetic designed to inspire a new generation of fans. The refreshed look with expand across content, publishing, YouTube, live events, and consumer products in 2026 and beyond. For more information on Mattel and its brands, visit www.mattel.com.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, and Barney® as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
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