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 Sponsors and Curators
The Museum of Yo-Yo History is a labor of love, and we would not be able to stay up-to-date with exhibits without the support of our sponsors and curators. Big thanks go to One Drop Design and Duncan for supplying us with their latest models, YoYoExpert for their help and support, and to Cody Orr, TotalArtist and YoYoBrothers™ for allowing us to use their collections!
If you're a manufacturer, or just a big collector and you want to help support the Museum drop me at line at chimera@yoyomuseum.com
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| Yomega Bandai Hyper Yo-Yo - Fireball 1997 |
| Exhibit #4544 |
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| Type | Production |
| Shape | Modified |
| Axle | Transaxle - Plastic |
| Color | Red/clear |
| Packaging | Bubble Carded |
| Construction | Multi-piece plastic |
| Response | Starburst |
| Diameter | 59mm |
| Width | 35mm |
| Gap | Fixed |
| Weight | 52gm |
| Condition | Mint |
| Date | 1997 |
| To | 1998 |
| Owner | Rick Brough |
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The Bandai Hyper Yo-Yo Yomega Fireball from 1997
A Japanese-only release of the Yomega Fireball, in all Japanese packaging and the yo-yo made in China. Released at the start of Bandai's first Hyper Yo-Yo series in 1997, the Fireball was the most popular yo-yo for looping in Japan during the yo-yo boom of 1997 to about 2001. Since then, there have been three more Hyper Yo-Yo series released in Japan: 2003, 2010, and 2024. According to Bandai, the legendary "Hyper Yo-Yo" series has sold more than 30 million units worldwide.
About the Fireball
In the late 1990s, the world of yo-yos in Japan experienced a vibrant resurgence, and at the heart of this revival was the Bandai Hyper Yo-Yo Yomega Fireball.
The Yomega Fireball was not just any yo-yo; it was a very affordable, technological marvel. Featuring a polycarbonate body and plastic transaxle sleeve made of Delrin, this yo-yo allowed for significantly longer spin times compared to traditional fixed-axle yo-yos. This innovation let players perform more complex tricks with greater ease, making it a favorite among advanced users.
The Hyper Yo-Yo Phenomenon
Bandai's Hyper Yo-Yo line, launched in 1997, was a response to the global yo-yo boom. By licensing the Yomega Fireball, Bandai brought this high-performance yo-yo to a wider audience, particularly in Japan, where it became a cultural sensation. The Hyper Yo-Yo series included various models, but the Fireball stood out for its balance of performance and accessibility. Among other Hyper Yo-Yo brands that Bandai licensed, besides Yomega, were Duncan, YoYoFactory, Jack Russell, and Henrys yo-yos. Bandai also introduced their own first generation of Hyper Yo-Yo models that were also very popular. See them all in this museum!
Cultural Impact
The Yomega Fireball wasn't just a toy; it was a gateway to a community. Yo-yo clubs, competitions, and promotional events flourished, with the Fireball often at the center. Its popularity helped foster a new generation of yo-yo players from Japan, many of whom went on to become world champions in their own right.
Recipe
Diameter: 59mm
Width: 35mm
Weight: 52gm
Axle: Delrin, transaxle
Material, body: Polycarbonate
Original retail price: 2200Â¥ (about $18 US in June 1997) | |
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