Nendoroid VS Cosbaby
So, if you’re really into toy collecting, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard the name Good Smile and Hot Toys. Two major toy companies that have managed to snag the rights to some MAJOR intellectual properties throughout their tenure in the toy biz. But… just in case, let’s do a little refresher, ok.
Who are Good Smile & Hot Toys
First up we got Good Smile Company, a Japanese toy manufacturer known for Figmas, scaled figurines, and of course Nendoroids. Majority of their products are based on anime and managas.
In the other corner we have Hot Toys from Hong Kong. A company universally known for their 1:6 scale masterpiece figures based on popular movies and tv shows. Although, they also do characters based on animes, just not as often.
What are Nendoroids & Cosbabies?
So, like the question above, what are they? The best I can describe for both them are these chibi, super deformed proportioned figures, with large heads and small bodies, that gives them a more cuter appearance. Often made from a combination of ABS and PVC plastics. Although, cuteness can only take for so far, so lets see what sets them apart.
1) Playability
Now, no matter what type of collector you are, you’re more than likely to play with yours toys after you buy them. Second, if you’re gonna display your figures out of the box, you’ll definitely to pose them, correct? Well fear not, Nendoroids’ have got you covered.
While Nendorids in general aren’t the most articulated figures in the market, with the most basic articulation present, but even the average Nendoroid does come packaged with extra detachable arms for you to pose around with. Unlike the Cosbaby, its mostly fixed-pose figure, with only the head and arms that can rotate.
With articulation out of the way, lets talk accessories… and again the Nendoriod wins this one too. The average Nendoriod come with the bare minimum of accessories like faces, weapons, and arms. Although, there’s the DX (deluxe) verion set which provides a little extra.
Fortunately, its not a total loss for Hot Toy’s Cosbaby. While the toy doesn’t come with much to begin with, but certain small and even larger sized Cosbabies have a built in light-up function that give a slight edge. And speaking size, lets move to our next topic
2) Size
When it comes to size, both the average Nendoroid and Cosbaby are evenly matched, as both toys measure roughly at the 10cm mark. Furthermore, both have an even smaller versions as well, under Petite’s and 2inch respectively.
Now, like I’ve said before, only one of them has a larger size. Towering at a whopping 25cm, the Cosbaby clearly wins the size category. If you’re the type of person who emphasizes on the larger things, the 25cm Cosbaby certainly has shelf presence.
3) Variety
A little of variety goes a long away, or as the saying goes… I’ve already mention this earlier, both Good Smile and Hot Toys holding the licences to big IPs. This is good as this give you, the customer, more options to buy.
Nendoroids do have a slight advantage here as they’ve produced over a 1000 (not including DX versions) figures since. While a vast majority of the figures are based on animes and mangas, there are something for a more western taste as well, notable examples include Star Wars, Marvel movies, and Disney properties.
While in the case for Hot Toy’s Cosbaby, it solely does western owned IPs at this point which isn’t all that bad. Second, even though it lacks the functionality like the Nendoroid has, Hot Toys have decided to release different versions of their figures. Examples like giving the figures a metallic coat, clear plastic versions, separate vehicles, light up features, bundled sets, etc… Basically they provide options instead of articulations and accessories.
Another thing to add, Nendoroids have been releasing scaled clothing/costume sets both their original and popular anime characters under their Doll line.
4) Price
So, before we wrap all this up, there’s one final topic to discuss, PRICE. The one factor that ultimately decides everything. Both toys certainly are pretty to look at, and generally fun to play and display, but lets not break the bank in the process.
If we’re just looking solely at the brands, you’d assume Hot Toy’s Cosbaby to be more expensive as they’re known for movie masterpiece figures, but that’s the opposite, with a price between $10 to $15… here’s why.
While the Cosbaby does have a more premium finish (judging from promo pics), at the end of the day its still a expertly painted paper weight, and that’s just for the small one. If we were to compare to the big ones, that’ll cost roughly $70 each, and you’re just paying that for size.
Let’s take a look Nendorid’s case, shall we. The average Nendoriod figure could run you about $50 to $60 a piece. And again, lets be realistic, the Nendoroid does come with a little bit more stuff for you to play with.
The DX and western IP Nendoriods are a little bit more expensive. The DX offer more than the normal does (duh…) thing like a display base or effect parts. Western IPs on the other hand, that’s mostly due to the expensive licensing.
Conclusion
First off, I know this isn’t a full depth review, there’s probably things I’ve glanced over. Second, this really isn’t a fair comparison either, as these to lines of toys are like comparing apples to oranges.
Furthermore, when looking at the Nendoroid, you can see its a full fledged action figure, while the Cosbaby is a glorified paper weight, and wih both of them given this cute-chibi-super-deformed proportions- that’s all.
At the end of the day, if you want to play, get the Nendoroid. If you want something to display and not worry about breaking something, get the Hot Toy’s Cosbaby. Just not know that they both cost quite a bit of money.
And just for fun, you can always get a Funko Pop instead
