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The HEX BOTS Explodapede is a $30 remote control centipede that rolls up into a ball, waits for a timer to run out, then bursts open and slithers away. It's a fun, creepy prank toy, and the surprise is what kids will love about it. It's a floor crawler with a simple trick, so it's best as a birthday or stocking gift, not a toy that'll hold their attention for months.
What It Actually Is
HEX BOTS is Spin Master's line of robotic bugs, and the Explodapede is the fall 2026 addition. Spin Master pitched it around one move: clip it together, roll it up, and when a timer runs out it pops into action and slithers off.
That move is the whole reason to buy it. A rolled-up centipede sitting on the floor looks harmless, then it springs open and runs at someone. For a 6-year-old, that's comedy. The light-up eyes and the squishy, bendy spine sell the creepy-crawly look.
When you're not setting traps, it's a regular RC toy. The remote drives it forward, backward and in turns, and there's an autonomous mode where it wanders around on its own. The centipede recharges over USB-C, and the remote takes 2 AAA batteries.
How It Compares
| Toy | Price | The trick | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explodapede2026 | $29.97 | Rolls up, pops open, slithers | Pranks and surprises |
| Wall Crawler GeckoHEX BOTS | $27.00 | Climbs walls | Showing off |
Both are about $30, and both are best at one big trick. The Explodapede's is a surprise. The Gecko's is driving straight up a wall. Pick the one that matches what your kid will think is funnier.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
Where It Delivers
- The roll-up-and-pop trick is a great prank, and kids will reset it over and over.
- It looks creepy in a fun way, with LED eyes and a squishy spine.
- Autonomous mode means it plays even when no one's driving.
- USB-C charging, with the cable in the box.
Where It Falls Short
- Once the surprise wears off, it's a fairly simple RC toy.
- The remote's AAA batteries aren't included.
- It's a floor toy. Thick carpet and grass will slow it down.
- Kids who hate bugs will hate it. That's sort of the point.
Our Read
The Explodapede is a great example of a toy that knows its job. It's built around one surprising moment, and that moment is fun every time a new person falls for it.
Just keep expectations in line with the $30 price. It's a gag and a crawler, not a deep robotics toy, and that's fine for a stocking or a birthday.
What To Buy Instead
Who It's For
Buy It If
- Your kid loves bugs, pranks or anything that makes a grown-up jump.
- You want a fun RC toy for around $30.
- You're shopping for a 4- to 9-year-old.
- You've got hard floors for it to crawl on.
Skip It If
- Someone in your house is terrified of bugs.
- You want a robotics toy that teaches coding or building.
- It'll mostly be used on thick carpet.
- Your kid gets bored of one-trick toys quickly.
What You Should Actually Pay
Spin Master's list price is $29.99. It's already selling right around that, so there's no need to wait. If it drops near $20 around Black Friday, it's a great stocking stuffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Spin Master Unveils What's Next in Play: The Trends and Toys That Will Shape 2026Spin MasterThe Explodapede's fall 2026 release, $29.99 list price, age rating, the roll-up timer trick, LED eyes, squishy spine and legs.
- Hexbots Wall Crawler GeckoTTPMThe ground and wall modes, smooth-surface climbing, LED eyes, recharging and play time per charge.
