Spielwarenmesse eG denies Messe.TV access for editorial reporting. We are therefore reporting from Toy Fair New York.: Toy Fair 2026

Simba and The Deep: Mag Knight as a playful highlight underwater

Simba has been one of the defining names in the toy industry for decades. The company stands for a wide range of products, including classic play ideas as well as products based on current media formats. A central theme in the range is the close interconnection between toys and narrative worlds that children already know from television.

This is precisely where the highlight surrounding The Deep comes in, which has been reaching a loyal audience for some time under the German title Die Nektons. The focus is on an underwater world in which the classic conflict between good and evil is told. The plot follows the Nekton family, who must assert themselves against hostile forces with modern technology and extraordinary vehicles. This narrative foundation forms the basis for a toy line that includes not only figures but also more complex play systems.

toy robot Nekbot with spaceship
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Mag Knight as the central play system of The Deep

One of the most striking products in this series is the Mag Knight. This is a vehicle with a clear technical appearance that combines several play functions. It is clear at first glance that this is not just a static element. Magnetic mechanisms allow various compartments to be opened and closed. These functions are not purely decorative, but an integral part of the game.

robot fully mobile play figure Nekbot Sima
paddling pool toy Nectons Simba

The magnetic control system can be used to open doors and hatches, which can accommodate figures from the series. This makes the Mag Knight not only a means of transport, but also a mobile command centre within the underwater world. The combination of mechanics and narration is deliberately kept simple so that children can intuitively understand the functions.

toy robot Nekbot Simba

Fun in the water as a deliberate extension

A key feature of the Mag Knight is that it is completely waterproof. Unlike many vehicles that merely simulate water-like scenarios, this model is specifically designed for use in the bath or pool. This expands the scope of play beyond the traditional children's room. The design is such that water cannot damage the material. Figures can be placed inside while the vehicle is completely submerged. It is this aspect in particular that clearly sets the product apart from many comparable offerings. The playing location becomes variable, the experience more immediate.

action figure toy water bathtub
underwater vehicle nektons childrens toy bathtub simba

The Deep as a series world for boys and girls

The question of the target audience is deliberately left open in The Deep. Although vehicles, action elements and technical details traditionally appeal more to boys, the series itself is designed as a family story. Within the Nektons, a female character also plays an active role in the fight against the antagonists. This orientation is reflected in the toys. The Mag Knight is not tied to a gender, but is part of a narrative in which different characters act together. The emphasis on family cohesion and a shared mission moves the product away from a purely martial focus.

ballgame Pindaloo Simba
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With this line, Simba aims to break down familiar role patterns without losing the excitement of the story. The conflict between good and evil remains central, but is embedded in a context that emphasises cooperation and cohesion. Functions and play options at a glance

  • Magnetic mechanisms for opening compartments and hatches
  • Space for figures from The Deep series
  • Fully waterproof for use in the bath and pool
  • Can be combined with other products from the Nektons world
These functions should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as interlinked. The Mag Knight acts as a link between the characters and the narrative world. Children can re-enact scenes from the series or develop their own stories that go beyond the familiar plot.

Bob Baumeister toy piece Simba
MesseTV Simba Spielwarenmesse 2018 Nuremberg

Toys as an extension of the narrative world

It is striking how consistently the characteristics of the television series have been transferred to the physical product. The underwater world is not only visually suggested, but can also be experienced through actual use in water. The toy thus serves as an extension of the media narrative and not merely as merchandise.

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MesseTV Jenny Dettner Spielwarenmesse Simba

Simba deliberately uses this interconnection to create depth of play. The Mag Knight is not an isolated object, but part of a larger system. Characters, vehicles and story intertwine and enable longer play phases that go beyond short moments of action. This is a prime example of how modern toy concepts can work. The focus is not on the number of functions, but on their meaningful integration into a comprehensible world. The Deep and the Mag Knight illustrate how technology, narrative and physical play can be combined to create a coherent whole.