Indoor soccer toys split into two camps. In one, the kid is the player: they kick a ball that floats across the floor. In the other, the kid is the coach, steering a robot player with a remote while a rival does the same. The first is hover soccer. The second is SoccerBot, the two-player robot soccer game. Both run on the kitchen floor, both come with two goals, and they suit different kids.
Here's how a SoccerBot match plays out, how it compares to a hover soccer ball, and how to pick.
How SoccerBot works
The box holds a complete match for two: two soccer robots, two remotes, a ball, and two goal nets. Each player gets a remote paired to their own robot. Forward, backward, left, and right buttons steer the robot and push the ball wherever the player wants it to go.
The Kick button is the one that makes the game. Press it and the robot backs up, then charges forward and strikes the ball. Line the robot up, time the press, and the ball flies at the goal. Players learn to drive, pass, tap, and shoot, and to get their robot between the ball and their own net. It plays like a real match in miniature, with two coaches shouting at the same time.
Between matches, the Demo button makes each robot sing and dance on its own. That's also the goal celebration, and it gets used a lot.
Setting up the first match
Each robot has a built-in rechargeable battery that charges over USB, and both USB cords are in the box. The remotes use button-cell batteries, and those come in the box too. Charge the robots, and the first match starts the day the box opens.
Pairing takes a minute. Power on the first robot and press its power button again until the eyes turn blue, then press the first remote's power button until it turns blue and press any other button to pair. For the second robot, press the power button twice on both the robot and the remote until both turn green.
Set the goals at each end of the kitchen or living room floor, drop the ball in the middle, and play to five.
How hover soccer is different
A hover soccer ball has a battery-powered fan inside that pushes air down, so the ball glides across smooth, hard floors on a cushion of air. The kid kicks it, chases it, and scores with their own feet. Foam bumpers around the edge let it bounce off walls and furniture, and LED lights glow on top. The Hovering Soccerball Set includes the ball and two goals.
We covered hover soccer in full, from how the air cushion works to setting up a hallway match, in Hover Soccer: The Indoor Soccer Game That Saves the Lamp.
SoccerBot vs hover soccer, side by side
| SoccerBot | Hovering Soccerball Set | |
|---|---|---|
| How kids play | Steer a robot player with a remote | Kick the ball themselves |
| Players | Two, head to head | One or more |
| Ages | 6 and up | 3 and up |
| In the box | 2 robots, 2 remotes, ball, 2 goal nets, 2 USB cords | Hover ball, 2 goal frames, 2 nets |
| Power | Robots charge by USB; remote batteries included | 4 AA batteries, not included |
| Best floor | Kitchen or living room floor | Smooth, flat, hard floors |
| Price | $59.99 | $24.99 |
Which one for which kid
Pick SoccerBot for the kid who loves a remote control. If they already drive RC cars, play video game soccer, or like to be in charge of the tactics, SoccerBot gives them a match to run. It's built for two, so it suits siblings close in age, a best friend who comes over every Saturday, or a grandparent who's ready to lose gracefully.
Pick hover soccer for the kid who needs to move. If the energy has to go somewhere on a rainy afternoon, a ball they kick themselves burns it off. It starts younger, at age 3, so it works for a family with a wide spread of ages, and it's the easier gift at a lower price.
Pick both for a soccer household. One is the running game, the other is the thinking game, and on a winter weekend a soccer kid will play both.
More ways to play the sport indoors and out are in the Sports and Active collection, and SoccerBot's robot teammates live in the robots collection.
Soccer bot: quick questions
What comes in the BOT SoccerBot box?
BOT SoccerBot comes with two RC soccer robots, two remotes, one soccer ball, two goal nets, two USB charging cables, and a manual.
How does BOT SoccerBot kick the ball?
Press Kick on the BOT SoccerBot remote and the robot backs up, then charges forward to strike the ball.
Does BOT SoccerBot come with batteries?
Yes. Each BOT SoccerBot robot has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that charges over USB, and each remote uses three AG13/LR44 button cells. All batteries are included in the box.
What age is BOT SoccerBot for?
BOT SoccerBot is designed for ages 6 and up.
What is the difference between SoccerBot and a hover soccer ball?
With BOT SoccerBot, two players each steer a robot with a remote and the robots kick the ball. With the Mukikim Hovering Soccerball Set, kids kick a ball that floats on a cushion of air themselves; it's for ages 3 and up.
