Beyblade X

Beyblade X: A Fresh Spin on Kids’ Sports Anime

When I first heard about Beyblade X, I’ll admit I was skeptical. As someone who grew up with the flashy, over-the-top battles of the Metal Saga, I wasn’t sure if a “realistic” take on spinning tops could hold my attention. But after binging the series, I’m here to say: it’s not just good—it’s a game-changer for the franchise.

Let’s start with the basics. Produced by OLM (the studio behind Pokémon) and directed by Moto Terada, Beyblade X dives into the world of competitive Beyblade with a refreshing dose of authenticity. Set in the high-tech X Tower, a stadium so advanced it makes previous arenas look like playgrounds, the series follows Robin Kazami, a scrappy amateur Blader who teams up with former champion Jaxon Cross. Together, they navigate the cutthroat world of professional Beyblade, where skill, strategy, and even social media influence matter as much as the spin of your top.

What immediately stands out is the show’s commitment to realism. Gone are the days of Beyblades summoning dragons or saving the world—Beyblade X is a sports anime through and through. The battles are grounded in physics and technique, with detailed explanations of shooting styles, Beyblade types, and customization. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it, “Shooting techniques, Beyblade types, and even each Bey’s characteristics are way more important here than in the Metal series and actually influence the outcome of each battle.” It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of supernatural fluff.

But realism doesn’t mean boring. The series injects modern elements like “beycrafting” (customizing Beyblades like a pro), influencers, and even “beytubers” into the mix. These additions make the world feel alive and relatable, especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. Characters like Carlo and Ishiyama, who grapple with the harsh realities of competition—think sponsorships, burnout, and the pressure to stay relevant—add depth to the story. One commenter noted, “Introducing concepts like beycrafting, influencers, beytubers, etc., really adds to the world and it gets more interesting as you explore characters who suffer in the face of the harsh realities of this competitive world.”

Of course, no anime is perfect. Some fans have criticized the action sequences for being less flashy than previous generations. “Unfortunately, the writing is there, but because the action isn’t as good as the past gens,” one user lamented. Others took issue with the villains, like Youko and Omega, calling them “narcissistic” and “annoying.” And let’s not forget the “rage quit-able” season 1 finale—though opinions on that are split.

But here’s the thing: Beyblade X understands its audience. It’s packed with Gen Z-friendly topics, from deepfake scandals to viral challenges, and features a killer soundtrack with big-name artists. As one fan pointed out, “I think Beyblade X completely understands what Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences want… and bring so many big name artists to do op/ed songs. I’m glad because it means this franchise still has a future.”

Another win? The series’ pacing. Unlike its predecessor, Beyblade Burst, which had a sprawling cast, Beyblade X uses its characters efficiently. With fewer protagonists, each gets time to shine, and their arcs feel meaningful. “One thing I notice is that Beyblade X has significantly less characters than Beyblade Burst series,” a viewer noted. “Yes, Beyblade X uses each character more efficiently.”

And for those worried about the series ending too soon—fear not. MyAnimeList discussions confirm that Season 3 is already in the works, set to adapt the ongoing manga starting October 24. So even if you’re just jumping in now, there’s more to look forward to.

In conclusion, Beyblade X is a must-watch for both long-time fans and newcomers. It’s a bold, realistic take on a beloved franchise that doesn’t sacrifice heart for authenticity. Whether you’re here for the intense battles, the relatable characters, or the modern twists, this series has something for everyone. As one fan summed it up: “Whatever anyone says, I think this entry is the most entertaining in the franchise because it’s the most realistic. Finally, we got a Beyblade anime without some crappy supernatural stuff about saving the world. It’s just a kids’ sports anime. And it’s really well made if you look at it that way.”

So grab your Beyblade, tune into the X Tower, and get ready to spin into a new era of competitive fun. Beyblade X isn’t just a show—it’s a revolution.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10. A fresh, realistic take that breathes new life into the franchise. Perfect for sports anime lovers and anyone craving authenticity in their spinning top battles.