Insert Coin x Poppy Playtime Retro Playtime Co. Sweater Review – Is It Worth It?

Lewis
Jun 11
8 min read

Ladies and gentlemen… boys and girls… allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eliot Ludwig. And today, I want to share a story with you. A story from a time before the Hour of Joy… before the silence fell… before everything changed. You see, once—just once—I created something truly extraordinary.

Playtime Co., which I founded back in the 1930s, was never just a toy factory. It was a monument—my gift to the world. A legacy built not of bricks and mortar, but of wonder and joy. It was a place children could truly call home. A place where imagination ran wild, where dreams took shape, and where joy reigned supreme. Laughter echoed through polished hallways, and innovation had no limits.

Every plush, every toy, every smile was carefully designed—lovingly crafted with purpose. Our toys weren’t just the best in the world—they were the world to so many. And Huggy Wuggy… oh, Huggy. One of our finest creations. A friend who gave you a hug exactly when you needed one.

I believed happiness could be built, crafted like clockwork. That comfort could be bottled, moulded, and gifted to the children of the world… one hug at a time.

And now, time, in its cruel twist, has changed everything. The lights have dimmed. The laughter has faded. The toys once cherished… now linger as nightmares left behind.

And yet… something remains.

A presence. A legacy.

A new generation walks these halls—not with fear, but with style, with wonder. A bold tribute to what Playtime Co. once was… and perhaps, what it could be again.

Which brings me to you—yes, you, the reader.

Or perhaps… I should say to him.

Lewis.

A name carried by curiosity. A seeker of lore and stories. Style and shadows. He walks these halls of my once beloved factory. Not as a worker, nor as a child. But something new. A witness, a voice, a fan. A bridge between what once was… what still might be.

He wears the legacy. Wears it boldly. Not just in thread and fabric, but in purpose. In memory. In tribute. So, without further ado, I am pleased to introduce you to Lewis!

Thank you, Mr. Ludwig, for the introduction!

For those who don’t know me, I have a slight obsession with Poppy Playtime. It was introduced to me by my partner in 2021. It was something that took the love I had for Five Nights at Freddy’s and gave me another franchise, similar but different in its own way. The game gave me goosebumps. The idea of a toy plush coming to life and chasing me through the vents at a ridiculous speed had me jumping and screaming in terror! This was the day Poppy Playtime found its way into my heart.

Now Insert Coin, known for its gaming styled merchandise and clothing, has joined up with Mob Entertainment to create a range of new clothing and pins that would give any fan a big, teethed smile. I’m sure many fans of the series exploded with excitement, or in their very own Hour of Joy. I was lucky enough to be sent 2 of their newest items from the Poppy Playtime collection, which I will delve into in this review.

Who is Insert Coin?

Insert Coin Clothing is a UK-based fashion brand that specialises in officially licensed, high-quality gaming-inspired apparel and accessories. Founded in 2010, Insert Coin has become a go-to label for gamers who want to wear their fandom with style. The brand collaborates directly with major game developers and publishers—including PlayStation, SEGA, Ubisoft, Capcom, Naughty Dog, and many more—to create exclusive collections based on popular video game franchises.

Their catalogue includes:

T-shirts

Hoodies and sweaters

Jackets

Loungewear

Accessories (like enamel pins, hats, and scarves)

Some of the most recognisable collections have featured games like Poppy Playtime, Silent Hill, Yakuza, Assassin’s Creed, The Last of Us, and Life is Strange. What sets Insert Coin apart is its attention to detail, subtle design references, and a commitment to quality, often combining fandom with fashion-forward styles.

They’ve also built a strong community through limited drops, collaborations, and interactive events (like Insert Coin Pop-Ups at gaming conventions and digital showcases).

Something I created to show just how much of a fan I really am!

What is Poppy Playtime?

Poppy Playtime is a first-person, story-driven horror-puzzle game developed by Mob Entertainment (formerly known as MOB Games). The game was first released in October 2021 and has since become a standout title in the mascot horror genre, joining the ranks of games like Five Nights at Freddy’s and Bendy and the Ink Machine.

You play as a former employee heading back to the now-abandoned Playtime Co. toy factory—a place that used to be full of life, colour, and the most advanced toys ever made. But something went horribly wrong. Everyone inside disappeared without a trace, and now it’s up to you to figure out what happened.

Sounds simple, right? Not even close.

The deeper you go, the more you realise you’re not alone in there. The factory may be empty of people, but its toys? Yeah, they’re very much alive… and they’re not friendly.

There’s Huggy Wuggy, this huge, towering blue creature with long limbs, a never-ending smile, and a terrifying habit of chasing you through the vents.

Then there’s Mommy Long Legs, a creepy, spider-like toy who sounds sweet—until she’s crawling out of the ceiling and talking to you like you’re her next plaything.

And don’t even get me started on CatNap and the others—they might look cuddly at first glance, but every one of them hides something seriously disturbing underneath. These aren’t your average toys… they’re nightmares in disguise.

Oh, we must, of course, not forget Poppy Playtime, a doll that can walk, talk, and smells just like a Poppy flower

Poppy Playtime nails that balance between childhood nostalgia and pure terror. Every hallway has a story, every shadow feels like it’s watching, and every mascot?

A ticking time bomb. If you're into creepy lore, clever puzzles, and horror wrapped in a toy box, this game’s got you covered.

As of now, there are currently Four Chapters available in the Poppy Playtime franchise, with a Fifth Chapter one in the works.

Chapter 1: A Tight Squeeze – Released on October 12, 2021

Chapter 2: Fly in a Web – Released on May 5, 2022

Chapter 3: Deep Sleep – Released on January 30, 2024

Chapter 4: Safe Haven – Released on January 30, 2025

These are available on all platforms except for Chapter 4, which is only available on Steam & Epic Games Store currently!

Delivery and Packaging

As I’ve mentioned before, delivery plays a crucial role in making a strong first impression, and when I received the two products, I wasn’t expecting the items to be so thoughtfully presented. Both arrived neatly packed inside an Insert Coin’s official see-through sealed bag—already giving off that premium feel. And imagine my face when I unzipped it to reveal one of the coolest sweaters I now own!

Design and Comfort

The piece of clothing I was sent from Insert Coin was the Retro Playtime Co. Sweater—and it genuinely feels like it was lifted straight from the game! Its retro-styled design features a Factory Grey base that gives off serious vintage vibes, paired perfectly with bold Playtime Red detailing. From the old-school Playtime Co. logo to the comfortable, high-quality fabric, this sweater doesn’t just represent the past—it celebrates it.

Made from a soft blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, this sweater instantly stood out. I already own a lot of Poppy Playtime merch—including official apparel from Mob Entertainment—but this sweater was on another level of comfort. Even on a warmer day, it didn’t feel heavy or stifling. The inside? It honestly reminded me of one of those teddy bear-style electric blankets—ridiculously soft and cosy, like a warm hug from Huggy Wuggy himself.

What I appreciate about the design is how understated it is. It’s not in your face or overloaded with graphics—it’s clean, minimal, and effortlessly cool. That subtlety means I can pair it with just about anything. It’s casual, comfortable, and stylish without shouting for attention—and that’s exactly why it works.

Sizing and Pricing

One thing I admire about Insert Coin is their inclusive sizing. The Retro Playtime Co. Sweater is available from XS all the way up to 3XL, making it accessible for a wide range of body types and style preferences. For reference, the female model is 5'7.5" (171cm) wearing a size S, and the male model is 6'3" (191cm) wearing a size M. This gives customers an idea of what it would look like generally. I prefer something more baggy, and being roughly 6'4 with broad shoulders and a big chest, I was sent it in XL.

The Retro Playtime Co. Sweater is priced at a very reasonable £49.99—especially when you consider the official licensing behind it. If you're using PayPal, there's also the option to split the cost with Pay in 3, making it just £16.66 per instalment. So even if your budget’s a bit tight right now, there’s still a flexible way to add this awesome piece to your collection.

And there's more. Purchasing this sweater earns you 49 Coins through Insert Coin’s rewards system. Once you've built up enough Coins, you can redeem them for discounts on future orders. Just add your Coins at checkout, and the discount will be applied automatically. It's a great way to save while growing your collection.

A Huggy Wuggy Surprise!

To my surprise, the team at Insert Coin had also included a little something extra—something I truly wasn’t expecting: the brand-new Huggy Wuggy Enamel Pin.

This multicoloured pin captures Huggy’s iconic charm in a compact 32mm design. It’s bold, vibrant, and instantly recognisable—perfect for adding a touch of Poppy Playtime to your backpack, lanyard, pin board, or even your favourite gaming setup.

Design

The design of this enamel pin is inspired by Chapter 3: Deep Sleep, where you find yourself trapped in a haunting nightmare. One of the most chilling moments comes when a seemingly harmless TV screen displays a smiling Huggy Wuggy—only for that smile to twist and distort as he slowly transforms into his Nightmare form. Moments later, he steps out of the screen, and the real terror begins.

This pin perfectly captures that eerie transformation—a subtle nod to one of the most unforgettable encounters in the game.

Huggy Wuggy, in all his unsettling charm—his wide, toothy grin stretched unnaturally, razor-sharp teeth on full display, and those unblinking, staring eyes that seem to follow you wherever you go.

The enamel pin is priced at just £5.99, making it an affordable way to add a little Poppy Playtime flair to your collection. Even better—Insert Coin currently offers a deal where you can grab any 3 pins for just £15, making it the perfect excuse to start or expand your pin line-up.

Whether you're a die-hard Poppy Playtime fan or simply someone who loves horror-inspired fashion, this collab absolutely hits the mark. It's bold enough to stand out at conventions, yet stylish and subtle enough to wear day-to-day with confidence.

Insert Coin has once again shown they know exactly how to merge gaming and fashion. The Poppy Playtime collection is a must-have for fans—expertly crafted, stylish, and filled with just the right amount of eerie nostalgia. Every piece oozes subtle, sinister charm in a way that feels true to the game’s twisted world.

Even Eliot Ludwig himself would be proud. But don’t just take my word for it—grab your Retro Playtime Co. Sweater today. Because just like Huggy Wuggy...

Once he’s got you, he’ll hug you… until you pop!