The 2nd Generation Labubu: Is It Actually Better? A Collector's Honest Breakdown

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Okay, let's get right into it. One of the most common questions I get at PopNya is, "What's the difference between the old Labubu and the new one?" People see terms like 2nd generation labubu or labubu gen 2 thrown around on Reddit and Instagram, and it's genuinely confusing if you're just starting out.

As someone who has unboxed, photographed, and shipped hundreds (thousands?) of these little monsters, I can tell you the difference is real. It's not just marketing fluff. But the question of whether the new version is "better" is… complicated.

So, let's break it down, collector to collector.

The most obvious change is the head mold. Grab any Gen 1 Labubu, like one from the original "The Monsters Toys" or "Weather" series. Now put it next to a newer one from "Fall in Wild" or "Let's Christmas." You'll see it immediately.

The first-generation Labubu has a very distinct vertical seam line running right down the middle of its face. It's a classic sign of older vinyl toy manufacturing. Some people find it charming, a mark of its history. Others, not so much. The face itself is also a bit flatter, and the ears are slightly pointier and thinner.

The labubu second generation completely eliminates that seam. The face is one smooth, continuous piece of vinyl. It looks cleaner, more premium. The head is also subtly rounder, giving Labubu a slightly chubbier, more baby-faced look. The ears are thicker and more rounded at the tips. It's a small change, but it makes the whole figure feel more substantial.

Honestly, the first time I held a Gen 2, I was impressed. It just felt more… finished. The old seam line never bothered me until I saw a version without it. Now, when I look at my older collection, it's all I can see.

But the changes go deeper than just the face. The entire body was retooled.

The Gen 1 body is great, but the articulation is a bit limited. The head can turn, and the arms can move up and down. That's about it. The new labubu gen 2 mold features improved articulation. The head has a better range of motion, allowing for more expressive tilts and poses. The arms can now move outwards slightly, not just up and down like a robot.

This might sound like a tiny detail, but for collectors who love to photograph their toys, it's a huge deal. You can get so much more personality and life out of the Gen 2 figures.

The newer figures often have a more matte, almost satin finish. It feels soft and high-quality. Some of the older Gen 1 series had a glossier, harder plastic feel that, in retrospect, can look a little cheap by comparison. This isn't a universal rule, some Gen 1s have a beautiful finish, but the consistency of quality is definitely higher with the second generation.

A Concrete Example: The Macaron Throwdown

The best way to see the evolution is to compare "The Monsters Exciting Macaron" series (which uses the Gen 2 mold) with the original, iconic "Labubu Macaron" series (Gen 1).

I have both full sets, and the difference is night and day.

The original Macarons are legendary. They are what got many of us, myself included, into collecting Labubu. The designs are simple, colorful, and utterly charming. But they are undeniably Gen 1. They have the head seam, the simpler articulation, and a glossier finish. The secret "Soy" from this series is still a holy grail for many, fetching hundreds of dollars on the secondary market.

Then came the Exciting Macaron series. These are 2nd generation labubu through and through. The designs are more complex, with intricate paint details and accessories. The Cream Macaron has a tiny spoon and textured "cream" on its head. The Pistachio Macaron has little nut sprinkles. The finish is that beautiful, soft matte. They feel heavier and more luxurious.

When Pop Mart released the Exciting Macaron series, it didn't tank the value of the original Macarons. If anything, it renewed interest in them. It highlighted the history and evolution of the character. New collectors bought the Gen 2s for the quality, while veteran collectors held onto their Gen 1s for the nostalgia and rarity. It proved there's room for both in the community.

Real Talk: My Honest Verdict

So, is the labubu second generation better?

Yes and no.

From a technical, objective standpoint? Absolutely. The seamless head, improved articulation, and consistently high-quality finish make it a superior product. If you're a new collector and you just want the best-looking, most posable Labubu for your money, you should be looking at series made from late 2022 onwards. You're getting a more refined and polished figure. When I'm stocking the LABUBU collection at PopNya, I know the newer series will have fewer quality control complaints from customers.

However.

That little seam on the face is a part of Labubu's history. It reminds me of a time before the massive hype, before everyone was trying to flip them on StockX. The simpler designs of series like "Forest Concert" or "Flower Elves" have a purity to them. They feel closer to the whimsical, slightly mischievous spirit of Kasing Lung's original artwork.

My contrarian opinion is this: while the Gen 2 is technically perfect, sometimes that perfection can feel a little sterile. The Gen 1 figures have character, flaws and all. They represent the roots of this crazy hobby we love.

A Seller's Tip That No One Tells You**

Here's something I've noticed from handling so many boxes. The packaging also reflects the generational shift. The new Gen 2 boxes are often more elaborate, with spot UV printing, embossing, and more complex artwork. They look amazing on a shelf.

But here's the secret: they damage way more easily. The matte finish on the newer boxes gets scuffed and shows corner dings from shipping much more than the old glossy boxes. As a seller, it's a nightmare. I have to be extra careful when packing a "Fall in Wild" or "Sweet Bean Gummy" series, because customers (rightfully) expect a pristine box. The old Gen 1 boxes were workhorses; they could take a beating.

So if you're buying online and you're a stickler for box condition, you might have better luck with older series, or you need to be very clear with your seller about wanting a mint box for a Gen 2.

Another thing to watch out for with older, sought-after Gen 1 sets is the proliferation of fakes. The high market value of series like the original Macarons or Zimomos has led to a lot of counterfeits. The Gen 2 figures haven't been targeted as much yet, simply because they're newer and more widely available at retail. If you're hunting for a vintage Labubu, you absolutely need to know how to spot a fake, because the tells are often subtle.

How Do You Know Which Generation You're Buying?

It's pretty simple, thankfully.

Any Labubu blind box series released before roughly mid-to-late 2022 is Gen 1. This includes classics like: * The Monsters Toys * The Monsters Candy * The Monsters Fruits * The Monsters Elves * Labubu Macaron * Forest Concert

Any series released after that point is a labubu gen 2. This includes all the recent mega-hits: * The Monsters Exciting Macaron * The Monsters Camping * The Monsters Fall in Wild * The Monsters Let's Christmas * The Monsters Caught on Camera

The easiest way to tell is to just look at photos from an unboxing video or a seller's listing. If you see that seam on the face, it's Gen 1. No seam? It's Gen 2.

Ultimately, the transition to the 2nd generation labubu was a necessary and positive step for Pop Mart and Kasing Lung. It elevated the figure to a new level of quality and has kept the line fresh and exciting. It has allowed for more creative and ambitious designs, like the flocked figures in the "Fall in Wild" series or the detailed accessories in the "Camping" series.

I love both generations for different reasons. I love my Gen 1s for their history and the memories I have of hunting for them. I love my Gen 2s for their incredible quality and the fun I have posing them for photos.

Your collection should be about what brings you joy. Don't let anyone tell you one is "better" than the other. But now, at least you know exactly what you're looking at. You can make an informed choice, whether you're chasing a vintage grail or just want to check out LABUBU figures that are hitting the shelves right now.

Happy hunting.