This Nerf blaster makes me feel like an '80s action hero, and I'm a step away from spitting out corny one-liners

The Nerf N-Series Infinite subscribes to the idea of "bigger IS better," and after going hands-on with it, I can't help but agree. This might just be the last word in backyard battles.

No, it's not perfect. Nerf N-Series Infinite is a little unwieldy compared to other options, thanks to its size. I don't think it's quite as accurate, either. But despite all that, it's still far easier to hit your mark with than earlier ranges like the Elite. What's more, it can carry more ammo than most of the best Nerf blasters combined. When combined with the intimidation factor of this thing, it's king of the foam-dart arena.

Nerf N-Series Infinite features & design

• Belt clip carries 40 darts
• Pump-action design
• 80 darts in the box overall

The main selling point of the Nerf N-Series Infinite is its capacity – it packs a staggering 40 darts on its detachable, "quick-load" belt clip so that you rarely have to stop firing. That same belt can also carry 16 more N1 darts for quick reloads. These are the more accurate, faster-firing upgrade that defines the N-Series blasters.

Crucially, it's not battery-operated. Unlike many Nerf blasters of this size and price point, it isn't mechanized; it's good-old-fashioned pump action. Just pull back the primer, hit the trigger, and away you go.

Performance

• Accurate at short to mid-range
• Excellent at laying down cover fire
• Younger kids may find it harder to carry

When you get into the swing of things, you lay down fire at an alarming rate with the Nerf N-Series Infinite. And thanks to its 40-dart ammo belt, you aren't going to run out any time soon. The blaster's official blurb promises that you'll have the "capacity to swamp the field with darts," and it's not wrong.

Understandably, this is pretty empowering – and if you break out the Infinite in a backyard battle, it's going to intimidate your opponents. It's a monster.

That does mean it's tricky to wield for younger Nerf warriors, though. (The ammo belt is over 12 inches, and I often found reattaching it awkward.) There's no denying that this is a bulky design, and it's incredibly thicc when compared to its N-Series siblings. That makes aiming down the sites harder, and in some respects, you're better off firing from the hip like a 1980s action movie hero.

Fortunately, that isn't to say you'll be spraying and praying. As with all N-Series blasters, the Infinite is a lot more accurate than I'd expected. So long as you're firing at short to mid-range, you'll hit your mark (in my case, a long-suffering Warhammer Spanna Grot plushie) consistently.

Long range is a different story, though. The Infinite isn't nearly as accurate as the Nerf N-Series Pinpoint at long distances. When using the same target for practice across a decently-sized room in the GamesRadar+ office, the Infinite struggled to score a hit most of the time. Part of that might be due to its lack of a scope, or its bulk getting in the way, but even so, I could see darts veering off to one side or another whenever I pulled the trigger.

Still, that's not overly surprising. The Nerf N-Series Infinite isn't built to be a sniper rifle, and you're better off looking elsewhere if you want that anyway. What this blaster sets out to do is lay down a deluge – a storm, even – of darts, and it completes that objective with aplomb.

Should you buy the Nerf N-Series Infinite?

If you think reloading is for cowards or you enjoy the idea of laying down a hail of darts like you're starring in an old-school blockbuster (ideally while yelling something like "come get some"), the Nerf N-Series Infinite will tick all the boxes. This is one of the most expensive blasters in the range, but undeniably one of the most fun to use.

I'd opt for something like the Nerf N-Series Agility if you're shopping for younger children, though. The Infinite is rather large, which makes it difficult to carry and use for smaller kids.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Nerf N-Series Infinite

I used the Nerf N-Series Infinite over a couple of weeks, testing it at various ranges and shooting at a variety of targets to judge accuracy. I also tested it alongside other blasters from the N-Series range for the sake of comparison.

For more on our testing process, see the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

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