A real-life Destiny-themed Nerf gun isn't groundbreaking, given Bungie's past release of a massive Gjallarhorn rocket launcher replica. However, the upcoming Ace of Spades Nerf blaster stands out due to its usability and its deeper connection to the Destiny 2 story. Bungie recently sent me the Ace of Spades, which I've been testing for the past few days, much to the dismay of my two cats. Before it arrived, I hadn't seen any dimensions listed, so I was surprised by its size—about 18 inches from handle to barrel. While this might not seem huge for a display piece, as a handgun you'll actually use, it's undeniably large. They call them hand cannons in Destiny for a reason.
The size isn't a drawback; in fact, it feels true to the in-game experience. For me, this will likely end up on a shelf in my office, where its larger size ensures it won't be overshadowed. Despite its size, it's not overly heavy, with a decent heft that prevents it from feeling flimsy, though it's unmistakably plastic. Visually, the Ace of Spades surpasses the Gjallarhorn in my opinion. It has a matte finish and decals that resemble the in-game version, albeit with a white-and-orange color scheme. An Exotic ornament is coming soon to match the Nerf version's look.
Overall, it looks great, though expectations should be realistic: this is a $50 Nerf gun with a battery-operated firing mechanism, not a high-end collectible. Some decals appear slightly imperfect, noticeable only upon closer inspection. The left side features several warnings and icons that detract from the design, so it's best to display the right side. The recent drama involving a fan's design being used without permission has been resolved, with Tofu Bunny being compensated and credited.
The batteries power the firing mechanism for the 12 darts—six per drum shell, with a second drum for quick reloading. I was pleasantly surprised by the force with which it fires. To shoot, you first hold a trigger under your middle finger to rev the mechanism, then pull the main trigger. The darts travel long distances, upwards of 40-50 feet, providing a more enjoyable experience than expected. The darts can bounce off multiple surfaces, making them easy to lose, so be prepared for some dart-hunting.
I tested whether the darts would hurt by having my wife shoot me from about 12 feet away. While it won't leave a mark, it's unpleasant enough to prompt immediate complaints. My cats, however, have been too alarmed by the firing noise to participate in dart hunting. A few minor issues include the battery compartment being difficult to open and small plastic dividers between the batteries that can cause malfunctions if bent.
I don't foresee firing the gun often, but that's fine. It looks great on a shelf and serves as a fitting tribute to Cayde-6, who wields the Ace of Spades. The recent narrative work in The Final Shape has been Bungie's best yet, and this blaster commemorates Cayde's pivotal role. The unfortunate layoffs at Bungie have left fans uncertain about the series' future, but this blaster serves as a meaningful reminder of Cayde and many cherished moments in Destiny's history.
The Ace of Spades Nerf blaster was initially available for preorder to those who unlocked the new Legend title in Destiny 2. It's now available for all to preorder on the Bungie Store and is expected to ship in October.
