New Hot Wheels app lets you catalog your collection from 1968 to 2025

For decades, Hot Wheels collectors have relied on spreadsheets, shoeboxes full of receipts, and hazy memories to keep track of their die-cast treasures. But Mattel has finally launched an official solution: the Hot Wheels Showcase app, now available on both iOS and Android, after almost a year of beta testing.

I still remember the sting of losing my entire Hot Wheels collection when my family moved states back in the day. Somewhere between cardboard boxes and cross-country miles, my prized cars vanished. If this app had existed then, at least I’d have a digital record of what slipped away.

The app promises to house every Hot Wheels vehicle released since the brand’s 1968 debut, bringing nearly six decades of miniature automotive history to your smartphone. Users can browse over 30,000 vehicles, add cars to their personal garage, track series completions, and create custom lists for wishlists or favorites. The interface shows detailed information for each model, including release year, series, mainline index, and even special designations like Super Treasure Hunts.

Early adopters on Reddit have mixed feelings. While many appreciate having an official platform, several collectors note significant gaps in the database. Some 2025 Super Treasure Hunt releases are missing entirely, and numerous vehicles lack images. One user pointed out that third-party apps like DieCarz currently offer more comprehensive catalogs.

The app does include some thoughtful features, like the ability to indicate how many duplicates you own of each casting. There’s also progress tracking for series completion, which appeals to collectors chasing full sets. 

Privacy-conscious collectors have raised eyebrows at the app’s data tracking requests during installation. But let’s be real, such prompts have become standard across mobile apps. In fact, it was part of the reason why MKBHD’s wallpaper app, which I went hands-on with last year, got backlash for. So I get why some users prefer sticking with alternatives that don’t ask for cross-app tracking permissions.

Despite the rough edges, the app represents Mattel’s first serious attempt at giving collectors a proper digital management tool. As the database expands and bugs get ironed out, it could become the definitive platform for Hot Wheels enthusiasts. For now, it’s a promising start that finally acknowledges what collectors have needed for years: a way to organize decades of tiny metal passion without drowning in spreadsheets.