The intelligent Nanoleaf EXPO LED display instantly enhances any collection

When you reach a certain age, you have so many knick-knacks that you can call them a “collection.” The problem is that these knick-knacks generally end up scattered around without any thought given to how to display them. They usually end up on bookshelves outside where they can collect dust and dirt.

I personally have an extensive collection of late 80s/early 90s Transformers toys, but their presentation is… lacking. Some hang on hanging shelves, some stand on IKEA bookshelves, some are scattered on repurposed nightstands and reclaimed bookcases. It's a mess and doesn't really reflect the amount of time and money I've put into the hobby of finding and restoring these toys.

That’s why I was enthusiastic when Nanoleaf told me that they had collaborated with design studio Fantaqi to develop EXPO Smart LED Display Cases.

What is that?

The Nanoleaf x Fantaqi EXPO Smart LED Display Case is an ABS resin case with white sides, a transparent window on the back (work is underway to make colored inserts available), and a clear, magnetic door. It's lined with Nanoleaf smart LEDs so you can customize your lighting in millions of colors, create scenes, sync to music, and more.

The EXPO Smart LED Display Case comes in starter packs of 4-12, with each case sold individually. Each starter pack includes a hub case (containing the touch controls for your entire display) and 3-11 cases. They use a small connector to connect and share power and programming, allowing you to create a display that fits your exact needs. They are stackable, modular, and provide museum-quality full-surface lighting.

Each suitcase is just big enough to display a pair of sneakers…or in my case, a whole lot of Transformers.

Is it easy to set up?

The EXPO cases come flat packed and ready to assemble. Once you get the hang of it, it only takes a minute or two to press the parts together. The resulting case is surprisingly strong. It wasn't until I placed an extremely heavy part (the Diaclone Gran Dion reissue… weighing over 15 pounds) on top that I noticed a slight bend in the top of the case. Unless you put something very heavy directly on the top plate, you shouldn't notice any bend at all.

But for most applications, these cases simply snap together and hold a tonne of stuff! The connectors are a bit fragile so you have to be careful when pushing them together, but it's very easy to build towers and blocks of cases in exactly the arrangement you want, up to 300 cases! The only limitation is that you'll need extra power supplies if you want to go that big. The nice thing is that you can connect the power supply to any of the display cases, not just the hub.

Once you've got everything plugged in and powered on, use the Nanoleaf app and the handy QR code inside the hub case (the one with the touch controls). Once connected, your layout will show up in the app and you can apply any schedules, colors, or lighting schemes you want!

Is it worth it?

Let us get this out of the way right away: The EXPO Smart LED Display Case Starter Sets are expensive. A starter kit with 4 pieces costs $299. A starter kit with 12 pieces costs $800! That's a lot of money for display hardware that could be used to purchase additional collection items.

That means they instantly add value to your collection. It's the difference between… well… a pile of toys on a bookshelf and a display case with controlled lighting. Not only do they look better, they are also better protected from the accumulation of dust and dirt. My wife, who would rather not see my pile of toys at all complimented her on the new covers as soon as she saw them. This broad appeal is a huge success.

Plus, it has fine details that really enhance the experience. The magnets in the flap give you satisfying tactile feedback when you close the case, and there's a very subtle lighting effect both when you open and close the case. I also really appreciate the touch display on the case in case I don't feel like fiddling around with the app.

And if you're not into shades and instead want disco lighting that turns your collectibles into a rave? That's possible too. The beauty is that Nanoleaf lighting lets you freshen up your display without having to rearrange or move it. anything.

I have put more money into this hobby than I would like to admit, and I felt immediately justified when I plugged in the EXPO cases and loaded them up with parts from my collection. Transformers Micromasters that I was planning to sell because they didn't really excite me anymore took on a whole new life now that I had space to arrange them and light to display them.

If you choose the EXPO cases, be sure to visit the Fantaqi website. They have figure stands available in various sizes that fit Exactly. They're especially handy if you have a lot of small figures you want to display. I know I have some vertical space I'd love to use for my Micromasters!

Learn more and purchase your own EXPO Smart LED Display Cases on the Nanoleaf website.