G2 Ponies

G2 Logo

The second generation of My Little Pony was introduced worldwide in 1997 and ceased distribution in 1999 due to lackluster sales everywhere except in Europe. The line remained popular there and new toys were produced up to the worldwide brand relaunch of Generation 3 in 2003.

Generation 2 ponies all have the same slender bodies and feathered hooves, a departure from the "chubbier" look of the standard Generation 1 ponies. They all also feature a small crystal in each eye. G2 has many other unique features. While magnet-activated play is a signature of early G3, it was actually introduced in the G2 line with the Secret Surprise Ponies and Romantic Ponies. Playsets and accessories were more complex, with some of the ponies themselves have Magic Motions that allowed for more interactive play.

G1 and other later generations feature many different "species" of pony, while G2 did not deviate much from earth ponies. G2 does have unicorn ponies, but there are no pegasus ponies outside of those ponies that have clip-on wings. All G2 baby ponies are earth ponies. G2 male and female characters feature the same body style, while G1 has a few different male body types, such as the Big Brother Ponies and Loving Family Baby Boys.

Generation 2 is the only pony generation that does not have any animation specials or series associated with it. Its launch coincided with the growing interest in computer-based entertainment, and G2 does have its own PC game, My Little Pony: Friendship Gardens.