Toy manufacturer Mattel has teamed with Google to reinvent its iconic View-Master toy for the 21st century, transforming the device into a virtual reality device using the Google Cardboard system.

The new View-Master toy will enable users to explore 360 degree photospheres, and by pairing the View-Masters experience reel with an Android app, children will be able to access further content to experience an imaginative and interactive learning environment.

“The View-Master was first introduced at the 1939 Worlds Fair in New York, giving consumers access to spectacular 3D worlds by simply selecting a reel and looking through a device,” said Doug Wadleigh, SVP and global brand general manager for Toy Box at Mattel. “By working with Googles Cardboard platform, we are now able to take that experience even further bringing the discovery and immersive viewing experience of the View-Master to the digital age.

“Combining technology and innovation with this classic toy gives kids an enhanced experience allowing for play opportunities not yet imagined through new, digitally curated content.”

The new View-Master will be available in Q3 2015, with the viewer and sample experience reel, which includes a gallery of classic View-Master images and a tour inside a space shuttle, retailing at around $29.99 (£19.47). Additional experience reel packs of four will be sold separately for $14.99, with packs grouped by theme such as nature, science and adventure destinations.

“We developed Google Cardboard as an open platform to inspire companies like Mattel to rethink how to deliver new user experiences through technology,” said Mike Jazayeri, product director at Google Cardboard. “Many of us on the Google Cardboard team grew up playing with View-Master, so we were excited to collaborate with Mattel and to see the viewer evolve and work with Google Cardboard.”