Right, hands up if you've never played UNO. Anyone? Thought not. This card game has been kicking about since 1971, and somehow it's still managing to cause family arguments and questionable friendships five decades later. We picked up Mattel's current version for £5.99 to see if the classic formula still holds up — and whether it's worth choosing over the countless variants flooding the market.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely is. This isn't just nostalgia talking either. We spent a fair few evenings putting this through its paces with groups ranging from three adults (competitive) to a mixed bag of kids and parents (chaotic). The basics haven't changed — match colours or numbers, unleash action cards at the worst possible moment for your opponents, and don't forget to shout 'UNO' or face the penalty cards.
The box contains 112 cards, which breaks down to the standard mix of number cards in four colours, plus the special action cards that make UNO what it is. You get Skip cards, Reverse cards, Draw Two cards, and the proper game-changers: Wild cards and Wild Draw Four cards. This version also includes the newer Swap Hands cards, which we'll be honest, feel a bit gimmicky but kids seem to love them.
The cards themselves feel sturdy enough. They're not going to survive being thrown around by a toddler having a meltdown, but for normal family game use, they'll do the job. The print quality is decent and the colours are properly vibrant — important when half the game revolves around colour matching.
Here's something we didn't expect to be writing about UNO in 2024: accessibility. Mattel has added graphic symbols to each card alongside the colours, specifically to help players with colour blindness. It's such a simple addition, but it means everyone can actually play properly without having to ask 'is that red or green?' every other turn. Honestly, it's about time someone thought of this.
The symbols are clear without being ugly, and they don't interfere with the classic UNO look. We tested this with our mate who's red-green colour blind, and he said it made the game infinitely less frustrating. Small change, massive difference.
If you've played UNO before, you know what you're getting. The rules are dead simple: match the colour or number of the top card, play action cards to mess with other players, and be the first to get rid of all your cards. The Swap Hands cards add a bit of chaos — you can literally trade your entire hand with another player, which is either brilliant or devastating depending on your perspective.
We found games typically lasted 15-20 minutes with 4-6 players, which hits that sweet spot of being engaging without outstaying their welcome. The customisable Wild cards let you write your own rules, though we found most people stick to the classics rather than getting creative.
What still works brilliantly is how quickly non-gamers can pick it up. We had a 7-year-old playing competently within one round, and grandparents who 'don't do card games' were happily scheming about when to play their Draw Four cards.
Here's the thing that got on our nerves: the rules booklet is absolutely tiny. We're talking microscopic text that had us squinting like we were trying to read the terms and conditions on a phone contract. Sure, most people know how to play UNO, but when you're settling disputes about specific rules or explaining the newer cards, you want to be able to actually read the bloody instructions.
This is perfect for families with kids aged 7 and up who want something everyone can play together without anyone feeling left out. It's also brilliant for student houses, camping trips, or anywhere you need a game that packs small and plays fast. If you're looking for strategic depth, look elsewhere — this is about quick fun and mild chaos, not chess-level thinking.
For £5.99, this is still one of the best family card games you can buy. The accessibility improvements alone make it worth upgrading from older versions, and it remains the gold standard for simple, chaotic fun that works with any group. Buy it.
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