UNO has been given an Australian makeover, with Mattel releasing a limited-edition UNO Artiste collaboration featuring the work of local artist Mulga.
The deck combines Australiana-inspired illustrations with colloquialisms including “Yeah-Nah” and “Nah-Yeah”, bringing rock star koalas, bin chickens and surfing kangaroos to the familiar card game.
New Australian UNO wild cards
The “Yeah-Nah” wild card can block an action played by the previous player, including a Skip, Draw Two or Draw Four. The following player can use the “Nah-Yeah” wild card to cancel it and restore the original action.
Mattel said the potentially confusing additions were intended to reflect the way Australians already adapt the game with their own house rules.
Joel Moore, who works under the name Mulga, said the project would allow his illustrations to become part of players’ everyday experiences rather than remaining on display.
“There’s something special about knowing these illustrations will end up around kitchen tables, at campsites and on holidays, becoming part of people’s own stories and memories,” he said.
Paul Faulkner, Mattel’s senior vice president and managing director for Asia Pacific, said the collaboration was designed to capture Australian humour while preserving the competitive banter associated with UNO.
“Australians have always had a knack for putting their own spin on UNO and we’re leaning into that,” he said.
“By combining his unmistakable artwork, with gameplay using some of Australia’s most Australian phrases, we’ve created a deck that captures a distinctly Aussie sense of humour while keeping the friendly rivalry, playful banter and fun that’s always been part of UNO.”
The UNO Artiste x Mulga limited edition is available from Mattel Creations, Amazon and selected retailers, with a recommended retail price of $39.99.
