After the Cricut Venture last August, Cricut is now launching the Cricut Joy Xtra. This article will explain exactly why Cricut adds yet another machine to its arsenal and who it is for!
In addition to the Cricut Joy Xtra, Cricut is also launching a series of new materials. You can learn all the details here.
Disclosure: Thanks to Cricut for providing me with the product for review. I am not paid or sponsored by Cricut to write this post. All opinions are 100% my own and honest.
What is the Cricut Joy Xtra
If you know the Cricut machines, you will immediately notice the name in common with a machine that already existed at Cricut, the Cricut Joy.
The Cricut Joy is a small machine that is super portable given its size, but at the same time, it greatly limits the projects that can be made with it.
The Cricut Joy Xtra has, as you surely guessed, little “extras”! She remains smaller than the Explore and Maker families, but larger than the “baby Joy”.
It offers a cutting width of 8.5 inches (21.59 cm) compared to the Joy which offers only 4.5 inches (11.43 cm).
An 8.5-inch width, does that ring a bell? Here in America, this is the exact width of a letter-sized sheet, which is the equivalent of an A4 size in Europe!
So yes, the big “extra” compared to the little Joy is that the Cricut Joy Xtra has the ability to print and cut!
That’s why Cricut is releasing a whole set of printable products at the same time!
Who is the Cricut Joy Xtra for?
Cricut diversifies its range of Cricut machines to meet the varied needs of different people. As was the case with the Cricut Venture, the Cricut Joy Xtra is not for everyone.
In fact, if you’ve been following my tutorials for a while, it’s probably because you already have a Cricut and thus, the Cricut Joy Xtra is not for you!
On the other hand, if you have a friend or family member who has been watching you for a long time and dreams of doing like you but is way too intimidated by your “big machine”. And if in addition, this person adds “I do not even have enough room for that” well, the Cricut Joy Xtra is exactly for this type of person. (I know you know what I mean, I have a lot of people around me who repeat this to me too!)
With the Cricut Joy Xtra, Cricut targets beginners who do not have a Cricut machine.
So, it’s a perfect machine to have new friends to “Cricut” with! haha
If you’re starting with your Cricut, check out this page to help you get started on the right foot!
Features of the Cricut Joy Xtra
La Cricut Joy Xtra utilise les mêmes outils et stylos que la Cricut Joy originale. Tandis que les familles Explore et Maker ainsi que la Venture ont d’autres boitiers pour les lames et stylos.
I invite you to download my free cheat sheet on Cricut Blades, Wheels, Tips and Pens to see more clearly!
Here are a few important features of the Cricut Joy Xtra:
- Cuts out all the same materials as the original Cricut Joy.
- Uses the same fine point blade (included) as the original Cricut Joy.
- Use the same pens and foil tip as the original Cricut Joy.
- Uses Smart materials (new 9.5-inch (24.1 cm) materials are available).
- Mats of 8.5 inches x 12 inches (21.59 cm x 30.48 cm), “StandardGrip” (green) or “LightGrip” (blue) can be purchased separately
- A specific card mat is also available and can cut all card sizes, even the largest S40 and R40!
- Compatible for Print then Cut
Availability of the Cricut Joy Xtra
The Cricut Joy Xtra will be available for purchase on September 7, 2023.
In Canada and the United States, it will be possible to buy the machine alone or in a bundle while internationally, the machine will only be sold in bundles (except on the Cricut’s website) including a grouping of practical materials and links to projects to do with them, ideal for beginners!
What I think of the Joy Xtra
Previously, the type of person mentioned above often went for the original Cricut Joy. I have seen many of them quickly become disappointed because they were not able to carry out large enough projects or because they could not print and cut and were limited by the small Cricut Joy.
I’ve said it many times, the original Cricut Joy is an accompanying machine, ideal for carrying wherever you want. So I’m very excited about the new Joy Xtra that settles the two complaints I often hear from the Joy.
I think the Cricut Joy Xtra will be the perfect machine for beginners who want to get started in the Cricut universe without being limited in width and functionality!