There’s no stopping Transformers. The year leading up to the media phenomenon’s 40th anniversary in 2024 has seen the release of more than 100 new figures based on the iconic alien robots. Those have joined two continuing animated series and the release of a seventh live-action movie. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts helped the film franchise over more than $5 billion in box office takings worldwide, which is just one sign that the ancient war between the Autobots and Decepticons won’t be ending anytime soon.
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Anyone familiar with the franchise won’t be surprised to learn that 2023’s Transformers releases have mixed the latest movie tie-ins with reinventions of legendary characters. Since it merged and developed two Takara Tomy robot brands in the 1980s, toy giant Hasbro has steered Transformers to continuing success with consistent releases and new manufacturing partnerships to access the latest technology. That means there are plenty of options for vintage collectors and new fans to either grab immediately or pre-order.
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Robosen Auto-Converting Optimus Prime
Robotic pioneer Robosen has pushed out the truck with this incredible interactive model of the legendary Autobot leader. The price point puts it well and truly in the top tier, thanks to 60 microchips and a range of app-based abilities that include voice response, programmable routines, and the ability to walk, fight, and transform into Prime’s famous truck cab. The Elite model stands 16 inches tall. A 19-inch Flagship version is also available. 19 inches.
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Vintage G1 Starscream
$127 $139 Save $12Fans can head back to where it all began with this Walmart exclusive. A recreation of the untrustworthy second-in-command of the Decepticons, this model is authentic to the Starscream figure that first appeared in Generation 1 (1984 to 1990). Like the original, it has a nostalgically awkward conversion from robot to F-15 Eagle fighter jet, requiring removing and attaching first and landing gear.
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Studio Series Transformers: The Movie Ultra Magnus
A much sought-after release, Ultra Magnus became famous in the franchise after becoming the leader of the Autobots in Transformers: The Movie (1986) following the death of Optimus Prime. This reissued movie-authentic 9.5-inch model is as vibrantly colored as fans will remember. It comes with 12 accessories and has a satisfyingly complex transformation of 43 steps.
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Transformers Studio Series War for Cybertron Megatron
$40 $45 Save $5Transformers: War for Cybertron was an ongoing multimedia storyline that kicked off in 2018 with a trilogy of animated series, a video game, and toys. The characters took inspiration from the Generation 1 and Beast Wars eras. Fans of those parts of the legend will appreciate this daunting Studio Series figure of Decepticon Megatron. The 8.5-inch figure transforms into a tank in 21 steps.
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Transformers Generations Grimlock
The Dinobots have roared back with the re-release of original models. Grimlock is the most savage and powerful of the dino-inspired Autobots who first appeared in 1985 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his tendency to talk in the third person. This model converts from robot to T-Rex in 10 steps, and there’s an incentive for collectors to pick up all six Legacy Evolution Dinobot toys as they combine to form the vast Volcanicus.
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Transformers Masterpiece Nemesis Prime
$160 $180 Save $20The dark mirror version of Optimus Prime looks stunning in this detailed build. As seen in Transformers: Bumblebee, this version of the character makes an impressive addition to any collection. It lives up to its marketing as an adult collectible, featuring a solid build, die-cast parts, and taking a strong 49 steps to convert into trailer truck mode fully.
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Transformers Autobots Unite Barricade
Unite figures are an excellent option for fans of Transformers that convert into vehicles. As seen in several Transformers films, the Decepticon Barricade converts into a police car, which gains a speed boost thanks to the ignitor Energon Core included in the pack.
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Transformers Beast Alliance 2-Pack Arcee & Silverfang
$17 $24 Save $7Three double-sets tying into the Rise of The Beasts blockbuster offer a different type of Transformers experience. While the distinctive Arcee figure transforms into her standard motorcycle form in 13 steps, the bundled Silverfang figure morphs into snug armor that protects the female Autobot.
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Transformers Studio Series Bumblebee
$42 $50 Save $8As the only Transformer to have earned a spin-off solo movie, Bumblebee is an undeniable fan favorite. This 4.5-inch movie-authentic model takes inspiration from his last appearance in Rise of the Beasts, transforming from robot to iconic yellow Chevrolet Camaro mode in 23 steps—a good-priced tribute to the little brother of the Autobots.
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Transformers Authentic Optimus Prime
$18 $19 Save $1Fans are spoiled for choice with the weight of models based on the famous leader of the Autobots that have been released for over 40 years. If the recent programmable models of Optimus Prime are out of budget, this 7-inch Authentics model is a nostalgic option for fans to get their hands on an authentic Prime. It takes just four quick steps for Prime to transform into his famous red and blue truck cab.
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Transformers Studio Series Scourge
As befits the Decepticon elevated to chief villain in Rise of the Beasts, this detailed 8.5-inch model is menacing in robot form, especially when equipped with blade accessories. The only thing more terrifying is the ominous shadowy truck that the Decepticon scanner transforms into in 31 steps.
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Transformers Collaborative G.I. Joe Mash-Up Soundwave Dreadnok Thunder Machine
All eyes are on this incredible Hasbro mash-up that pairs the chilling Decepticon communications specialist with two retro GI Joe villains: two masters of deception meet a robot in disguise. Soundwave has one of the most distinctive designs in the Decepticon ranks and transforms from a 10-inch robot into a Dreadnok Thunder Machine in 33 steps. Both figures fit into the tank and robot form, while fans will appreciate the smaller Ravage model that transforms from jaguar to cassette tape to slot into Soundwave’s chest.
There’s an impressive range of Robots in Disguise to choose from, thanks to Hasbro’s keen eye for franchise history and a mission to use the latest technology and manufacturing processes to bring new creations to life. The manyTransformers ranges allow for different sizes, complexity, and price points, offering an excellent choice for fans of all levels.
As price tags and availability vary, it’s worthwhile for any fan picking up a model from Amazon to sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime if they haven’t already to ensure they see the best prices and delivery options. Game ZXC readers shopping at Entertainment Earth can take advantage of free domestic shipping over $79 and 10% off on any of the above in-stock items.
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The upcoming 40th anniversary year promises to be a host of new releases, including the animated movie Transformers One. Fans can expect the same mix of old and new, as retro figures continue to meet the latest technology as sure as Autobots battle Decepticons. Now is an ideal time for fans to get up-to-date with the latest Hasbro releases and keep an eye on Game ZXC to stay on top of the reveals.
FAQs
What is the most advanced Transformers toy?
Transformers like to keep up with technology, which now includes the ability to seamlessly self-transform. With 60 chips and 27 microservers, the Robosen Auto-Converting Optimus Prime figure can convert from a robot to a truck cab while on the move. Transformers toys are getting closer to the robots that inspired them.
How collectible are Transformers toys?
Transformers has proved to be one of the most successful toy lines of all time, and naturally, some models are highly collectible. The original line-up, Generation 1 as it’s now known, originated some of the most sought-after toys ever made. Prices for mint-condition models have reached impressive levels. A boxed set of combiner autobot Computron made up of five Autobots, has sold for up to $5,000. The rarest transformer figures are considered to be the Lucky Draw series. Only a few models were made during the 1990s, some in single figures and all released in special promotions.
Do all Transformers transform?
Although transforming is a fundamental part of the Robots in Disguise concept, not every Transformer converts. Some figures are designed to perfectly capture a Transformer in one rather than all their states. This should be signposted in product notes, but shoppers should make sure they understand the size and functionality of any Transformer before they purchase.
