Tired Of Transformers Selling Upgrades

[@grahf4215]

So just ignore the actual reason why for some of these to push your point right? Why are we getting a reissue of Netflix Soundwave? Because thousands of people complained about Walmart not stocking them. So Hasbro actually listened and found a way to get it back out there. Why did we get a SS86 Blaster without a translucent Eject? Because thousands of people complained about the potential breakage issues. Why did we get a Jazz (along with the rest) without translucent plastic? Because thousands of people complained about breakage issues. Or color issues in the case of Sunstreaker. Why did we get another version of Terrorsaur from Target? Because thousands of people complained about not being able to get the Amazon one. The Takara version doesn't count. Takara makes those independently of Hasbro and are sold as exclusives. Why did we get or are getting reissues of Dirge and Ramjet? Because thousands of people complained about not being able to get them. Why did we get a SS86 Cliffjumper? Because thousands of people complained about not being to get him and because of potential breakage issues. Why did we get a Buzzworthy Kup? Because several dozens of people complained about it not being accurate and about any potential breakage issues. Yeah, this one was pretty bad. I'm more than happy to blame Hasbro on bad decisions but these aren't them. This is them trying to get things out to people after being bombarded on social media and in all the live chats of their streams of people begging for these. Yet now you're going to complain about it? Your Freudian slip said it all didn't it? And for the most part with things like this, the "upgraded" versions were exclusives. Soundwave won't be and neither are the Seekers. But the rest though are all some sort of exclusive. Extra offerings. Non escentials. Now if you wanted to complain about SS86 Springer then I'd be perfectly fine with that. That's the actual example to best use for your argument. Nobody was asking for an upgraded Springer. One with a clean deco maybe but not an upgraded one for $20 more. Another more valid example would be Siege to Eathrise to SS86 Ironhide. The quickly done Earthrise redo had to be in the works at the same time as the SS86 figure. They were released way too close to each other to not have been. Or at the very least, the idea of a larger mold was confirmed around the same time. Yet they pushed out that Earthrise retool anyway. So Lio Convoy isn't a good example either either. Again, Takara does things on their own independent of Hasbro. On top of that, it's an exclusive line that's meant to be more premium. Hasbro had no idea that Takara was going to redo a quarter of the figure later on. Just like they had no clue or say about the Takara Beast Wars vs packs or the Dramatic Capture series. Complaining about them is meaningless in the context you're presenting. Especially when you yourself also complained about Takara not doing their own versions anymore for years starting with Power of the Primes. Now that they are again, you're going to complain about having purchased the Hasbro versions first. Damned if they do, damned if they don't. It's either: Hasbro doesn't listen to what fans want. Or it's: Damn Hasblow for releasing better versions or reissuing figures after listening to fan feedback because now my collection isn't as valuable and I don't feel special for having something someone else doesn't and damn them more for Takara releasing figures on their own regardless of releases outside of Japan. Wait a minute, didn't you say in one of your previous videos that Jazz being in the Autobot Dramatic Capture set wasn't a bad thing since Takara does their own thing and they didn't get the Autobot 5 pack and weren't flooded with SS86 Jazz everywhere? Now you're complaining about Takara doing their own thing as that it suits the narrative you want to push for this video in regards to Soundwave and also Jazz.

[@treebotreviews]

I agree. I have a video uploading now that says all of this. A lot of these points are kinda gatekeepish and hypocritical. Sounds like he’s having his cake and eating it too.

[@TheCaptainKuhn]

I'd argue against the Ironhide argument. It was an exclusive and hard to get and it wasn't what the designers wanted it to be

[@samuelbakos4740]

I agree with most of your points except for the part about re-releases and package refreshes. I'm sorry but I want as many people to experience the toy I like as humanly possible. I'd much rather more people get the figure then me feeling superior that I managed to get it. And likewise I hate missing out on figures because I made the terrible mistake of not living in Singapore. Distribution is so awful that package refreshes are the only way some of us can get these figs. I agree with the rest tho

[@TheCaptainKuhn]

Package refreshes/rereleases also allow for us to not buy the ones we already got and save that money for something later

[@victorapontejr.8244]

They keep doing this for one simple reason: people keep buying them. If they didn't sell & fly off shelves they wouldn't have any confidence in doing all these. Ultimately this comes down to the choice of the customer. If you buy upgrades like this then you support these business practices, doesn't matter what your opinions are on the subject. Money spent or not spent is what talks the loudest, hands down.

[@BaranKRool]

Exactly. People should know how it goes by now. You KNOW that HasTak is never gonna stop doing better upgraded versions. So the moment you see a new not-so-accurate Wheeljack or whatever just skip it and wait for the better one that you KNOW the will release. OR buy the one you like best and don't buy any further upgrade. So if knowing that you still buy the first one, and also buy the next one who's really at fault here?

[@Patolagos]

But at the same time they may misunderstand it and go "Ah, they aren't buying this character, so let's stop bringing them back"

[@franzise3605]

@@Patolagos But if you already have a version you're perfectly satisfied with, why would you care that they don't do a new one? Then you could focus on getting your ideal version of another character, and so on.

[@toysmostwanted]

I spent a ton of money with the transformers collectors club and the transformers collector club subscription service because i was convinced that the only way i could get those characters was to join. Then everything changed when hasbro decided to let the license expire and they did those characters themselves a lot better than the collector club was able to do. Essentially within 5 to 10 years almost everything i bought from the collectors club has been replaced by either a retail or a store exclusive figure. When that happened that's when I stopped buying right away and got away from the FOMO mentality. i re adjusted my focus. I told myself if i was able to backtrack 10 to 20 years when i first started collecting, if i really want the new figures that just came out i'll be able to backtrack again in a decade or something new and better would have come out by then

[@BaranKRool]

@@toysmostwanted exactly. So many people still haven't learn that lesson, it seems

[@baronvonyossi681]

Kind of surprised this entire video went by without a mention of 86 Springer, my current “I really hope that goes on clearance because I can’t justify spending that much on an upgraded version of something I already have” figure

[@Indominus-Prime]

I preordered it and got it a bout a week ago and I'm now contacting Hasbro to try and return it. they really are not worth the price

[@SlashTheWeasel]

I cancelled mine cause I got bunch of new toys. I like all the extra stuff but its still hard sell.

[@jameszetterman4487]

It would be one thing if the premium figures were equally available everywhere, but nearly EVERY TIME the good version is mostly exclusive to Takara markets.

[@soundwavegamer2321]

And yet I have both WFC premium Megatron and Optimus. Don’t know how just got lucky.

[@trailersic]

Or exclusive to some American store that you can't even easily order online, unlike Japanese releases.

[@soundwavegamer2321]

@@trailersic oh don’t get me started it took almost a year to get Minerva and it took me 2 years and random luck to find Kingdom Red Alert.

[@Brickerbrack]

@@soundwavegamer2321 Still don't have Minerva, and my Red Alert is a repainted Clampdown. 😜

[@BlitzkriegOmega]

@@trailersic Wallgreens Exclusives are the bane of Americans. Target Exclusives are the bane of Aussies.

[@Rojixus]

That's why I never let myself buy any upgraded versions. The first run is usually good enough for me and I'd rather spend my money on another character.

[@honteebee]

exactly, and if the first run wasn't good enough for me then I just don't buy it in the first place, regardless of whether or not there's gonna be a "better" version later

[@trashboat5388]

Good thing that upgrade kit for animated Optimus came out fast

[@Prim-Hull_Primehu6]

Same, as much as I like the upgrades, I'm content with the first run. Plus, it makes collecting easier as prices fall lol

[@croakinc3670]

Or just wait for the 2nd or 3rd release alternatively

[@theacro9108]

True because I never got a grimlock for my season 1 cast collection now that there are at least 3 choices now I can get one at a better price

[@Benjamin0119]

I really don't mind Transformers being reissued and upgraded and such. I haven't bought any Transformers since 2010, until I got interested again with Rise of the Beasts and the LEGO Optimus Prime. I bought the Legacy Blitzing on sale, and the Autobot 5-pack. And I have the Leader Soundwave and 86 Optimus pre-ordered. I found out I had been missing a golden age of Transformers the past several years, and there's a ton of stuff I won't be able to get, so I'm glad these reissues and new versions came out when I got back into collecting. Still, I'll have to be very strategic and selective, as I can't afford to just buy whatever figures I want like I used to. I don't feel bad about Transformers losing "value," either. I didn't buy my toys to make money. It's a hobby, not the stock market. I feel figures should be accessible to as many people as possible too, so I don't believe in stuff needing to be special or rare, especially it's a major character.

[@chasformer3091]

Smithers: But she’s got a new hat!!

[@vxrdrummer]

Poor old Lisa Lion Heart

[@toykash3872]

It’s so weird that a simple hobby like collecting is so frustrating and creepily predatory it’s a weird feild to navigate

[@BaranKRool]

Predatory?😂 They are just selling you toys. If you don't want something, don't buy it.

[@soundwavegamer2321]

Look I’m more concerned with the scalpers more then Hasbro selling another Metalhawk. Am I upset that they made a anime accurate paint job 1 year after I purchased it yes, but that’s not the point. I’m still pissed off with Fire Convoy being a Haslab bullshit that’s were I take my anger too.

[@NECROMAGICIAN666]

i agree

[@jacliffh9221]

@@BaranKRoolI think we’re talking about wanting to buy a toy and then being forced to buy it again, which has nothing to do with what you’re saying😅

[@KingBrachion92]

@@jacliffh9221 Who is "forcing" you to buy it again? Like, I just got SS86 Bumblebee; he's nice, but I don't like the sourpuss face they gave him. But I bought it anyway. If they release another one with a smiling face, I have the option to buy that one too. Nobody is "forcing" me to buy another one, it's a choice I get to make for myself. Coincidentally, I didn't buy the first Lio Convoy because of the dopey realistic lion face, so the new Takara one is right up my alley.

[@DreamMaker-e8u]

They planned this. They wanted the 1st release to look silly so they can release the upgrade. It's all about business

[@treebotreviews]

I’m sure they planned that even tho this is a Takara only release. I’m so sure they did that. Did they also plan beast wars again 2 years prior during kingdom?

[@Undrave]

I'm glad I'm not obsessed over accuracy or scale and rarely go for upgrades unless some years have passed. There's a bunch of G1 cast member I don't have an attachment to. My only Sideswipe is the Toxitron one because it looks crazy. I still have my Siege Megatron, Soundwave, Magnus, and Ironhide. They were good enough for me. I didn't upgrade Waspinator from Thrilling 30 to Kingdom! I only got the mold in Creature Collide 4 pack. I'm enjoying collecting all the niche stuff we've gotten since the start of Legacy more than the big names. Give me more Strongarm, more Chase, more Infernac guys, more Filch or Ferak!!

[@KRBrickBot]

The old versions could be passed on to a kid who who’d just need the play experience, but not many collectors are in that position.

[@GreyWarden00]

I actually have a box full of transformers from Siege onward that I considered selling off, but decided to keep them in case my wife and I have children. I don't have to buy new toys for the kiddos and they can have a beginner collection they can play with and learn how to take care of

[@SeanCrosser]

Or I could just buy two of the good one and give one to 'em.

[@vr411i]

It's planned obsolescence. Every company including toy companies do this all the time

[@gaylordfocker7990]

Explain Masterpiece and 3P figures then?

[@honteebee]

okay I hope this doesn't come off as too combative because my grievance is actually toward the other direction: I think there's a problem in this fandom with accuracy being used as an objective quantifier for "better" which kinda allowed for this "upgrade" release cycle to become a thing to begin with, when I feel like they exist more as /options/. like the new lio convoy is super cool and I like the anime styling, but crucially all of the BW figs I've already had since kingdom have all been ~realistic~ animals anyway so ultimately I still prefer the first legacy version for my purposes. and legacy thundertron? handsome, he's my man. the new SR version? /hate/ his face. get him outta here. it's probably the reason why I never became interested in the og prime fig in the first place. and I've already got magneous AND nucleous so calcitron doesn't increase the figure's value either obviously those anecdotes are all subjective but that's exactly my point, ALL of this is subjective. these newer releases being "upgrades" isn't a factual universal truth. doesn't mean that it doesn't suck when a new release happens to be something that you prefer of course, but I feel like it's just a matter of preference than some deliberate market trap - well, it SHOULD be at least, but I'm also aware that this mentality has been a thing with collectors for ages that hasbro probably became aware of it and starting taking advantage of it but I guess what I'm trying to say is us collectors should just be more aware of our own interests and not be too reliant on the market and FOMO and stuff, like if you don't like leo prime's realistic lion mode (which we all know is kinda derpy as well) then don't buy it regardless of whether or not there's this retool on the horizon. even before knowing that ss86 bee would be a thing I still didn't go on a hunt for netflix bee because I know I don't like his robot mode, so now I can't get burned when a new version gets released that does have a significantly better robot mode (and an inaccurate alt mode that still looks damn cute). I don't like siege soundwave and I still don't like netflix soundwave so I'm simply not getting any of them regardless of the ss86 version, etc. I feel like we should all like or not like figures on its own merit first, so that they won't just always exist in comparison with another

[@CarRobots]

Yes! Accuracy is used as a way to describe figures of the past as irrelevant just because they're different. I've heard people calling classics/universe 2.0 transformers completely irrelevant recently because they don't fit an animation model from 40 years ago. They're such good variations on classic designs. You still know which character is who, they're just a different flavor. It actually makes me sad

[@SideswipePrime606]

You hit the nail on the head for my thoughts on the matter. A lot of this is subjective taste, and it's important for us collectors to be aware of where our tastes lie when it comes to Transformers.

[@trashboat5388]

Meh I’ll get whatever 86 version of the character is cheaper..

[@Brickerbrack]

@@CarRobots One way I like to approach it it, if I wind up getting a new toy of a character, but I still like the old one as well... repurpose the old ones as different characters, maybe customise them a bit to make them distinct.

[@lyokomajor]

100% truth, op!

[@isuckatusernames4297]

transformers fans try to be patient or not impulse buy the same mould 10 times challenge (impossible)

[@23mechanic]

As I’ve bought most of my collection second hand I’ve never had this realisation until Blaster got his 86 treatment and then I realised how deep this rabbit hole went.

[@AgaiLazen]

Sometimes the only winning move is not to play. For a lot of the examples you gave, I just passed over on the older stuff and came around for the better version that almost felt inevitable. Even as early as Siege it felt like they were deliberately holding back. By that same token, I actually like Siege Prime because he's a newer take on the character. I find myself missing the days when they weren't *trying* to be the definitive version, where they just tried to innovate on the idea of these characters as opposed to make something screen-accurate. I grew up on Beast Wars and the Unicron Trilogy where Optimus was *wildly* different every single year, but now it's all slavish to G1. There's cooler versions of Optimus out there, but they're either ignored or done halfheartedly. How cool would an official Grimlock with a paleontologically-accurate dino mode be? How cool would a remold of POTP Prime be if it was made into a Brave-Style super robot instead of Orion Pax digivolving into Optimus Prime? How cool would it be if they brought back Optimus having a super mode? These ideas are always relegated to budget kid-focused stuff, when collectors need a breath of fresh air more than ever.

[@BeardedNerdSE]

They're kind of stuck in an impossible place, because fans are both unreasonable and want different things (cartoon accurate, toy accurate, just someting brand new). Any given figure needs to eventually release, they can't finesse it forever into whatever arbitrary "perfect" version it could be, and it also needs to fit within a budget. Then it's released, then fans give "feedback" (mostly whining) that the lines aren't placed exactly how they were in this specific episode of the cartoon and it's missing a deco that was actually just a toy detail that was lost except for a particular animation error. And then a year later they want to fill a gap in the lineup with a reissue of that figure and do those changes. And of course that release will usually be better, because they've been told what people want. It would be rather strange if they intentionally released a worse version specifically to make people feel better about buying the original. What fans need to realize is that they don't need to get every single version of every single toy. They don't need to have the best version of every single toy. If you're a Sideswipe fan and buy every variation of Sideswipe, knock yourself out. But if you have a Springer and see another new Springer with an objectively 10% better deco, you must ask yourself if you really need it. Does it burn you up inside knowing that someone else who isn't as dedicated a fan as you got a better version (for possibly more money)? If so, you really should take a look at your priorities in life, because a company is spending a considerable amount of effort on recreating YOUR precious childhood in ever improving ways, and you're still never happy. Also, I'd argue that the cartoon deco isn't in fact the most desirable one. Ask a random kid: "you can get this car robot either with transparent windscreens or blue", they will probably go with transparent because that's what cars look like. That a 40 year old cartoon decided to render windscreens as blue blocks in animation is pretty much irrelevant to a random kid. Yes, old fans buy a lot of toys but these are still primarily toys for kids. And so the cartoon one is the collector oriented one with a limited release, and everyone can be happy, except for the fans who somehow must buy everything ASAP even though everyone knows from 40 years of experiences that eventually there will be other options for everything but the most obscure ones.

[@CounterClaws]

You are absolutely spot on!

[@eeftankian]

Drinking game: take a shot each time you hear "ya know"

[@TheTransformerCloset]

I mean, isn't this just the same thing as the old Takara release vs Hasbro discourse like the old days, with the exception that they're now both available to each market? Agree on the principal of things, but this hardly feels like a new problem. All of these Takara releases just feel like an extension of Transformers Legends, and I fully believe these 100% would have been the domestic Japanese releases if the brand unification never happened. I wouldn't be surprised if the brand unification just stops at some point, Takara is clearly doing its own thing with PF, BW VS, Earthspark, Dramatic Capture Series and now T-Spark 40th Selection. Hasbro's "upgraded' versions in SS86 are subjective too, as I think the original decos are fine as is, but I understand the frustration in seeing recently released molds getting just new decos as opposed to new tooling, smoothing out the greebles, to make them fit the line better.

[@TheTransformerCloset]

The absolute worst thing they are doing though is locking characters behind re-releases. I got the Soundwave from the Dramatic Capture Series, yet if I want Buzzsaw I have to get the Hasbro leader re-release with a less intricate deco. That's actually taking advantage of your hardcore consumers. It turns an ignorable purchase into a forced double-dip for completionists.

[@bahrahfahofficial1158]

It just takes something out of me whenever a figure is released and somebody says, “hopefully there’s an upgrade kit-“ ffffffuuuuuuck off. Bonus points when the figure actually slaps.

[@kamenlagann7379]

With figures staying rare with exclusivity, (figures not getting repacked or etc) I don't agree with, if someone misses out from a certain figure due to life problems or whatever, they have little hope to really get it at retail price years later unless they're lucky (which it is a great feeling to find a figure that costs a lot for less) but these repacks do feel like a breath of fresh air for some Granted, Hasbro sure takes it's sweet time to do so, like voyager rotb Optimus, but I personally feel like the repacks are a good thing Mainly because I get the figure I'd like and don't tend to get their newer releases I have my WFC Soundwave, and never had the opportunity to get the earthrise one, and even though I do not wanna pay leader price just because of the more cassettes, im still going to do it anyway and finally have a voyager boombox soundwave 😭 Same thing with '86 Optimus, I don't have earthrise but I have siege, and 86 Optimus will be MY staple Optimus prime, and wouldn't need to get any other G1 versions of him (aside the Deluxe toy version) I do have Lio convoy and it PAINS me for him to look so good now but I'll just take it on the chin, old Lio isnt too bad

[@narwhalking2788]

Agreed. Repacks are greT for people who missed out. Besides, a year or two is still quire a while between releases.

[@dergrat]

This is basically fear mongering at this point. No way in hell were they planning a Springer retool back in Siege.

[@treebotreviews]

Oh hey rein😂 I agree 100% that’s impossible.

[@samurexatlas7373]

3:10 I mean, depends on if they'd take up the American thinking and talk back to their boss. Yes, apparently critiquing your superior at work is not that accepted in Japan.

[@omegamaximus1727]

As a Transformers Fan it’s so frustrating to get cartoon accurate characters .

[@Martynde]

More expensive than frustrating.

[@omegamaximus1727]

Yes pretty much.

[@braydenpage1808]

Oh Takara, they're at it again. Making Transformers made my Hasbro look so cheap in comparison to them.

[@Darkz3ed]

That's exactly why they need to publish way before whatever they are coming up with. I was oppossed to leaks, but this kind of thing gets annoying. Also the sets with awful repaints that I always end up wantung just 1 figure from (Squeezeplay, Ransack, Fangry) and end up stuck with 3 figures that you don't really want.

[@TheMagicRobot]

I don't mind it so much because I'm usually content with the older version, the SS86 Rumble & Frenzy are really nice but having gone trough the trouble of tracking down the Siege versions, I'm okay not having them. I was also lucky enough to get a Netflix Soundwave which I later bought the clean repack of the Siege version in Legacy to swap out the yellowing-prone grey parts and give him his red stripes. What does bother me is when they release characters I want in expensive multipacks with characters I don't want or already have. (Hound... Buzzsaw... )

[@AimeeRose1997]

The first one having its accuracy compromised was a result of the designers working within the budget of Hasbro retail voyagers. Takara products have always had more felixibility since their products aren't as restricted to the class system like Hasbro's products are, therefore they're allowed to get away with releasing one figure at a slightly higher price than others of the same size class if necessary for the product to turn out the best it can be.

[@ArcheTelos]

I feel like this all started with Siege Optimus and Megatron. Two popular figures at the time that you just HAD to have. Then they ended giving both of them tons of super lavishly painted redecos, ranging from squeaky clean cel-shaded versions to more detailed and extensive battle damage decos. You can basically choose just how dirty you want them to be, and now after everything's come out, why did I ever buy the original Siege versions? At this point, I'm genuinely surprised the Legacy Cosmos rerelease didn't come with a fixed chest deco just to make you buy him again, and now if I want to buy him, I have to hope that Hasbro doesn't release a new version down the line with the missing yellow frame.

[@CaptainSnappy]

As someone who has only just re-entered the hobby, I don't mind it at all. New stuff is still coming out, and these upgrades / reissues give me a way to catch up on stuff I missed out on. At the time I got him, 86 Starscream was the cheapest way to get that character in that mold. Similarly, I got 86 Springer for a similar reason, and it is the best version of that mold for me. If they didn't upgrade or reissue these characters then I'd be forced to pay scalper prices and would likely just exit the hobby. I'm still hoping I can get more upgraded versions / reissues. I pre-ordered United Leader Soundwave and 86 Optimus Prime. I am hoping to be able to get 86 versions of Grimlock, Ultra Magnus, Megatron, and a bunch of others.

[@ryugaknight]

Yeah it’s annoying. This is why I didn’t get Legacy RID Scourge, I know at some point Takara is going to do a more accurate colored version.

[@mrspeigel3593]

More about Hasbro being too cheap to do it right..remember Devastator..Hasbro skipped on a lot of articulation and Takara provide decals that let you choose between cartoon or toy accuracy

[@brentsimard977]

Lucky for me I prefer the toy accurate versions. Also, you could sell your ebay items for way more if you autographed them. We would love that!

[@Brickerbrack]

8:25 At least with all the Laserbeaks, you can repaint 'em into other characters like Buzzsaw (if you don't have him already), Sundor, Garboil and the like... 10:20 That actually doesn't work on me. I'm more of a "toy-accurate" guy, and even then, I'm not slavish; I ultimately want my toys to look _cool,_ even if that's not 100% accurate. Though in Blaster's case, the kicker is the Eject finally not in transparent plastic. I didn't cave on that one, though; honestly, I'm half-expecting some kind of tape pack down the road anyway, and I'm not worried _enough_ to hold my breath. One of the annoying versions of this phenomenon for me is when they come out with a toy, and after a while, I'll realise that said toy would make a great retool/redeco into a character they haven't done. So I buy another copy of the toy to customise it into the character I want... _then_ they announce a new version of the character I was just about to/was halfway through customising. Possibly retooled from the same mould I just bought (lookin' at you right now, Ruckus 👀). (This is not a rare occurrence) 13:00 And somehow, despite all the random redecoes we've had of Cheetor, Tigatron and Dinobot... no sign of Lazorbeak or Fractyl..? 15:20 For that pack, it's Hound that's the infuriating one. Tease an Earth Hound for ages, eventually pull it, then release it exclusively in a _5-pack_ full of redecoes of toys I already have. And again, I don't _care_ about cartoon-accuracy, so the new versions aren't in anyway superior in my book, so if I bought that, it would be _entirely_ for the Hound! Screw that; I wound up buying a second Detritus to repaint. Watch them announce a new toy-accurate Hound as a solo release soon... 😏 16:10 It'd be nice to have a proper Ratchet and Prowl at _all._ They released key characters as an exclusive 2-pack which became impossible to buy almost immediately. It's a good thing I _like_ customising, because again, I had to _rely_ on it to get decent toys of them. 20:20 I'm the weirdo who actually prefers the Earthrise Prime; maybe a new deco down the line will change my mind, but I've saved money on the SS86 version...

[@vxrdrummer]

All very true. Very frustrating.

[@MrWill7980]

That's why I like to wait as long as possible

[@narwhalking2788]

I don't mind duplicate releases in different packs. More variety and options.

[@iodaspark]

Great point! It's about time to open our eyes (even wider)! The most egregious of these, if you ask me, is the 'Leader' Siege Ultra Magnus tooling. It is nothing more than a Voyager toy wearing hollow parts that make up its armour. And yet, we have had multiple tooling upgrades (not counting redecos) ever since its introduction ~ namely Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime, Kingdom Magnus, Delta/SG Magnus & even lately, Nova Prime ~ and ALL sold at the Leader Class price point at that! The primary reason this didn't pierce us as badly was the fact that it was marketed as a 'Leader' (i.e., like Siege Shockwave, a Voyager wearing upgrades) from the very onset. In truth, having earlier Voyagers like Thundertron & Springer return as 'Leaders' today is merely a realization that is late in coming. We have been duped all along, mate! Welcome to corporate marketing ~ the grand masters of wallet-siphoning illusions! 😂🎉

[@XenotHedgehog]

Planned obsolescence is a hell of a drug. I will say this though, better versions coming out later is a blessing in disguise when there are certain vendors that you're morally opposed to purchasing from. Still, would have been nice if I knew for certain that Leader Grimlock was actually getting a package refresh next year. I was able to buy the comic version, but I'd much prefer one whose deco matched the rest of the existing dinobots.

[@benjaminwiseman6567]

I don't say this often, but I disagree with you and don't share your frustrations. I usually prefer the toy deco over the cartoon deco, so I don't feel bad about the toys getting remade in cartoon deco because I already chose the version I wanted. As for the premium paint Takara versions, they cost more. So if you had a limit on how much you were willing to spend on a figure, or you're willing to customize it yourself, the premium version doesn't matter to you. New versions of Optimus Prime or other major characters are always going to be expected, so just buy the ones you want. If it's not your thing, don't feel obligated to buy it because another version will come around eventually. That's it in a nutshell; just buy what you want, and if you're happy with it, don't feel like you're missing out by not having another version.

[@LLSmoothJ]

After Unite Warriors came out with a more-accurate Blastoff (Both in color and mold, though Ironically I got the special edition as well), I decided that whenever a new combiner team came out I waited to see what UW did first (Which turned out to be the best decision made with the Technobots and I even got Baldigus for the hell of it). After years of seemingly keeping in sync with Hasbro (Maybe to keep from making them look too bad), it's good that Takara is making more improved and (more importantly) accurate molds again.

[@theamazingbrave]

This is why everyone should learn how to customize their toys. Every inferior version suddenly becomes a blank canvas rather than a poor investment.

[@RogueTwo]

Fortunately, I personally usually don't see the cartoon accurate versions as superior. With few exceptions, the brighter colors don't appeal to me. Kup IS an exception, but a rare one. And while I'm painfully aware of the problems with clear plastic windows and such, since the majority of my collection is that way, the painted blue windows seem out of place, unless you relegate the cartoon accurate toys to their own separate collection. But as you say that's problematic with the only cartoon accurate versions of Ironhide, Prowl, Ratchet and Brown being the battle damaged dead ones. On the other hand, man, I wish I didn't have to get a fourth version of the Blaster mold if I want a versions of Eject that I didn't worry was going to break on me every time I transform it. Especially since I don't like the looks of cartoon accurate Blaster.

[@CarRobots]

I've been tracking down a bunch of the old G1 Ehobby stuff because it feels so much more special. I absolutely understand what you were saying about having "pedestal figures"

[@Fadingxx]

I dislike it too. Im typically able to avoid buying the upgrade, because it's usually just paint differences. I can weigh, "Get the same figure with a different colored chest, or an entirely new figure". It's even easier if it's a character I like, but don't really "need". To me, the issue is bigger with the main cast. When they do this with an Optimus, Megatron, Starscream, or ad you mentioned with Soundwave. Especially when the differences are very noticeable. I think the last thing is scalpers. I was ok with studio series Kup, the buzzworthy is better, but I didn't feel the need to pick it up. Then it went on sale at Walmart for $12.99, and I thought, "why not", and bought the buzzworthy version. But with certain characters, scalpers know they in demand. So unless I pre order, some upgrades aren't just voyager, or leader prices, it 2x, 3x that. It's why I made sure to pick up the leader Dinobots on release, Grimlock is on eBay for $300-400 atm.

[@Cadeho3]

I want them to do cartoon accurate for the rest of the 84 and 85 cast... Huffer needs solid plastic too

[@SideswipePrime606]

When it comes to Siege, Earthrise, and SS86 Optimuses. I don't think Hasbro is intentionally "holding back" to sell us a better one later. I doubt that the design team said "Oh yeah let's get rid of the folding panels in Siege Prime's legs, so we can make a more cartoon accurate one in commander class 4 years from now." One could argue they did that with Siege to Earthrise, but I am one of those people who didn't get the Earthrise, because I think the Siege one is better.

[@EternityKingdomsHeadHoncho]

This started with Earthrise. Suddenly everything great Siege did was “invalidated” by everything that Earthrise seemed to be doing better, and it’s only snowballed from there. Siege Optimus went from the best Generations Optimus on 13 years to something to be tossed aside in favor of the one with the big gray box to tow behind him and a “better” transformation. Siege Soundwave went from clever, underrated interpretation of what his Cybertronian form would’ve looked like to a lazy, half-baked retool (same can be said for Ironhide/Ratchet). The less said about the back-to-back Magnus redos to “fix” Siege Magnus, the better (even though 86 Magnus is a great figure) It was the Warden era at its absolute worst, and it STUNG after how good Siege was.

[@Brickerbrack]

I like my Combiner Wars Magnus. 😜

[@Big_006]

The only way to stop them from doing this is to STOP BUYING! Hang on to your completion horses and stick to what ever verions you have. It got pretty predictable when the toys transitioned from siege>earthrise>SS86 repaint/retool pipeline seeing how fans "needed" earth modes for every bot

[@a-tick]

Whew, rarely have I been happier I only collect vintage Transformers. Of course, this is coming to my neck of the collecting community too with Missing Link so yeah... =D

[@TheBeandoesthings-ql2vu]

I already spent money on siege Magnus, springer, Earthrise prime, etc Now they all have 86 releases and I don’t want to spend a lot for an upgrade even though everyone is hyped for 86 prime

[@nujevad28]

I blame the old 10th Anniversary Beast Wars Optimus Primal and Megatron set for this trend. They did the whole old toy + new parts at a premium way back then, and people couldn't get enough of it.

[@todddavis2041]

I read in an article last week that Leo Primes beast mode face is based on the talking Chimera Shou Tucker made in Fullmetal Alchemist (there will be some who understand what i mean). Good figure. However, its disappointing when a better version is released later. But Hasbro and Takara are companies, making money is what they are about. Even if they play tricks like this.

[@Michael-590]

Yeah, I read about that too. Though, I don’t know if the resemblance was intentional or not.

[@todddavis2041]

@@Michael-590 Now that ive read that i can un see that image in my head.

[@ryanewald9740]

I put things into categories like "gotta have", "would like to have", "be nice to get", "can go without", "meh", and "don't want" Anything below "would like to have", when a better version of the same mold comes out doesn't even get a consideration. Like I have the buzzworthy terrosaur, he's good enough, I don't need an all red one. Lio convoy is one where I'll make the consideration because I only have the nemesis version of that toy but even though I have the money to pay for it, I'm still probably not going to get it because if i were to get the regular version of that mold it be good enough for me

[@trailersic]

I feel like this has been happening for the last 8 or so years, release a very good new version of a character, but there's something up with it or hampering it, then a couple of years later, release a slightly better version. Look at Ultra Magnus, Kup, Cyclonus, Galvatron.

[@jasonregimbal-kung6154]

I feel you. I really do. It gets me out of the whole collecting mindset, TBH, After buying some recent characters, I'm at a point where I think I'm done with them. I really should sell some previous ones off. I think Arcee was particularly egregious with ER and Kingdom on the shelves at the same time in my area - right alongside Cyberverse. After the upcoming commander, I'm also done with G1 styled Optimus Primes. We've had so many in a row! So many Siege variants followed up by Earthrise - and now the Commander. All based off the same design! All just marginal improvements until they finally decided to go commander. Their exclusivity mindset is a PROBLEM too. Buzzsaw should NOT have been released this way. And, yet, I'm gonna go buy it...

[@Martynde]

The new Lio Convoy is what the mold should always have been. I refused to buy the Hasbro version even on sale because of that lion face.

[@Nemesis_Prime666]

Honestly buying the same thing over and over gets so tiring

[@xcar0982]

I started to collect Transformers less than a year ago, and mainly not so well known characters, so I the only time I have had to face that issue is now with the Dramatic Capture Set, because I have Earthrise Optimus and Main Frame from the titan Ark, so I'm really thinking if I should sell those two once I have the new ones.

[@Mia-gamin-616]

The lio convoy with slight changes arguably comes toe to toe with the MP version just how 86 prime is pulling similar things here and there. I wouldn’t even be surprised if the reason they are doing other universes nowadays is because they know they cant re sell the same character over and over, especially nowadays with “near perfect” toys, even back with siege and earthrise people wasnt too happy to buy the same character with slight differences

[@Tommy_Reviews]

This very reason is why I haven't bought a few figs like Shockwave, Soundwave, Thundercracker, Skywarp and Rodimus Prime from ER-Kingdom due to waiting for an 86 verison to come

[@norbertfenz3506]

It's a pitty that Earthrise Prime never got that redeco of Siege Prime with that Cel Shade Colouring

[@THANATOS-PRIME]

I’m going to feel this way when the inevitable 86 triple changer Cons Are announced.

[@cuddyfox6973]

Talking about upgrading. I am still waiting for them to release more cassettes for Soundwave and Blaster. There are plenty still. I want to see Slugfest, Overkill and the W Cassettebots.

[@LostSyGa]

I've skipped A LOT of toys over their use of transclear plastic. So for me a fully opaque rerelease isn't about toon accuracy. It's about simply having a toy that won't break by itself. That's the only real "upgrade" I care about.

[@youwayo]

Video suggestion: top 10 transformer toys that convert into a jet (Starscream, triggerhappy, snapdragon, transmetal Waspinator etc.)

[@spectranv]

I'm also really frustrated by this. I'm at the point where if I am not 101% sold on a figure then I will just not buy it and wait for them to make a better one. Also the fact that we desperately need Jtprime17 to leak stuff so we can plan our purchasing better is not fun. I totally would've bought SS86 Perceptor but now that I know he is coming out with Ratbat and Ramhorn next year, I am just gonna wait so I can get the cassettes I'm missing

[@Demi_Arts]

What will they do if they give us a "perfect" Optimus Prime? Stop selling G1 Optimus Prime all the damn time thats what. Where is Prime Optimus? Where is Beast Hunters Optimus? Where is Cyberverse Optimus? Where is RID 2015 Optimus? Where is Energon Optimus? Where is a true Cybertron Optimus? Where is Fall of Cybertron Optimus? Maybe Gamer Edition WFC Optimus could have gotten a bumper and less holes if budget didnt have to go to a G1 clone I got Reactivate and Legacy Animated Optimus's because they stand out amongst the sea of Primes being G1 or G1 clones with all the same problems.

[@xtroguyver]

I shall be getting it, but this is what the toy should have been from the start

[@mechaknuckle]

I really only have a problem with this in cases like kingdom cheetor or legacy thundertron. Cases in which we know for a fact that the more accurate version was in production before the regular one was even revealed. It really feels like they’re trying to pull a fast one. One can argue that you don’t have to buy the more accurate one, which is technically true, but it is a scummy business practice regardless.

[@TachyonJon]

Leo Convoy robot torso looks like it's been retooled too, not as bulky and the back bit looks different too

[@SeanCrosser]

Yeah Terrorsaur is the breaking point for me. I basically miss out on all the versions of him because I can afford ONE version of him, and I would like it to be the one that I remember from the cartoon.

[@raphrodin]

Maybe because I'm in the early stages of "properly collecting", or if I am more critical of what I should purchase, or because of the poor distributions, but I have never really cared for the idea of buying figures on release, or at least as soon as possible. FOMO is major issue when it comes to collecting. So when you take a moment to realize you don't have to immediately get a figure, it gives you time consider that there's always going to be another chance to grab them. And in this case be better than the original release. Tbh these thoughts of upgraded figures can be applied to repaints and remoulds.

[@FireFury190]

Sounds like a lot more fun first world petty problems if you ask me. Especially the wanting things to be rare, always needing to be up to date, and valuing the cartoon accurate version more. That is specifically a “you” problem. Like I get the annoyance, but most people just care if it’s accurate “enough”. That’s typically who the first releases are for. Especially when they’re on a more tight budget.

[@maga8200]

They sell the same boring g1 toys

[@RR_Kakashi]

This trend is why I've been hesitant about getting the new Animated Optimus. My gut keeps telling me to wait as I feel like a version with the rest of his vehicle mode/jetpack is going to get announced sometime afterward. (Even though it likely isn't happening given Legacy is close to ending for the new Prime line)

[@ronleonard7015]

Yeah… did you buy Sandstorm? Ye olde triple changer with the toy head? I did… but the better version only comes out because we buy the first… if we didn’t they would assume no demand…

[@thormalakowsky]

I like animals and transforming toys, if they had released that second Leo Prime instead of the first one, I wouldn't own a Leo Prime. To me the first one looks much better than the new one. I would however much appreciate if they would stop making the only way to get a mold, by buying a set of loosely related figures.

[@diegodankquixote-wry3242]

The 2 lios were going for 2 different things though. The new thundertron is also based off different concept art then the prime toy so it's honestly a downgrade which misses the point the legacy toy was going for.

[@user-lynKx]

as for your first point: I agree. It just would have been great if we knew there were going to be 2 Lios in the first place

[@diegodankquixote-wry3242]

​​@@user-lynKxwhy do you disagree on the second one? The 2 concept art for Thundertron are different in very important ways. The one the prime toy is based off has a slim build with His beast mode claws on his shoulder while the concept after legacy one is based around has a beer gut with large pauldrons instead.

[@superroboted]

Umm the second release of Thundertron is actually based on the original Prime version of Thundertron. The head, and paint job are exactly the same as the original OG toy

[@Thunderwing88]

I keep buying the first because there may not be a better one.

[@romanquintero6323]

It’s frustrating seeing that Beast Wars Again Tigatron after having purchased Kingdom Tigatron as soon as it came out. I don’t mind the better deco, I really like the deco on the og release, what I don’t like is that nowadays I don’t get to enjoy how nice that Tigatron looked BECAUSE IT’S YELLOWED TO SH*T 😭 Obviously the yellowing wasn’t intentional on Hasbro’s part but god, that whole “oh too bad, your toy looks terrible now, it’s okay here’s a new slightly more expensive release you have to buy in a two pack whose deco probably will stick out with the rest of your non-highly painted Kingdom releases”. It’s genuinely upsetting. Even if I was to buy that new BW Again version the prices on Ebay are astronomical rn 😵‍💫

[@Michael-590]

I’m more annoyed about buying upgrades for Kingdom versions as stuff like gap fillers and some weapons don’t go with the Reborn decks. Especially where Primal and Megatron are concerned.

[@xtremegaming1232]

“Upgrades people, upgrades!”

[@EL-uj1pl]

I spent longer than I'd like to admit trying to hunt down Magmatron. If an upgraded version of him is made, I will eat my shoe. I was already about ready to rip out my hair over the toy color Cyclonus because he won't yellow, and especially Grindor from Studio Series having hands. Collecting these things is ludicrously expensive, and the idea that the figures I buy will be made obsolete within a year is just killing my passion for these things. What's worse, if I try to sell off the obsolete version, I can't make back half of what I paid because everyone and their mother does the same thing. I just want to have a solid figure representation of my blorbos without feeling like I got scammed. Is that so wrong?

[@laurentritton3106]

How do you feel about the Wreck n Rule and 86 Springers?

[@Soul_May]

This happened to me in two occasions, when the Netflix OP and Soundwave where announced i got preorders for both on a oversees site cus my country rarely carries this stuff. Unfortunately around the time of there releases my uncle died due to an accident and since money became a problem I canceled my preorders. Now i got the dramatic nemesis set and i have pre-ordered the the ark one.

[@Alverant]

I'm glad I still have my original Leo Convoy toy.

[@RialVestro]

In the case of Optimus Prime, I wouldn't even really call it an upgrade most of the time. There's a reason I put the 20th Anniversary Masterpiece at number 1 in my top ten list, he has been my definitive G1 Optimus Prime since 2004. I never felt any need to get a new one because that one was already so good. It's taken them this long with the Studio Series 86 version to actually produce a figure that I would actually say is better. I did get Power of the Primes Optimus Prime but I bought that more for Orion Pax not Optimus Prime and there's a better version of that figure too. Hasbro seems to produce a new G1 Optimus Prime every year and while a lot of them have been really good if you don't already have a G1 Optimus Prime in your collection none of them have really been enough of an improvement for me to justify replacing the old one so I just skip a lot of releases. Like it's great if you don't already have one but why not just keep rerunning the same mold which is going to be cheaper instead of designing a brand new mold that doesn't actually change that much. The upgrades have been very miner at best. There's also been cases where the new G1 Optimus Prime isn't even an upgrade, it's a DOWNGRADE from the previous version. Like when they inexplicably give him grey fists when they're suppose to be blue or they add a wind vane to the cab that he never had. Or in the case of Earthrise, he has random parts from the Siege version that make no sense on the Earthrise version. Everyone says that love that mold but I don't see why because there are better Optimus Primes out there that predate Earthrise. It would be a good version if you didn't have a G1 Optimus already but it's certainly never the best one you could get.

[@CarRobots]

MP-1 and MP-10 are just perfect. I have many newer primes, but the franchise peaked for me 15-20 years ago I think

[@RialVestro]

@@CarRobots Hasbro also seemed to release a new MP-10 with just slight color variants or different accessories every other year too. There are a couple noteworthy ones that aren't in the typical G1 colors that are worth picking up but I don't know why they keep redoing the standard version so many times.

[@tommy2longview]

Collecting all the way up to 2008 was different for me. I was not aware of all the options and any transformer I found in stores was a genuine surprise. There is just too many options and access to info now. I think I prefer the options now but I do miss that feeling

[@butterflyhink]

In my experience, most if not all toy companies do this sort of thing, but Hasbro seems the most shameless. The perfect example I think of is the Lightning Collection MMPR figures where all the male rangers were first produced with VERY OBVIOUSLY incorrect helmet sculpts. What are the odds that this would happen to occur with the exact figures that would be expected to sell the most?

[@DaSoto21500]

I remember I paid about $100 for earthrise Optimus prime, got lucky to sell him for $75 about a week before they announced a rerelease, and that was shortly before the reveal of 86 prime😬

[@narwhalking2788]

I like that soundwave got a new and better release. I never got the opportunity to get the origional and it has been several years since the first one.

[@pittypolyphonic]

Preach it

[@frenchfriedbagel7035]

This is why leaks are great. We know if something better is coming so we can skip what’s currently out there if near release. I almost got Combiner Wars Superion. Don’t need to anymore cuz I know a better figure of him is on the way.

[@superpixelwarrior6893]

Wait now another disturbing thought entered my mind. If takara is gonna remold Leo prime to have an animation accurate beast mode head, who’s to say they aren’t gonna do the beast wars cast again but with animation accurate beast heads?

[@garyconstanza3120]

Because they just put out a bunch of repainted Kingdom figures in more show-accurate colors, and they already have the masterpiece line for fully show-accurate versions of the characters.

[@superroboted]

This video was/is 100% correct!!!

[@glitch_re-loaded6757]

As someone who owns both ss86 prime and earthrise, i fully understand what you mean about different molds vs. Upgraded molds. To me earthrise is now part of its own universe as it always was eg. Wfc universe earthrise prime

[@JayJaySauce1]

I agree 99% I just like having options sometimes so I can pick the one with the design elements I prefer

[@JayJaySauce1]

Usually it is just a direct upgrade tho yea

[@DreamMaker-e8u]

I am very happy with many Siege or Earthrise or SS86 versions that I don't have to buy other ones lol. Lucky me

[@JoshuaSlosser]

Part of me does really want to collect but I know the version that comes out most of the time isn’t the definitive version of the character and the one I want will actually be coming out later. That keeps me away from collecting along from the cost of things overall.