Transformers is a franchise that has managed to withstand the test of time with its iconic characters, awesome animated series, and big-budget movies. Toys have always been a massive part of the franchise since this is where it all began back in 1984. The Transformers toyline was such a huge success that it managed to spawn a whole series of entertainment and merchandise based around these products. I still remember the Transformers bed sheets and Optimus Prime doll that my brother coveted as a child. I was not allowed to play with the Optimus Prime doll due to my natural inclination towards destruction (I once cut a hole in my own trampoline for reasons still unknown) but it is a great example of how much these characters meant to kids. Well, those kids are now adults, many of whom now have their own children and money to spend on brand new Transformers toys. That being said, I don’t think adult Transformers fans are going to buy this upcoming Optimus Prime for their kids. This is definitely a grown-ups toy if ever saw one.
The “Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Advanced Robot” is- as the title not so subtly suggested- far more than just a toy. This particular Optimus Prime was created via collaboration between Hasbro and Robosen Robotics and it is actually a fully-fledged, fully functional robot as well as a limited edition collector’s item. It is also available for pre-order at Hasbro Pulse for a whopping $699. Certainly not one for your toddler to chew on then.
The big selling point of this collector’s item is its ability to transform itself into Optimus Prime from his truck for to his giant robot form via voice control. It is insanely satisfying to watch to so I will make sure to post Hasbro’s trailer for the robot below. The collector’s item also has a ton of other awesome features, such as a standing height of 19 inches; over 80 sound effects all voiced by the original voice actor Peter Cullen and over 5000 components. As is to be expected, the robot is already out of stock despite only being available to pre-order for an August 2021 release date. Make sure to check out the robot on the Hasbro website- linked here- to keep an eye out for when it will return.
