Transformer Toys are based on a line of robots that can transform into everyday vehicles and objects. While these toys are designed for children, many adults also collect them for their nostalgic value.
The toys are known for their intricate designs and attention to detail, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Transformer toys are a favorite with kids of all ages. These popular, shapeshifting toys are available as action figures, board games, and more. The retro versions of transformer toys are a bit more expensive but you also get many affordable ones. Here, we take a look at the best transformer toys for kids, available on the market right now. You may skip to the best transformer toy on Amazon.
History of Transformer Toys
Transformers is a brand of toys that has become a cultural phenomenon over the years.
The roots of Transformers can be traced back to the early 1980s when the Japanese company Takara Toys launched the Diaclone toy line, a series of transforming vehicles and robots that were piloted by miniature figures that came from the Microman toy line. In 1982, Takara Toys put out a line of car-robots that were also able to transform.
Hasbro, an American toy company, bought the distribution rights and rebranded them as Transformers for distribution in North America.
The first generation of Transformers toys were created from two different transforming robot toy lines from Takara, the Car-Robots, and Micro Change, from the Diaclone and Microman series, respectively.
Hasbro modified some of the designs and gave them new names and personalities, creating the iconic characters such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron.
The first Transformers toys released in the 1980s were an instant hit. The toys were unique because they could transform from a vehicle or an animal into a robot and back again. This feature was groundbreaking at the time and set Transformers apart from other action figures on the market.
The popularity of Transformers continued to grow with the release of the animated television series in 1984, which helped to promote the toys to a wider audience.
Over the years, Transformers have gone through many changes and upgrades.
The toys have been released in different sizes, from small figures that fit in the palm of your hand to giant figures that stand over two feet tall. Transformers have become a staple in pop culture and have spawned numerous movies, television shows, and video games.
Types of Transformer Toys
When it comes to Transformer toys, there are several types available for fans of all ages and interests. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the three main types of Transformer toys: action figures, collectibles, and limited editions.
Action Figures
Action figures are the most common type of Transformer toy. They come in a wide range of sizes, from small and affordable to large and highly detailed. Most action figures are made of plastic and feature movable joints, allowing fans to pose them in various action-packed positions.
Some popular lines of Transformer action figures include the Generations, Studio Series, and War for Cybertron Trilogy. Fans can collect their favorite characters from the Transformers franchise, including Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, and Starscream.
Collectibles
For fans who want something a bit more special, collectible Transformer toys are a great option. These toys are often more expensive than standard action figures and are designed with more attention to detail. They may also come with additional accessories or features, such as light-up eyes or sound effects.
Some popular collectible Transformer toys include the Masterpiece line, which features highly detailed and poseable figures, and the Transformers Platinum Edition series, which includes limited-edition figures with unique paint jobs and packaging.
Limited Editions
Finally, limited-edition Transformer toys are highly sought after by collectors. These toys are often released in small quantities and feature unique designs or packaging. They may also come with exclusive accessories or features that are not available with other toys.
Some popular limited-edition Transformer toys include the San Diego Comic-Con exclusives, which are released each year in limited quantities, and the Takara Tomy Mall exclusives, which are only available for purchase in Japan.
Best Transformers Toys for Kids
25-in-1 Robot Transformer STEM Kit
Transformers Takara Tomy Masterpiece MPG-01 Shouki
Japan is known for its high-speed bullet trains and giant robots. Takara Tomy’s new Masterpiece G series trainbot is a mix of these two things – it transforms from a robot to a high-speed train. These trainbots were made popular in the TV anime Transformers: The Headmasters.
Transformers Playskool Heroes Rescue Bots Copter Crane Blades
This is a 10″ tall Megabot figure that transforms from a bot to copter crane and back to bot again. A claw attaches in the bot and copter crane modes. Spin the rotors to raise or lower its spring-loaded claw in order to make the rescue.
Ages 3 to 7 year. Includes robot and claw.
Transformers Playskool Heroes Rescue Bots Bumblebee Figure
Inspired by the fan-favorite Bumblebee from the Transformers: Rescue Bots animated TV show, this transformer toy can be used even by the smallest fingers to easily transform it back and forth over and over again.
Transformers Generations Titans Return Soundwave and Soundblaster
This toy converts between three battle modes and is an excellent choice for kids aged 8 years and above.
Leader Class Soundwave figure, and Titan Master Soundblaster figure (Titan Master figure becomes the head of Soundwave figure). Soundwave figure converts from robot to boom box to battle station.
Mickey mouse becomes a Transformer, cool toy
This Mickey Mouse figure from Takara Tomy seems to have taken its inspiration from Transformers, as it switches from a giant Mickey Mech into a MICKEY-COLOURED TRUCK.
Disney is now part of Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm, and it only makes sense that Disney start upgrading its own roster of characters.
And that’s what they have done here. The six-inch tall figure also includes tiny versions of Mickey driving the truck, and riding atop the bot. [toy-people]
How cool is that.
I’m sure kids are going to love it when they see this giant Mickey Mouse turn into a truck, Optimus Prime-style. Kids are really clever these day and they will know how to transform the mickey mouse prime without any instructions.
Mickey Mouse, created by Walt Disney, is the world’s most famous cartoon characters.
Practical Applications of Transformer Toy Designs
Transformer toys are also of keen interest to product designers who study them closely to see how those transformations could be applied in other fields, such as in robotics and to consumer products.
Robot manufacturer Robosen has produced a 3-foot Transformer toy (based on Optimus Prime) that can be transformed using an app.
Then there is this industrial designer, who used to design Transformers robots for Takara Tomy, who has come up with a prototype of a foldable bike.
About Transformers
Transformers is a renowned entertainment brand that has produced several blockbuster movies, hit television shows, and countless novels and comic books.
For those who are new to this brand, here is a brief story of the Transformers:
In this incredible world, Transformer robots engage in battles that span the entire galaxy and millions of years. Optimus Prime, leader of the heroic Autobots (the good robots), battles the tyrant Megatron and his evil Decepticons (the bad robots) for the fate of freedom across the universe.
These robots are originally from another planet name Cybertron but had to crash land on Earth where they stay dormant for a long time. When they awaken, the Deceptions start plundering Earth while the Autobots try to protect it.
While kids love Transformers, there’s something about them that engages even adults who are reminded of their younger days when they watched transformer movies and tv shows.
The main highlight of these films is that the gadgets depicted in the film slide, twist, and turn in every possible manner; there is a fanciful depiction of the moving parts as the helicopters, fighter jets, and vehicles transform into robots.
It’s no wonder that the Transformer toys are still endearingly popular with kids.
There are several movies that are still in development so this series is definitely not ending anytime soon. So, Transformers will continue to be popular in most local toy aisles.
Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. Hasbro owns the exclusive license for Transformers toys.
There’s a Transformer figure and robot toy for every kid or collector. These battling robots change between modes in one step and you can use these to create your own incredible adventures.
Website: Transformers.hasbro.com/en-us
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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