Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail

Saturday, July 23rd, 2016 8:38PM CDT

Categories: Toy News, Sightings
Posted by: william-james88 Views: 23,780

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While we got the latest reveals in the Alt Modes line a few days ago, we now have some great news for fans wanting these: they have been found at retail.

Counterpunch has found the first wave at TRU in Metairie, LA.

Transformers News: Transformers Alt Modes Forst Wave Found at US Retail

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Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1808576)
Posted by Sabrblade on July 23rd, 2016 @ 10:20pm CDT

I didn't expect these to actually be coming to mass retail toy venues. I was thinking they'd be more at home in places like gift shops, novelty shops, places that sell nick nacks and such.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1808577)
Posted by william-james88 on July 23rd, 2016 @ 10:30pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:I didn't expect these to actually be coming to mass retail toy venues. I was thinking they'd be more at home in places like gift shops, novelty shops, places that sell nick nacks and such.

Toysrus does have a whole section with stuff like this and other blind bag items.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1808591)
Posted by DecepticonFinishline on July 24th, 2016 @ 12:38am CDT

Lincoln, NE has them as well.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1808620)
Posted by crazyfist on July 24th, 2016 @ 4:51am CDT

I found these in the Transformers section at the Winston-Salem, NC TRU. $6.99 a piece.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1808624)
Posted by Giant Purple Griffin on July 24th, 2016 @ 6:33am CDT

It's interesting that these seemed to hit pretty uniformly at the same time across the country. I found these in CT earlier this week. Usually you see the first sighting out west somewhere, and then they trickle East.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809310)
Posted by william-james88 on July 26th, 2016 @ 12:29pm CDT

Our podcast star xRotorstormx went wild on these new Alt Modes figures and bought the entire first wave and sent us pictures. While they are blindbagged, there is a small hole in the back where you can try to figure out which character is in the box. A video review after the images will show you how to find the one you want. You will also be able to get an idea of the scale of these when looking at the reviewer handling them. Thse are small 2.5 inch one step figures and the first wave features:

Megatron
Ultra Magnus
Optimus Prime
Prowl (who looks super grumpy)
Nemesis Prime
Starscream
Skywarp
Thundercracker

Here are a few words from Rotorstorm regarding her new purchase:

Last night I was able to get my hands on these adorable (yes, I said adorable!) little figures from my local Toys R Us. To me, they are more of a display piece, much like Kreos, as they are simple 1-step figures but I found them quite enjoyable to play with.

They come in blind boxes, similar to the Loyal Subject figures, but much cheaper ($6.99 each). On the plus side, there is a small hole in the back of the box that allows you to see inside a bit so you can try and figure out what character is inside.

In vehicle mode, they look like Micro Machine versions of the G1 vehicle modes and have little wheels that you can drive them around which I got a kick out of. Be careful though with your Starscream nosecone, as I ended up somehow being able to spin him in the wrong direction and scuffed the tip a little.

In robot mode, they are a little top heavy...no surprise there... so it takes a little finagling to get them to stand without any support but it can be done!

and...if you feel compelled...decapitate your prowl to form PROWLASTATOR!

Overall, I think they all look good. Megatron and Prowl could use a little more paint detail but I love that the trucks remind me Micro Machines, Starscream has sparkly blue paint, and how can you not love sad face Prowl?

If you're looking for something simple and fun, I say pick some up. I'm definitely looking forward to wave 2!

//grumpy prowl out

Our other pocastig star, Tigertrack, got Prowl and took some comparison images to giv you a sense of scale.

Lastly, here is a video review of Optimus Prime and a quick quide on how to find the one you want.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809324)
Posted by RodimusConvoy13 on July 26th, 2016 @ 1:50pm CDT

Nuff said!

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809327)
Posted by whacko on July 26th, 2016 @ 2:07pm CDT

These might actually be kind of cool, if not for those big stupid logo tabs on the top of the head. For me that just ruins what would otherwise be a neat little inexpensive toy.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809330)
Posted by william-james88 on July 26th, 2016 @ 2:32pm CDT

Sabr, this is the section I was referring to. Not sure if they will show up there or in the transformer aisle, but Toysrus does have a novelty blinbag collectables section:

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809343)
Posted by Tyrannacon on July 26th, 2016 @ 2:54pm CDT

OOC: Are these blind-bagged or whatever?

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809391)
Posted by Bumblebee21 on July 26th, 2016 @ 6:44pm CDT

william-james88 wrote:Sabr, this is the section I was referring to. Not sure if they will show up there or in the transformer aisle, but Toysrus does have a novelty blinbag collectables section:

They would be in the transformer section if they had any

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809393)
Posted by Sowndwave76 on July 26th, 2016 @ 6:52pm CDT

Can the symbols on the heads be hidden away??

Overall, I don't mind the look, but seriously... Blind boxes. :BANG_HEAD:

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809399)
Posted by Bumblebee21 on July 26th, 2016 @ 7:26pm CDT

Sowndwave76 wrote:Can the symbols on the heads be hidden away??

Overall, I don't mind the look, but seriously... Blind boxes.

There is a hole in the box so that you can see who it is

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809411)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on July 26th, 2016 @ 9:13pm CDT

Sowndwave76 wrote:Can the symbols on the heads be hidden away??

Overall, I don't mind the look, but seriously... Blind boxes.

They can be folded back to lay back on the head

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809422)
Posted by Lucky Logician on July 26th, 2016 @ 10:09pm CDT

Why do some have colored logos but most have gray logos? Are the color ones the chase figures...?

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809468)
Posted by xRotorstormx on July 27th, 2016 @ 7:48am CDT

Lucky Logician wrote:Why do some have colored logos but most have gray logos? Are the color ones the chase figures...?

I was wondering that myself. Both Magnus and Prowl have red autobot logos but Primes is Grey like the other decepticon logos.

Yes, the logos can be folded back onto the head to make them less noticeable.

The hole in the box makes for a pretty easy process. I ended up getting one of each with no duplicates but I took the time to shake the box while staring into the hole to see who was in there. It's pretty easy when a defining feature lands in the hole like one of the jet cockpits or just by the color

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1809475)
Posted by reluctantyouth on July 27th, 2016 @ 8:08am CDT

Wow...Just wow are these stupid.

The large emblem on top is enough to turn me off. Then you add in them being top heavy and they're garbage. It's as if the designers initially thought these would be cute "transforming" Christmas ornaments. Then that idea was scrapped for mainline production. Couldn't you just see a small hole in the emblems for Christmas hooks? You could drill holes yourself I'm sure. :???:

~reluctantyouth~

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1811129)
Posted by no-one on August 1st, 2016 @ 12:59pm CDT

I picked up the last Prowl at my TRU.

Has anyone notices these guy auto transform by pulling the insignia on top of their head? They are all geared up to do so, the hanging down tab on the right side their head is housing part of the mechanism.

These are fun little work distraction toys and can even be transformed in one hand, manually or via the pull tab.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1830847)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 5th, 2016 @ 7:48pm CDT

New York Comic Con keeps on trucking along, and we now bring to you images of the upcoming Transformers: Alt Modes figures! These little dudes have massive heads and tiny bodies, and the 8 on display at New York Comic Con included: Megatron, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Bluestreak, Hound, Starscream, Cliffjumper, and an eighth figures that is a grey redeco of Optimus Prime. Check out the images below, and stay tuned for all your New York Comic Con information!

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1830985)
Posted by primalxconvoy on October 6th, 2016 @ 6:22am CDT

NOPE.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1830993)
Posted by RAR on October 6th, 2016 @ 6:55am CDT

Maybe If I trip over one at a Car Boot Sale -but otherwise I can't see me buying these.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1831014)
Posted by Tyrannacon on October 6th, 2016 @ 8:24am CDT

I really want to get a Megatron, but I hate the blind-pack way these things come packaged. You can't really see much to identify it through the tiny hole on the side of it. I spent like 30 minutes in TRU here trying to get an identification going and still couldn't.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1842897)
Posted by ScottyP on November 23rd, 2016 @ 8:51am CST

Tyrannacon wrote:I really want to get a Megatron, but I hate the blind-pack way these things come packaged. You can't really see much to identify it through the tiny hole on the side of it. I spent like 30 minutes in TRU here trying to get an identification going and still couldn't.

Phone flashlight might help? It should at least get you the plastic color, which is often enough, and if it isn't try shaking it.

In other news, my TRU had a case of these marked as Wave 2 on the Hasbro shipping box. It was opened, so I looked in it and it looked like Wave 1 again so I skipped it. Looking back at some old images though, I think it might have been the case with Bee and Cliffjumper in lieu of Magnus and Prowl or something like that? Anyone else seen this around?

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1845945)
Posted by Tyrannacon on December 7th, 2016 @ 11:20am CST

ScottyP wrote:
Tyrannacon wrote:I really want to get a Megatron, but I hate the blind-pack way these things come packaged. You can't really see much to identify it through the tiny hole on the side of it. I spent like 30 minutes in TRU here trying to get an identification going and still couldn't.
Phone flashlight might help? It should at least get you the plastic color, which is often enough, and if it isn't try shaking it.

In other news, my TRU had a case of these marked as Wave 2 on the Hasbro shipping box. It was opened, so I looked in it and it looked like Wave 1 again so I skipped it. Looking back at some old images though, I think it might have been the case with Bee and Cliffjumper in lieu of Magnus and Prowl or something like that? Anyone else seen this around?

Aye. I actually went third party on this one and bought a Megatron one direct from a seller on eBay (decently priced too). So I have Megatron now and I'm content with it. It's a neat little toy though. Last time I went to TRU they weren't as well-stocked. So they must be selling a bit better than I initially thought they would. They're great desktop toys. Like having one of those POP's or whatever on your desk.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1846103)
Posted by WreckerJack on December 7th, 2016 @ 11:40pm CST

Cliffjumper and Bee are kinda cute but these aren't really my thing.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1847999)
Posted by Rainmaker on December 20th, 2016 @ 2:44am CST

How many times are they going to repaint bumblebee red and think it's cliffjumper? It looks like a red bumblebee, not a cliffjumper. Cliffjumper isn't a straight repaint.

I still want them, though.

:MAXIMAL:

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851414)
Posted by Va'al on January 9th, 2017 @ 7:34pm CST

Also via Bounti76 and their Walmart store in Centerville, Utah, we have a first sighting for the second wave of Transformers Alt-Modes figures, the superdeformed tiny robots with a big head - as seen back at NYCC. They come in blind packs, but your fellow Seibetronian was able to snag a Cliffjumper and a Sideswipe. Check them out below!

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851426)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 9th, 2017 @ 8:25pm CST

I kind of find the Sideswipe adorable. May have to be on the lookout for those bags

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851484)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on January 10th, 2017 @ 1:51am CST

I'd love to get some of these, but the whole blind box thing is a turn off. Knowing my luck I'd get two of the same figure.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851525)
Posted by no-one on January 10th, 2017 @ 8:35am CST

chuckdawg1999 wrote:I'd love to get some of these, but the whole blind box thing is a turn off. Knowing my luck I'd get two of the same figure.

They're pretty fun. Worth nabbing at least one of your favorite characters. The first wave had a little peepy hole in the side so you could pick the one you like.

I wonder if series two will be the same :-?

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I kind of find the Sideswipe adorable. May have to be on the lookout for those bags

I feel I need that Sideswipe too. Do we know the full line up yet?

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851536)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 10th, 2017 @ 9:06am CST

carytheone wrote:
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I kind of find the Sideswipe adorable. May have to be on the lookout for those bags
I feel I need that Sideswipe too. Do we know the full line up yet?

We probably do, but I've never given much heed to alt modes, so I don't know anything really. But now though I need to start looking. I want one

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851549)
Posted by no-one on January 10th, 2017 @ 10:01am CST

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:
carytheone wrote:
D-Maximus_Prime wrote:I kind of find the Sideswipe adorable. May have to be on the lookout for those bags
I feel I need that Sideswipe too. Do we know the full line up yet?
We probably do, but I've never given much heed to alt modes, so I don't know anything really. But now though I need to start looking. I want one

Fun desk toy at least and worth getting one for.

If you pull the insignia tab on top, it triggers the "transformation". It can even be done one handed. Fun for quick change action fun! ;)^

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851614)
Posted by no-one on January 10th, 2017 @ 2:32pm CST

So I was on my lunch time toy run and I ran across what I thought were new Alt Modes at Target. The display, packaging and bot assortment is new-ish (some repeats), but they are labeled as series one. The old packaging looked different and had a different line up.

I think the local TRU still has a case or so of the old ones or I can dig out my box from the older style to compare.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851703)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 10th, 2017 @ 8:55pm CST

I'm thinking of making a Walmart run later this week or next week. Maybe I'll take a peak

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851732)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on January 10th, 2017 @ 10:50pm CST

carytheone wrote:
chuckdawg1999 wrote:I'd love to get some of these, but the whole blind box thing is a turn off. Knowing my luck I'd get two of the same figure.
They're pretty fun. Worth nabbing at least one of your favorite characters. The first wave had a little peepy hole in the side so you could pick the one you like.

Did not know about the hole. How easy is it to tell who's in there?

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1851754)
Posted by no-one on January 11th, 2017 @ 5:47am CST

chuckdawg1999 wrote:
carytheone wrote:
chuckdawg1999 wrote:I'd love to get some of these, but the whole blind box thing is a turn off. Knowing my luck I'd get two of the same figure.
They're pretty fun. Worth nabbing at least one of your favorite characters. The first wave had a little peepy hole in the side so you could pick the one you like.

Did not know about the hole. How easy is it to tell who's in there?

Pretty easy actually. The hole is just a little smaller than a dime. You can wiggle the box a bit and move the figure around to get a better view. I was able to pick every character out until I found a Prowl. If you spot one in the wild, give 'em a shake ;)^

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1852118)
Posted by no-one on January 12th, 2017 @ 2:04pm CST

And here is the OG series 1.

Conspiracy? #altmodegate? Probably just a running change. Still weird though :-?

Oh, and Chuck, those holes on the lineup side is where you can get your 10¢ peek on :saint:

And for your viewing pleasure:

Alt Mode Vs.png

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1852326)
Posted by ScottyP on January 13th, 2017 @ 7:53pm CST

Did someone ask for a break down of the line? To the, actually, my brain, shamefully.

Wave 1 and 2 - Series 1 with a literally identical assortment for some reason, probably miscommunication. Seem at TRU stores in the later half of 2016.

Optimus Prime
Megatron
Starscream
Thundercracker
Skywarp
Ultra Magnus
Prowl
Nemesis Prime

Wave 3 - more of Series 1, showing up at Target stores now.
New toys

Sunstorm
Acid Storm
Smokescreen
Bumblebee
Cliffjumper

Wave 1 carryovers

Optimus Prime
Megatron
Starscream

Wave 4 - Series 2, showing up at Wal-Mart stores now and some Targets. Unsure if this was solicited as Wave 4 or "2017 Wave 1" or something similar.
New toys

Hound
Sideswipe
Bluestreak
Silver Optimus Prime

Series 1 carryovers

Bumblebee
Cliffjumper
Megatron
Starscream

Future Waves - revealed, unknown release dates.

Dirge

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1852457)
Posted by ScottyP on January 15th, 2017 @ 10:45am CST

Also, since these aren't true blind boxes, I've added the series back to the sightings page: http://www.seibertron.com/sightings/ind ... t-modes235

Hope that helps!

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1852898)
Posted by no-one on January 17th, 2017 @ 3:40pm CST

Spotted series 2 at Wal-mart today. ScottyP did and excellent write up, but a picture is worth a 1000 words

20170117_125125.jpg

20170117_125135.jpg

20170117_125150.jpg

20170117_125152.jpg

Silver OP

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1853730)
Posted by no-one on January 22nd, 2017 @ 2:28pm CST

Psssst... $3.97 each at Gamestop.

20170122_134610.jpg

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1853884)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 23rd, 2017 @ 11:14am CST

Seibertronian music master Carytheone has dropped in to let us know that the highly cute and highly addictive Transformers Alt Mode figures have started showing up for $3.97 at Gamestop! Normally priced around $6.97, these little figures are fun novelty items that are well worth the $3.97 to get them.

So head on out to your local Gamestop and pick yourself up some Alt Modes!

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1853931)
Posted by Sarahthecutevixen on January 23rd, 2017 @ 1:42pm CST

hmm i may need to get a couple at that price

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1853934)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 23rd, 2017 @ 1:47pm CST

GalvatronG1 wrote:hmm i may need to get a couple at that price

Just be careful... They're addicting

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1854108)
Posted by Terrsolpix on January 24th, 2017 @ 12:42am CST

Sadly wave 1. I love the little guys and it wouldn't hurt to even out their ranks.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1854307)
Posted by Sarahthecutevixen on January 24th, 2017 @ 6:07pm CST

More addicting than Funko Pop? HA I only got one and i am good

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1854465)
Posted by Seibertron on January 25th, 2017 @ 9:52am CST

I was really disappointed by the Alt-Modes. If they had a way to "lock" the robot mode and had better/more paint apps, I would have thought these were a cute little addition to my collection. Since they can't stand in robot mode, it kind of killed my enjoyment of these plus many of them had noticeable paint flaws in the paint apps on their faces.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1854481)
Posted by no-one on January 25th, 2017 @ 10:08am CST

GalvatronG1 wrote:More addicting than Funko Pop?

Now that is a slippery rabbit hole.

Seibertron wrote:I was really disappointed by the Alt-Modes.

Yeah, they are cute and fun desktop distractions, but by no means a "gotta catch 'em" toy.

Considering how hard they are stalling on shelves in my area, I'm just playing the clearance waiting game for a few characters I'd like to have.

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1854496)
Posted by Sabrblade on January 25th, 2017 @ 10:21am CST

carytheone wrote:desktop distractions

Hmm, "desktractions"?

Re: Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail (1854497)
Posted by Va'al on January 25th, 2017 @ 10:22am CST

Sabrblade wrote:
carytheone wrote:desktop distractions
Hmm, "desktractions"?

Your portmanteau has been approved.

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Transformers Alt Modes First Wave Found at US Retail

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