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5 mm post

2011-07-12T22:38:46Z

65.11.29.91:

[[Image:5mmpostmainpic_001.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Weapons for everybody!]]
One of the simplest innovations in [[toy|Transformers toys]], using universally sized posts for accessories, weapons and figures is something that has characterised several Transformers lines throughout the years. The most common universal post and port size is the '''5-millimetre (5mm) post'''. This size was used throughout [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]], ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', and almost universally throughout ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''.

Using a single, universal size of weapon post allows Transformers toys to swap weapons between one another. During most Transformers toy lines, this interchangeability was seldom advertised as a feature of the toys, but during ''Armada'', that changed. The introduction of the [[Mini-Con]]s gave 5mm posts an entirely new purpose: A hollow 5mm post could now become a mounting point for a Mini-Con. The interchangeability suddenly became an advertised feature of the toys.

Since the end of the "[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]" toy line, the 5mm post hole has become far less ubiquitous, though it's making a comeback in a big way with some of the later ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' toys, and [[Power Core Combiners]].

==Functionality==
===Backwards compatibility===
[[Image:Primesharingguns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Dude, you're right. Guns with their posts in the right place '''rock!'''"]]
Probably the biggest, most meaningful aspect of using a universal fist size is compatibility between toys. You can share your accessories or Mini-Cons or even some integral parts of toys around to other toys from the same line. Even better for long-term fans of the franchise is that the continuous use of 5mm posts from Generation 1 onwards into modern lines means that toys are actually backwards-compatible with the accessories from older toys. As well as delightful opportunities for mixing and matching, this means that characters who get new toys can use accessories from their old toys. Even if you don't like [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Classics|"Classics" Optimus Prime's]] rifle, you can always just give him [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Powermaster Optimus Prime's]] rifle, or [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Return of Convoy|Star Convoy's]].

This compatibility works both ways, allowing you to use ''Armada'', ''Energon'' and even Power Core Combiners weapons with old [[Micromaster]] Bases or [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s toys.

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===A matter of tolerance===
Despite the fact that 5mm posts are supposed to be universally the same size, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, due to play wear or simply to slight (very slight) differences in tooling, some posts are tighter or looser than others. This can mean that sometimes a toy will hold a gun loosely, or that a weapon will be too tight to fit into another toy's hand.

Generally, this is only a problem on toys or toolings that have seen a lot of use. A Generation 1 toy like [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Soundwave]] that was produced for several years and re-released many times might actually show a difference in tolerance between different samples of the toy. Similarly, toolings which see a lot of use, such as [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Classics|"Classics" Starscream]], can begin to show mould wear. There are many reports of later ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' versions of the mould not being able to hold their weapons correctly because tolerances are poor. There are several reccomended actions for fixing loose sockets, such as floor polish.

If a toy sees a lot of play, especially if weapons are being removed and replaced repeatedly, a hole (or sometimes a post) can wear down, making the weapons looser. It's possible to increase this problem while swapping weapons between different toys. If a gun post from a [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|Pretender Bumblebee]] is slightly smaller than the post from [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Pretender|Pretender Grimlock]], then Grimlock's gun might actually ''stretch'' Bumblebee's fists. This could result in Bumblebee no longer being able to hold his own gun firmly. It's advisable when swapping guns between different toys to be aware of the slight differences in tolerances between toys.

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===Multiple posts and double posting===
[[Image:Swindlerifle_doublepostdemo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Pssst—hey, bud!" "WHO, ME?!" "Shhhhhh!" "Who, me?" "Riiiiiiiiight."]]
Some Transformers toys come with multiple figures, such as a [[Pretender]] shell and its inner robot. Other toys are small and merge with bigger toys to become still larger. Other toys come with a trailer or base which has larger weapons than the core robot. Because of the size difference between the two components, two different weapon post sizes are required.

The early Pretenders usually handle this by simply giving the gun two different posts: a larger 5mm post for the outer shell, and a smaller post for the inner robot. The result is that the two figures hold the same gun in different ways. For the purposes of this article, we'll refer to these as "multiple-post weapons".

Another solution, one often used with combiners, is simply to have the two posts one on top of the other—the smaller post on the bottom and the larger post on the top, both forming the same handle of the gun. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s accessories are one of the earliest examples (albeit unintentional), with rings or ridges widening the pegs to 5mm. The problem with this solution is that, when one gives weapons to unrelated toys, Transformers with fist holes that don't go all the way through the hands (such as [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Armada|''Armada'' Hot Shot]]) often can't hold these guns. We'll call that "double-posting" or "double-posted weapons" for the purposes of this article.

===5mm Screw Holes===
Many Transformers over the years have indented holes to allow screws to hold two pieces of the toy together. These screw holes come in all shapes and sizes but often they are also 5mm ports. Sometimes this is intentional, and the screw hole is deliberately moulded to 5mm to give the toy more functionality. Most of the time though, they aren't intentionally 5mm ports and are either very tight or slightly loose.

5mm screw holes can add functionality to many toys which otherwise aren't 5mm compatible, especially if a fan is creative. However, we have only included 5mm screw holes in the compatibility list below if they are particularly notable. So if you suspect a toy's screw holes are 5mm and he's not on the list, at least give it a try.

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===Powerlinx Ports===
[[Image:Armadagalvatron_5mmoverload.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I want it all, and I want it now!]]

During the [[Armada (toyline)|''Armada'' toy line]], a new spin on the 5mm post and port was developed: the [[Mini-Con]] [[Powerlinx]]. Using hollow 5mm posts with a "trigger" contained inside, Mini-Cons could activate the [[gimmick]]s of other toys or simply mount on other toys. Because the Mini-Cons use a special kind of port, they cannot be mounted on 5mm posts that aren't hollow. In theory, this means only toys with specific Powerlinx ports can hold Mini-Cons. In ''practice'', this isn't the case at all.

Throughout the history of the ''Transformers'' franchise, for one reason or another, toys have come with 5mm posts which are hollow, creating a kind of unintentional back-compatibility with many Mini-Cons. We'll list this back-compatibility in individual toy entries further down the page.

The other significant aspect of the Powerlinx ports is that they act like regular 5mm posts too. This means that you can use them to mount any weapons or accessories that are designed to mount on 5mm posts. Does mounting a bunch of miniature cars on [[Starscream (Armada)#toys|''Armada'' Starscream's]] arms seem silly to you? Maybe it's time to use the guns from the [[Micromaster]] [[Anti-Aircraft Base]].
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==Generation 1==
In the first few years of the toy line, partly because of the mix-and-match nature of the line itself, ''Transformers'' didn't have very standardised fist sizes. The ''[[Diaclone]]''-descended toys usually had no single standard, with only the toys with the biggest weapons or fists having 5mm posts. The ''[[Micro Change]]''-descended toys were much more consistent about post size, using 5mm posts on almost all of the toys with weapons or accessories, because of the size being one of the standard connectors for Microman toys.

As Generation 1 evolved 5mm posts and ports became nearly universal. Only the switch to smaller toys with [[Action Master]]s changed this — a new, smaller, universal post size was used for that line. These smaller sized posts carried over into the UK Transformers, while in [[Japan]] the rise of Micromasters led to 5mm staying predominant throughout the line.

===1984===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] — The only Autobot this year to use 5mm posts, Prime's main rifle sadly has a terrible [[design flaw]] (that has '''never''' been corrected, despite all the reissues) which makes it much less interchangeable with other toys. The gun's handle is moulded in the wrong place, and there's a false handle where the real one should be. Prime has actually been retooled to allow him to hold the rifle better — by increasing the size of the rims on his fists. Too bad they didn't just put the rifle's handle post in the right place. In addition to the rifle, [[Roller (G1)|Roller]]'s fuel pump is also a 5mm post. It's possible to use this to either give the pump to other toys or to pump up Roller with some heavy weaponry.

'''DECEPTICONS'''

All the 1984 Decepticons use 5mm posts in some capacity.
*[[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]]
[[Image:Ravage5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Shattered Glass Ravage prefers flowers.]]
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] — Due to the post holes in their bodies, they can be pegged onto Mini-Con ports, or similar 5mm posts.

*[[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]],[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] — Their wings ''and'' their weapons have 5mm posts.

*[[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] — Most notably his large chrome rifle has a 5mm post on it, allowing it to be given to other toys.

===1985===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] — Grimlock's fist holes are smaller than 5mm (being the size of Rhisling's lower hilt), but ridges on the upper sections of his launcher and sword's pegs and a ring on the upper part of the gun's peg make them 5mm.

*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]

*[[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] and [[Twin Twist]] — These toys do NOT have 5mm post holes, but their rifles have a 5mm base to the gun peg, effectively creating a very shallow double-peg that allows their guns limited inter-changeability with toys with 5mm fists.

*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] — Devastator's is a classic double-posted rifle. Devastator's fists are 5mm holes, but he shares his rifle with [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] and his tiny, tiny fists.

*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]

*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] — The strange construction of Blitzwing's weapons and fists makes interchangability ... awkward, as his fist holes are on the sides instead of the top; the weapons are sculpted to still look like he's holding them normally. Of course, if you're a fan of punch daggers, or Blitzwing holding someone else's guns 'gangsta-style', then more power to you.

===1986===
1986 saw the introduction of the Transformers [[Special Teams]], or [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiners. All of these combiners used 5mm posts as standard to peg in their fists and feet in combined mode, meaning you could swap these parts between any of the combiners. The fists of the combined forms almost universally used 5mm holes (all except [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]]) and almost all the leaders of the teams (except [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]) used 5mm posts for their fists.

The smaller members of the Special Teams almost all had small pistols or rifles that used variably compatible smaller posts, and larger alt mode weapons that used 5mm posts — often taking advantage of post holes used for the combined form's fists or feet. The earlier toys often used weapons with 5mm ports which would peg onto the robot — allowing those weapons to be pegged onto Mini-Con ports and other similar 5mm posts. The later toys tended to use 5mm posts which peg into ports on the toy.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
[[Image:Outback5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Where the bloody hell am I? Right here, mate. Right here!]]
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] — The only [[Mini Vehicle]] with a weapon at all, Outback sports a 5mm post that lets him use all kinds of crazy weapons.

*[[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] and [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] — But '''not''' [[Rewind]] or [[Eject]], strangely. Ramhorn's peg holes are very loose.

*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] — Barely. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s are the only Special Team whose leader doesn't use 5mm posts, and who have no members with larger vehicle weapons which use 5mm posts. Superion doesn't have 5mm fists either. Only the posts and ports for the combined form's hands and feet are 5mm posts. Superion even has what looks like a hollow 5mm peg on the underside of his combined form's chest plate — however this peg is just slightly too big to be of use.

*[[Protectobot (G1)|The Protectobots]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described above.

*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]

*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] — Most of Magnus' accessories use 5mm posts. Interestingly enough his rifle has two ways of being held — the large robot uses a larger peg than the small inner robot's 5mm post. So you can only let other toys hold the gun in the same way as Magnus' inner robot.

*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] — Uses 5mm posts for his weapons, and his fists. He can happily wear any Scramble City fists instead of his own. [[Six-Gun]] and [[Scamper]] do not use 5mm pegs for their weapons, however [[Slammer]] does. His turret is on a hollow 5mm post so it can be mounted on (or rather under, most of the time) Mini-Cons!

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]

*[[Stunticon (G1)|The Stunticons]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described above.

*[[Combaticon (G1)|The Combaticons]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described above.

*[[Predacon (G1)|The Predacons]] — Unlike the Scramble City toys, all the Predacons use 5mm posts as standard, with no accessories at all with smaller pegs, making all their weapons usable by [[Predaking]].

*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] — Only his head-mounted gun, his rifle uses a smaller peg.

*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]] — However remember, [[Nightmare_Planet|Galvatron's weapons pegs can be any size he wants!]]

*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] — [[Full-Tilt]] does ''not'' use 5mm posts. On the other hand the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt's]] tank turret ''does'' use them. It's completely possible to mount the turret as an arm cannon for an ''Armada'' toy, or anyone else with 5mm posts.

===1987===
By 1987 5mm posts had become almost universal. Only some smaller toys, and those toys without weapon accessories didn't have them.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Technobot (G1)|The Technobots]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described in the 1986 section above.

*[[Fastlane]] & [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]]

*[[Punch (G1)|Punch-Counterpunch]]

*The [[Monsterbot]]s

*The [[Targetmaster]]s — [[Kup (G1)#Targetmaster|Kup]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]] and [[Blurr (G1)#Targetmaster|Blurr]] were [[retool]]ed to be 5mm peg compatible so that they could use [[Targetmaster]]s this year. The other Targetmaster moulds were all made with 5mm pegs in mind.

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]] was the only Headmaster not to use 5mm pegs exclusively. Nearly all his accessories and the weapons for his smaller components were 5mm pegs. However his larger rifles were so huge they used much, much larger peg sizes which are not compatible with any other Transformers mould.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Terrorcon (G1)|The Terrorcons]] — [[Blot (G1)#Toys|Blot]] and [[Cutthroat (G1)#Toys|Cutthroat]] are the only small Special Teams members outside the Aerialbots not to have alt mode weapons with 5mm posts. Blot has a backpack, and Cutthroat has a transforming tail weapon, instead.

*[[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] & [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]

*[[Pounce]] & [[Wingspan]]

*[[Sixshot]]

*The [[Targetmaster]]s — [[Cyclonus (G1)#Targetmaster|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)#Targetmaster|Scourge]] were retooled to be able to use the 5mm pegs associated with Targetmasters and released again as part of this range.

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — Scorponok is the only Decepticon Headmaster not to use 5mm pegs universally. Most of his accessories use them, except for his four large double-barrelled cannons and his shield, which has a slightly wider peg hole. The shield does have a hollow 5mm peg on it, though, allowing you to mount a Mini-Con on the shield. Sweet! Oh yeah, that does mean, by the way, that his tremendously enormous rifle does use both 5mm pegs and 5mm peg holes. Fasttrack doesn't use 5mm pegs for his hands, but his arms are mounted on 5mm pegs, so you can give him all sorts of crazy gun arms.

===1988===
[[Image:Pretender5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|5mm pegs on Pretenders: A demonstration.]]
1988 introduced a new line dependent on the 5mm peg, the Pretenders. As mentioned above, in the section on multiple posts and double posts, the Pretender shells all had 5mm pegs, while their robots had smaller (less universally sized) pegs. Pretenders usually had at least one weapon (sometimes more) that was meant for both the shell and the inner robot. For the 1988 Pretenders, these weapons had multiple pegs on them, allowing different components to hold them in different ways. These weapons were also usually a part of the Pretender's vehicle mode, and mounted on them in that mode using 5mm pegs.

Later Pretenders used double-posting instead of multiple-posting, so that the inner robots often lacked the 5mm compatibility in their vehicle modes that earlier Pretenders enjoyed. But for 1988 it was 5mm compatible city!

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] & [[Raindance]]

*The [[Targetmaster]]s

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — Unlike in 1987, the 1988 Autobot Headmasters had two sets of weapons with different post sizes. There was a single main rifle for the main robot with a 5mm post, and two smaller pistols that were both vehicle mode weapons and antennae for the robots' head.

*The [[Powermaster]]s. — [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Powermaster Prime]] in particular is notable because his weapons are massive, badass and freakin' awesome. You know they are. Admit it.

*[[Quickswitch]]

*The [[Pretender]]s — Including the regular Pretenders, [[Pretender Beast]]s and [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]], the [[Pretender Vehicle]].

'''DECEPTICONS'''
[[Image:Skalor5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|That gun mode stinks!]]
*[[Seacon (G1)|The Seacons]] — Because of his Targetmaster gimmick, [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] is one of only two (the other being Superion, the piker) Generation 1 combiner robot without 5mm post hole fists. Instead he has special ports for the square pegs which are used as part of the Special Teams style combination. Each of the five smaller Seacons also come with a special Targetmaster stand which allows them to use their gun forms independent of Piranacon. The stand is divided into three parts, a connector, a post and a base. The post is moulded to look like a large rifle and has multiple pegs on it (of different sizes) letting it be held as a weapon both by the small Seacons and by anyone with a 5mm fist. The connector is even cooler, since it has a 5mm post hole and can be used to mount the Seacons on Mini-Con ports or other similar gun posts when in gun mode. It can also be used to make any Scramble City style combiner limb 5mm post compatible, so any of them can become a giant Mini-Con. How awesome is that?

*[[Squawktalk]] & [[Beastbox (G1)|Beastbox]]

*The [[Targetmaster]]s

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — The small Decepticon Headmasters did not have two sets of weapons like their Autobot counterpart and relied entirely on 5mm posts.

*The [[Powermaster]]s — Doubledealer came with a special Powermaster Engine cover with a 5mm post on it. The post is hollow, allowing you to mount a Mini-Con on it.

*The [[Pretender]]s — Including the regular Pretenders, [[Pretender Beast]]s and [[Roadgrabber]], the [[Pretender Vehicle]].

===1989===
This year introduced the [[Micromaster]]s, as well as introducing a truck load more Pretenders. The Micromasters emphasised inter-compatibility in a way Transformers hadn't really done before. All the bases were able to connect through special ramps, and all the weapons for the bases used 5mm posts. The Micromasters themselves all had small post holes in their feet that corresponded to small posts all over the bases — letting you stand them freely. The Micromasters' association with 5mm pegs would continue through into the Japanese toy lines, and would be reflected in the Mini-Cons who would come down the pipeline many years later.

As we mentioned above the Pretenders this year were a little less 5mm compatible. While the first year Pretenders generally had 5mm ports on their vehicle modes as well as their Pretender shells, those 5mm posts disappeared on most of the inner robots for this year. Instead of using multiple posts on the same weapon more toys this year used a double-post.

'''AUTOBOTS'''

Literally all the Autobot Pretenders from this year used 5mm posts. All of the Micromaster bases and transports except for Overload and [[Hot House]] used 5mm posts for their weapon accessories. Hot House and Overload don't really have any accessories, so that's understandable.
*[[Pincher]], [[Doubleheader]] and [[Longtooth]]
*[[Classic Pretender]]s — [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]. These toys were re-released without their shells as [[Legends (G1)|Legends]]. They only came with their smaller weapons, which are double-posted. While the inner robots can't hold 5mm weapons their weapons can be used with other toys. Bumblebee and Jazz's guns were switched for the Legends release, so if you're pedantic about continuity feel free to give Jazz's gun to Classics Bumblebee without feeling guilty.
*[[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] and [[Vroom]]
* [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]]

*[[Erector (G1)|Erector]] and his [[Crane]] — Erector's weapons are all 5mm posts. While Erector's trailer hitch is not a 5mm post it is hollow and works as a 5mm port, allowing Erector to connect to other TFs and bases like a Mini-Con.
*[[Ironworks]]'s [[Construction station]] — In station mode, Ironworks's base has two hollow 5mm posts on its scaffolding section. These are completely compatible with Mini-Cons. In windmill... errr... radar tower mode these two pegs are used to mount the scaffolding to the tower, so aren't accessible.
* [[Groundshaker]]'s [[ATV]] and [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]]'s [[Rocket Base|Rocket base]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''

All the Decepticon Micromaster bases and transports were 5mm compatible this year in some capacity. The Pretenders also, except for the Monster Pretenders.
*[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] — As with nearly all combiners, Monstructor uses 5mm fist holes. However none of the individual Monster Pretenders do. Their shell covers sometimes have relatively inaccessible 5mm posts or ports for Monstructor's accessories, but that is more-or-less the extent of their compatibility.
* [[Octopunch]], [[Stranglehold]] and [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]
*[[Classic Pretender]]s [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] — Also available as a Legends figure without any of the 5mm compatibility conferred by his shell.
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]

* [[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]]'s [[Aircraft carrier]] and [[Roughstuff]] and his [[Military transport]] — Roughstuff's are the only large Micromaster weapons without 5mm posts, making him far less compatible with other toys than he should be. However his trailer hitch is a 5mm post and port. That might be of... some use.
* [[Greasepit (G1)|Greasepit]]'s [[Gas station]] and [[Airwave]]'s [[Airport]] — Greasepit has a host of little 5mm post accessories that aren't weapons like a set of petrol pumps and a street sign. Airwave's compatibility is limited to having several 5mm ports on the top of his base's station mode.
* [[Skyhopper]]'s [[Helicopter]] and [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]]'s [[Interstellar shuttle]]

===1990===
[[Action Master]]s dropped the 5mm posts in favour of a smaller standard-sized peg for hand-held weapons, obviously due to the smaller size of the figures' fists. However, the backpack accessories for the individually carded figures use 5mm pegs to attach to the screw-holes in the figures' backs, making them compatible with weapons for larger toys. Some of the bases use 5mm posts for their weapon systems as well. But for the most part, this was the end of 5mm pegs being universal in Transformers for a very long time; it wouldn't happen again until the [[Unicron Trilogy]], almost a decade later.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
[[Image:Lionizer5mmdemo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Another example of why beards freakin' rock.]]
* [[Lionizer]]. Because of his beard, he actually has a double-post, so he has a 5mm post, though it's very tight.

* [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Action Master|Prowl]]'s [[Turbo Cycle]]. — His engine intakes have a 5mm port, so they can be mounted on Mini-Con pegs if you'd like, and his wheel section has a 5mm post. The rest of his accessories use the more standard smaller pegs used by Action Masters.
* [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]]. — While both he and his helicopter aren't really 5mm compatible, he ''does'' have hand-held missile launchers with 5mm post ''holes'' on them. They can be mounted on Mini-Con ports, or you can mount 5mm guns on top of them while Over-Run is holding them — but good luck keeping his arms up. There's a couple of posts on the back of his helicopter as well.
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime's]] [[Armored Convoy]] — Has a bunch of black guns and orange guns with 5mm posts. Yes, you can give all these weapons to Classics Primes. The black guns have hollow posts and so can be mounted on Mini-Cons. The entire Armored Convoy, both cab and trailer, is littered with 5mm ports.

* [[Missile Launcher]] (with [[Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)|Surge]]) and [[Tanker Truck]] (with [[Pipeline]] & [[Gusher]]) — Both bases have a new mould Micromaster ramp with a double-peg on it. Unfortunately it's very hard to access, and not very effective as a shield for other toys The combiner bases also extensively use 5mm ports and pegs for all their weapons, and even their main combining pegs. This means they can be connected to each other, or to any other 5mm pegs or ports.
* [[Battlefield Headquarters]] with [[Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Megatron's]] [[Neutro-Fusion Tank]]
* [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]]'s [[Stratotronic Jet]] — His missiles have 5mm post holes, rather than 5mm posts. This means you can mount his missiles on mini-con ports or other similar 5mm posts.

[[Image:Anti-aircraftbase_multiconfig.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Blackout and shout!]]
* [[Cannon Transport]] with [[Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head]] — Features the same 5mm compatibility as the Autobot Combiner Transports.
* [[Anti-Aircraft Base]] with [[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot]] — Is one of the most versatile 5mm-compatible toys of all time. All up the base features eight 5mm ports, seven 5mm posts and a variety of different accessories. The base's main guns are designed to peg onto 5mm posts so can be used with mini-con ports. The base's radar equipment and additional weapons are all designed with 5mm posts. Even the base's ramp features a 5mm port, rather than the limited 5mm post of the Micromaster Combiner Transports. The four 5mm posts on the base proper are hollow, also allowing them to be used as mini-con ports.

==UK Generation 1==
After Generation 1 ended in the US it continued in the UK unabated. Well, a little bit abated. It wasn't as big as it was. The UK line at first consisted of redecos of Japanese toys and Action Masters that hadn't made it to America. After that they continued to produce their own toys. Okay... but what does that have to do with 5mm pegs? Well, sadly, not much. The UK lines did not make extensive use of 5mm pegs, even when they really should have (we're looking at you, Predator jets). The compatibility of these toys is incredibly limited.

===1991===
The Action Masters from this year didn't use 5mm pegs at all, meaning that there were only three toys this year with 5mm pegs.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
[[Image:Flame5mmdemo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Ready for a Flame war!]]
*[[Flame (Motorvator)|Flame]], [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]], [[Lightspeed (Motorvator)|Lightspeed]]. — The [[Motorvator]]s, being recycled Japanese toys, used 5mm pegs as standard for their weapons. Their weapons had two sets of pegs letting them be held as swords or guns.

===1992===
This year introduced the Turbomasters and Predators. Even though both sets of toys (who all have massive guns) would have benefitted from 5mm posts, only two toys out of the entire line have them.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Rotorstorm]]

[[Image:Stalker_variousconfigs.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Stalk 'er? I hardly knew 'er.]]
'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]] — Unlike Rotorstorm his hands are not 5mm pegs. Instead the ports on his shoulders are 5mm pegs — his massive missile and his radar dish are on 5mm posts. His lack of 5mm hands is made up for by two screw holes on his wrists which are 5mm holes, allowing him to hold guns there.

===1993===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Pyro]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Clench (G1)|Clench]]
{{-}}

==Japanese Generation 1==
There's not a lot to say about Japanese Generation 1. The main thing is that there are more Micromasters. More Micromasters means more 5mm pegs.

The first few lines that the Japanese marketed independently were mostly reuses of American moulds, with only a few differences. Basically if the American version can use 5mm pegs, so can the Japanese version. In these cases there's only a handful of toys that need pointing out as independent and unique but the overall line was generally a mess of 5mm pegs everywhere.

===Headmasters===
Most of this line was just American release toys repackaged. Basically all of them were 5mm compatible. Almost all of the moulds unique to the Japanese line were also 5mm compatible.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Stepper]] and [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]]. — Jazz and Inferno, two previously non-compatible toys, were retooled and redecoed in Headmasters and used as Targetmasters. Artfire's fists are expanded to allow him to hold his targetmaster gun [[Nightstick (Artfire)|Nightstick]]. Stepper meanwhile has Jazz's missile launcher replaced by a plug-in port to allow him to use his Targetmaster unit [[Nightstick (Ricochet)|Nebulon]] as a shoulder cannon.
*<strike>Billy</strike> <strike>Blaster</strike> [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] — Redeco and slight retool of G1 Blaster.

*[[Graphy]], [[Noise]], [[Dial]] and [[Saur]]
*[[Raiden]] — Like Devastator before him (well, sorta), Raiden can use 5mm weapons while his components cannot.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] — Redeco and slight retool of G1 Soundwave.

===Masterforce===
Again, Masterforce is almost entirely American moulds, but this time there's more redecos. There's a few retools, and a handful of new moulds too, with 5mm compatibility.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Metalhawk]] — He's a Pretender. And what have we learned so far? That's right: Pretenders are 5mm compatible.

*[[Ginrai|Super Ginrai]] and [[Godbomber]] — Ginrai is a retool of Powermaster Optimus Prime, with brand new hands. Brand new retractable 5mm hands! (To replace his old unretractable 5mm hands!) Godbomber is designed to be compatible with Ginrai, to use his accessories and to merge with him, so he gets to be 5mm compatible too. Sweet.
*[[Grand Maximus]] — Fortress Maximus with a new deco and some new accessories. He's compatible with 5mm pegs in the same way as Fortress Maximus, and his new parts are mostly a Pretender shell with some extra weapons. Pretender shell? Well, we know what that means!

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] — Does not have 5mm pegs for his hands, but has limited compatibility thanks to a handful of 5mm holes and some 5mm pegs on his smaller accessories. This toy was also released in Europe in 1992.
*[[Browning]] — As well as multiple sets of fists, Browning also has 5mm post holes on his shoulders for added shoulder cannon action.

*[[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]] — A retool of G1 Scorponok with a new robot mode head and some new weapons. He's 5mm compatible in the same ways as Scorponok, but with updated [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]] compatibility to boot.

===Victory===
Victory was radically different from the American toy line of the time. Most of the toys were unique to Japan, and most of them had 5mm compatibility to some extent.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], [[Victory Leo]] and their combined form Victory Saber
*[[Blacker]], [[Laster]], [[Braver]] and their combined form [[Road Caesar]]
*[[Landcross (Victory)|Landcross]] — While the individual components are not generally 5mm compatible, Landcross has 5mm fists. Some of his components have 5mm holes on their vehicle modes for storing merge parts.
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] — Dude's basically a Micromaster toy, of course he's 5mm compatible.

*[[Greatshot]] — A retool and redeco of Sixshot.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Liokaiser]] — As with most every merge group, Liokaiser's fists are 5mm pegs. His individual components are mostly not 5mm compatible. [[Leozack]] has 5mm ports, and [[Guyhawk]] and [[Hellbat]] have 5mm posts, used in merging. [[Killbison]]'s tank mode guns are on a 5mm plug, which becomes Liokaiser's hand-held weapons. None of these ports and plugs are particularly accessible or useful. Unless you want to give Leozack gun knees, which... who wouldn't want to?

*[[Dinoking]] — A redeco of Monstructor with new Pretender shells, he's 5mm compatible in exactly the same way.
*[[Black Shadow]] and [[Blue Bacchus]] — Retools and redecos of Crossblades and Thunderwing.

===Zone===
Zone is basically the Japanese equivalent of the American Micromasters line. Most of the toys were straight repackagings of the American releases, with basically no changes. The rest were either new Micromaster bases (with 5mm weapons) or redecos of American bases. 5mm compatibility had been more or less the norm for Japanese Generation 1, and Zone would cement their place with only the individual Micromasters not being fully 5mm compatible.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], [[Sonic Bomber]], [[Road Fire]] and their merged form [[Big Powered]]
*[[Landshaker]] and [[Sky Hyper]] — Redecos of Groundshaker and Sky Hopper's bases with new pilots and the same ole weapons.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]] — Dude, a crazy Decepticon redeco of Metroplex. Just as compatible with 5mm pegs as Metroplex ever was. But more blue.

===Return of Convoy===
[[Image:Microtrailer_versatility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Is there nothing they can't do?!]]
Yup, Optimus Prime got a new toy this year. Yawn. What we're really interested in is two brand new concepts. First of all all the Micromaster patrols were re-released this year, and packaged with brand new Micro Trailers. Secondly we were introduced to six-member Micromaster combiner teams which merge more traditionally than the American Micromaster combiners.

The Micro Trailers were simple launchers for the Micromasters, and there were (including the three packaged with the bulks from this year) 14 in all. From a 5mm compatibility point of view these things are incredible. They're designed to combine, pegging into each other. The result is two hollow 5mm posts, and two 5mm ports on each little trailer. You can load them up with weapons, plug Mini-Cons into them or just have larger robots hold them as weapons. Just to add to it they've got ports for American Micromaster Combiners to tow them with, connectors for Micromaster ramps, and a tab to let Sky Garry carry them. Interactivity? You freakin' bet.

The six member combiners are significant because they are the first (and to date '''only''') combiner teams to use 5mm pegs to connect actual robots together. The six Micromasters in each team combine around a frame that makes up the torso, head and thighs of the robot. The shoulders of this frame use hollow 5mm pegs to connect its arms. It's significant because it means that the arm components for all the six member Micromaster combiners have large 5mm ports, allowing them to peg onto 5mm posts — like Mini-Con pegs, for example.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]], [[Sky Garry (ROC)|Sky Garry]], and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Star Convoy]]
*[[Micro Trailer]]s #0 to 12, and Star Convoy's Micro Trailer.
[[Image:Micromerge5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*[[Sixliner]] — Sixliner was the first of the six member Micromaster combiner teams. He had 5mm compatible fists, a 5mm compatible gun (with two hollow 5mm pegs on the side) and oddly enough 5mm compatible toes. His combiner parts can all become carriages for the train modes of his individual Micromasters. His main torso section has three hollow 5mm posts on it, allowing it to mount Mini-Cons, or to be held by larger robots as a strange gun (which you can then mount Mini-Cons on). Sixliner's arms, [[Leaf]] and [[Alan]] connect to him via 5mm ports that can be used to peg them on any 5mm posts.

===Operation Combination===
The last gasp of Generation 1 in Japan. This line was a mish-mash of new moulds, redecos of old moulds and UK imports.

The most important part of the line from our point of view right now is the new six member Micromaster combiners. There was a retool of Sixliner, and 3 entirely new mould teams. The three new teams use a generic body frame which uses far more 5mm pegs than the Sixliner body. The head and feet, as well as the shoulders, now connect by 5mm posts. This new versatility meant that four members of the team, not just two, could peg onto 5mm posts. The parts of these new combiners could also merge into a jet — but if you merge them into a jet you can't use the parts as weapons for larger robots, and who wants that? No one.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Sixturbo]] — His arms and legs, [[Circuit (OC)|Circuit]], [[Neo-Wheel]], [[Discharge]] and [[Sireen]] all have 5mm ports.
*[[Sixbuilder]] — His arms and legs, [[Digger]], [[Iron Lift]], [[Mixing]] and [[Treader]] all have 5mm ports.
*[[Sixwing]] — His arms and legs, [[Falcon (OC)|Falcon]], [[Flanker]], [[Raker]] and [[Supersonic]] all have 5mm ports.

*[[Guard City]] — A redeco, barely, of Generation 1 Defensor. Compatible in exactly the same way as the original mould.
*[[Sixtrain]] — A retool of Sixliner. His arms [[Atlan]] and [[Raise]] have 5mm ports.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Battle Gaia]] — A redeco of Generation 1 Bruticus. Compatible in exactly the same way as the original mould.
{{-}}

==Generation 2==
Come 1993 and ''Transformers'' was given a rebirth, both in the US (who hadn't had toys on the shelves since 1990) and in the rest of the world, called ''Generation 2''. This toyline was a mixture of vintage Generation 1 ''[[Diaclone]]''-based toys, redecos of toys released in the UK and later on a whole slew of brand new moulds created just for that line.

''Generation 2'' was only moderately 5mm-friendly. The old moulds retained their old compatibilities, and the new moulds tended to be much smaller toys that weren't able to have large fist holes. Still, there are a handful of new and interesting toys with 5mm compatibility, and many of them would go on to be prominent toys in later lines as well.

===1993===

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Optimus Prime]] — This toy is a redeco and retool of Generation 1 Optimus Prime. The main difference now is the addition of a voice pack with two 5mm post holes on it and the addition of two brand-new hand-held missile launchers with 5mm posts. This added versatility has basically never been carried forwards to other re-releases of the mould.
*[[Jazz_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Jazz]] and [[Sideswipe_(G1)#Generation_2_2|Sideswipe]] — These two (redecos of the g1 toys) are NOT 5mm compatible, but their missile launchers have a double-post, making their '''guns''' 5mm compatible.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Devastator_(G1)#Generation_2|Devastator]] — This toy was released twice in two different new decos, but it's still the same tooling as the Generation 1 toy with the same compatibilities.
*[[Ramjet_%28G1%29#Generation_2_2|Ramjet]] and [[Starscream_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Starscream]] — Redecos of the Generation 1 toys with the same compatibilities. They also have new missile launchers (that actually launch!) and a new sound box, but neither of these really adds any new compatibility to the toys.
*[[Megatron_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Megatron]] — This is the first new Gen2 exclusive mould created for the American toy line. It's also the first new mould with 5mm fists.

===1994===

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Superion_(G1)#Generation_2|Superion]] — A redeco of the Generation 1 toy, with the same very very limited compatibility, but with the added bonus of Gold Plastic Syndrome.
*[[Silverbolt_(G1)#Generation_2_2|Silverbolt]] — A redeco of the Generation 1 toy, unlike the original toy this Silverbolt is retooled to have 5mm post holes on his wings, for a pair of new missile launchers. Silverbolt's launchers are the same basic mould as those used by the Skyraiders, but were retooled to have a double-post so that Superion could hold them. Because he doesn't have 5mm fists. Because Superion is a poopy-head.

*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Hero Optimus Prime]]
*[[Electro#Generation_2_2|Electro]] and [[Volt#Generation_2_2|Volt]].

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Bruticus_(G1)#Generation_2|Bruticus]] and the [[Combaticon_(G1)|Combaticons]] — A slightly retooled and extensively redecoed version of the original toy with the same basic compatibilities. [[Onslaught_(G1)#Generation_2_2|Onslaught]] also has a new missile launcher which is 5mm compatible.

*[[Megatron_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Hero Megatron]]
*[[Sizzle_(G2)#Generation_2_2|Sizzle]] and [[Jolt_(G2)#Generation_2_2|Jolt]]

===1995===
The last year of ''Generation 2'' was getting more and more experimental, with toys with all kinds of different gimmicks, all kinds of brand new features. Unfortunately this year also saw a severe downsizing of the toys — smaller toys became the standard. That left room for only one toy this year with 5mm fists and accessories.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Laser Optimus Prime]] — Probably because of a decided downturn in the ''size'' of individual toys in 1995, Laser Optimus Prime is the '''only''' toy this year with 5mm pegs. His sword, laser cannon, and missile launcher have 5mm handles.

==Beast Wars==
[[Image:Optimusprimal5mmposts.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Share and share alike.]]

After ''Generation 2'', 5mm posts took a pasting. Suddenly they just weren't standard any more. If ''Generation 2'' was experimental in its last days, then ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' was even more experimental. There were basically no singular standards for this line. Characters were completely self-contained play patterns, based around their animal modes. As the line evolved general gimmicks, again based on the aesthetics of the toy rather than their play pattern, began to dominate. The only place that 5mm post holes were generally universal were the larger scale Ultra toys who mostly featured 5mm hands.

Tolerances are a big issue with ''Beast Wars'' toys with 5mm posts, the following list is as comprehensive as it can be, but you might find you struggle to use the 5mm compatibility on some of your toys. In the testing phase different samples ranged from impossibly tight, to perfect, to really loose.

===1996===
'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Dinobot_(BW)#Toys|Dinobot]] — Dinobot's weapons and accessories and hands are all 5mm posts. This is great, seeing as this mould was released again, and again, and again. His famous [[Cyber-slash tail weapon|rotating blade]] weapon has a 5mm post hole in it that allows it to mount on a 5mm post on his dinosaur mode back. This is especially useful for mounting the tail weapon on his back in robot mode.
*[[Polar Claw]]
*[[Optimus_Primal/toys#Beast_Wars|Ultra Optimus Primal]]
*[[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] Has 5mm screw holes in his robot back, and a non-screw 5mm hole in his head — these are almost useless. However, his waist kibble has [[Mini-Con]]-compatible pegs, as does the front of his shield.

===1997===
'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Grimlock_(G1)/toys#Beast_Wars|Grimlock]] — A [[redeco]] of the ''Beast Wars'' Dinobot mould with the same compatibility.
*[[Ironhide_(G1)/toys#Beast_Wars|Ironhide]] and [[Magnaboss#Beast_Wars|Magnaboss]] — [[Silverbolt (G1)#Beast Wars|Silverbolt]] and [[Prowl (G1)#Beast Wars|Prowl]] are not 5mm compatible, but Ironhide, Magnaboss' sword, and Magnaboss are. The small hollow pegs on Ironhide's elephant shell halves are ''not'' 5mm, but the size of the inner hole is such that they ''do'' grip Mini-Cons.
*[[B'Boom]]

'''PREDACONS'''
* [[Ram Horn#Toys|Ram Horn]] and [[Tripredacus#Toys|Tripredacus]] — Ramhorn has 5mm hands, giving Tripredacus one 5mm hand too. The other members of the team are not 5mm compatible.
*[[Inferno_(BW)#Toys|Inferno]]

===1998===
'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Cheetor_(BW)/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Cheetor]] — His fists are an unconventional shape, but hold 5mm weapons just fine.
*[[Optimus_Primal/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Optimus Primal]]
*[[Optimus_Primal/toys#Beast_Wars|Optimal Optimus]] — While he doesn't have 5mm peg holes for his fists, he does have 5mm pegs on his wrists, (on angles, so their use is limited) and he ''does'' have hollow 5mm pegs (perfect for Mini-Cons) on his rifle! On his shoulders are a couple of other 5mm pegs too.

*[[Torca]]

'''PREDACONS'''
*[[Megatron_(BW)/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Megatron]]
*[[Rampage_(BW)#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Rampage]]
*[[Antagony#Beast_Wars|Botcon Antagony]]

===1999===

'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Optimus Minor#Toys|Optimus Minor]] — On his own, Optimus Minor is not 5mm compatible. However, his tail weapon uses two different 5mm pegs — one of which is hollow, perfect for Mini-Cons! The allows him to hold a Mini-Con in robot mode.
*[[Tigerhawk#Toys|Tigerhawk]]

'''PREDACONS'''
*[[Megatron_(BW)/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal II Megatron]]

===Beast Wars II===
''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]'' was a Japanese only line capitalizing on the success of ''Beast Wars''. It's mostly a [[redeco]] line, with a handful of brand new toys or moulds. There's a bunch of old toys in this line with 5mm compatibility, and a few retools and redecos. There's only one new mould. Lio Convoy looks like he should have them, but his fists are actually a bit bigger than the 5mm standard.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
Santon and Magnaboss — Redecos of Beast Wars Ironhide and Magnaboss.

'''DESTRONS'''
*Autolauncher
*Megastorm
*Gigastorm
*Thrustor
*God Neptune — A Redeco of the Seacons minus Nautilator, with most of the same 5mm compatibilities as the original group. They were released in a gift set, and also lacked the individual gun stands that the original Seacons had. Man... sucky.
*Galvatron

===Beast Wars Neo===
'''CYBERTRONS'''
*Big Convoy — Includes a 5mm peg-compatible Matrix.
*Longrack

'''DESTRONS'''
*Hardhead
*Elephorca

==Beast Machines==
Beast Machines saw the almost complete abandonment of the 5mm peg for its toys. The introduction of uniquely moulded hands and toys with few if any accessories meant that 5mm peg holes were no longer needed. In fact, in all of Beast Machines, there is only one toy with deliberate 5mm peg holes for hands. There's others with 5mm screw holes or 5mm peg holes that can be used to make them compatible with older weapons, but for the most part, Beast Machines emphasised completely self-contained toys.

On the flip side, Beast Machines was one of the first Transformers lines to introduce vehicles and separately sold weapon-accessories for other toys, in the form of the Beast Riders and Deployer assortments. These toys, while emphasising interactivity with other toys, did so without the use of pegs.

===2000===
'''VEHICONS'''
*[[Megatron_(BW)/toys#Beast_Machines|Megatron]] — The only toy in the entire line that's deliberately 5mm compatible, the Mega-sized Megatron toy has 5mm fists in robot mode. Wow, Beast Machines, way to drop the ball!

==Robots in Disguise==
Unlike the much more focused and consistently designed Beast Machines, Robots in Disguise was an absolute hodge-podge of a line. It used a combination of new moulds, vintage moulds, and contemporary redecos that saw toys from all over the place incorporated into the line. This was both good and bad for 5mm peg enthusiasts—mostly bad, since the majority of the redecos came from G2 Gobots or Beast Wars and Beast Machines toys.

The handful of brand new toys in the line didn't really emphasise interactivity through compatibility of accessories. Instead they emphasised interactivity through figure combination. Still, there's a handful of stuff there worthy of inclusion here.

===2001===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Wedge]], [[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]], [[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]], [[Grimlock (RID)|Grimlock]] and Landfill — Grimlock is the only member of the team lacking 5mm fists, but fortunately he makes up for it in combined form where he forms a part with 5mm compatible hands (well, claws) for Landfill. In fact all of Landfill's configurations are 5mm compatible. Woo!

*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] — Both use 5mm posts extensively. Only the smaller, non-super-mode Prime actually has 5mm FISTS. Prime's super mode lacks 5mm fists, or fists at all. Omega Prime's and Ultra Magnus's hands do have 5mm holes on the palms, and Magnus's thumbs have 5mm posts. Prime is also covered in a bunch of hollow 5mm posts that can be used as mini-con ports, and both have 5mm posts and holes out the wazoo.

'''DECEPTICONS/PREDACONS'''
*[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] — Ruination is a redeco and slight retool of the Generation 1 Combaticons. Initially, in Robots in Disguise, all five components were released separately, though later on they were released only as gift sets. The main difference to the moulds is that the Combaticons' weapons were retooled so they could create two super weapons for Ruination. These super weapons are 5mm compatible.
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]]

===2002===
'''DECEPTICONS/PREDACONS'''
*[[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] — A redeco of Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Megatron, has 5mm fists just the same.
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] — A redeco of Generation 2 Laser Optimus Prime with all his compatibilities.

===2003===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] — Same compatibilities as ever, but now in yellow! Plus, it's a gift set!

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Scourge (RID)|Destructicon Scourge]] — A redeco of Generation 2 Combat Optimus Prime.
*[[Bludgeon (RID)|Destructicon Bludgeon]] — A redeco of Generation 2 Combat Megatron.
*[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] — Same as before, but now more urban! And in a gift set!

==Armada==
For 5mm peg addicts, the Unicron Trilogy was a godsend. It was the first Transformers toyline not only to feature 5mm pegs as standard on nearly every single toy, but also to advertise this interactivity. It's all down to one thing: Mini-Cons. Mini-Cons and their contribution are covered a bit earlier in this article, but it's important here to mention their... well...importance.

Mini-Cons each came with a 5mm peg hole, with a smaller (1mm?) peg imbedded inside it. Mini-Cons could then plug onto hollow (but NOT solid) 5mm pegs, usually referred to as Mini-Con hardpoints. Some of these hardpoints included small triggers which were pushed down by the smaller peg inside the Mini-Con's 5mm post hole. This activated gimmicks on the larger toys, and is why the Mini-Con don't simply have 5mm post holes.

The inclusion of Mini-Cons as a set of figures compatible with all larger Armada figures saw an overnight change. Suddenly 5mm pegs were the standard again and all but the roleplay toys in the Armada line have 5mm pegs. However, carrying on from Beast Machines and Beast Wars, many Armada toys had unique or oddly moulded hands, and 5mm fists would not make their complete comeback until Energon.

===2003===
'''MINI-CONS'''

The Mini-Cons are all 5mm-compatible in the same way: All Mini-Cons can peg onto '''any''' hollow 5mm pegs. Specific toys that can use them which aren't part of the Unicron trilogy are discussed all through this article, including RiD Optimus Prime, the Micromaster Anti-Aircraft Base, and Beast Wars K-9. Listed below are specific Mini-Cons with unique 5mm compatibilities not covered by straightforward Powerlinking.

*[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] and [[Run-Over]] — Transform into guns with 5mm-compatible handles.
*[[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] — He has a 5mm-compatible trailer hitch that can be used as a Mini-Con port, allowing other Mini-Cons to peg onto him!
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] and [[Clench (Armada)|Clench]] — Both have 5mm-thick arms, allowing them to become 5mm-compatible guns.

*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] and the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] — The Air Defence Team merges to become the Star Saber sword. The sword can be held by any toys with 5mm fists or pegged onto Mini-Con compatible posts. Of the three members of the team, only Sonar has an extra feature. He has a 5mm post accessible mostly in shuttle mode, allowing him to be held in other figures' hands (as well as allowing him to be the base of the Star Saber sword).
*[[Maverick]] and the [[Vorpal Saber|Dark Saber]]

*[[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] — Prowl transforms into a 5mm-compatible gun.

*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] — The Race Mini-Con Team merge into an enormous shield designed for use with larger toys with 5mm-compatible fists. Dirt Boss has a 5mm-compatible head because of this. Yeah, you heard right, his head is a 5mm post.

*[[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], [[Sky Blast]] and the [[Requiem Blaster]] — The Space Team merge into the Requiem Blaster, a super-gun meant for use by toys with 5mm-compatible fists. Payload has the 5mm peg that becomes the handle for the blaster, so he can be hand-held. Sky Blast also has a 5mm peg, this one hollow so that you can mount other Mini-cons on top of the Requiem Blaster and power it up even MORE. Yeah. Insane, right? It also means Sky Blast can be hand-held or merge with Energon weapons, etc.

* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] — In skateboard mode, he has a Mini-Con compatible peg on top of him, allowing other Mini-cons to be plugged into him.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] — None of these three moulds sport 5mm hands. Smokescreen has a 5mm screw hole on his arms just below his fists which can be used as a kind of 5mm fist, but neither Blurr nor Hoist have 5mm fists at all.
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Powerlinx Hot Shot]], and [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] — All feature standard 5mm fists. Side Swipe even has a 5mm-compatible gun. In Japan, Hot Shot was given an LED in one hand to allow him to light up 5mm-compatible translucent weapons.

*[[Airazor (Armada)|Airazor]], [[Cheetor (Armada)|Cheetor]], and [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] — Three redecos of Beast Wars toys, they were retooled so they would have Mini-Con hardpoints. They were not retooled to have 5mm compatible fists, however, so neither Rhinox nor Airazor can use 5mm-compatible weapons. Cheetor still can, though.

*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Powerlinx Red Alert]] — Red Alert is 5mm compatible out the wazoo. He has Mini-Con pegs all over, plus a 5mm fist, a 5mm port on his shoulder for shoulder cannons, a 5mm compatible rifle... oh yeah, and interchangeable tool hands which plug in using a 5mm peg.
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] — He doesn't have 5mm-compatible hands. But he does have big, stompy feet, so we forgive him.
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Powerlinx Jetfire]] — Both moulds have 5mm fists, though Overload's are very limited due to his enormously high wrists. Overload also has a 5mm-compatible port as his trailer hitch so he can be towed by Optimus Prime or his Mini-Con.

*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Supercon Optimus Prime]], [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Powerlinx Optimus Prime]] — Both the large and small Optimus Prime toys have 5mm fists. Even in his Super Mode, Prime has 5mm fists. The hitch used to pull Prime's trailer is a 5mm post, shared by both the large and small versions of the toys. This means that the small Prime can pull the larger toy's trailer, or either of them can pull Armada Overload. You can also use this hitch as a mount for 5mm compatible weapons.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Powerlinx Cyclonus]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Powerlinx Demolishor]], [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Powerlinx Thrust]] — Do not have 5mm compatible fists. They do have plenty of Mini-Con ports, though.

*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] — The only Supercon Decepticon with 5mm-compatible fists. He also has missiles that he uses as clubs (well, in the fiction he uses them as guns...sorta...), and they're 5mm compatible too.

*[[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] — A redeco of Supercon Optimus Prime. He has all the same compatibilities, including being able to pull the Super Prime's trailer.

*[[Terrorsaur (Armada)|Terrorsaur]] — A redeco and retool of Beast Wars Transmetal Terrorsaur. The retooling gives him Mini-Con pegs, but not 5mm-compatible fists.
*[[Predacon (Armada)|Predacon]] — A redeco and retool of Beast Wars TM Megatron. Like the original version of the mould, he has 5mm fists and a 5mm tail weapon, but now he also sports four brand new Mini-Con pegs.

*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] — All have 5mm hands in addition to their Mini-Con pegs.

*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] — Doesn't have 5mm fists, even if he is loaded with an unbelievable number of Mini-Con ports.

*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] — They traded useless knees for unreasonable numbers of Mini-Con hardpoints. Their insane number of Mini-Con pegs makes them one of the most 5mm compatible moulds in history. The toy is perfect for overloading with weapons in either robot or tank mode, and in robot mode, he even gets a 5mm-compatible fist (only the one, because the other hand is concealing a knife).

*[[Unicron]] - In total, the planet-eater has 27 Mini-Con-compatible pegs in planet mode and 30 in robot mode — 32 if you count the two conveniently shaped pegs on the back of his right hand. Of those, 24 are situated on his wings/planet ring.

==Energon==
[[Image:Energonweapon_demo_001.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Now his shot's 6 times as hot!]]
With ''Transformers Energon'', the 5mm golden age continued. Mini-Cons were dropped in favour of a return to the basic price point, but Energon figures still retained their 5mm compatibility and their Mini-Con hardpoints. The line introduced new translucent weapons called energon weapons. The energon weapons were versatile, often multi-part weapons which frequently had both traditional 5mm posts and ports and Mini-Con-style 5mm posts and ports. They could be mounted on Mini-Con pegs, used to activate Mini-Con gimmicks on Armada toys, and merged together to create insanely over-the-top super weapons.

There were two distinct types of energon weapons. There were the multi-part accessories packed with the Omnicons, which often had 3 or 4 distinct components. Strictly speaking these (and a few weapons of larger toys) were the weapons advertised officially as [[Energon weapon]]s. There were also the more static and traditional rifles and missile launchers packed with the larger ''Energon'' toys, even these weapons usually still had multiple posts and ports, including Mini-Con posts and ports, allowing them to be merged with other Energon weapons. As the series progressed, a third type of energon weapon was added: the multi-configuration weapons included with the Energon quintro-combiners, which were designed to be feet and hands for the large ''Energon'' combiner robots, as well as weapons for the component robots.

''Energon'' was really the first Transformers toy line to emphasise and advertise swapping and trading weapons as a pattern of play, despite the fact that Transformers toy lines had been capable of this play pattern since nearly the beginning. Over in Japan, this was emphasised even more with energon weapons from Omnibots given away, sold as separate units, or included as bonuses with redecos.

===2004===
'''MINI-CONS'''

Not many Mini-Cons were produced during ''Energon''. There was only one entirely new team and a handful of redecos. They are all 5mm-compatible, as is standard for Mini-Cons. Those Mini-Cons of special interest are listed below.

*[[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] and the [[Energon Saber]] — Retooled from Armada's Star Saber, they have the same basic compatibilities.
*[[Knock Out (Energon)|Knock Out]] — A redeco of Armada Rollout with all the same compatibilities.
*[[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], [[Sky Blast]] and the [[Requiem Blaster]] — A redeco of the Requiem Blaster from Armada, with the same basic compatibilities.

'''AUTOBOTS'''

The listing below describes, for the most part, the individual robots. Keep in mind that each toy also came with a gun, usually a transluscent energon weapon with multiple ports and pegs, and even Mini-con compatibility. Even toys without Mini-con plugs of their own often had them on their guns.

* The Omnicons, [[Offshoot (Energon)|Offshoot]], [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]], [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]], [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], and his redeco [[Strongarm (Energon)|Energon Strongarm]] — The Omnicons were Basic-sized toys, the first toys featured at this price point to have 5mm fists. Each came with an energon weapon, as described above, made up of several components, and an energon star meant to fit over spark crystal of ''Energon'' toys.

*[[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] — Arcee is the only Omnicon without 5mm fists. She has 5mm post holes in her arms meant to stand in for 5mm fists, but her actual hands are eenie-weenie.

*[[Sky Shadow (Energon)|Sky Shadow]], [[Treadshot (Energon)|Treadshot]], [[Terradive (Energon)|Terradive]] and [[Windrazor (Energon)|Windrazor]] — The limb components of Superion Maximus. They had standard 5mm compatibility and unique transformable energon weapons that became "hands" and "feet" for Superion Maximus.

*[[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] — Downshift features a spoiler that becomes a unique platform for holding both his guns or any other energon weapons.
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Energon Hot Shot]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]]
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]], [[Roadblock (Energon)|Roadblock]] and [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] — In addition to standard ''Energon'' compatibility, these toys retain the Mini-Con ports from ''Transformers: Armada''. Rodimus has one, Inferno and Roadblock each have two.
*[[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]] — Unlike the other Combat-Class ''Energon'' toys, Tow-Line was actually made up of two components which combine to form his vehicle mode, a robot and a battle platform. The robot is fairly standard for Energon toys, with many post holes for 5mm weapons of all sorts, some of them in rather unusual places. The battle platform in particular, though, is basically designed as a showcase for Energon weapons, making a perfect platform for building insane or over-the-top energon weapon combinations.

*[[Beachcomber (Energon)|Beachcomber]] and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] — This mould has a Mini-con port on its shoulder pad. Unlike most other ''Energon'' Autobots their weapons, while 5mm compatible, are not designed after the ''Energon'' weapon style. They don't have any extra posts or ports, and aren't made of translucent plastics. They're just simple hand-held guns.
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Ironhide]] — One of a handful of ''Energon'' moulds without its own hand-held rifle. Has a Mini-Con port on his right forearm.
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]] — The Mini-Con ports on their shuttle mode become their toes in robot mode so... uhhh... good luck with that. The rifle that comes with this mould, despite being translucent is effective not an Energon weapon. It has two gun posts, but no other compatibility. It may have been intended to, though. On top of the rifle is a piece of moulding that looks exactly like a Mini-Con post, including their unique base... but it's teeny tiny and undersized.

*[[Treadbolt]] — A redeco of ''Armada'' Scavenger with all his compatibilities.
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] — He has no hand-held rifle, but he does have a Mini-Con port on his left forearm.

*[[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] and [[Quickstrike (Energon)|Quickstrike]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and [[Landquake (Energon)|Landquake]] — Both these moulds are littered with 5mm ports and pegs. The Bulkhead mould also has a Mini-Con peg on his helicopter tail, while the Landmine mould has two Mini-Con ports on his large cannon for his Brute mode.

*[[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] — A redeco of ''Armada'' Overload.

*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] — Prime has 4 Mini-Con pegs in vehicle mode: 2 on his trailer, and 2 on his cab. In robot mode his trailer becomes a base and is still Mini-Con compatible, but the Mini-Con ports are hidden in Prime's robot mode, sadly. Prime's gun is just a standard rifle, not an energon weapon.
*[[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]] and [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] — This mould has 4 Mini-Con ports on his shoulders, front and back, and a handful of 5mm posts. Still, considering its size it's not enormously versatile at using 5mm compatible weapons.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Battle Ravage]], [[Command Ravage]], [[Cruellock]], [[Doom-Lock]] and [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]] — All the Energon Terrorcons have 5mm fists as standard. In addition to his Energon weapon Ravage also has a tail mace.
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] — Divebomb's wing-mounted weapons come in two variants. The first variant has only one 5mm post on the base of the two-part weapon. The second variant was retooled to have two posts, one at either end of his weapon.

*[[Bonecrusher (Energon)|Bonecrusher]], [[Duststorm (Energon)|Duststorm]], [[Sledge (Energon)|Sledge]], and [[Wideload (Energon)|Wideload]] — The limbs of Constructicon Maximus. Each of them has 5mm fists as standard. The Duststorm/Wideload mould also has a Mini-Con peg on its crane arm.
*[[Steamhammer (Energon)|Steamhammer]] — Steamhammer loves Mini-Cons. In both robot and vehicle modes he has 5 Mini-Con posts. That's a lot, even for an Armada toy, allowing him to hold a partner Mini-Con, an entire Mini-Con team and have one left over for an Energon weapon. Too bad he doesn't have a Mini-Con partner. (Oh yeah, he's got a bunch of 5mm post holes too.)
*[[Constructicon Maximus]] — He retains six Mini-Con pegs, four from Steamhammer and two from Dust Storm and Wideload, though Steamhammer's aren't particularly accessible. He doesn't have 5mm peg hole hands.

*[[Blackout (combiner)|Blackout]], [[Stormcloud (Energon)|Stormcloud]] — This mould has two 5mm posts on each arm in robot mode.
*[[Blight (Energon)|Blight]], [[Kickback (Energon)|Kickback]] — The tank mould technically has three Mini-con ports on his weapon, though only one is accessible in vehicle mode, and in robot mode one of them has to form the handle for the gun. In pratical terms you're probably only going to get one Mini-con on there.
*[[Barricade (Energon)|Barricade]] — Barricade likes Mini-cons too, but not as much as Steamhammer. He's got three Mini-con posts in robot mode and two in vehicle mode.
*[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]] — Thanks to Barricade he has two Mini-con ports on his thighs. He doesn't have 5mm post holes for hands, but he does have Mini-con ports on his thumbs when using the tank as an arm, or on his heels if using the tank as a leg.

*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] — In addition to his 5mm fists he has four Mini-con posts, though generally speaking only two are accessible in either mode. Because the posts are on a hinged piece it is possible to expose and use all four at once. His missiles can also fit into his hands, but aren't particularly effective because he holds them at about the mid-point on the missile.
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Starscream (Armada)|Energon Starscream]] — Based conceptually on the G2 Smokescreen mould, unlike that mould Starscream is highly 5mm compatible. He has a crazy Energon weapon, with multiple configurations and mini-con ports, so the gun section of the weapon can be used a Mini-con. He has Mini-con pegs on his wings that are accessible in both modes. Oh yeah, and the heads of his missiles are 5mm, so he can use them as swords if he gets tired of his giant Energon sword.
*[[Rapid Run (Energon)|Rapid Run]] — A redeco of Armada Sideways.
*[[Sharkticon (Energon)|Sharkticon]], [[Slugslinger (Energon)|Slugslinger]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] — In addition to 5mm fists, they all have Mini-con ports on the kibble on their forearms. Snow Cat only has a port on his left arm.

*[[Dreadwing (Energon)|Dreadwing]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]] — This mould loves 5mm pegs. Including fists each arm has three 5mm peg holes, as well as a Mini-con port. The toy's missiles are also 5mm wide, letting him hold them as swords. Oh yeah, and he has 5mm posts on the insides of his knees.
*[[Shockblast]] and [[Six Shot]] — Doesn't have traditional hands, but has plenty of 5mm post holes.

*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] — Doesn't have traditional hands, but has plenty of 5mm post holes. Has some very inaccessible Mini-con pegs on the missile launchers on his claws.
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] — An awesome redeco of Armada Tidal Wave.

*[[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] — This same basic design was released twice at two different size scales. They're all 5mm compatible. The larger version has 6 Mini-con ports in jet mode, and two in robot mode. His tank accessory also has

*[[Alpha Quintesson]] — While he doesn't transform, Alpha Quintesson is positively brimming with 5mm posts. He has a 5mm post missile launcher too.

==Cybertron==
While ''Transformers Cybertron'' continued the widespread 5mm compatibility seen in ''Armada'' and ''Energon'', it was in a more low-key form, as the central gimmick of [[Cyber Key]]s had nothing to do with 5mm posts whatsoever. Mini-Con ports became rare again, though not unheard of — the focus was now almost entirely on weapons.

===2005===
'''MINI-CONS'''

Mini-Cons were rare at the beginning of Cybertron, consisting of [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]]. As time went on, however, the line introduced a few more teams, a series of Mini-Con two-packs redecoed from ''Armada'' and ''Energon'' molds, and an assortment of Mini-Cons both old and new as pack-in bonuses. Naturally, these all retained standard Powerlinking capability; listed below are Mini-Cons with additional abilities beyond that.

* [[Checkpoint (Cybertron)|Checkpoint]], [[Stripmine]], and [[Deepdive]] — Each of these Mini-Cons sports a 5mm post. Stripmine and Deepdive's posts are hollow.
* [[Scrap Iron]], [[Backblast]], and [[Blastcharge (Cybertron)|Blastcharge]] — Another redeco of the Requiem Blaster, with everything that implies.
* [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]], and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] — Redecoes of the Race Team, with all the same compatibility.

'''AUTOBOTS'''

* [[Vector Prime]] — He is from an earlier, apparently ''Armada''-esque age and his form reflects that. He is here to sport multiple Mini-Con posts, 5mm fistholes, and a 5mm-compatible sword. He is not here to blend.
* [[Longrack (Cybertron)|Longrack]] — A retooled ''Armada'' [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], Longrack still sports a 5mm post. ([[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] does not.)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] — Has one 5mm hand, and one gun-hand which is a 5mm post, with "hammer" and "claw" attachments that fit on the end.
* [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]], [[Swerve (Cybertron)|Swerve]] — Clocker has a 5mm gun (with two pegs, side by side) and fists to hold it... and also has dual ''exhaust pipe'' accessories that attach (to the undersides of his fists, actually) using hollow 5mm posts.
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Excellion (Cybertron)|Excellion]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], Override GTS, [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|Armorhide]], [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]], Brakedown GTS, [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]], [[Smokescreen (Cybertron)|Smokescreen]], [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] — All feature 5mm weapons, fists, and vehicle mode mounting points.
* [[Hightail]] — His <s>trombone</s> gun has a 5mm post, and he has the fists to hold it.
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]], [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] — Though they lack any handheld weapons of their own, these toys have 5mm fists.
* [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]], [[Cybertron Defense Team|Cybertron Defense]] Hot Shot, Cybertron Defense Red Alert, and Cybertron Defense Scattorshot — Quickmix and all three members of the Cybertron Defense Team have 5mm-compatible fists and accessories, and bear hollow 5mm posts for mounting Mini-Cons.
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]] — Metroplex is ''covered'' in hollow 5mm posts, with a total of 14.
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (Deluxe [[Trukk not munky|trukk]]) — A redeco of the ''Armada'' Super-Con Optimus Prime mold with the same functionality. Instead of Over-Run, he includes a special Cyber Key that has the same hole-with-a-post as a Mini-Con, making it capable of attaching to any hollow 5mm post.
* Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (Cybertron)|Ultra Magnus]] — Redecoes of the ''Robots in Disguise'' versions, with all that that implies.

'''DECEPTICONS'''

* [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runamuck]] — Retooled versions of ''Armada'' Cyclonus and Sideswipe. Buzzsaw retains most of Cyclonus's compatibility, but has lost the posts on his missile launchers. Runamuck, meanwhile, has lost Sideswipe's accessories in favor of a new 5mm gun.
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], Galvatron, [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]], Ransack GTS, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]], [[Swindle (Cybertron)|Swindle]], [[Lugnutz]], and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] — All these figures have 5mm hands and weapons.
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]], Dark Crumplezone, [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]], [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]], [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]], and [[Brushguard]] — These figures have 5mm hands, though they include no compatible accessories.
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Dark Scorponok]] — A retooled Scorponok that retains the ''Energon'' toy's features and adds Cyber Key compatibility.
* [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] — Like Arcee before her, Thunderblast's hands are too small and girly for 5mm holes, so she has them further up on her forearms instead. Her weapon is 5mm-compatible.
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]] — Like Metroplex, Menasor likes Mini-Cons.
* [[Cannonball (Cybertron)|Cannonball]] — A redeco of Red Alert with the same compatibility.
* [[Scrapmetal (Cybertron individual)|Scrap]][[Scrapmetal (race)|metal]] — All Scrapmetals have 5mm fists, and in an undocumented feature, their flip-out blades can be hand-held.
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] — A redeco of ''Armada'' Demolishor with the same features. Instead of Blackout, he includes a Cyber Key with a Mini-Con-style 5mm hole on the back, similar to the deluxe Optimus Prime's.

'''OTHER'''
* [[Primus]] — Like Unicron before him, Primus sports an assortment of hollow 5mm posts. His total is far lower (nine), but in Primus's defense, most of Unicron's are on his ring.
* [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] and [[Unicron]] — Both feature 5mm fists and accessories.

==Classics==
''Classics'' brought back many old ''Transformers'' characters with new toys, and most of those toys were 5mm compatible. It also introduced yet more Mini-Cons, though hollow 5mm posts are few and far between in ''Classics.''

==''Transformers'' (2007)==
The live-action movie toyline mostly eschewed the use of the 5mm system, in part because the integrated nature of the characters' weapons meant a low number of handheld accessories overall. Nevertheless, the reuse of various molds from the previous few years ensured that 5mm posts continued to appear.

==Animated==
''Transformers Animated'' had few 5mm-compatible toys, but they existed.

===2008===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
* [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime]] - His axe and shield have 5mm posts, and therefore his hands are also compatible with them.
* Voyager Class Optimus Prime - Both his axe and his water gun use the standard 5mm posts, and therefore his hands are also compatible.
* The Battle Begins Optimus Prime - His axe uses the 5mm post for its handle, and his hands are compatible with them... as is the hole in his buttocks.
* [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] - His hands are open with a 5mm groove in them to hold such accessories.
* [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] - Both his shield and lance sport 5mm posts, and his hands are compatible. However, the fingers are sculpted with a gap over the 5mm holes, so accessories with smaller posts can only be held from the bottom of his hands.
'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] - The inside of his robot mode hands sport 5mm posts, which can also double as a Mini-Con port. His mace also has a 5mm hole in it.
* [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] — Appropriately enough, Swindle is equipped with a large cannon on a 5mm post, and has two 5mm holes with which to use it.
* [[Megatron (Animated)|Leader Class Megatron]] - His swords are mounted on 5mm handles, and his hands therefore sport 5mm holes.
* Shadow Blade Megatron - Being a redeco of Leader Class Megatron, he carries over the same 5mm compatibility.
* [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] - His gun/crane uses a 5mm post, so the holes in his forearms and back are compatible with other weapons.

===2009===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
* Freeway Jazz - Being a redeco of Jazz, he shares the same 5mm-holed hands.
'''DECEPTICONS'''
* Atomic Lugnut - Being a redeco of Lugnut, Atomic Lugnut sports the same posts in his hands, and the same hole on his mace.
* Shockwave Vs. Bumblebee - The Shockwave in this pack, being a redeco of the previous Shockwave, has the same post/ports.

===2010===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
* [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] - Arcee's hands can hold 5mm post weapons. However, her weapons are slightly thicker. This resulted in many a broken thumb.
* [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus Minor]] - The tabs on his bow are 5mm wide.

===2011===
'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Dead End (Animated)|Dead End]] - Being a redeco of Jazz, he shares the same 5mm-holed hands.
* [[Drag Strip (Animated)|Drag Strip]] - Being a redeco of Arcee, she shares the same 5mm-holed hands. But continue to be careful with the swords!
* [[Motormaster (Animated)|Motormaster]] - Being a retool of Voyager Class Optimus Prime, his axe and cannon use the same 5mm posts, and the hands use the same 5mm holes.
* [[Toxitron]] - Being a redeco of Voyager Class Optimus Prime, his axe and cannon use the same 5mm posts, and the hands use the same 5mm holes.
* [[Minerva (Animated)|Minerva]] - Being a redeco of Arcee, she shares the same 5mm-holed hands. But continue to be careful with her slaggin' thumbs!
* [[Breakdown (Animated)|Breakdown]] - Being a retool of Rodimus Minor, Breakdown shares the same 5mm tabs on his bow.
* [[Sideswipe (Animated)|Sideswipe]] - Being a redeco of Breakdown, Sideswipe shares the 5mm bow tabs.

==Universe (2008)==
Following in the footsteps of ''Classics'', ''Universe'' toys nearly always featured 5mm fists and accessories.

==Revenge of the Fallen==
The toys for the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie initially returned to the design principles of the previous live-action movie, but in time, 5mm accessories began to creep back in. This line also introduced an alternate system of interchangeable accessories, the [[C joint]].

==Generations==
Once again, ''Generations'' typically followed the example of ''Classics'' and ''Universe,'' featuring widespread 5mm compatibility.

==Power Core Combiners==
Much like ''Armada'' and ''Energon'', ''Power Core Combiners'' heavily emphasized compatibility between different toys. The main focus of the line, the "combination" suggested by the title, was a series of "Commander" figures who could combine with interchangeable drone vehicles in a fashion similar to the [[Special Teams]]. Commanders were sold either with sets of drones or in smaller packs with Mini-Cons. These Mini-Cons were also designed to have weapon modes, using 5mm posts, and as such 5mm fists proliferated. The Commander figures also featured hollow 5mm posts for mounting the Mini-Cons, and the drones all featured hollow 5mm posts as well, leading to [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CombinatorialExplosion insanity].

===2010===
'''MINI-CONS'''

In additional to the usual capabilities of Mini-Cons, every ''PCC'' Mini-Con has at least one 5mm post, usually hollow, which enables it to be handheld. Special cases are listed below.

* [[Chopster]], [[Razorbeam]] — The axe Mini-Cons unfortunately have a narrower segment below the 5mm grip, similar to double-posted weapons, and as such they cannot be held by toys with shallower fist holes (ironically including [[Darkstream]]). The post is also solid, so it can only connect to empty 5mm holes.
* [[Backwind]], [[Beacon]], and [[Pinpoint]] — These three have empty 5mm holes rather than the usual Mini-Con ports. This prevents them from activating Powerlinx gimmicks, but allows them to attach to ordinary 5mm posts, not just hollow ones.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
* [[Skyburst]] — One hollow post on his back, and shallow 5mm fists.
** [[Aerialbot (PCC)|Aerialbots]] — All four drones have hollow 5mm posts on the top, though the Fighter Jet's is not really useful in combined mode. The helicopters' posts are on top of their rotors, and as such any Mini-Cons or weapons attached there will spin freely.
* [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] — For unknown reasons, Huffer has fist holes, but they are far too small to hold 5mm posts. He has a hollow 5mm post on his right forearm to make up for this, and another flip-out post on his chest.
* [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]] — Searchlight is absurdly 5mm-compatible for a toy of his size. In addition to the usual 5mm fists, he has 5mm holes in the sides of his forearms, meant for attaching his vehicle mode rotors. He also has the flip-out hollow chest post typical of ''PCC'' Commander molds originating in two-packs, and a second hollow post on what becomes the underside of his cockpit in vehicle mode. As implied by the forearm holes, his rotors are separate accessories that can connect to any 5mm peghole (including the one on Backwind's chest).
* [[Double Clutch (PCC)|Double Clutch]] — He has a single hollow post on a hinged panel, which is normally concealed in most modes but can be folded out. For holding weapons he has sideways holes on the inside of his forearms, which are awkward in robot mode but can be used more effectively as shoulder weapon mounts in his torso mode. They're shallow, but with their positioning you probably wouldn't want to give him Chopster anyway.
** [[Rallybot]]s — Each Rallybot has a hollow post that can fold away, located on the rear bumper of the Race Car and on top of the others. Interestingly, the Street Racer reveals a ''second'' post in leg mode, which is necessary since the vehicle-mode post ends up on the bottom of the foot.
* [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] — Like Double Clutch, Leadfoot has sideways forearm holes instead of fists. Unlike Double Clutch and basically everyone else ever, both of his hollow posts are flip-out posts for chest armor, one (normally concealed under his windshield) for his robot chest and one for his combined chest. Both can be used in vehicle mode as well.
* [[Stakeout (PCC)|Stakeout]] — A redeco of Smolder with the same features.
** [[Protectobot (PCC)|Protectobots]] — Redecos of two Aerialbots (Chopper and Fighter Jet) and two Combaticons (APC and Tank).
* [[Steelshot]] — A redeco of Bombshock with the same features.
* [[Grimstone]] — Grimstone has shallow fists and a single 5mm post on his ''tail'' (in robot mode, his back).
** [[Dinobot (PCC)|Dinobots]] — The ''Parasaurolophus'' drone has two side-mounted Mini-Con posts. The others are more or less standard.
* [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]] — In addition to the usual flip-out chest post and 5mm hands (irregularly-shaped but usable), Heavytread has a 5mm peghole on top of his vehicle mode near the forward right corner. This hole is usable in all three modes, ending up approximately on his wrist in robot mode.
* [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] — A redeco of Mudslinger with the same compatibility. Since he has 5mm fists, [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]] gets the official weapon mode that's technically a fanmode on Chainclaw.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]] — Bombshock has two hollow posts quite close to each other: one is on top of his turret (ending up on the back of his torso mode head), while the other is between his cannons. Both end up on his back in robot mode, in varying configurations depending on how his kibble is arranged. Like his wavemate Skyburst, he has shallow 5mm fists, so no axes for him.
** [[Combaticon (PCC)|Combaticons]] — All four drones have top-mounted posts which are accessible in both modes, though because of the APC's transformation, Mini-Cons attached to it in combined mode will appear to extend from the robot's knee.
* [[Smolder]] - Smolder has 5mm fists, and a flip-out hollow 5mm post on his chest. He has a second hollow post on the roof of his vehicle mode, which in his other modes ends up in an awkward but usable position on the back (robot mode) or front (torso mode) of his right shoulder.
* [[Mudslinger (PCC)|Mudslinger]] - Mudslinger has a 5mm post near the back of his vehicle mode, accessible in all three modes... which ends up on the front of his left knee in robot mode, and the ''inside'' of his right knee in torso mode. Good luck making use of that. At least he has 5mm fists.
** [[Destructicon (PCC)|Destructicons]] — All four Destructicons have top-mounted posts that remain accessible in limb mode. The Heavy Hauler's post can fold away like those of the Rallybots.
* [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]] — Oddly enough for the ''PCC'' line, Icepick has no 5mm pegholes at all, with the effect that [[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw's]] 5mm weapon mode was omitted from the instructions. His compatibility consists of a hollow 5mm post on his right shoulder and a fold-out one on his chest, both usable in all three modes.
* [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]] — Like his wavemates, Sledge is odd: he has shallow wrist holes (this time located ''under'' his forearms) instead of fists, and unlike his fellow two-pack-originated Commanders, he has no flip-out posts at all (maybe Leadfoot stole his?). Instead he has a single hollow post on his chest that serves all three modes, and another on his shovel.
* [[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]] — A redeco of Huffer with the same abilities.
** [[Destron (PCC)|Destrons]] — Redecos of two Aerialbots (Recon Plane and Combat Helicopter) and two Combaticons (Missile Carrier and Armored Car).
* [[Darkstream]] — A redeco of Skyburst, incapable of any interaction with Razorbeam other than wearing him on his back.
* [[Windburn]] — A redeco of Searchlight, retaining his capabilities.
* [[Steamhammer (PCC)|Steamhammer]] — Steamhammer is unusual among five-pack-originated Commanders: his torso mode has a hollow 5mm post on his chest! This post is basically inaccessible in his other modes, so he has a second one on his roof, which in robot mode is on a block hanging awkwardly from his elbow.
** [[Constructicon (PCC)|Constructicons]] — The Constructicons' posts are all well-placed, with no particular unusual qualities.
* [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]] —
* [[Over-Run (PCC)|Over-Run]] — A redeco of Leadfoot with the same abilities.
** [[Stunticon (PCC)|Stunticons]] — Redecos of two Rallybots (Race Car and Tuner) and two Destructicons (Armored Truck and Armored Junker).
* [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]] — Similar to Sledge, Undertow has one fixed hollow 5mm post, accessible in all modes.

==Transformers (2010)==
The [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]] continued to make widespread use of 5mm posts and holes (though perhaps not as widespread as some previous lines). C joints proliferated as well, leading to a veritable golden age of interchangeable weapons.

==Dark of the Moon==
All of the [[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]] MechTech toys use 5mm posts on their MechTech weapons.

This line also introduced a minor innovation: self-covering pegholes. Many MechTech toys have 5mm holes that contain circular plugs on springs. Inserting a weapon handle depresses the plug; when the weapon is removed, the spring pushes it back up to sit flush with surrounding panels.

==Notes==
*Due to [[Takara]]'s ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' series toys sharing many of the same designers from the latter days of G1, a great many of the figures utilize 5mm weaponry pegs. This, of course, can give even the smallest 5mm compatible Transformer the ability to carry 5" chrome swords and gigantic guns of [[Burning Justice]].
*The 5mm post/hole system is also used extensively by companies such as Bandai and Tomy. The Machine Robo Rescue (not to be confused with the trademark-interfering [[Machine Robot Rescue]]), Mugenbine and Zoid Blox lines all utilize it.
*While [[Wikipedia:Lego|LEGO]] toys do not make use of 5mm posts in of themselves, they frequently use a style of hollow connector pin that coincidentally fits snugly into 5mm holes. [http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/2780 One particularly common part] consists entirely of two such pins back-to-back, making it a workable add-on handle if you want your Mini-Cons to be hand-held.

[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Toys]]

5 mm post

2011-07-12T22:38:04Z

65.11.29.91:

[[Image:5mmpostmainpic_001.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Weapons for everybody!]]
One of the simplest innovations in [[toy|Transformers toys]], using universally sized posts for accessories, weapons and figures is something that has characterised several Transformers lines throughout the years. The most common universal post and port size is the '''5-millimetre (5mm) post'''. This size was used throughout [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]], ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', and almost universally throughout ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''.

Using a single, universal size of weapon post allows Transformers toys to swap weapons between one another. During most Transformers toy lines, this interchangeability was seldom advertised as a feature of the toys, but during ''Armada'', that changed. The introduction of the [[Mini-Con]]s gave 5mm posts an entirely new purpose: A hollow 5mm post could now become a mounting point for a Mini-Con. The interchangeability suddenly became an advertised feature of the toys.

Since the end of the "[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]" toy line, the 5mm post hole has become far less ubiquitous, though it's making a comeback in a big way with some of the later ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' toys under the [[Mech Tech]] name, and [[Power Core Combiners]].

==Functionality==
===Backwards compatibility===
[[Image:Primesharingguns.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Dude, you're right. Guns with their posts in the right place '''rock!'''"]]
Probably the biggest, most meaningful aspect of using a universal fist size is compatibility between toys. You can share your accessories or Mini-Cons or even some integral parts of toys around to other toys from the same line. Even better for long-term fans of the franchise is that the continuous use of 5mm posts from Generation 1 onwards into modern lines means that toys are actually backwards-compatible with the accessories from older toys. As well as delightful opportunities for mixing and matching, this means that characters who get new toys can use accessories from their old toys. Even if you don't like [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Classics|"Classics" Optimus Prime's]] rifle, you can always just give him [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Powermaster Optimus Prime's]] rifle, or [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Return of Convoy|Star Convoy's]].

This compatibility works both ways, allowing you to use ''Armada'', ''Energon'' and even Power Core Combiners weapons with old [[Micromaster]] Bases or [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s toys.

{{-}}
===A matter of tolerance===
Despite the fact that 5mm posts are supposed to be universally the same size, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, due to play wear or simply to slight (very slight) differences in tooling, some posts are tighter or looser than others. This can mean that sometimes a toy will hold a gun loosely, or that a weapon will be too tight to fit into another toy's hand.

Generally, this is only a problem on toys or toolings that have seen a lot of use. A Generation 1 toy like [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Soundwave]] that was produced for several years and re-released many times might actually show a difference in tolerance between different samples of the toy. Similarly, toolings which see a lot of use, such as [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Classics|"Classics" Starscream]], can begin to show mould wear. There are many reports of later ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' versions of the mould not being able to hold their weapons correctly because tolerances are poor. There are several reccomended actions for fixing loose sockets, such as floor polish.

If a toy sees a lot of play, especially if weapons are being removed and replaced repeatedly, a hole (or sometimes a post) can wear down, making the weapons looser. It's possible to increase this problem while swapping weapons between different toys. If a gun post from a [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|Pretender Bumblebee]] is slightly smaller than the post from [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Pretender|Pretender Grimlock]], then Grimlock's gun might actually ''stretch'' Bumblebee's fists. This could result in Bumblebee no longer being able to hold his own gun firmly. It's advisable when swapping guns between different toys to be aware of the slight differences in tolerances between toys.

{{-}}

===Multiple posts and double posting===
[[Image:Swindlerifle_doublepostdemo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Pssst—hey, bud!" "WHO, ME?!" "Shhhhhh!" "Who, me?" "Riiiiiiiiight."]]
Some Transformers toys come with multiple figures, such as a [[Pretender]] shell and its inner robot. Other toys are small and merge with bigger toys to become still larger. Other toys come with a trailer or base which has larger weapons than the core robot. Because of the size difference between the two components, two different weapon post sizes are required.

The early Pretenders usually handle this by simply giving the gun two different posts: a larger 5mm post for the outer shell, and a smaller post for the inner robot. The result is that the two figures hold the same gun in different ways. For the purposes of this article, we'll refer to these as "multiple-post weapons".

Another solution, one often used with combiners, is simply to have the two posts one on top of the other—the smaller post on the bottom and the larger post on the top, both forming the same handle of the gun. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s accessories are one of the earliest examples (albeit unintentional), with rings or ridges widening the pegs to 5mm. The problem with this solution is that, when one gives weapons to unrelated toys, Transformers with fist holes that don't go all the way through the hands (such as [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Armada|''Armada'' Hot Shot]]) often can't hold these guns. We'll call that "double-posting" or "double-posted weapons" for the purposes of this article.

===5mm Screw Holes===
Many Transformers over the years have indented holes to allow screws to hold two pieces of the toy together. These screw holes come in all shapes and sizes but often they are also 5mm ports. Sometimes this is intentional, and the screw hole is deliberately moulded to 5mm to give the toy more functionality. Most of the time though, they aren't intentionally 5mm ports and are either very tight or slightly loose.

5mm screw holes can add functionality to many toys which otherwise aren't 5mm compatible, especially if a fan is creative. However, we have only included 5mm screw holes in the compatibility list below if they are particularly notable. So if you suspect a toy's screw holes are 5mm and he's not on the list, at least give it a try.

{{-}}
===Powerlinx Ports===
[[Image:Armadagalvatron_5mmoverload.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I want it all, and I want it now!]]

During the [[Armada (toyline)|''Armada'' toy line]], a new spin on the 5mm post and port was developed: the [[Mini-Con]] [[Powerlinx]]. Using hollow 5mm posts with a "trigger" contained inside, Mini-Cons could activate the [[gimmick]]s of other toys or simply mount on other toys. Because the Mini-Cons use a special kind of port, they cannot be mounted on 5mm posts that aren't hollow. In theory, this means only toys with specific Powerlinx ports can hold Mini-Cons. In ''practice'', this isn't the case at all.

Throughout the history of the ''Transformers'' franchise, for one reason or another, toys have come with 5mm posts which are hollow, creating a kind of unintentional back-compatibility with many Mini-Cons. We'll list this back-compatibility in individual toy entries further down the page.

The other significant aspect of the Powerlinx ports is that they act like regular 5mm posts too. This means that you can use them to mount any weapons or accessories that are designed to mount on 5mm posts. Does mounting a bunch of miniature cars on [[Starscream (Armada)#toys|''Armada'' Starscream's]] arms seem silly to you? Maybe it's time to use the guns from the [[Micromaster]] [[Anti-Aircraft Base]].
{{-}}

==Generation 1==
In the first few years of the toy line, partly because of the mix-and-match nature of the line itself, ''Transformers'' didn't have very standardised fist sizes. The ''[[Diaclone]]''-descended toys usually had no single standard, with only the toys with the biggest weapons or fists having 5mm posts. The ''[[Micro Change]]''-descended toys were much more consistent about post size, using 5mm posts on almost all of the toys with weapons or accessories, because of the size being one of the standard connectors for Microman toys.

As Generation 1 evolved 5mm posts and ports became nearly universal. Only the switch to smaller toys with [[Action Master]]s changed this — a new, smaller, universal post size was used for that line. These smaller sized posts carried over into the UK Transformers, while in [[Japan]] the rise of Micromasters led to 5mm staying predominant throughout the line.

===1984===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] — The only Autobot this year to use 5mm posts, Prime's main rifle sadly has a terrible [[design flaw]] (that has '''never''' been corrected, despite all the reissues) which makes it much less interchangeable with other toys. The gun's handle is moulded in the wrong place, and there's a false handle where the real one should be. Prime has actually been retooled to allow him to hold the rifle better — by increasing the size of the rims on his fists. Too bad they didn't just put the rifle's handle post in the right place. In addition to the rifle, [[Roller (G1)|Roller]]'s fuel pump is also a 5mm post. It's possible to use this to either give the pump to other toys or to pump up Roller with some heavy weaponry.

'''DECEPTICONS'''

All the 1984 Decepticons use 5mm posts in some capacity.
*[[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]]
[[Image:Ravage5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Shattered Glass Ravage prefers flowers.]]
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] — Due to the post holes in their bodies, they can be pegged onto Mini-Con ports, or similar 5mm posts.

*[[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]],[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] — Their wings ''and'' their weapons have 5mm posts.

*[[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] — Most notably his large chrome rifle has a 5mm post on it, allowing it to be given to other toys.

===1985===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] — Grimlock's fist holes are smaller than 5mm (being the size of Rhisling's lower hilt), but ridges on the upper sections of his launcher and sword's pegs and a ring on the upper part of the gun's peg make them 5mm.

*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]

*[[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] and [[Twin Twist]] — These toys do NOT have 5mm post holes, but their rifles have a 5mm base to the gun peg, effectively creating a very shallow double-peg that allows their guns limited inter-changeability with toys with 5mm fists.

*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] — Devastator's is a classic double-posted rifle. Devastator's fists are 5mm holes, but he shares his rifle with [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] and his tiny, tiny fists.

*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]

*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] — The strange construction of Blitzwing's weapons and fists makes interchangability ... awkward, as his fist holes are on the sides instead of the top; the weapons are sculpted to still look like he's holding them normally. Of course, if you're a fan of punch daggers, or Blitzwing holding someone else's guns 'gangsta-style', then more power to you.

===1986===
1986 saw the introduction of the Transformers [[Special Teams]], or [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiners. All of these combiners used 5mm posts as standard to peg in their fists and feet in combined mode, meaning you could swap these parts between any of the combiners. The fists of the combined forms almost universally used 5mm holes (all except [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]]) and almost all the leaders of the teams (except [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]) used 5mm posts for their fists.

The smaller members of the Special Teams almost all had small pistols or rifles that used variably compatible smaller posts, and larger alt mode weapons that used 5mm posts — often taking advantage of post holes used for the combined form's fists or feet. The earlier toys often used weapons with 5mm ports which would peg onto the robot — allowing those weapons to be pegged onto Mini-Con ports and other similar 5mm posts. The later toys tended to use 5mm posts which peg into ports on the toy.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
[[Image:Outback5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Where the bloody hell am I? Right here, mate. Right here!]]
*[[Outback (G1)|Outback]] — The only [[Mini Vehicle]] with a weapon at all, Outback sports a 5mm post that lets him use all kinds of crazy weapons.

*[[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] and [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] — But '''not''' [[Rewind]] or [[Eject]], strangely. Ramhorn's peg holes are very loose.

*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] — Barely. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s are the only Special Team whose leader doesn't use 5mm posts, and who have no members with larger vehicle weapons which use 5mm posts. Superion doesn't have 5mm fists either. Only the posts and ports for the combined form's hands and feet are 5mm posts. Superion even has what looks like a hollow 5mm peg on the underside of his combined form's chest plate — however this peg is just slightly too big to be of use.

*[[Protectobot (G1)|The Protectobots]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described above.

*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]

*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] — Most of Magnus' accessories use 5mm posts. Interestingly enough his rifle has two ways of being held — the large robot uses a larger peg than the small inner robot's 5mm post. So you can only let other toys hold the gun in the same way as Magnus' inner robot.

*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] — Uses 5mm posts for his weapons, and his fists. He can happily wear any Scramble City fists instead of his own. [[Six-Gun]] and [[Scamper]] do not use 5mm pegs for their weapons, however [[Slammer]] does. His turret is on a hollow 5mm post so it can be mounted on (or rather under, most of the time) Mini-Cons!

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]

*[[Stunticon (G1)|The Stunticons]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described above.

*[[Combaticon (G1)|The Combaticons]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described above.

*[[Predacon (G1)|The Predacons]] — Unlike the Scramble City toys, all the Predacons use 5mm posts as standard, with no accessories at all with smaller pegs, making all their weapons usable by [[Predaking]].

*[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] — Only his head-mounted gun, his rifle uses a smaller peg.

*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]] — However remember, [[Nightmare_Planet|Galvatron's weapons pegs can be any size he wants!]]

*[[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] — [[Full-Tilt]] does ''not'' use 5mm posts. On the other hand the [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt's]] tank turret ''does'' use them. It's completely possible to mount the turret as an arm cannon for an ''Armada'' toy, or anyone else with 5mm posts.

===1987===
By 1987 5mm posts had become almost universal. Only some smaller toys, and those toys without weapon accessories didn't have them.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Technobot (G1)|The Technobots]] — In the standard style of the Scramble City teams, described in the 1986 section above.

*[[Fastlane]] & [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]]

*[[Punch (G1)|Punch-Counterpunch]]

*The [[Monsterbot]]s

*The [[Targetmaster]]s — [[Kup (G1)#Targetmaster|Kup]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]] and [[Blurr (G1)#Targetmaster|Blurr]] were [[retool]]ed to be 5mm peg compatible so that they could use [[Targetmaster]]s this year. The other Targetmaster moulds were all made with 5mm pegs in mind.

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]] was the only Headmaster not to use 5mm pegs exclusively. Nearly all his accessories and the weapons for his smaller components were 5mm pegs. However his larger rifles were so huge they used much, much larger peg sizes which are not compatible with any other Transformers mould.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Terrorcon (G1)|The Terrorcons]] — [[Blot (G1)#Toys|Blot]] and [[Cutthroat (G1)#Toys|Cutthroat]] are the only small Special Teams members outside the Aerialbots not to have alt mode weapons with 5mm posts. Blot has a backpack, and Cutthroat has a transforming tail weapon, instead.

*[[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] & [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]

*[[Pounce]] & [[Wingspan]]

*[[Sixshot]]

*The [[Targetmaster]]s — [[Cyclonus (G1)#Targetmaster|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)#Targetmaster|Scourge]] were retooled to be able to use the 5mm pegs associated with Targetmasters and released again as part of this range.

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — Scorponok is the only Decepticon Headmaster not to use 5mm pegs universally. Most of his accessories use them, except for his four large double-barrelled cannons and his shield, which has a slightly wider peg hole. The shield does have a hollow 5mm peg on it, though, allowing you to mount a Mini-Con on the shield. Sweet! Oh yeah, that does mean, by the way, that his tremendously enormous rifle does use both 5mm pegs and 5mm peg holes. Fasttrack doesn't use 5mm pegs for his hands, but his arms are mounted on 5mm pegs, so you can give him all sorts of crazy gun arms.

===1988===
[[Image:Pretender5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|5mm pegs on Pretenders: A demonstration.]]
1988 introduced a new line dependent on the 5mm peg, the Pretenders. As mentioned above, in the section on multiple posts and double posts, the Pretender shells all had 5mm pegs, while their robots had smaller (less universally sized) pegs. Pretenders usually had at least one weapon (sometimes more) that was meant for both the shell and the inner robot. For the 1988 Pretenders, these weapons had multiple pegs on them, allowing different components to hold them in different ways. These weapons were also usually a part of the Pretender's vehicle mode, and mounted on them in that mode using 5mm pegs.

Later Pretenders used double-posting instead of multiple-posting, so that the inner robots often lacked the 5mm compatibility in their vehicle modes that earlier Pretenders enjoyed. But for 1988 it was 5mm compatible city!

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] & [[Raindance]]

*The [[Targetmaster]]s

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — Unlike in 1987, the 1988 Autobot Headmasters had two sets of weapons with different post sizes. There was a single main rifle for the main robot with a 5mm post, and two smaller pistols that were both vehicle mode weapons and antennae for the robots' head.

*The [[Powermaster]]s. — [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Powermaster Prime]] in particular is notable because his weapons are massive, badass and freakin' awesome. You know they are. Admit it.

*[[Quickswitch]]

*The [[Pretender]]s — Including the regular Pretenders, [[Pretender Beast]]s and [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]], the [[Pretender Vehicle]].

'''DECEPTICONS'''
[[Image:Skalor5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|That gun mode stinks!]]
*[[Seacon (G1)|The Seacons]] — Because of his Targetmaster gimmick, [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] is one of only two (the other being Superion, the piker) Generation 1 combiner robot without 5mm post hole fists. Instead he has special ports for the square pegs which are used as part of the Special Teams style combination. Each of the five smaller Seacons also come with a special Targetmaster stand which allows them to use their gun forms independent of Piranacon. The stand is divided into three parts, a connector, a post and a base. The post is moulded to look like a large rifle and has multiple pegs on it (of different sizes) letting it be held as a weapon both by the small Seacons and by anyone with a 5mm fist. The connector is even cooler, since it has a 5mm post hole and can be used to mount the Seacons on Mini-Con ports or other similar gun posts when in gun mode. It can also be used to make any Scramble City style combiner limb 5mm post compatible, so any of them can become a giant Mini-Con. How awesome is that?

*[[Squawktalk]] & [[Beastbox (G1)|Beastbox]]

*The [[Targetmaster]]s

*The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] — The small Decepticon Headmasters did not have two sets of weapons like their Autobot counterpart and relied entirely on 5mm posts.

*The [[Powermaster]]s — Doubledealer came with a special Powermaster Engine cover with a 5mm post on it. The post is hollow, allowing you to mount a Mini-Con on it.

*The [[Pretender]]s — Including the regular Pretenders, [[Pretender Beast]]s and [[Roadgrabber]], the [[Pretender Vehicle]].

===1989===
This year introduced the [[Micromaster]]s, as well as introducing a truck load more Pretenders. The Micromasters emphasised inter-compatibility in a way Transformers hadn't really done before. All the bases were able to connect through special ramps, and all the weapons for the bases used 5mm posts. The Micromasters themselves all had small post holes in their feet that corresponded to small posts all over the bases — letting you stand them freely. The Micromasters' association with 5mm pegs would continue through into the Japanese toy lines, and would be reflected in the Mini-Cons who would come down the pipeline many years later.

As we mentioned above the Pretenders this year were a little less 5mm compatible. While the first year Pretenders generally had 5mm ports on their vehicle modes as well as their Pretender shells, those 5mm posts disappeared on most of the inner robots for this year. Instead of using multiple posts on the same weapon more toys this year used a double-post.

'''AUTOBOTS'''

Literally all the Autobot Pretenders from this year used 5mm posts. All of the Micromaster bases and transports except for Overload and [[Hot House]] used 5mm posts for their weapon accessories. Hot House and Overload don't really have any accessories, so that's understandable.
*[[Pincher]], [[Doubleheader]] and [[Longtooth]]
*[[Classic Pretender]]s — [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]. These toys were re-released without their shells as [[Legends (G1)|Legends]]. They only came with their smaller weapons, which are double-posted. While the inner robots can't hold 5mm weapons their weapons can be used with other toys. Bumblebee and Jazz's guns were switched for the Legends release, so if you're pedantic about continuity feel free to give Jazz's gun to Classics Bumblebee without feeling guilty.
*[[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] and [[Vroom]]
* [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]]

*[[Erector (G1)|Erector]] and his [[Crane]] — Erector's weapons are all 5mm posts. While Erector's trailer hitch is not a 5mm post it is hollow and works as a 5mm port, allowing Erector to connect to other TFs and bases like a Mini-Con.
*[[Ironworks]]'s [[Construction station]] — In station mode, Ironworks's base has two hollow 5mm posts on its scaffolding section. These are completely compatible with Mini-Cons. In windmill... errr... radar tower mode these two pegs are used to mount the scaffolding to the tower, so aren't accessible.
* [[Groundshaker]]'s [[ATV]] and [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]]'s [[Rocket Base|Rocket base]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''

All the Decepticon Micromaster bases and transports were 5mm compatible this year in some capacity. The Pretenders also, except for the Monster Pretenders.
*[[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] — As with nearly all combiners, Monstructor uses 5mm fist holes. However none of the individual Monster Pretenders do. Their shell covers sometimes have relatively inaccessible 5mm posts or ports for Monstructor's accessories, but that is more-or-less the extent of their compatibility.
* [[Octopunch]], [[Stranglehold]] and [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]
*[[Classic Pretender]]s [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] — Also available as a Legends figure without any of the 5mm compatibility conferred by his shell.
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]

* [[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]]'s [[Aircraft carrier]] and [[Roughstuff]] and his [[Military transport]] — Roughstuff's are the only large Micromaster weapons without 5mm posts, making him far less compatible with other toys than he should be. However his trailer hitch is a 5mm post and port. That might be of... some use.
* [[Greasepit (G1)|Greasepit]]'s [[Gas station]] and [[Airwave]]'s [[Airport]] — Greasepit has a host of little 5mm post accessories that aren't weapons like a set of petrol pumps and a street sign. Airwave's compatibility is limited to having several 5mm ports on the top of his base's station mode.
* [[Skyhopper]]'s [[Helicopter]] and [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]]'s [[Interstellar shuttle]]

===1990===
[[Action Master]]s dropped the 5mm posts in favour of a smaller standard-sized peg for hand-held weapons, obviously due to the smaller size of the figures' fists. However, the backpack accessories for the individually carded figures use 5mm pegs to attach to the screw-holes in the figures' backs, making them compatible with weapons for larger toys. Some of the bases use 5mm posts for their weapon systems as well. But for the most part, this was the end of 5mm pegs being universal in Transformers for a very long time; it wouldn't happen again until the [[Unicron Trilogy]], almost a decade later.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
[[Image:Lionizer5mmdemo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Another example of why beards freakin' rock.]]
* [[Lionizer]]. Because of his beard, he actually has a double-post, so he has a 5mm post, though it's very tight.

* [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Action Master|Prowl]]'s [[Turbo Cycle]]. — His engine intakes have a 5mm port, so they can be mounted on Mini-Con pegs if you'd like, and his wheel section has a 5mm post. The rest of his accessories use the more standard smaller pegs used by Action Masters.
* [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]]. — While both he and his helicopter aren't really 5mm compatible, he ''does'' have hand-held missile launchers with 5mm post ''holes'' on them. They can be mounted on Mini-Con ports, or you can mount 5mm guns on top of them while Over-Run is holding them — but good luck keeping his arms up. There's a couple of posts on the back of his helicopter as well.
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#AM|Optimus Prime's]] [[Armored Convoy]] — Has a bunch of black guns and orange guns with 5mm posts. Yes, you can give all these weapons to Classics Primes. The black guns have hollow posts and so can be mounted on Mini-Cons. The entire Armored Convoy, both cab and trailer, is littered with 5mm ports.

* [[Missile Launcher]] (with [[Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)|Surge]]) and [[Tanker Truck]] (with [[Pipeline]] & [[Gusher]]) — Both bases have a new mould Micromaster ramp with a double-peg on it. Unfortunately it's very hard to access, and not very effective as a shield for other toys The combiner bases also extensively use 5mm ports and pegs for all their weapons, and even their main combining pegs. This means they can be connected to each other, or to any other 5mm pegs or ports.
* [[Battlefield Headquarters]] with [[Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Megatron's]] [[Neutro-Fusion Tank]]
* [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]]'s [[Stratotronic Jet]] — His missiles have 5mm post holes, rather than 5mm posts. This means you can mount his missiles on mini-con ports or other similar 5mm posts.

[[Image:Anti-aircraftbase_multiconfig.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Blackout and shout!]]
* [[Cannon Transport]] with [[Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head]] — Features the same 5mm compatibility as the Autobot Combiner Transports.
* [[Anti-Aircraft Base]] with [[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot]] — Is one of the most versatile 5mm-compatible toys of all time. All up the base features eight 5mm ports, seven 5mm posts and a variety of different accessories. The base's main guns are designed to peg onto 5mm posts so can be used with mini-con ports. The base's radar equipment and additional weapons are all designed with 5mm posts. Even the base's ramp features a 5mm port, rather than the limited 5mm post of the Micromaster Combiner Transports. The four 5mm posts on the base proper are hollow, also allowing them to be used as mini-con ports.

==UK Generation 1==
After Generation 1 ended in the US it continued in the UK unabated. Well, a little bit abated. It wasn't as big as it was. The UK line at first consisted of redecos of Japanese toys and Action Masters that hadn't made it to America. After that they continued to produce their own toys. Okay... but what does that have to do with 5mm pegs? Well, sadly, not much. The UK lines did not make extensive use of 5mm pegs, even when they really should have (we're looking at you, Predator jets). The compatibility of these toys is incredibly limited.

===1991===
The Action Masters from this year didn't use 5mm pegs at all, meaning that there were only three toys this year with 5mm pegs.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
[[Image:Flame5mmdemo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Ready for a Flame war!]]
*[[Flame (Motorvator)|Flame]], [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper]], [[Lightspeed (Motorvator)|Lightspeed]]. — The [[Motorvator]]s, being recycled Japanese toys, used 5mm pegs as standard for their weapons. Their weapons had two sets of pegs letting them be held as swords or guns.

===1992===
This year introduced the Turbomasters and Predators. Even though both sets of toys (who all have massive guns) would have benefitted from 5mm posts, only two toys out of the entire line have them.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Rotorstorm]]

[[Image:Stalker_variousconfigs.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Stalk 'er? I hardly knew 'er.]]
'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]] — Unlike Rotorstorm his hands are not 5mm pegs. Instead the ports on his shoulders are 5mm pegs — his massive missile and his radar dish are on 5mm posts. His lack of 5mm hands is made up for by two screw holes on his wrists which are 5mm holes, allowing him to hold guns there.

===1993===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Pyro]]

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Clench (G1)|Clench]]
{{-}}

==Japanese Generation 1==
There's not a lot to say about Japanese Generation 1. The main thing is that there are more Micromasters. More Micromasters means more 5mm pegs.

The first few lines that the Japanese marketed independently were mostly reuses of American moulds, with only a few differences. Basically if the American version can use 5mm pegs, so can the Japanese version. In these cases there's only a handful of toys that need pointing out as independent and unique but the overall line was generally a mess of 5mm pegs everywhere.

===Headmasters===
Most of this line was just American release toys repackaged. Basically all of them were 5mm compatible. Almost all of the moulds unique to the Japanese line were also 5mm compatible.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Stepper]] and [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]]. — Jazz and Inferno, two previously non-compatible toys, were retooled and redecoed in Headmasters and used as Targetmasters. Artfire's fists are expanded to allow him to hold his targetmaster gun [[Nightstick (Artfire)|Nightstick]]. Stepper meanwhile has Jazz's missile launcher replaced by a plug-in port to allow him to use his Targetmaster unit [[Nightstick (Ricochet)|Nebulon]] as a shoulder cannon.
*<strike>Billy</strike> <strike>Blaster</strike> [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] — Redeco and slight retool of G1 Blaster.

*[[Graphy]], [[Noise]], [[Dial]] and [[Saur]]
*[[Raiden]] — Like Devastator before him (well, sorta), Raiden can use 5mm weapons while his components cannot.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] — Redeco and slight retool of G1 Soundwave.

===Masterforce===
Again, Masterforce is almost entirely American moulds, but this time there's more redecos. There's a few retools, and a handful of new moulds too, with 5mm compatibility.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Metalhawk]] — He's a Pretender. And what have we learned so far? That's right: Pretenders are 5mm compatible.

*[[Ginrai|Super Ginrai]] and [[Godbomber]] — Ginrai is a retool of Powermaster Optimus Prime, with brand new hands. Brand new retractable 5mm hands! (To replace his old unretractable 5mm hands!) Godbomber is designed to be compatible with Ginrai, to use his accessories and to merge with him, so he gets to be 5mm compatible too. Sweet.
*[[Grand Maximus]] — Fortress Maximus with a new deco and some new accessories. He's compatible with 5mm pegs in the same way as Fortress Maximus, and his new parts are mostly a Pretender shell with some extra weapons. Pretender shell? Well, we know what that means!

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] — Does not have 5mm pegs for his hands, but has limited compatibility thanks to a handful of 5mm holes and some 5mm pegs on his smaller accessories. This toy was also released in Europe in 1992.
*[[Browning]] — As well as multiple sets of fists, Browning also has 5mm post holes on his shoulders for added shoulder cannon action.

*[[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]] — A retool of G1 Scorponok with a new robot mode head and some new weapons. He's 5mm compatible in the same ways as Scorponok, but with updated [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]] compatibility to boot.

===Victory===
Victory was radically different from the American toy line of the time. Most of the toys were unique to Japan, and most of them had 5mm compatibility to some extent.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], [[Victory Leo]] and their combined form Victory Saber
*[[Blacker]], [[Laster]], [[Braver]] and their combined form [[Road Caesar]]
*[[Landcross (Victory)|Landcross]] — While the individual components are not generally 5mm compatible, Landcross has 5mm fists. Some of his components have 5mm holes on their vehicle modes for storing merge parts.
*[[Galaxy Shuttle]] — Dude's basically a Micromaster toy, of course he's 5mm compatible.

*[[Greatshot]] — A retool and redeco of Sixshot.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Liokaiser]] — As with most every merge group, Liokaiser's fists are 5mm pegs. His individual components are mostly not 5mm compatible. [[Leozack]] has 5mm ports, and [[Guyhawk]] and [[Hellbat]] have 5mm posts, used in merging. [[Killbison]]'s tank mode guns are on a 5mm plug, which becomes Liokaiser's hand-held weapons. None of these ports and plugs are particularly accessible or useful. Unless you want to give Leozack gun knees, which... who wouldn't want to?

*[[Dinoking]] — A redeco of Monstructor with new Pretender shells, he's 5mm compatible in exactly the same way.
*[[Black Shadow]] and [[Blue Bacchus]] — Retools and redecos of Crossblades and Thunderwing.

===Zone===
Zone is basically the Japanese equivalent of the American Micromasters line. Most of the toys were straight repackagings of the American releases, with basically no changes. The rest were either new Micromaster bases (with 5mm weapons) or redecos of American bases. 5mm compatibility had been more or less the norm for Japanese Generation 1, and Zone would cement their place with only the individual Micromasters not being fully 5mm compatible.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], [[Sonic Bomber]], [[Road Fire]] and their merged form [[Big Powered]]
*[[Landshaker]] and [[Sky Hyper]] — Redecos of Groundshaker and Sky Hopper's bases with new pilots and the same ole weapons.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]] — Dude, a crazy Decepticon redeco of Metroplex. Just as compatible with 5mm pegs as Metroplex ever was. But more blue.

===Return of Convoy===
[[Image:Microtrailer_versatility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Is there nothing they can't do?!]]
Yup, Optimus Prime got a new toy this year. Yawn. What we're really interested in is two brand new concepts. First of all all the Micromaster patrols were re-released this year, and packaged with brand new Micro Trailers. Secondly we were introduced to six-member Micromaster combiner teams which merge more traditionally than the American Micromaster combiners.

The Micro Trailers were simple launchers for the Micromasters, and there were (including the three packaged with the bulks from this year) 14 in all. From a 5mm compatibility point of view these things are incredible. They're designed to combine, pegging into each other. The result is two hollow 5mm posts, and two 5mm ports on each little trailer. You can load them up with weapons, plug Mini-Cons into them or just have larger robots hold them as weapons. Just to add to it they've got ports for American Micromaster Combiners to tow them with, connectors for Micromaster ramps, and a tab to let Sky Garry carry them. Interactivity? You freakin' bet.

The six member combiners are significant because they are the first (and to date '''only''') combiner teams to use 5mm pegs to connect actual robots together. The six Micromasters in each team combine around a frame that makes up the torso, head and thighs of the robot. The shoulders of this frame use hollow 5mm pegs to connect its arms. It's significant because it means that the arm components for all the six member Micromaster combiners have large 5mm ports, allowing them to peg onto 5mm posts — like Mini-Con pegs, for example.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]], [[Sky Garry (ROC)|Sky Garry]], and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Star Convoy]]
*[[Micro Trailer]]s #0 to 12, and Star Convoy's Micro Trailer.
[[Image:Micromerge5mmcompatibility.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
*[[Sixliner]] — Sixliner was the first of the six member Micromaster combiner teams. He had 5mm compatible fists, a 5mm compatible gun (with two hollow 5mm pegs on the side) and oddly enough 5mm compatible toes. His combiner parts can all become carriages for the train modes of his individual Micromasters. His main torso section has three hollow 5mm posts on it, allowing it to mount Mini-Cons, or to be held by larger robots as a strange gun (which you can then mount Mini-Cons on). Sixliner's arms, [[Leaf]] and [[Alan]] connect to him via 5mm ports that can be used to peg them on any 5mm posts.

===Operation Combination===
The last gasp of Generation 1 in Japan. This line was a mish-mash of new moulds, redecos of old moulds and UK imports.

The most important part of the line from our point of view right now is the new six member Micromaster combiners. There was a retool of Sixliner, and 3 entirely new mould teams. The three new teams use a generic body frame which uses far more 5mm pegs than the Sixliner body. The head and feet, as well as the shoulders, now connect by 5mm posts. This new versatility meant that four members of the team, not just two, could peg onto 5mm posts. The parts of these new combiners could also merge into a jet — but if you merge them into a jet you can't use the parts as weapons for larger robots, and who wants that? No one.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
*[[Sixturbo]] — His arms and legs, [[Circuit (OC)|Circuit]], [[Neo-Wheel]], [[Discharge]] and [[Sireen]] all have 5mm ports.
*[[Sixbuilder]] — His arms and legs, [[Digger]], [[Iron Lift]], [[Mixing]] and [[Treader]] all have 5mm ports.
*[[Sixwing]] — His arms and legs, [[Falcon (OC)|Falcon]], [[Flanker]], [[Raker]] and [[Supersonic]] all have 5mm ports.

*[[Guard City]] — A redeco, barely, of Generation 1 Defensor. Compatible in exactly the same way as the original mould.
*[[Sixtrain]] — A retool of Sixliner. His arms [[Atlan]] and [[Raise]] have 5mm ports.

'''DESTRONS'''
*[[Battle Gaia]] — A redeco of Generation 1 Bruticus. Compatible in exactly the same way as the original mould.
{{-}}

==Generation 2==
Come 1993 and ''Transformers'' was given a rebirth, both in the US (who hadn't had toys on the shelves since 1990) and in the rest of the world, called ''Generation 2''. This toyline was a mixture of vintage Generation 1 ''[[Diaclone]]''-based toys, redecos of toys released in the UK and later on a whole slew of brand new moulds created just for that line.

''Generation 2'' was only moderately 5mm-friendly. The old moulds retained their old compatibilities, and the new moulds tended to be much smaller toys that weren't able to have large fist holes. Still, there are a handful of new and interesting toys with 5mm compatibility, and many of them would go on to be prominent toys in later lines as well.

===1993===

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Optimus Prime]] — This toy is a redeco and retool of Generation 1 Optimus Prime. The main difference now is the addition of a voice pack with two 5mm post holes on it and the addition of two brand-new hand-held missile launchers with 5mm posts. This added versatility has basically never been carried forwards to other re-releases of the mould.
*[[Jazz_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Jazz]] and [[Sideswipe_(G1)#Generation_2_2|Sideswipe]] — These two (redecos of the g1 toys) are NOT 5mm compatible, but their missile launchers have a double-post, making their '''guns''' 5mm compatible.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Devastator_(G1)#Generation_2|Devastator]] — This toy was released twice in two different new decos, but it's still the same tooling as the Generation 1 toy with the same compatibilities.
*[[Ramjet_%28G1%29#Generation_2_2|Ramjet]] and [[Starscream_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Starscream]] — Redecos of the Generation 1 toys with the same compatibilities. They also have new missile launchers (that actually launch!) and a new sound box, but neither of these really adds any new compatibility to the toys.
*[[Megatron_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Megatron]] — This is the first new Gen2 exclusive mould created for the American toy line. It's also the first new mould with 5mm fists.

===1994===

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Superion_(G1)#Generation_2|Superion]] — A redeco of the Generation 1 toy, with the same very very limited compatibility, but with the added bonus of Gold Plastic Syndrome.
*[[Silverbolt_(G1)#Generation_2_2|Silverbolt]] — A redeco of the Generation 1 toy, unlike the original toy this Silverbolt is retooled to have 5mm post holes on his wings, for a pair of new missile launchers. Silverbolt's launchers are the same basic mould as those used by the Skyraiders, but were retooled to have a double-post so that Superion could hold them. Because he doesn't have 5mm fists. Because Superion is a poopy-head.

*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Hero Optimus Prime]]
*[[Electro#Generation_2_2|Electro]] and [[Volt#Generation_2_2|Volt]].

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Bruticus_(G1)#Generation_2|Bruticus]] and the [[Combaticon_(G1)|Combaticons]] — A slightly retooled and extensively redecoed version of the original toy with the same basic compatibilities. [[Onslaught_(G1)#Generation_2_2|Onslaught]] also has a new missile launcher which is 5mm compatible.

*[[Megatron_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Hero Megatron]]
*[[Sizzle_(G2)#Generation_2_2|Sizzle]] and [[Jolt_(G2)#Generation_2_2|Jolt]]

===1995===
The last year of ''Generation 2'' was getting more and more experimental, with toys with all kinds of different gimmicks, all kinds of brand new features. Unfortunately this year also saw a severe downsizing of the toys — smaller toys became the standard. That left room for only one toy this year with 5mm fists and accessories.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Generation_2|Laser Optimus Prime]] — Probably because of a decided downturn in the ''size'' of individual toys in 1995, Laser Optimus Prime is the '''only''' toy this year with 5mm pegs. His sword, laser cannon, and missile launcher have 5mm handles.

==Beast Wars==
[[Image:Optimusprimal5mmposts.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Share and share alike.]]

After ''Generation 2'', 5mm posts took a pasting. Suddenly they just weren't standard any more. If ''Generation 2'' was experimental in its last days, then ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' was even more experimental. There were basically no singular standards for this line. Characters were completely self-contained play patterns, based around their animal modes. As the line evolved general gimmicks, again based on the aesthetics of the toy rather than their play pattern, began to dominate. The only place that 5mm post holes were generally universal were the larger scale Ultra toys who mostly featured 5mm hands.

Tolerances are a big issue with ''Beast Wars'' toys with 5mm posts, the following list is as comprehensive as it can be, but you might find you struggle to use the 5mm compatibility on some of your toys. In the testing phase different samples ranged from impossibly tight, to perfect, to really loose.

===1996===
'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Dinobot_(BW)#Toys|Dinobot]] — Dinobot's weapons and accessories and hands are all 5mm posts. This is great, seeing as this mould was released again, and again, and again. His famous [[Cyber-slash tail weapon|rotating blade]] weapon has a 5mm post hole in it that allows it to mount on a 5mm post on his dinosaur mode back. This is especially useful for mounting the tail weapon on his back in robot mode.
*[[Polar Claw]]
*[[Optimus_Primal/toys#Beast_Wars|Ultra Optimus Primal]]
*[[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] Has 5mm screw holes in his robot back, and a non-screw 5mm hole in his head — these are almost useless. However, his waist kibble has [[Mini-Con]]-compatible pegs, as does the front of his shield.

===1997===
'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Grimlock_(G1)/toys#Beast_Wars|Grimlock]] — A [[redeco]] of the ''Beast Wars'' Dinobot mould with the same compatibility.
*[[Ironhide_(G1)/toys#Beast_Wars|Ironhide]] and [[Magnaboss#Beast_Wars|Magnaboss]] — [[Silverbolt (G1)#Beast Wars|Silverbolt]] and [[Prowl (G1)#Beast Wars|Prowl]] are not 5mm compatible, but Ironhide, Magnaboss' sword, and Magnaboss are. The small hollow pegs on Ironhide's elephant shell halves are ''not'' 5mm, but the size of the inner hole is such that they ''do'' grip Mini-Cons.
*[[B'Boom]]

'''PREDACONS'''
* [[Ram Horn#Toys|Ram Horn]] and [[Tripredacus#Toys|Tripredacus]] — Ramhorn has 5mm hands, giving Tripredacus one 5mm hand too. The other members of the team are not 5mm compatible.
*[[Inferno_(BW)#Toys|Inferno]]

===1998===
'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Cheetor_(BW)/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Cheetor]] — His fists are an unconventional shape, but hold 5mm weapons just fine.
*[[Optimus_Primal/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Optimus Primal]]
*[[Optimus_Primal/toys#Beast_Wars|Optimal Optimus]] — While he doesn't have 5mm peg holes for his fists, he does have 5mm pegs on his wrists, (on angles, so their use is limited) and he ''does'' have hollow 5mm pegs (perfect for Mini-Cons) on his rifle! On his shoulders are a couple of other 5mm pegs too.

*[[Torca]]

'''PREDACONS'''
*[[Megatron_(BW)/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Megatron]]
*[[Rampage_(BW)#Beast_Wars|Transmetal Rampage]]
*[[Antagony#Beast_Wars|Botcon Antagony]]

===1999===

'''MAXIMALS'''
*[[Optimus Minor#Toys|Optimus Minor]] — On his own, Optimus Minor is not 5mm compatible. However, his tail weapon uses two different 5mm pegs — one of which is hollow, perfect for Mini-Cons! The allows him to hold a Mini-Con in robot mode.
*[[Tigerhawk#Toys|Tigerhawk]]

'''PREDACONS'''
*[[Megatron_(BW)/toys#Beast_Wars|Transmetal II Megatron]]

===Beast Wars II===
''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]'' was a Japanese only line capitalizing on the success of ''Beast Wars''. It's mostly a [[redeco]] line, with a handful of brand new toys or moulds. There's a bunch of old toys in this line with 5mm compatibility, and a few retools and redecos. There's only one new mould. Lio Convoy looks like he should have them, but his fists are actually a bit bigger than the 5mm standard.

'''CYBERTRONS'''
Santon and Magnaboss — Redecos of Beast Wars Ironhide and Magnaboss.

'''DESTRONS'''
*Autolauncher
*Megastorm
*Gigastorm
*Thrustor
*God Neptune — A Redeco of the Seacons minus Nautilator, with most of the same 5mm compatibilities as the original group. They were released in a gift set, and also lacked the individual gun stands that the original Seacons had. Man... sucky.
*Galvatron

===Beast Wars Neo===
'''CYBERTRONS'''
*Big Convoy — Includes a 5mm peg-compatible Matrix.
*Longrack

'''DESTRONS'''
*Hardhead
*Elephorca

==Beast Machines==
Beast Machines saw the almost complete abandonment of the 5mm peg for its toys. The introduction of uniquely moulded hands and toys with few if any accessories meant that 5mm peg holes were no longer needed. In fact, in all of Beast Machines, there is only one toy with deliberate 5mm peg holes for hands. There's others with 5mm screw holes or 5mm peg holes that can be used to make them compatible with older weapons, but for the most part, Beast Machines emphasised completely self-contained toys.

On the flip side, Beast Machines was one of the first Transformers lines to introduce vehicles and separately sold weapon-accessories for other toys, in the form of the Beast Riders and Deployer assortments. These toys, while emphasising interactivity with other toys, did so without the use of pegs.

===2000===
'''VEHICONS'''
*[[Megatron_(BW)/toys#Beast_Machines|Megatron]] — The only toy in the entire line that's deliberately 5mm compatible, the Mega-sized Megatron toy has 5mm fists in robot mode. Wow, Beast Machines, way to drop the ball!

==Robots in Disguise==
Unlike the much more focused and consistently designed Beast Machines, Robots in Disguise was an absolute hodge-podge of a line. It used a combination of new moulds, vintage moulds, and contemporary redecos that saw toys from all over the place incorporated into the line. This was both good and bad for 5mm peg enthusiasts—mostly bad, since the majority of the redecos came from G2 Gobots or Beast Wars and Beast Machines toys.

The handful of brand new toys in the line didn't really emphasise interactivity through compatibility of accessories. Instead they emphasised interactivity through figure combination. Still, there's a handful of stuff there worthy of inclusion here.

===2001===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Wedge]], [[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]], [[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]], [[Grimlock (RID)|Grimlock]] and Landfill — Grimlock is the only member of the team lacking 5mm fists, but fortunately he makes up for it in combined form where he forms a part with 5mm compatible hands (well, claws) for Landfill. In fact all of Landfill's configurations are 5mm compatible. Woo!

*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] — Both use 5mm posts extensively. Only the smaller, non-super-mode Prime actually has 5mm FISTS. Prime's super mode lacks 5mm fists, or fists at all. Omega Prime's and Ultra Magnus's hands do have 5mm holes on the palms, and Magnus's thumbs have 5mm posts. Prime is also covered in a bunch of hollow 5mm posts that can be used as mini-con ports, and both have 5mm posts and holes out the wazoo.

'''DECEPTICONS/PREDACONS'''
*[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] — Ruination is a redeco and slight retool of the Generation 1 Combaticons. Initially, in Robots in Disguise, all five components were released separately, though later on they were released only as gift sets. The main difference to the moulds is that the Combaticons' weapons were retooled so they could create two super weapons for Ruination. These super weapons are 5mm compatible.
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]]

===2002===
'''DECEPTICONS/PREDACONS'''
*[[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] — A redeco of Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Megatron, has 5mm fists just the same.
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] — A redeco of Generation 2 Laser Optimus Prime with all his compatibilities.

===2003===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] — Same compatibilities as ever, but now in yellow! Plus, it's a gift set!

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Scourge (RID)|Destructicon Scourge]] — A redeco of Generation 2 Combat Optimus Prime.
*[[Bludgeon (RID)|Destructicon Bludgeon]] — A redeco of Generation 2 Combat Megatron.
*[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] — Same as before, but now more urban! And in a gift set!

==Armada==
For 5mm peg addicts, the Unicron Trilogy was a godsend. It was the first Transformers toyline not only to feature 5mm pegs as standard on nearly every single toy, but also to advertise this interactivity. It's all down to one thing: Mini-Cons. Mini-Cons and their contribution are covered a bit earlier in this article, but it's important here to mention their... well...importance.

Mini-Cons each came with a 5mm peg hole, with a smaller (1mm?) peg imbedded inside it. Mini-Cons could then plug onto hollow (but NOT solid) 5mm pegs, usually referred to as Mini-Con hardpoints. Some of these hardpoints included small triggers which were pushed down by the smaller peg inside the Mini-Con's 5mm post hole. This activated gimmicks on the larger toys, and is why the Mini-Con don't simply have 5mm post holes.

The inclusion of Mini-Cons as a set of figures compatible with all larger Armada figures saw an overnight change. Suddenly 5mm pegs were the standard again and all but the roleplay toys in the Armada line have 5mm pegs. However, carrying on from Beast Machines and Beast Wars, many Armada toys had unique or oddly moulded hands, and 5mm fists would not make their complete comeback until Energon.

===2003===
'''MINI-CONS'''

The Mini-Cons are all 5mm-compatible in the same way: All Mini-Cons can peg onto '''any''' hollow 5mm pegs. Specific toys that can use them which aren't part of the Unicron trilogy are discussed all through this article, including RiD Optimus Prime, the Micromaster Anti-Aircraft Base, and Beast Wars K-9. Listed below are specific Mini-Cons with unique 5mm compatibilities not covered by straightforward Powerlinking.

*[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] and [[Run-Over]] — Transform into guns with 5mm-compatible handles.
*[[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] — He has a 5mm-compatible trailer hitch that can be used as a Mini-Con port, allowing other Mini-Cons to peg onto him!
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] and [[Clench (Armada)|Clench]] — Both have 5mm-thick arms, allowing them to become 5mm-compatible guns.

*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] and the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] — The Air Defence Team merges to become the Star Saber sword. The sword can be held by any toys with 5mm fists or pegged onto Mini-Con compatible posts. Of the three members of the team, only Sonar has an extra feature. He has a 5mm post accessible mostly in shuttle mode, allowing him to be held in other figures' hands (as well as allowing him to be the base of the Star Saber sword).
*[[Maverick]] and the [[Vorpal Saber|Dark Saber]]

*[[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] — Prowl transforms into a 5mm-compatible gun.

*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] — The Race Mini-Con Team merge into an enormous shield designed for use with larger toys with 5mm-compatible fists. Dirt Boss has a 5mm-compatible head because of this. Yeah, you heard right, his head is a 5mm post.

*[[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], [[Sky Blast]] and the [[Requiem Blaster]] — The Space Team merge into the Requiem Blaster, a super-gun meant for use by toys with 5mm-compatible fists. Payload has the 5mm peg that becomes the handle for the blaster, so he can be hand-held. Sky Blast also has a 5mm peg, this one hollow so that you can mount other Mini-cons on top of the Requiem Blaster and power it up even MORE. Yeah. Insane, right? It also means Sky Blast can be hand-held or merge with Energon weapons, etc.

* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] — In skateboard mode, he has a Mini-Con compatible peg on top of him, allowing other Mini-cons to be plugged into him.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] — None of these three moulds sport 5mm hands. Smokescreen has a 5mm screw hole on his arms just below his fists which can be used as a kind of 5mm fist, but neither Blurr nor Hoist have 5mm fists at all.
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Powerlinx Hot Shot]], and [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] — All feature standard 5mm fists. Side Swipe even has a 5mm-compatible gun. In Japan, Hot Shot was given an LED in one hand to allow him to light up 5mm-compatible translucent weapons.

*[[Airazor (Armada)|Airazor]], [[Cheetor (Armada)|Cheetor]], and [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] — Three redecos of Beast Wars toys, they were retooled so they would have Mini-Con hardpoints. They were not retooled to have 5mm compatible fists, however, so neither Rhinox nor Airazor can use 5mm-compatible weapons. Cheetor still can, though.

*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Powerlinx Red Alert]] — Red Alert is 5mm compatible out the wazoo. He has Mini-Con pegs all over, plus a 5mm fist, a 5mm port on his shoulder for shoulder cannons, a 5mm compatible rifle... oh yeah, and interchangeable tool hands which plug in using a 5mm peg.
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] — He doesn't have 5mm-compatible hands. But he does have big, stompy feet, so we forgive him.
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Powerlinx Jetfire]] — Both moulds have 5mm fists, though Overload's are very limited due to his enormously high wrists. Overload also has a 5mm-compatible port as his trailer hitch so he can be towed by Optimus Prime or his Mini-Con.

*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Supercon Optimus Prime]], [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Powerlinx Optimus Prime]] — Both the large and small Optimus Prime toys have 5mm fists. Even in his Super Mode, Prime has 5mm fists. The hitch used to pull Prime's trailer is a 5mm post, shared by both the large and small versions of the toys. This means that the small Prime can pull the larger toy's trailer, or either of them can pull Armada Overload. You can also use this hitch as a mount for 5mm compatible weapons.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Powerlinx Cyclonus]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Powerlinx Demolishor]], [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Powerlinx Thrust]] — Do not have 5mm compatible fists. They do have plenty of Mini-Con ports, though.

*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] — The only Supercon Decepticon with 5mm-compatible fists. He also has missiles that he uses as clubs (well, in the fiction he uses them as guns...sorta...), and they're 5mm compatible too.

*[[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] — A redeco of Supercon Optimus Prime. He has all the same compatibilities, including being able to pull the Super Prime's trailer.

*[[Terrorsaur (Armada)|Terrorsaur]] — A redeco and retool of Beast Wars Transmetal Terrorsaur. The retooling gives him Mini-Con pegs, but not 5mm-compatible fists.
*[[Predacon (Armada)|Predacon]] — A redeco and retool of Beast Wars TM Megatron. Like the original version of the mould, he has 5mm fists and a 5mm tail weapon, but now he also sports four brand new Mini-Con pegs.

*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] — All have 5mm hands in addition to their Mini-Con pegs.

*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] — Doesn't have 5mm fists, even if he is loaded with an unbelievable number of Mini-Con ports.

*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] — They traded useless knees for unreasonable numbers of Mini-Con hardpoints. Their insane number of Mini-Con pegs makes them one of the most 5mm compatible moulds in history. The toy is perfect for overloading with weapons in either robot or tank mode, and in robot mode, he even gets a 5mm-compatible fist (only the one, because the other hand is concealing a knife).

*[[Unicron]] - In total, the planet-eater has 27 Mini-Con-compatible pegs in planet mode and 30 in robot mode — 32 if you count the two conveniently shaped pegs on the back of his right hand. Of those, 24 are situated on his wings/planet ring.

==Energon==
[[Image:Energonweapon_demo_001.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Now his shot's 6 times as hot!]]
With ''Transformers Energon'', the 5mm golden age continued. Mini-Cons were dropped in favour of a return to the basic price point, but Energon figures still retained their 5mm compatibility and their Mini-Con hardpoints. The line introduced new translucent weapons called energon weapons. The energon weapons were versatile, often multi-part weapons which frequently had both traditional 5mm posts and ports and Mini-Con-style 5mm posts and ports. They could be mounted on Mini-Con pegs, used to activate Mini-Con gimmicks on Armada toys, and merged together to create insanely over-the-top super weapons.

There were two distinct types of energon weapons. There were the multi-part accessories packed with the Omnicons, which often had 3 or 4 distinct components. Strictly speaking these (and a few weapons of larger toys) were the weapons advertised officially as [[Energon weapon]]s. There were also the more static and traditional rifles and missile launchers packed with the larger ''Energon'' toys, even these weapons usually still had multiple posts and ports, including Mini-Con posts and ports, allowing them to be merged with other Energon weapons. As the series progressed, a third type of energon weapon was added: the multi-configuration weapons included with the Energon quintro-combiners, which were designed to be feet and hands for the large ''Energon'' combiner robots, as well as weapons for the component robots.

''Energon'' was really the first Transformers toy line to emphasise and advertise swapping and trading weapons as a pattern of play, despite the fact that Transformers toy lines had been capable of this play pattern since nearly the beginning. Over in Japan, this was emphasised even more with energon weapons from Omnibots given away, sold as separate units, or included as bonuses with redecos.

===2004===
'''MINI-CONS'''

Not many Mini-Cons were produced during ''Energon''. There was only one entirely new team and a handful of redecos. They are all 5mm-compatible, as is standard for Mini-Cons. Those Mini-Cons of special interest are listed below.

*[[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] and the [[Energon Saber]] — Retooled from Armada's Star Saber, they have the same basic compatibilities.
*[[Knock Out (Energon)|Knock Out]] — A redeco of Armada Rollout with all the same compatibilities.
*[[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], [[Sky Blast]] and the [[Requiem Blaster]] — A redeco of the Requiem Blaster from Armada, with the same basic compatibilities.

'''AUTOBOTS'''

The listing below describes, for the most part, the individual robots. Keep in mind that each toy also came with a gun, usually a transluscent energon weapon with multiple ports and pegs, and even Mini-con compatibility. Even toys without Mini-con plugs of their own often had them on their guns.

* The Omnicons, [[Offshoot (Energon)|Offshoot]], [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]], [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]], [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], and his redeco [[Strongarm (Energon)|Energon Strongarm]] — The Omnicons were Basic-sized toys, the first toys featured at this price point to have 5mm fists. Each came with an energon weapon, as described above, made up of several components, and an energon star meant to fit over spark crystal of ''Energon'' toys.

*[[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] — Arcee is the only Omnicon without 5mm fists. She has 5mm post holes in her arms meant to stand in for 5mm fists, but her actual hands are eenie-weenie.

*[[Sky Shadow (Energon)|Sky Shadow]], [[Treadshot (Energon)|Treadshot]], [[Terradive (Energon)|Terradive]] and [[Windrazor (Energon)|Windrazor]] — The limb components of Superion Maximus. They had standard 5mm compatibility and unique transformable energon weapons that became "hands" and "feet" for Superion Maximus.

*[[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] — Downshift features a spoiler that becomes a unique platform for holding both his guns or any other energon weapons.
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Energon Hot Shot]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]]
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]], [[Roadblock (Energon)|Roadblock]] and [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] — In addition to standard ''Energon'' compatibility, these toys retain the Mini-Con ports from ''Transformers: Armada''. Rodimus has one, Inferno and Roadblock each have two.
*[[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]] — Unlike the other Combat-Class ''Energon'' toys, Tow-Line was actually made up of two components which combine to form his vehicle mode, a robot and a battle platform. The robot is fairly standard for Energon toys, with many post holes for 5mm weapons of all sorts, some of them in rather unusual places. The battle platform in particular, though, is basically designed as a showcase for Energon weapons, making a perfect platform for building insane or over-the-top energon weapon combinations.

*[[Beachcomber (Energon)|Beachcomber]] and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] — This mould has a Mini-con port on its shoulder pad. Unlike most other ''Energon'' Autobots their weapons, while 5mm compatible, are not designed after the ''Energon'' weapon style. They don't have any extra posts or ports, and aren't made of translucent plastics. They're just simple hand-held guns.
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Ironhide]] — One of a handful of ''Energon'' moulds without its own hand-held rifle. Has a Mini-Con port on his right forearm.
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]] — The Mini-Con ports on their shuttle mode become their toes in robot mode so... uhhh... good luck with that. The rifle that comes with this mould, despite being translucent is effective not an Energon weapon. It has two gun posts, but no other compatibility. It may have been intended to, though. On top of the rifle is a piece of moulding that looks exactly like a Mini-Con post, including their unique base... but it's teeny tiny and undersized.

*[[Treadbolt]] — A redeco of ''Armada'' Scavenger with all his compatibilities.
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] — He has no hand-held rifle, but he does have a Mini-Con port on his left forearm.

*[[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] and [[Quickstrike (Energon)|Quickstrike]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and [[Landquake (Energon)|Landquake]] — Both these moulds are littered with 5mm ports and pegs. The Bulkhead mould also has a Mini-Con peg on his helicopter tail, while the Landmine mould has two Mini-Con ports on his large cannon for his Brute mode.

*[[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] — A redeco of ''Armada'' Overload.

*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] — Prime has 4 Mini-Con pegs in vehicle mode: 2 on his trailer, and 2 on his cab. In robot mode his trailer becomes a base and is still Mini-Con compatible, but the Mini-Con ports are hidden in Prime's robot mode, sadly. Prime's gun is just a standard rifle, not an energon weapon.
*[[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]] and [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] — This mould has 4 Mini-Con ports on his shoulders, front and back, and a handful of 5mm posts. Still, considering its size it's not enormously versatile at using 5mm compatible weapons.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
*[[Battle Ravage]], [[Command Ravage]], [[Cruellock]], [[Doom-Lock]] and [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]] — All the Energon Terrorcons have 5mm fists as standard. In addition to his Energon weapon Ravage also has a tail mace.
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] — Divebomb's wing-mounted weapons come in two variants. The first variant has only one 5mm post on the base of the two-part weapon. The second variant was retooled to have two posts, one at either end of his weapon.

*[[Bonecrusher (Energon)|Bonecrusher]], [[Duststorm (Energon)|Duststorm]], [[Sledge (Energon)|Sledge]], and [[Wideload (Energon)|Wideload]] — The limbs of Constructicon Maximus. Each of them has 5mm fists as standard. The Duststorm/Wideload mould also has a Mini-Con peg on its crane arm.
*[[Steamhammer (Energon)|Steamhammer]] — Steamhammer loves Mini-Cons. In both robot and vehicle modes he has 5 Mini-Con posts. That's a lot, even for an Armada toy, allowing him to hold a partner Mini-Con, an entire Mini-Con team and have one left over for an Energon weapon. Too bad he doesn't have a Mini-Con partner. (Oh yeah, he's got a bunch of 5mm post holes too.)
*[[Constructicon Maximus]] — He retains six Mini-Con pegs, four from Steamhammer and two from Dust Storm and Wideload, though Steamhammer's aren't particularly accessible. He doesn't have 5mm peg hole hands.

*[[Blackout (combiner)|Blackout]], [[Stormcloud (Energon)|Stormcloud]] — This mould has two 5mm posts on each arm in robot mode.
*[[Blight (Energon)|Blight]], [[Kickback (Energon)|Kickback]] — The tank mould technically has three Mini-con ports on his weapon, though only one is accessible in vehicle mode, and in robot mode one of them has to form the handle for the gun. In pratical terms you're probably only going to get one Mini-con on there.
*[[Barricade (Energon)|Barricade]] — Barricade likes Mini-cons too, but not as much as Steamhammer. He's got three Mini-con posts in robot mode and two in vehicle mode.
*[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]] — Thanks to Barricade he has two Mini-con ports on his thighs. He doesn't have 5mm post holes for hands, but he does have Mini-con ports on his thumbs when using the tank as an arm, or on his heels if using the tank as a leg.

*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] — In addition to his 5mm fists he has four Mini-con posts, though generally speaking only two are accessible in either mode. Because the posts are on a hinged piece it is possible to expose and use all four at once. His missiles can also fit into his hands, but aren't particularly effective because he holds them at about the mid-point on the missile.
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Starscream (Armada)|Energon Starscream]] — Based conceptually on the G2 Smokescreen mould, unlike that mould Starscream is highly 5mm compatible. He has a crazy Energon weapon, with multiple configurations and mini-con ports, so the gun section of the weapon can be used a Mini-con. He has Mini-con pegs on his wings that are accessible in both modes. Oh yeah, and the heads of his missiles are 5mm, so he can use them as swords if he gets tired of his giant Energon sword.
*[[Rapid Run (Energon)|Rapid Run]] — A redeco of Armada Sideways.
*[[Sharkticon (Energon)|Sharkticon]], [[Slugslinger (Energon)|Slugslinger]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] — In addition to 5mm fists, they all have Mini-con ports on the kibble on their forearms. Snow Cat only has a port on his left arm.

*[[Dreadwing (Energon)|Dreadwing]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]] — This mould loves 5mm pegs. Including fists each arm has three 5mm peg holes, as well as a Mini-con port. The toy's missiles are also 5mm wide, letting him hold them as swords. Oh yeah, and he has 5mm posts on the insides of his knees.
*[[Shockblast]] and [[Six Shot]] — Doesn't have traditional hands, but has plenty of 5mm post holes.

*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] — Doesn't have traditional hands, but has plenty of 5mm post holes. Has some very inaccessible Mini-con pegs on the missile launchers on his claws.
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] — An awesome redeco of Armada Tidal Wave.

*[[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] — This same basic design was released twice at two different size scales. They're all 5mm compatible. The larger version has 6 Mini-con ports in jet mode, and two in robot mode. His tank accessory also has

*[[Alpha Quintesson]] — While he doesn't transform, Alpha Quintesson is positively brimming with 5mm posts. He has a 5mm post missile launcher too.

==Cybertron==
While ''Transformers Cybertron'' continued the widespread 5mm compatibility seen in ''Armada'' and ''Energon'', it was in a more low-key form, as the central gimmick of [[Cyber Key]]s had nothing to do with 5mm posts whatsoever. Mini-Con ports became rare again, though not unheard of — the focus was now almost entirely on weapons.

===2005===
'''MINI-CONS'''

Mini-Cons were rare at the beginning of Cybertron, consisting of [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]]. As time went on, however, the line introduced a few more teams, a series of Mini-Con two-packs redecoed from ''Armada'' and ''Energon'' molds, and an assortment of Mini-Cons both old and new as pack-in bonuses. Naturally, these all retained standard Powerlinking capability; listed below are Mini-Cons with additional abilities beyond that.

* [[Checkpoint (Cybertron)|Checkpoint]], [[Stripmine]], and [[Deepdive]] — Each of these Mini-Cons sports a 5mm post. Stripmine and Deepdive's posts are hollow.
* [[Scrap Iron]], [[Backblast]], and [[Blastcharge (Cybertron)|Blastcharge]] — Another redeco of the Requiem Blaster, with everything that implies.
* [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]], and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] — Redecoes of the Race Team, with all the same compatibility.

'''AUTOBOTS'''

* [[Vector Prime]] — He is from an earlier, apparently ''Armada''-esque age and his form reflects that. He is here to sport multiple Mini-Con posts, 5mm fistholes, and a 5mm-compatible sword. He is not here to blend.
* [[Longrack (Cybertron)|Longrack]] — A retooled ''Armada'' [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], Longrack still sports a 5mm post. ([[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] does not.)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] — Has one 5mm hand, and one gun-hand which is a 5mm post, with "hammer" and "claw" attachments that fit on the end.
* [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]], [[Swerve (Cybertron)|Swerve]] — Clocker has a 5mm gun (with two pegs, side by side) and fists to hold it... and also has dual ''exhaust pipe'' accessories that attach (to the undersides of his fists, actually) using hollow 5mm posts.
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Excellion (Cybertron)|Excellion]], [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], Override GTS, [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|Armorhide]], [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]], Brakedown GTS, [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]], [[Smokescreen (Cybertron)|Smokescreen]], [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] — All feature 5mm weapons, fists, and vehicle mode mounting points.
* [[Hightail]] — His <s>trombone</s> gun has a 5mm post, and he has the fists to hold it.
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]], [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] — Though they lack any handheld weapons of their own, these toys have 5mm fists.
* [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]], [[Cybertron Defense Team|Cybertron Defense]] Hot Shot, Cybertron Defense Red Alert, and Cybertron Defense Scattorshot — Quickmix and all three members of the Cybertron Defense Team have 5mm-compatible fists and accessories, and bear hollow 5mm posts for mounting Mini-Cons.
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]] — Metroplex is ''covered'' in hollow 5mm posts, with a total of 14.
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (Deluxe [[Trukk not munky|trukk]]) — A redeco of the ''Armada'' Super-Con Optimus Prime mold with the same functionality. Instead of Over-Run, he includes a special Cyber Key that has the same hole-with-a-post as a Mini-Con, making it capable of attaching to any hollow 5mm post.
* Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (Cybertron)|Ultra Magnus]] — Redecoes of the ''Robots in Disguise'' versions, with all that that implies.

'''DECEPTICONS'''

* [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]] and [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runamuck]] — Retooled versions of ''Armada'' Cyclonus and Sideswipe. Buzzsaw retains most of Cyclonus's compatibility, but has lost the posts on his missile launchers. Runamuck, meanwhile, has lost Sideswipe's accessories in favor of a new 5mm gun.
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], Galvatron, [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]], Ransack GTS, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]], [[Swindle (Cybertron)|Swindle]], [[Lugnutz]], and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] — All these figures have 5mm hands and weapons.
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]], Dark Crumplezone, [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]], [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]], [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]], and [[Brushguard]] — These figures have 5mm hands, though they include no compatible accessories.
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Dark Scorponok]] — A retooled Scorponok that retains the ''Energon'' toy's features and adds Cyber Key compatibility.
* [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] — Like Arcee before her, Thunderblast's hands are too small and girly for 5mm holes, so she has them further up on her forearms instead. Her weapon is 5mm-compatible.
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]] — Like Metroplex, Menasor likes Mini-Cons.
* [[Cannonball (Cybertron)|Cannonball]] — A redeco of Red Alert with the same compatibility.
* [[Scrapmetal (Cybertron individual)|Scrap]][[Scrapmetal (race)|metal]] — All Scrapmetals have 5mm fists, and in an undocumented feature, their flip-out blades can be hand-held.
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] — A redeco of ''Armada'' Demolishor with the same features. Instead of Blackout, he includes a Cyber Key with a Mini-Con-style 5mm hole on the back, similar to the deluxe Optimus Prime's.

'''OTHER'''
* [[Primus]] — Like Unicron before him, Primus sports an assortment of hollow 5mm posts. His total is far lower (nine), but in Primus's defense, most of Unicron's are on his ring.
* [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] and [[Unicron]] — Both feature 5mm fists and accessories.

==Classics==
''Classics'' brought back many old ''Transformers'' characters with new toys, and most of those toys were 5mm compatible. It also introduced yet more Mini-Cons, though hollow 5mm posts are few and far between in ''Classics.''

==''Transformers'' (2007)==
The live-action movie toyline mostly eschewed the use of the 5mm system, in part because the integrated nature of the characters' weapons meant a low number of handheld accessories overall. Nevertheless, the reuse of various molds from the previous few years ensured that 5mm posts continued to appear.

==Animated==
''Transformers Animated'' had few 5mm-compatible toys, but they existed.

===2008===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
* [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime]] - His axe and shield have 5mm posts, and therefore his hands are also compatible with them.
* Voyager Class Optimus Prime - Both his axe and his water gun use the standard 5mm posts, and therefore his hands are also compatible.
* The Battle Begins Optimus Prime - His axe uses the 5mm post for its handle, and his hands are compatible with them... as is the hole in his buttocks.
* [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] - His hands are open with a 5mm groove in them to hold such accessories.
* [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] - Both his shield and lance sport 5mm posts, and his hands are compatible. However, the fingers are sculpted with a gap over the 5mm holes, so accessories with smaller posts can only be held from the bottom of his hands.
'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] - The inside of his robot mode hands sport 5mm posts, which can also double as a Mini-Con port. His mace also has a 5mm hole in it.
* [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] — Appropriately enough, Swindle is equipped with a large cannon on a 5mm post, and has two 5mm holes with which to use it.
* [[Megatron (Animated)|Leader Class Megatron]] - His swords are mounted on 5mm handles, and his hands therefore sport 5mm holes.
* Shadow Blade Megatron - Being a redeco of Leader Class Megatron, he carries over the same 5mm compatibility.
* [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] - His gun/crane uses a 5mm post, so the holes in his forearms and back are compatible with other weapons.

===2009===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
* Freeway Jazz - Being a redeco of Jazz, he shares the same 5mm-holed hands.
'''DECEPTICONS'''
* Atomic Lugnut - Being a redeco of Lugnut, Atomic Lugnut sports the same posts in his hands, and the same hole on his mace.
* Shockwave Vs. Bumblebee - The Shockwave in this pack, being a redeco of the previous Shockwave, has the same post/ports.

===2010===
'''AUTOBOTS'''
* [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] - Arcee's hands can hold 5mm post weapons. However, her weapons are slightly thicker. This resulted in many a broken thumb.
* [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus Minor]] - The tabs on his bow are 5mm wide.

===2011===
'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Dead End (Animated)|Dead End]] - Being a redeco of Jazz, he shares the same 5mm-holed hands.
* [[Drag Strip (Animated)|Drag Strip]] - Being a redeco of Arcee, she shares the same 5mm-holed hands. But continue to be careful with the swords!
* [[Motormaster (Animated)|Motormaster]] - Being a retool of Voyager Class Optimus Prime, his axe and cannon use the same 5mm posts, and the hands use the same 5mm holes.
* [[Toxitron]] - Being a redeco of Voyager Class Optimus Prime, his axe and cannon use the same 5mm posts, and the hands use the same 5mm holes.
* [[Minerva (Animated)|Minerva]] - Being a redeco of Arcee, she shares the same 5mm-holed hands. But continue to be careful with her slaggin' thumbs!
* [[Breakdown (Animated)|Breakdown]] - Being a retool of Rodimus Minor, Breakdown shares the same 5mm tabs on his bow.
* [[Sideswipe (Animated)|Sideswipe]] - Being a redeco of Breakdown, Sideswipe shares the 5mm bow tabs.

==Universe (2008)==
Following in the footsteps of ''Classics'', ''Universe'' toys nearly always featured 5mm fists and accessories.

==Revenge of the Fallen==
The toys for the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie initially returned to the design principles of the previous live-action movie, but in time, 5mm accessories began to creep back in. This line also introduced an alternate system of interchangeable accessories, the [[C joint]].

==Generations==
Once again, ''Generations'' typically followed the example of ''Classics'' and ''Universe,'' featuring widespread 5mm compatibility.

==Power Core Combiners==
Much like ''Armada'' and ''Energon'', ''Power Core Combiners'' heavily emphasized compatibility between different toys. The main focus of the line, the "combination" suggested by the title, was a series of "Commander" figures who could combine with interchangeable drone vehicles in a fashion similar to the [[Special Teams]]. Commanders were sold either with sets of drones or in smaller packs with Mini-Cons. These Mini-Cons were also designed to have weapon modes, using 5mm posts, and as such 5mm fists proliferated. The Commander figures also featured hollow 5mm posts for mounting the Mini-Cons, and the drones all featured hollow 5mm posts as well, leading to [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CombinatorialExplosion insanity].

===2010===
'''MINI-CONS'''

In additional to the usual capabilities of Mini-Cons, every ''PCC'' Mini-Con has at least one 5mm post, usually hollow, which enables it to be handheld. Special cases are listed below.

* [[Chopster]], [[Razorbeam]] — The axe Mini-Cons unfortunately have a narrower segment below the 5mm grip, similar to double-posted weapons, and as such they cannot be held by toys with shallower fist holes (ironically including [[Darkstream]]). The post is also solid, so it can only connect to empty 5mm holes.
* [[Backwind]], [[Beacon]], and [[Pinpoint]] — These three have empty 5mm holes rather than the usual Mini-Con ports. This prevents them from activating Powerlinx gimmicks, but allows them to attach to ordinary 5mm posts, not just hollow ones.

'''AUTOBOTS'''
* [[Skyburst]] — One hollow post on his back, and shallow 5mm fists.
** [[Aerialbot (PCC)|Aerialbots]] — All four drones have hollow 5mm posts on the top, though the Fighter Jet's is not really useful in combined mode. The helicopters' posts are on top of their rotors, and as such any Mini-Cons or weapons attached there will spin freely.
* [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] — For unknown reasons, Huffer has fist holes, but they are far too small to hold 5mm posts. He has a hollow 5mm post on his right forearm to make up for this, and another flip-out post on his chest.
* [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]] — Searchlight is absurdly 5mm-compatible for a toy of his size. In addition to the usual 5mm fists, he has 5mm holes in the sides of his forearms, meant for attaching his vehicle mode rotors. He also has the flip-out hollow chest post typical of ''PCC'' Commander molds originating in two-packs, and a second hollow post on what becomes the underside of his cockpit in vehicle mode. As implied by the forearm holes, his rotors are separate accessories that can connect to any 5mm peghole (including the one on Backwind's chest).
* [[Double Clutch (PCC)|Double Clutch]] — He has a single hollow post on a hinged panel, which is normally concealed in most modes but can be folded out. For holding weapons he has sideways holes on the inside of his forearms, which are awkward in robot mode but can be used more effectively as shoulder weapon mounts in his torso mode. They're shallow, but with their positioning you probably wouldn't want to give him Chopster anyway.
** [[Rallybot]]s — Each Rallybot has a hollow post that can fold away, located on the rear bumper of the Race Car and on top of the others. Interestingly, the Street Racer reveals a ''second'' post in leg mode, which is necessary since the vehicle-mode post ends up on the bottom of the foot.
* [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] — Like Double Clutch, Leadfoot has sideways forearm holes instead of fists. Unlike Double Clutch and basically everyone else ever, both of his hollow posts are flip-out posts for chest armor, one (normally concealed under his windshield) for his robot chest and one for his combined chest. Both can be used in vehicle mode as well.
* [[Stakeout (PCC)|Stakeout]] — A redeco of Smolder with the same features.
** [[Protectobot (PCC)|Protectobots]] — Redecos of two Aerialbots (Chopper and Fighter Jet) and two Combaticons (APC and Tank).
* [[Steelshot]] — A redeco of Bombshock with the same features.
* [[Grimstone]] — Grimstone has shallow fists and a single 5mm post on his ''tail'' (in robot mode, his back).
** [[Dinobot (PCC)|Dinobots]] — The ''Parasaurolophus'' drone has two side-mounted Mini-Con posts. The others are more or less standard.
* [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]] — In addition to the usual flip-out chest post and 5mm hands (irregularly-shaped but usable), Heavytread has a 5mm peghole on top of his vehicle mode near the forward right corner. This hole is usable in all three modes, ending up approximately on his wrist in robot mode.
* [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] — A redeco of Mudslinger with the same compatibility. Since he has 5mm fists, [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]] gets the official weapon mode that's technically a fanmode on Chainclaw.

'''DECEPTICONS'''
* [[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]] — Bombshock has two hollow posts quite close to each other: one is on top of his turret (ending up on the back of his torso mode head), while the other is between his cannons. Both end up on his back in robot mode, in varying configurations depending on how his kibble is arranged. Like his wavemate Skyburst, he has shallow 5mm fists, so no axes for him.
** [[Combaticon (PCC)|Combaticons]] — All four drones have top-mounted posts which are accessible in both modes, though because of the APC's transformation, Mini-Cons attached to it in combined mode will appear to extend from the robot's knee.
* [[Smolder]] - Smolder has 5mm fists, and a flip-out hollow 5mm post on his chest. He has a second hollow post on the roof of his vehicle mode, which in his other modes ends up in an awkward but usable position on the back (robot mode) or front (torso mode) of his right shoulder.
* [[Mudslinger (PCC)|Mudslinger]] - Mudslinger has a 5mm post near the back of his vehicle mode, accessible in all three modes... which ends up on the front of his left knee in robot mode, and the ''inside'' of his right knee in torso mode. Good luck making use of that. At least he has 5mm fists.
** [[Destructicon (PCC)|Destructicons]] — All four Destructicons have top-mounted posts that remain accessible in limb mode. The Heavy Hauler's post can fold away like those of the Rallybots.
* [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]] — Oddly enough for the ''PCC'' line, Icepick has no 5mm pegholes at all, with the effect that [[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw's]] 5mm weapon mode was omitted from the instructions. His compatibility consists of a hollow 5mm post on his right shoulder and a fold-out one on his chest, both usable in all three modes.
* [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]] — Like his wavemates, Sledge is odd: he has shallow wrist holes (this time located ''under'' his forearms) instead of fists, and unlike his fellow two-pack-originated Commanders, he has no flip-out posts at all (maybe Leadfoot stole his?). Instead he has a single hollow post on his chest that serves all three modes, and another on his shovel.
* [[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]] — A redeco of Huffer with the same abilities.
** [[Destron (PCC)|Destrons]] — Redecos of two Aerialbots (Recon Plane and Combat Helicopter) and two Combaticons (Missile Carrier and Armored Car).
* [[Darkstream]] — A redeco of Skyburst, incapable of any interaction with Razorbeam other than wearing him on his back.
* [[Windburn]] — A redeco of Searchlight, retaining his capabilities.
* [[Steamhammer (PCC)|Steamhammer]] — Steamhammer is unusual among five-pack-originated Commanders: his torso mode has a hollow 5mm post on his chest! This post is basically inaccessible in his other modes, so he has a second one on his roof, which in robot mode is on a block hanging awkwardly from his elbow.
** [[Constructicon (PCC)|Constructicons]] — The Constructicons' posts are all well-placed, with no particular unusual qualities.
* [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]] —
* [[Over-Run (PCC)|Over-Run]] — A redeco of Leadfoot with the same abilities.
** [[Stunticon (PCC)|Stunticons]] — Redecos of two Rallybots (Race Car and Tuner) and two Destructicons (Armored Truck and Armored Junker).
* [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]] — Similar to Sledge, Undertow has one fixed hollow 5mm post, accessible in all modes.

==Transformers (2010)==
The [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]] continued to make widespread use of 5mm posts and holes (though perhaps not as widespread as some previous lines). C joints proliferated as well, leading to a veritable golden age of interchangeable weapons.

==Dark of the Moon==
All of the [[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]] MechTech toys use 5mm posts on their MechTech weapons.

This line also introduced a minor innovation: self-covering pegholes. Many MechTech toys have 5mm holes that contain circular plugs on springs. Inserting a weapon handle depresses the plug; when the weapon is removed, the spring pushes it back up to sit flush with surrounding panels.

==Notes==
*Due to [[Takara]]'s ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' series toys sharing many of the same designers from the latter days of G1, a great many of the figures utilize 5mm weaponry pegs. This, of course, can give even the smallest 5mm compatible Transformer the ability to carry 5" chrome swords and gigantic guns of [[Burning Justice]].
*The 5mm post/hole system is also used extensively by companies such as Bandai and Tomy. The Machine Robo Rescue (not to be confused with the trademark-interfering [[Machine Robot Rescue]]), Mugenbine and Zoid Blox lines all utilize it.
*While [[Wikipedia:Lego|LEGO]] toys do not make use of 5mm posts in of themselves, they frequently use a style of hollow connector pin that coincidentally fits snugly into 5mm holes. [http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/2780 One particularly common part] consists entirely of two such pins back-to-back, making it a workable add-on handle if you want your Mini-Cons to be hand-held.

[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Blackout (Movie)

2011-07-09T17:54:00Z

65.11.29.91:

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig3|Blackout}}
{{disambig2|the Decepticon helicopter from the first live-action movie|the Decepticon helicopter from Revenge of the Fallen|Grindor (ROTF)}}
:''Blackout is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as N.B.E. 23.''

[[Image:MovieBlackoutHeatScrambleCard57.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He would appreciate you not trying to shoot him in the crotch. Really he would.]]

The massive '''Blackout''' has been described as the "hound" of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. In better days he was always to be found looming powerful and silent behind his leader's right shoulder. When given a target he hunts it down with fierce determination. Blackout is not happy with the progress [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] is making towards finding the missing Decepticon leader. He suspects (quite rightly) that Starscream would prefer Megatron to stay lost. Blackout is openly mutinous and will challenge Starscream's leadership at any opportunity, not for his own sake, but to better serve his ultimate goal of finding his lost master. Blackout has a sneaky side and uses his symbiotic companion [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]'s small size to great advantage.

{{quote|All hail Megatron!|Blackout|''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Defiance2_Blackout_spacebattle.jpg|thumb|left|300px|In space, EVERYONE hears HIM!]]

In the distant past, Blackout was a member of the Cybertronian [[Defense Force]]. During an attack by unknown aliens on the city of [[Metrotitan (ROTF)|Metrotitan]], he could be seen picking up a wrecked enemy tank. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1}} In the aftermath of the attack, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] consulted with [[The Fallen|the mysterious relic]] dug up near [[Simfur]] and (essentially) declared a military dictatorship over Cybertron. Blackout followed Megatron and the other flight-capable soldiers into battle, using his special powers to disrupt the enemy flagship's targeting array. {{storylink|Defiance issue 2}}

After science division leader [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]] survived an attempted kidnapping by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s squadron, Megatron declared the scientist and his followers traitors, and reformed the army under a new banner: the Decepticons. {{storylink|Defiance issue 3}}

[[Image:Movie BlackoutStarscream protoforms.jpg|right|200px|thumb|An ominous rumble is Blackout's only response...]]

During the subsequent civil war, Blackout fought alongside Megatron, until his master ordered 'this loyal hound' to assist Starscream's unit in keeping [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s forces busy, while Megatron pursued his destiny. Arriving soon after [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] delivered news of Megatron's location, Blackout and Starscream witnessed the successful Autobot launch of the AllSpark. Blackout restrained Starscream from going after it, the pair nearly coming to blows when Blackout launched Scorponok from his chest. Fortunately, Starscream calmed down, and after witnessing Megatron leave the planet himself, the group took on protoform transition forms and followed. {{storylink|Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall}}

Meanwhile, Starscream crew ''also'' went after Optimus Prime's starship in a Decepticon battlecruiser. Just before launch, Blackout listened to Barricade's not-so-quiet concerns that Starscream wasn't telling them everything. Unfortunately for the Decepticons, they were led into a trap by the Autobots, and their ship (and Starscream's advance scout [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]]) was crippled by concussion chain mines. Blackout gave a detailed damage report when ordered but was berated for giving his observation on what had occurred, and was ordered to despatch Scorponok to retrieve Dreadwing.

[[Image:Movie Blackout TargetPrequel continuityheadache.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Beware, Qatar! Beware! Muhahahahahaha!]]

After making repairs to their ship, the Decepticons followed the AllSpark's trace energy and landed on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream #1}} There, they destroyed a primitive [[Beagle 2 Rover|human rover scout]] and decided to investigate the nearby third planet of this solar system. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Movie Prequel #3}}

Making planetfall on Earth in Afghanistan, Blackout attracted the attention of a military vehicle of the local creatures. Witnessing the ease with which [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] destroyed the carrier, Starscream pondered that Megatron would have been able to subjugate these beings if he was able to. Blackout replied that they needed to find out why he hadn't yet. Starscream's unit then attacked the nearby air base where Blackout scanned and adopted the form of an MH-53J 'Pave Low' helicopter, then easily hacked into the files of the human computers. Inside, he found files on something called 'Project: Iceman', which he suspected was related to Megatron. After the base's destruction, Blackout headed towards [[Qatar]], intent on attacking a similar military base there to access the information they needed. {{storylink|Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall}}

{{note|In several instances Planetfall contradicts both [[Movie Prequel issue 4|issue #4]] of IDW's ''[[Movie Prequel]]'' mini-series as well as the movie ''itself'' with regards to where & when the Decepticons arrived on Earth; they landed in the United States during 2003 in the Prequel mini. In this story, Blackout immediately leaves for Qatar after the attack (2007), whereas in the Movie itself, he assumed the form three months before attacking the SOCCENT base. However, this sequence was subsequently used in [[The Reign of Starscream]].}}

[[Image:Movie Blackout IDWprequel camoflageenabled.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Apparently the crew of military helicopters don't count as "witnesses".]]

Meanwhile, the unit ''also'' arrived on [[Earth]] in the [[United States of America]] in the year 2003. Blackout scanned a USAF [[wikipedia:MH-53_Pave_Low|MH-53 Pave Low]] helicopter, but apparently was not detected by the humans, nor caused any casualties, in contrast to his two comrades. When Starscream told the Decepticons that their mission was to find the AllSpark, Blackout reminded Starscream that they must also find Megatron.

Later, after being lured into a trap intended for [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] set by a group of impressively equipped humans, Blackout attacked the organisation's bunker and attempted to hack into their main server, but failed after they disconnected their local systems. The only lead he got was a name...[[Sector Seven]]. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Movie Prequel #4}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Brian Stepanek]]

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Movie Prequel]] that is detailed above this section.}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
During the war on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Blackout preferred to sow confusion and disarray before he attacked, rather than engage in direct confrontation and risk being killed. He would only go into ground battles under cover of loud noise and pyrotechnics (which he himself caused with his devastating sonic shriek emitters). Unfortunately for him, this meant he kept getting stuck leading the ''first wave'' of attacks! To protect himself, he used an army of drone troopers (presumably [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponoks]]) to draw enemy fire. These drones were called "the swarm" and Blackout deliberately encouraged rumours about them so their arrival would strike fear into the hearts of enemies. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 4|Blackout Profile}} Despite being a coward at heart, he began to ''revel'' in the chaos and carnage he was causing, even if the odd Decepticon ended up as collatoral damage! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2|Jazz V. Blackout}}

{{Note|The following event is unique to the Titan Magazines continuity.}}

Half an hour after his death and before his body was dumped in the sea, Blackout was briefly turned into a rampaging zombie by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7|Starscream's Militia}}

{{notetitantlg}}

Blackout was not dead!

He assaulted an Autobot convoy at Shreveport, [[Louisiana]] as part of a general terror campaign. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}} Later, he was a key part in a Decepticon ambush, appearing from nowhere to blankside Autobot ground troops. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

He was one of the [[Decepticon Heartland]] generals, and had to report the grim news to Starscream of just how badly [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade]] had gummed up their advance. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part Two}} By the time the battle reached him in Philadelphia, he was commanding the only Decepticon force left standing. He rejected an offer to defect to Stockade's team, defiantly saying this planet was ''theirs'', and sicced Scorponok on him.

Scorponok failed and Blackout went down. Now he ''is'' dead. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part Three}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel===
Blackout had spent thousands of years searching for Megatron and the AllSpark under Starscream aboard the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]''. While Starscream was hoping not to find Megatron, Blackout was working against him in hopes of restoring the former leader. Upon discovering [[Ghost 1|a vessel similar to Megatron's alternate mode]], Blackout became convinced that Megatron was nearby. However, the Autobots arrived in the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]'' to investigate the ship, and Starscream ordered the Decepticons to wait while he investigated the alien ship. Growing impatient, Blackout convinced [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] and [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] to join him in an attack on the Autobots. Blackout, Scorponok, and Frenzy ganged up on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], but he managed to defeat them, forcing Blackout to call for a retreat. After Prime headed to investigate [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]'s disappearance, Starscream ordered them to attack, and Bonecrusher was given command. Blackout, however, was able to sneak Scorponok on board the ''Ark''.

After Starscream returned, Blackout demanded answers. Starscream claimed that Prime and Bumblebee were killed by indigenous worms, while the alien ship was destroyed when it fell into a cavern. Blackout, unconvinced, challenged Starscream, but was seriously damaged, and had to be taken back to the ''Nemesis''. However, Prime, Bumblebee, and the ship appeared soon after. When Starscream ordered the Decepticons to destroy the ship, Blackout demanded answers, which Bonecrusher and Barricade agreed to. However, [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] was able to force Scorponok off the ''Ark'', and Blackout, still healing, sped to his rescue. What a pal. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
[[Image:Movie Blackout Raptors.jpg|right|201px|thumb|This race sucks.]]
Blackout flew into the airspace of [[United States military|US]] [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]] and refused to identify himself, prompting base commander [[Colonel Sharp]] to dispatch two [[wikipedia:F-22_Raptor|F-22 Raptors]] to escort the Decepticon into their base. One of the Raptors reported that Blackout had the registry number of 4500X on his vertical stabilizer, the number of the helicopter Blackout had scanned and destroyed three months earlier in Afghanistan.

[[Image:Movie Blackout SOCCENTAttack1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|All your base are belong to us.]]
Once landed, Blackout was surrounded by the soldiers stationed at the base and ordered to power down and disembark his crew, or deadly force would be used. Seeing no reason to hide himself any further, Blackout transformed under a hail of automatic weapons fire from the shocked humans. Activating his heavy machine guns and rocket launchers, Blackout made quick work of the soldiers closest to him, then unleashed a massive shock wave that killed the rest of the troops and shattered their vehicles and the windows of the operations control tower. Blackout made his way around the base, tossing tanks aside, crushing soldiers underfoot and blowing up aircraft. Eventually, he reached the operations bunker and tore off the roof to link up with their server and download its files in an attempt to find information on [[Megatron (Movie)|Project: Ice Man]]. Unfortunately, the base commander intervened, cutting the physical hard line of the server, severing Blackout's connection and thwarting the primary objective of his mission.

[[Image:Movie Blackout holoavatar.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Watch me twirl my [[Moustache Man|moustache]] as I contemplate the destruction of Earth.]]
Still, Blackout carried out his second objective—the destruction of the human base. As he proceeded, [[Robert Epps|a human soldier]] was nearly crushed. Instinctively, the soldier recorded images of Blackout, the Decepticon indulging this brief moment of curiosity by looking straight back at the human. Blackout then activated a chest-mounted laser cannon to put the fleshling out of its misery, but before he could do so, he was struck by a grenade fired by [[Jorge Figueroa|another soldier]], and the human made his escape. Enraged, Blackout fired flare countermeasures into the sky to confuse any other attempts to attack him, then ejected Scorponok from his back and sent his minion to track the [[William Lennox|fleeing]] [[Patrick Donnelly|soldiers]]. Blackout then turned his attention and his weapons back to the rest of the base, eventually destroying it, leaving no survivors.

Evidently, after the attack, Blackout flew back to the [[United States of America|United States]], as he was in the vicinity when [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] reported the discovery of AllSpark's location and Starscream ordered their forces to mobilize. Blackout was the last to acknowledge the order, then rallied in Megatron's name, perhaps to remind Starscream who his master was.

[[Image:Blackout is going to kill you.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Point that thing someplace else!]]
Blackout arrived at [[Mission City]] just as the final battle was getting underway. Megatron's order of "Decepticons attack" must have been music to his ears, and he followed his master's commands whole heartedly. He attempted to block [[Sam Witwicky|ladiesman217]]'s path as the boy was trying to get away with the AllSpark, before he was attacked by [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. The Autobot threw a car at Blackout, who fired his laser cannon to destroy the vehicle and knock Ironhide over. He flew ahead of ladiesman217, attempting to use his rotor weapon to kill him, but the human managed to dodge this attack.

[[Image:Blackout movie dead.JPG|left|200px|thumb|Oh, God, I hope that stuff leaking out is Energon.]]
Blackout withdrew from the battle for a few moments, but returned as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron fought. Seeing his master under attack, Blackout came to the defense of his lord by activating his hand-held rotor weapon, but soldiers—including survivors of the SOCCENT base attack—attempted to stop him by painting him with targeting lasers for friendly F-22 Raptors to fire upon. As Blackout activated his cannon, he noticed the lasers targeted on him. Underestimating the fighting spirit and desire for vengeance of the humans, Blackout tried to finish them off until Captain Lennox, using an abandoned motorcycle, charged at him and fired a sabot round into his crotch (ouch), as F-22s pounded the Decepticon with missiles, extinguishing his [[spark]].

His remains were dumped in the <s>deepest</s> ''second'' deepest part of the ocean—the Laurentian Abyss—along with his fellow dead Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}

{{note|The possible period of time that Blackout acquired his vehicle mode in the movie appears to contradict the origin of his vehicle mode in both [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Movie Prequel]] and the second Target-sponsored prequel comic. See [[#Notes|Notes]] section below.}}

===Beast Wars Diorama Story===

At some point, Blackout and multiple Autobots and Decepticons traversed dimensions and found themselves on a different [[Earth]], in the distant past. They crossed paths with new Transformer factions, the [[Maximal]]s and the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who were engaged in a conflict called the [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]. A battle broke out between the four factions. The Autobots and the Decepticons eventually returned to their home dimension, leaving the Maximals and Predacons behind to settle the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story}}

===Transformers (2007) toy bios===
Blackout is extremely disciplined, and as such keeps his bodywork pristine. {{storylink|#PremiumSeries|Premium Series Blackout}} He is incredibly single-minded in pursuing his quarry. {{storylink|#Titanium Series|Titanium Series Blackout}} He and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] have fought alongside each other for untold years, leaving nothing but devastated worlds in their wake as they searched for the AllSpark. {{storylink|#Unleashed|Unleashed}}

At some point, he had a knock-down, drag-out fight with Ironhide, possibly in a desert. {{storylink|#Legends Class toys|Ironhide Vs Desert Blackout}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
In the aftermath of the battle in Mission City, [[Sector Seven]] hauled away Blackout's corpse along with the other Decepticon bodies. The clandestine human organization brought the bodies to a secret facility in the Nevada desert, with the intention of getting every bit of information they could out of the dead Decepticons before they were forced to dump them into the sea. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1|Alliance #1}}

==='''Revenge of the Fallen''' toy bios===
Ratchet and Blackout are apparently total opposites. {{storylink|#Titanium Series 2|Rescue Ratchet Vs. Blackout}} He may have once gotten into a fight where Optimus Prime deployed twin forearm swords. {{storylink|#Robot Heroes 2|Optimus Prime and Blackout}}

==Games==

===''Transformers'' The Game (console)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Noah Nelson]]

====Autobot campaign====
During the battle of Mission City, Blackout suffered a humiliating defeat from [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], even though he had help from [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and two [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwings]]. That's got be the most humiliating thing for any of the characters in the videogame, losing to somebody a third of his size. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

====Decepticon campaign====
[[Image:VGBlackoutE1M3Intro.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
Blackout and Scorponok were sent to the SOCCENT Base to destroy the human military installation there and download information from the military servers on the location of the [[AllSpark]]. The pair were successful, though Blackout's escape was briefly interrupted by the arrival of a squad of human jet fighters. After blasting them to tiny bits, he made good his escape.

Blackout arrived at [[Hoover Dam]], where his scans failed to detect the energy signatures of Megatron or the AllSpark. Starscream ordered him to break the dam piece by piece. Blackout fired a pair of missiles and fought off a squad of [[Swindle (Movie)|Autobot sports car drones]] that were defending the installation. As Megatron emerged, he bowed before his lord. He then followed the newly-revived Megatron to [[Mission City]], where he engaged in a final showdown with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], who had just punted Scorponok. The Autobot warhorse certainly gave the massive Decepticon a run for his money. The huge number of Autobot drones backing Ironhide up didn't make things any easier.

During Megatron's battle with Optimus Prime, Blackout attempted to assist his master by charging Prime. Prime punched the massive Decepticon, sending him flying. How embarrassing. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Autobots''===
As Jazz retrieved Sector 7 vehicles for Optimus Prime, he happened upon their helicopter, which to his surprise turned out to be Blackout. The two battled at Tranqulity's power plant, where Jazz managed to defeat him. Humiliated, he transformed and flew away.

Blackout made his presence felt again as Bumblebee raced back to Tranquility carrying the AllSpark with him. He chased Bumblebee through the streets until he was intercepted on a rooftop by Ratchet, who put an end to his menace for good. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

===''Transformers: Decepticons''===
First arriving under the command of [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|a low-ranking soldier]], Blackout was sent out to destroy the communications arrays in the Qatar SOCCENT military base. Once completed, he returns for more orders.

Soon after, Blackout encounters [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], who appears at the base to stop you from blowing the [[Pit|hell]] out of everything. Once defeated, Blackout disappears until the other Decepticons arrive at Hoover Dam.

Dropping off some bombs for Brawl to set, the Decepticons attempt to blow up the Dam to simultaneously release Megatron and thaw him out, but are thwarted by Jazz and his drone clones. Their heroic attempts are for naught, as Megatron escapes anyway, while Blackout and Barricade retrieve his weapon chip. Once in hand, they meet before their leader and reactivate his weapons. After a charismatic speech, they set out to Tranquility to capture the AllSpark and defeat the Autobots once and for all.

Blackout arrives just in time to be blasted to [[Slag (slang)|slag]] by an AllSpark powered Starscream with a single blast. That's still slightly less embarrassing than being beaten by a half-dead Jazz. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:Movie Blackout Legends toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I have no fingers? You did this, Starscream!]]
*'''Blackout''' (Legends, 2007)

:A much smaller and highly simplified version of the character, Legends Blackout features limited articulation and detail, with the helicopter mode not being a particularly faithful recreation of an [[wikipedia:MH-53_Pave_Low|Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low]] heavy-lift helicopter (the placement of the fuel tanks, in particular making him look more like a [[Wikipedia:CH-53 Sea Stallion|CH-53 Sea Stallion]]). Even though the robot mode sports an attempt to emulate the movie character's chest design, this does not involve the use of obvious fake elements of the helicopter mode's cockpit, unlike [[Jazz (Movie)|other]] Legends Class toys of movie characters. Curiously, the instructions on the back of the card show how to transform him from his alt-mode to his robot mode, which is the reverse of the rest of the Legends Class packaging.

:This toy was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] and [[Spinister (ROTF)|Spinister]].
{{-}}
[[Image:Movie Legends Ironhide DesertBlackout.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey, look! It's Grindor! Stop! That is so dumb! Do something else!]]
*'''Ironhide vs. Desert Blackout''' (Legends Allspark Battles two-pack, 2007)

: Desert Blackout is a tan redeco of the previously released Legends Blackout toy. He comes with an all-new Legends Class Ironhide. Oddly, he doesn't have a faction symbol anywhere on his body.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsBlackout/blackout.htm More information on Desert Blackout at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:Movie Voyager Blackout toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The largest Transformer in the film. Ironically, one of the smallest Voyager-class toys ''ever''.]]
*'''Blackout''' (Voyager Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''MD-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Scorponok mini-figure

: Blackout transforms into a reasonably accurate MH-53 Pave Low, though he has a rather [[Show-accuracy|film-inaccurate]] slate grey base colour and a totally random gold radome. An aft "cage" compartment can be opened to release a small PVC figurine of his partner, [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]. A button on the very end of his tail can be pressed in a geared action to rotate his rotor blades. By attaching the Deluxe-class Scorponok to his underside, the rotor [[gimmick]] also spins Scorponok's claws.

: During transformation, Blackout's (mind-numbingly delicate) [[Automorph Technology|Automorphing]] gimmick is activated when the user swings down his legs, which in turn flips the gray chest section his head is mounted upon up and into position, and lifts his back assembly and locks into into place behind his head. Another, less impressive automorph is in his legs—if you pull his knees down, his shin armor pops out a bit.

: In robot mode, Blackout appears closer to his original concept art, back when he was called "Incinerator" (seemingly also the basis for his Nintendo DS appearance). The entire rotor assembly on his back can be removed and converted into a gigantic fan weapon, to ''vaguely'' represent the hand-held rotor-blade weapon he wields in the film, also seen on [[#Titanium_Series|the ''Titanium'' figurine (see below)]]. Because of the size of his rotor assembly, Blackout is also much shorter than most Voyager-class figures despite his bulk, barely taller than a Deluxe figure.

: It is ''very'' easy for the gears in the cockpit/chest to become misaligned during transformation, enough so that the chest/head section refuses to align with the cockpit halves. Getting the gears back into alignment is a veritable nightmare, as so many other parts shift and move as you attempt to manipulate the respective pieces. Swinging the legs down locks the back assembly into place for robot mode, but simply swinging the legs back does ''not'' ''un''lock it, with the user being required to actively separate the parts by hand. Failing to do so is sure to misalign your Blackout to bejeezus.

: An interesting side note is that the two hard points located on Blackout's shoulders, intended to support his abominably large weapon, are actually the same size as the [[Mini-Con]] [[Powerlinx]] plugs on most [[Unicron Trilogy]] figures.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] and [[Redeco|redecoed]] into [[Evac (Movie)|Evac]] for the ''AllSpark Power'' refresh of the movie toyline, and was then redecoed into [[Whirl (ROTF)|Whirl]] for ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. This retool gave them a new head and replaced the tiny Scorponok figure with a lifeboat/gun, as well as giving them the new hands to allow them to hold it. The original Blackout mold was redecoed into [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] for the same line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/Blackout/blackout.htm More information on Voyager Blackout at TFU.info]''

[[Image:Movie DecepticonDesertAttack 2pack.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ignoring the vast difference in scale between Scorponok's two figures while linked to Blackout takes some imagination.]]
*'''Decepticon Desert Attack''' (Toys'R'Us exclusive two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Scorponok mini-figure

: This package, based on their first appearance in the film, features an unchanged Voyager Blackout packaged with an unchanged Deluxe Scorponok, which was exclusively available at Toys "R" Us stores. Since Voyager Blackout was gang-molded with the miniature Scorponok figure the single release came with, this means that the set contains two Scorponok toys in different sizes.
{{-}}

[[Image:MovieVoyager_Blackout4500X.JPG|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Blackout Ver. 4500X''' (Lawson exclusive Voyager Class, Japan 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Scorponok mini-figure, Autobot and Decepticon pins

: This Voyager class Blackout repaint is exclusive to the Lawson Japan convenience store chain, with the purchase of the movie DVD. He is redecoed in a somewhat more realistic color scheme for vehicle mode, 4500X markings and a drastically changed plastic color scheme in robot mode (many parts once black are now silver or the same colour as his helicopter hull). Additionally, the mini-Scorponok figurine has been repainted in metallic colours and detailed to resemble the deluxe-class toy (and the movie CG design, of course).

:Also included a set of two brass Autobot and Decepticon insignia pins.
{{-}}

{{anchor|PremiumSeries}}
[[Image:Movie Blackout PremiumVoyager toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|NOW the size is perfect.]]
*'''Blackout''' ("Premium Series" Voyager Class, USA 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Scorponok mini-figure

: This redeco of the Voyager Class Blackout toy is based on the same plastic color layout and paint mask as the Japanese Lawson exclusive "Version 4500X" redeco of Voyager Blackout, down to the improved paint on the Scorponok mini-figure. As a matter of fact, both toys were almost ''identical'', the main difference being that the paint used on Version 4500X's is more matte than the paint used on the Premium Series release.

: Unlike some of the early "Premium Series" toys, Blackout was available as a mass market release.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/Blackout/blackout.htm More information on Premium Series Blackout at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:Movie FAB Blackout.jpg|right|300px|thumb|... Brownout?]]
*'''Gyro Blade Blackout''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Missile

:A simplified version of Blackout, designed for smaller children. His rotor blade can be detached and inserted into his left hand to represent the hand-held rotor blade seen in the film, just like the Voyager class version. He also features a chest cannon which can be flipped up from his back. Oddly, you can only see one-fourth of Blackout's head from a 90-degree angle. Even less of it is visible when his chest cannon is flipped up. He features a firing missile.

:This toy was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]].
{{-}}

===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
[[Image:Blackout DOTM Cyberverse.jpg|thumb|300px|At long last, not grossly undersized compared to his teammates.]]
*'''Blackout''' (Cyberverse Commander, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''005'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV15'''
**''Accessories:'' Scorponok

:Blackout is a [[Cyberverse]] Commander-class figure, featuring a surprisingly complex transformation into yet another Sikorsky Pave Low. Curiously, despite the development of this toy after two live-action movies, his robot mode appears to have the same preproduction feet as the larger and earlier toys. Since his left arm ends up having the Pave Low's tail rotor, Blackout is able to use it as a weapon if one chooses and hold either Scorponok or any [[C joint]] accesory.

:He is mistransformed in the package to better fit inside it, thus he appears that way in official photos.

:Blackout includes his symbiotic partner Scorponok, who has some minor tail articulation and transforms into a handheld blaster weapon for Blackout (or any other Cyberverse figure with the appropriate hands). Scorponok can also be carried along on the underside of Blackout's vehicle-mode tail. Though unmentioned in the instructions, Scorponok can also peg into the (otherwise pointless) peg on the back of Blackout's robot mode, just under his rotor blades, mimicking the way he was stored and ejected off of Blackout in the movie. This is prooooobably intentional.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Lunchables====
{{picsneeded}}
* '''Blackout''' ("Pocket Transformers" toy prize, 2007)

: What could only be called a "pseudo-figure" (and that's still being pretty generous), Blackout "transforms" from a flat, blueish-gray structure emblazoned with the Decepticon symbol and the word "Transformers" to a robot by folding out. Blackout is represented by stickers decorated with artwork of the character on the top, bottom, and two fold out "arms". His name is also spelled out, across his feet in this mode.

: This mold was also used to creatre the lunchables figure for [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. A similar mold was used to creature the Lunchables figure for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], though with the Autobot symbol sculpted in instead of the Decepticon one. Each itiration of this mold was made with a different color of plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/LunchBlackout/blackout.htm More information on Lunchables Blackout at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

====3D Battle-Card Game====
[[Image:3DBattleCard_Blackout.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
* '''Blackout''' (3D Battle Card, 2007)

: A 29-point "uncommon" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]], Blackout "transforms" into a black helicopter. He uses the same parts layout as [[Evac (Movie)|Evac]], [[Vortex (Energon Wars)|Vortex]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]].
{{-}}

====Titanium Series====
[[Image:Movie TitaniumRM Blackout.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Scorponok! I can't move! Quick, drag me away!]]
*'''Blackout''' (3" Robot Masters, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Decepticon display stand

: This three-inch figurine, as with all Titaniums, is partially made of die-cast metal and plastic, sculpted holding his rotor-blades as a hand weapon. Interestingly, Blackout has a more unique sculpt to him; the weapon is sculpted as it was briefly seen in the movie, but on the wrong hand. Blackout ''himself'' has an altered leg & foot design as well as having the main rotor-blades on his back excluded, matching it up more with the fact that instead of using his tail rotor, he uses his ''main'' rotor as a multi-purpose melee weapon, echoing the game render. His articulation is limited to his shoulders, head and waist, and he comes packaged with a movie-style Decepticon symbol display base.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TitBlackout/blackout.htm More information on Titanium Series Blackout at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|Unleashed}}
====Unleashed====
[[Image:Movie UnleashedTurnarounds BlackoutBarricade.jpg|right|150px|thumb|After camping out in the Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma, the two vowed to never go spelunking again.....]]
*'''Blackout and Barricade''' (2008)

: The Blackout and Barricade turnaround is a 3D sculpture of the two characters in both robot mode emerging from rubble and explosions, with a movie-accurate sculpt (compared to the various transforming toys.) The 'turnaround' aspect of these sculptures simply means one can turn the piece around to display a raised-relief of the movie-style Decepticon sigil instead.

: This product's release was cancelled for the US market, but was released in Australia and in Asia.
{{-}}
====Radio Shack====
[[Image:Movie_Radioshack_RC_Blackout.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Blackout''' (2007)

: A remote control helicopter sold at Radio Shack, this little heli operates on 2-channels, features blades with a diameter of just under 5.5 inches and an LED light mounted on the front fuselage. The design of the helicopter is rather inaccurate to an MH-53 Pave Low, and is coloured black for some reason.

{{-}}

====Transformers Movie Screen Cleaners====
[[Image:Movie Blackout screencleaner.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
*'''Blackout''' (2008)

:Released by [[Tomy Yujin]] on January 2008,<ref name="TomyYujin">[http://www.gachausa.com/products/transformers.asp Tomy Yujin ''Transformers'' page]</ref> this Dangler is a faction logo-shaped screen cleaner for your cell phone, with a stock image of Blackout printed on the other side.
{{-}}

====Robot Heroes====
[[Image:RH Prime vs Blackout.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Blackout's hobbies include worshipping Megatron, and jumping out of bushes and yelling "BOOGA-BOOGA!" at small children.]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Blackout''' (2007)

: Packaged with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], Blackout is a cute style rendition of the character. Most notably, his face has been given a more traditional Transformer style mouth and nose, making him appear more like a grumpy old man. His articulation is the standard three points, however, the kibble in his design limits the movement. This mold was later redecoed into "Battle Damage" Blackout.

::'''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/RHBlackout/blackout.htm More information on Robot Heroes Blackout at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Robotheroesfinalbattle.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Keeps 'em where I can sees 'em!]]
*'''The Final Battle''' (2008)

: Packaged with Autobot Jazz, Autobot Ratchet, Megatron, and Optimus Prime. "Battle Damage" Blackout is a slightly redecoed version of the two pack version. No molding has changed, and the articulation is still limited. His exclusive deco is a black paint wash over various parts of his body to evoke battle damage. Oddly, the undersides of his arms get this deco but not the top, meaning the toy is meant to only be posed with arms raised. The Final Battle 5-pack was sold exclusively in [[Walmart]] stores.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/RHWMBlackout/blackout.htm More information on Final Battle Blackout at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Burger King====
[[Image:MovieMerchandise-BurgerKingBlackout.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Blackout''' (2007)

:This [[Burger King]] toy is a small plastic replica of Blackout's Pave Low vehicle form, with two special features:
:*Holding his cockpit window up to a light source and peering through a small lens behind his front landing wheel will reveal an image of his CGI-rendered robot mode.
:*His wheels are linked to his rotor drive shaft — spinning them will cause his rotors to spin rapidly, possibly flying off and disappearing under the nearest piece of furniture, where the cat will eventually find them and chew them to pieces.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/BKBlackout/blackout.htm More information on Burger King Blackout at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Robot Heroes====
[[Image:Robotheroesoptimusblackout.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"Sure you aren't [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] or somethin'?" "Nope."]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Blackout''' (2009)

:Just like his first ''Robot Heroes'' set, Blackout comes with Optimus Prime. While Blackout is a [[Redeco|redeco]] of the previous mold, Optimus Prime is an all-new sculpt with two swords. With his blue and tan, Blackout kinda looks like [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/RHBlackout/blackout.htm More information on Robot Heroes Blackout at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Titanium Series====
{{picsneeded}}
*'''Rescue Ratchet vs. Blackout''' (3-inch Robot Masters multi-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Movie Decepticon sigil display stand

:This [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive set features an unchanged version of 2007's ''Titanium Series'' Blackout and a [[redeco]]ed [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]].
{{-}}

====Figure Collection====
[[Image:ROTF-Merchandise Figure Collection Blackout.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Just pretend I'm Grindor if it makes you happy.]]
*'''Blackout''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' Stand

:The [[Figure Collection]] edition of Blackout is based on his [[#Fast_Action_Battlers|Fast Action Battlers toy]], making him extremely off-model from his movie look. He is cast leaning back and has a chunk of kibble protruding from his back to stop him toppling forwards, however he's still very top heavy.

{{-}}

====Missile Mania Board Game====
*'''Blackout'''
: Blackout is one of eight characters featured in the [[Missile Mania]] board game, represented by a small standee adorned with artwork of the character.
{{-}}

====McDonald's====
{{picsneeded}}
*'''Blackout''' (Happy Meal, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' rotor

:Part of the 2010 [[McDonald's]] Revenge of the Fallen promotion, Blackout does not transform but features a spinning/firing rotor mechanism instead. The rotor can be placed on his back, or mounted on his arm to be fired. Blackout does not feature any [[light-piping]], but does have three points articulation. He was only available during week 6 of the promotion, and came with an instruction sheet that doubles as an ad for [[McWorld]], featuring an exclusive code for the website.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:EarlyMovieBlackout.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Blackoutwave lives in constant fear of [http://www.arcade-history.com/?n=dactyl-nightmare&page=detail&id=12493 pterodactyls].]]
* Blackout was originally conceived as [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], hence his symbiotic relationship with Scorponok, who was originally conceived as [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]]. Though this obviously changed, his portrayal in the ''Ghosts of Yesterday'' novel is rather Soundwave-esque. Likewise, in the IDW prequel comic, Blackout is the only Decepticon to land on Earth and acquire his alternate mode without ''any'' witnesses, whereas Starscream and Barricade had to kill existing witnesses. In the film ''itself'', Blackout's only speaking role has him quickly reporting to Starscream's call... in Cybertronian, with he alone both hailing Megatron upon the AllSpark's discovery and attempting to aid him in battle against Prime. What's more, all this "Soundwave-ness" is further enhanced by Hasbro's official bio, calling Blackout "his leader's hound".

* Blackout wins the award for being the Transformers character from the 2007 movie that has gone through the most number of working names: Aside from "Soundwave", he was also supposed to be named "Grimlock",<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref> "Vortex",<ref>[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showthread.php?p=1120447#post1120447 Unformatted script sample from first draft naming the Decepticon helicopter "Vortex" posted by Roberto Orci on Don Murphy's message board]</ref> "Devastator",<ref>[http://www.benprocter.com/SITEv2/HTML/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_32.html "Devastator" concept art at Ben Procter Online Portfolio]</ref> and "Incinerator"<ref>[http://www.benprocter.com/SITEv2/HTML/ZOOM_Trans/ZOOM_34.html "Incinerator" pre-production render at Ben Procter Online Portfolio]</ref> at different stages of the pre-production process. The name "Incinerator" was later used for a [[Incinerator (Movie)|different toy]] from the Movie toyline.

* Blackout's working name "Incinerator" is also accounted for in the aforementioned Hasbro bio, noting how Blackout will "fill the air with fire and burn the land clear to take his revenge".

* The period of time that Blackout acquired his vehicle mode in the film, three months prior to the unfolding events, appears to contradict the origin of his vehicle mode in IDW's ''[[Movie Prequel]]'' comics, with him apparently having scanned and destroyed the MH-53 Pave Low all the way back in 2003. It's maaaaybe possible that he just kept on destroying ''different'' Pave Lows over time to maintain his covert status (with the U.S. government covering it up) until he finally realized how close he was to a military network access point.

* [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok's]] alternate mode is actually a part of Blackout's helicopter mode; he's made up of a [[wikipedia:General_Electric_T64|General Electric T64]] turboshaft engine and various other helicopter bits. Considering Blackout didn't appear to be missing any integral parts of his alternate mode when answering [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy's]] call or during the final battle in [[Mission City]], either Scorponok reattached himself to Blackout after he escaped the US Air Force's counter-attack in Qatar, or Blackout somehow magically regrew the parts that were previously made up by Scorponok.

* Blackout is never actually seen using his chest cannon in the film, even though he unfurls it quite emphatically on two separate occasions.

* During a transmission from Burger King's website, Optimus Prime has decreed that we are not to ride ''this'' helicopter. The current ridability of ''other'' helicopters the world over is unknown. Stand by for further updates as they become available.

*Blackout uses a [[mouthplate]] in the movie, seen in a brief shot of the side of his face before Epps takes his photo at the beginning of the film, and again when Epps was targeting him during the climactic battle.

* Whilst Blackout is seen using his smaller rear Helicopter rotor as a weapon in the film, the console game shows that he is able to detach the main rotor from his back and swing it around in a somewhat similar manner.

* ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' never explicitly establishes [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] as a separate character from Blackout. Screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], when asked, was not sure whether they were supposed to be the same character or not.<ref name="orci">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-283.html#post3785383 Q&A with Roberto Orci at TFW2005]</ref> In the [[Hasbro Q&A/July 2009: Answers|{{SITENAME_SHORT}} Hasbro Q&A for July 2009]], it was confirmed that Grindor, not Blackout, appears in the movie.

*Internal files for the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' video game identify Grindor as Blackout, indicating that the game had been developed with the understanding that they were the same character... but had dialog re-recorded to refer to him as Grindor.

*In addition to Orci, several other official sources were also confused if Blackout or Grindor appeared in ''Revenge of the Fallen''. The 2-disc special edition of the film features an inside look at some still poses of the Autobots and Decepticons, and names the helicopter as Blackout (he's 33 feet tall, by the way). The ''[[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe]]'' also features Blackout instead of Grindor.

*In Hasbro's online "Vector Sigma: The Cybertronian Database" feature, Blackout's alternate mode is erroneously portrayed as [[Skyhammer (DOTM)|Skyhammer]]'s alternate mode. Likewise, his "Energon Wave" weapon is portrayed as Skyhammer's [[MechTech]] weapon.

*In ''[[Dark of the Moon (film) Dark of the Moon]]'', a plane belonging to [[Charlotte Mearing]] has the reporting number "N45000X". Whether this is a shout-out to Blackout, a simple coincidence or Blackout hiding in plain sight as a government airplane remains unconfirmed.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Blackout''' (ブラックアウト ''Burakkuauto'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Kisülés''' ("Discharge")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Hēi Mó''' (Taiwan, 黑魔, "Black Demon"), '''Xuan Yun''' (China, 眩晕, "Dizziness")
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Vymyckach''' ("Switch Off")

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]