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Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)

2024-07-24T13:17:36Z

RedNYellow: /* Post-Universe releases */

{{Nav-universe2003}}
[[File:Universe2003toy-Primal.jpg|upright=2.33|thumb|''Universe'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Primal]]. Yes, you are seeing that correctly.]]

The original '''''Transformers: Universe''''' toyline, launched in 2003, was a line (almost) entirely made up of [[redeco]]s (and occasionally [[retool]]s) of toys from older lines, in order to quickly (as quickly as a massive multinational corporation can, at any rate) capitalize on the success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)| Armada]]'' and the demand for more ''Transformers'' product that line created.

And in many ways, it did its job a bit ''too'' well. After a considerable flood of products and a huge number of store [[exclusive]]s, the line was effectively dead after a little over one year. However, it continued in other forms, such as an outlet for [[rebranding|rebranded]] toys to smaller retailers, for nearly three more years, coupled with the occasional delayed release from its original run.

Importantly, ''Universe'' really cemented the re-use of years-old molds at retail for Hasbro, and while they would never ''quite'' do it as extensively as they had this time, the practice would live on... especially in the second [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' line]], launched in 2008, which was mainly all-new toys, but made pretty extensive use of older molds at its larger price points and for its many store exclusives.

{{TOC}}

==History and overview==
===Initial conception and original run===
[[File:TFU03-toy Reptilion.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Reptilion#Toys|Reptilion]], in all his... glory.]]
The ''Universe'' line was intended to run concurrently with and supplement the main kid-aimed ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line, with $10 "Deluxe" and $20 "Ultra" [[Size class|price points]]. Due to this more limited range of price points, toys that didn't really stack up to one of these were supplemented with other toys, such as a "Basic" toy and added [[Mini-Con]] sold as a Deluxe, or a "Mega" toy with a "Basic" sold as an Ultra class set. In addition, an unusually huge-for-the-time number of store [[exclusive]] toys and multi-packs was released as well. Some of those multi-packs were even available at lower prices than the original releases of those molds combined. The [[OTFCC 2003]] and [[OTFCC 2004|2004]] exclusives were also branded "Universe".

The molds used for the ''Universe'' line spanned from as far back as late-era [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] to the most recent lines, with molds from ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' being particularly common. Some molds that had previously only been available in Japan (such as [[Big Convoy#Toys|Big Convoy]] or the [[Micromaster]] [[Combiner|Sixcombiner]] teams) were also made available to Hasbro's target audience for the first time that way. Notably, many of these toys now had... ''unconventional'' decos. Reportedly, most of these decos were done by Hasbro employees from outside the ''Transformers'' team, and were basically allowed to go nuts. Early ''Universe'' toys had silver "energon surge" paint simulating power flashes, but this was dropped fairly shortly, even if the fantastically gaudy base color choices carried on.

The first wave of toys came with a [[Pack-in material|pack-in]] [[Transformers: Universe CD-ROM|CD-ROM]] featuring related stories and games.

The line was officially only available on the American market, although some toys (the aforementioned Micromasters, in particular) were released in some European countries in ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' packaging, coupled with a few American imports (such as the "[[Battle in a Box]]" sets) that were sold by online retailers and specialty stores.

{{-}}
===Discontinuation and continuation===
[[File:TFU03-toy CybBackstop.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Repackaged and unchanged ''Cybertron'' Backstop]]
''Universe'' effectively died as a mass retail line when [[Walmart]] decided to discontinue the Ultra Class assortment in late 2004 due to low sales. Earlier that year, Walmart had already stocked half a dozen exclusive ''Universe'' toys, which had also ended up as [[shelfwarmer]]s. The Deluxe assortment was cancelled by Hasbro shortly afterwards.

Two more [[KB Toys]] exclusive Deluxe toys (in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''-esque packaging) followed in 2005, as well as two more KB Toys exclusive [[Micromaster]] waves in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Furthermore, three Ultra two-packs that had already been produced before the Ultra assortment was cancelled eventually ended up as [[Target]] exclusives, also in 2006.

Aside from those delayed releases of already planned toys (except for the KB Deluxes), the ''Universe'' line continued for nearly ''four'' more years (!) following the cancellation of the mass retail assortments, but now only in the form of [[rebranding|rebranded]] toys from more recent lines such as ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'', ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'', with no [[redeco]]es whatsoever. Those toys were mostly available from liquidator stores such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, or Tuesday Morning. Even a new mold, which was available as a Chevrolet online store exclusive in 2008, used the old ''Universe'' logo in its instruction sheet.

{{-}}
==Toys==
===The redeco line (2003 - 2006)===
====Retail releases====
;Tiny Tins
An odd exception to the "redeco" rule of the early ''Universe'' line, these three Mini-Cons, released individually with additional [[Tiny Tins]], were unchanged from their original releases as part of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Race Mini-Con Team
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1''' (03-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|[[Dirt Boss (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Dirt Boss]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Downshift (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Downshift]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Mirage (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Mirage]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}{{-}}

;Deluxes
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1''' (06-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Reptilion#Toys|Reptilion]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Universe (2003)|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (BM)#Universe (2003)|Snarl]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2''' (08-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Blackarachnia]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Striker#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Striker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3''' (10-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (BW)#Universe (2003)|Inferno]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 4''' (01-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Triceradon (BM)#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Triceradon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Skywarp]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:TFU03-toy Ratchet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Deluxe [[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 5''' (03-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (BM)#Universe (2003)|Skydive]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 6''' (08-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (Universe Deluxe)#Universe (2003)|Fireflight]] with [[Firebot (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Firebot]] & [[Thunderwing (Armada)#UniverseFireflight|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Strika (BM)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Strika]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 7''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Air Raid (G1)#Universe (2003)|Air Raid]] & [[Wind Sheer (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Wind Sheer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Swerve]] with [[Roadhandler (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Roadhandler]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 8''' (02-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Night Slash Cheetor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Frostbite (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Frostbite]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ramulus#Universe (2003)|Longhorn]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 9''' (04-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blastcharge (BM)#Universe (2003)|Blastcharge]]}}
|}{{-}}

;Ultras 
An oddity of the Ultra assortment (one that would also manifest in the eventually-concurrently-running [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'' toyline]]) is the ".5" assortments. Basically, the contents of a wave would be revised mid-run, with new product added to the mix, but none of the "tracking" information changed. As far as the stores were concerned, it was all the same stuff.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1''' (07-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Primal]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Razorclaw]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1.5''' (10-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Tankor (BM)#Universe (2003)|Tankor]] & [[Obsidian (BM)#Universe (2003)|Obsidian]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2''' (11-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Depth Charge (BW)#Universe (2003)|Depthcharge]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2.5''' (03-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[King Atlas#Toys|King Atlas]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Universe KingAtlas toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[King Atlas#Toys|King Atlas]], one of the oldest molds used in ''Universe''.]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3''' (08-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Stockade (Universe 2003)#Toys|Stockade]] & [[Magna Stampede#Toys|Magna Stampede]] with [[Prowl (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Prowl]] & [[Terradive (Armada)#UniverseStockade|Terradive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Whirl (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Whirl]] with [[Gunbarrel (Armada)#UniverseWhirl|Gunbarrel]] & [[Makeshift (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Makeshift]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3.5''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Soundwave]] & [[Space Case (G2)#Universe (2003)|Space Case]]}}
|}
{{note|A fully-fledged fourth mass retail wave was planned; but ultimately the new toys that would have been included with it ended up as [[Target]] [[exclusive]]s.}}
{{-}}

====Exclusives====
Well after the normal retail line ended, ''Universe'' continued on as a series of store [[exclusive]]s.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Kmart''' (07-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Crystal Widow#Toys|Crystal Widow]] vs. [[Oil Slick (Universe)#Toys|Oil Slick]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''"[[Market six]]"''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Smokescreen (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Smokescreen]] with [[Liftor#Universe (2003)|Liftor]] VS. [[Ransack (Universe 2003)#Toys|Ransack]] with [[Refute (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Refute]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Ultra Magnus]] with [[Over-Run (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Over-Run]] VS. [[Treadshot (Universe 2003)#Toys|Treadshot]] with [[Nightbeat (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Nightbeat]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Sam's Club'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (RID)#Universe (2003)|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ultra Magnus]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Target]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Universe (2003)|Overbite]] with [[Repugnus (G1)#Universe (2003)|Repugnus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (Universe Ultra)|Long Haul]] & [[Hightower (Universe Ultra)|Hightower]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (Universe Ultra)|Bonecrusher]] & [[Scavenger (Universe Ultra)|Scavenger]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:TFU03-toy Ramjet.jpg|thumb|250px|Toys"R"Us exclusive [[Ramjet (Universe)#Toys|Ramjet]], with [[Thunderclash (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Thunderclash]], [[Gunbarrel (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Gunbarrel]], [[Terradive (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Terradive]], and [[Thunderwing (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Thunderwing]]]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Toys"R"Us]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (Universe)#Toys|Ramjet]] with [[Thunderclash (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Thunderclash]], [[Gunbarrel (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Gunbarrel]], [[Terradive (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Terradive]], and [[Thunderwing (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Thunderwing]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Walmart]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (RID)#WMBasic|Optimus Prime]] with [[Prowl (RID)#WMSC|Prowl]] [[Spychanger]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (RID)#Universe (2003)|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Side Burn (RID)#Universe (2003)|Side Burn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (RID)#WMBasic|Ultra Magnus]] with [[Ironhide (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ironhide]] Spychanger}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruination (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ruination]] ([[Armorhide (RID)#Universe (2003)|Armorhide]], [[Mega-Octane#Universe (2003)|Mega-Octane]], [[Movor#Universe (2003)|Movor]], [[Ro-Tor (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ro-Tor]], [[Rollbar (RID)#Universe (2003)|Rollbar]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sunstorm (Universe)#Toys|Sunstorm]] with [[Inferno (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Inferno]] and [[Street Action Mini-Con Team#Universe (2003)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]] ([[Perceptor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Perceptor]] – [[Sureshock (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Sureshock]], [[High Wire (Armada)#Universe (2003)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Grindor]])}}
|}

{{-}}
;[[KB Toys]]
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series I''' (05-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[First Aid (Universe)|First Aid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groove (Universe)|Autobot Groove]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (Universe)|Hot Spot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (Universe)|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Red Alert (Universe)|Red Alert]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Streetwise (Universe)|Streetwise]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series II''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Buckethead#Universe (2003)|Buckethead]] (1 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quickmix (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Quickmix]] (2 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Scavenger]] (3 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Bonecrusher]] (4 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Long Haul]] (5 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hightower (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Hightower]] (6 of 6)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series III''' (09-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Railspike (Universe)|Railspike]] (1 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (Universe)|Overload]] (2 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tankor (Universe)|Tankor]] (3 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Midnight Express (Universe)|Midnight Express]] (4 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swindle (Universe)|Swindle]] (5 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rapid Run (Universe)|Rapid Run]] (6 of 6)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series IV''' (09-2006)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (Universe Micromaster)|Fireflight]] (1 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (Universe)|Silverbolt]] (2 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (Universe)|Skydive]] (3 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Storm Jet (Universe)|Storm Jet]] (4 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (Universe 2003)|Air Raid]] (5 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ro-Tor (Universe)|Ro-Tor]] (6 of 6)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:TFU03-toy RedAlertMicro.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Micromaster Protectobot [[Red Alert (Universe)|Red Alert]]]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxes''' (09-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Snow Cat]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Downshift]]}}
|}
{{note|The MicroMaster Protectobots were not individually numbered. The Protectobots and Constructicons were also available as non-exclusive releases on ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' cards in Europe, and the Railbots and Aerialbots on ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' cards, the ''Cybertron'' releases even ''before'' the U.S. versions, with the first sighting of the Railbots hailing from the Netherlands in August 2005. The ''Universe'' versions were also available from Australian online retailer Casefresh since July 2005, and at Australian KMart stores since August 2005.}}

;[[Transformers Collectors' Club]]
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[OTFCC 2003]]''' (07-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Shadow Striker (Universe)#Toys|Shadow Striker]] / [[Roulette (Universe)#Toys|Roulette]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Sunstreaker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[OTFCC 2004]]''' (07-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megazarak (Universe)#Toys|Megazarak]] with [[Caliburn (Universe)#Toys|Caliburn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sentinel Maximus#Toys|Sentinel Maximus]] with [[Apelinq (BM)#Universe (2003)|Ape-Linq]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:TFU03-toy SideswipeOTFCC.jpg|right|thumb|200px|OTFCC 2003 Sideswipe]]
|}

{{-}}

===Rebranding and other odds and ends (2005 - 2008)===
At this point, ''Universe''-branded product was almost entirely repackagings of toys released in other lines without changes (aside from the packaging, obviously), put out through "discount" chains in ''extremely'' staggered release. And the one truly new toy in the series was one you were ''highly'' unlikely to see through normal shopping...

Interestingly, the new packaging omitted any references to combiner toys' combining abilities.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Spy Changers Wave 1''' (02-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Autobot Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Silverstreak]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Wheeljack]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Spy Changers Wave 2''' (08-2006)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#Universe (2003)|Autobot Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Uni2|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Mirage]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Basics Wave 1''' (08-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Arcee (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Arcee]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doom-Lock (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Doom-Lock]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Insecticon (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Insecticon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Perceptor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Perceptor]] ([[Grindor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Grindor]], [[High Wire (Armada)#Universe (2003)|High Wire]], [[Sureshock (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Sureshock]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strongarm (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Strong Arm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windrazor (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Windrazor]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Basics Wave 2''' (10-2006)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cruellock#Universe (2003)|Cruellock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Energon Saber#Universe (2003)|Energon Saber]] ([[Scattor (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Scattor]], [[Skyboom (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Skyboom]], [[Wreckage (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Wreckage]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Signal Flare (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Signal Flare]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Terradive (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Terradive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Treadshot (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Treadshot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wideload (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Wideload]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:Hoist-Uni03SC1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Spy Changer Hoist]][[File:TFU03-toy Sharkticon.jpg|250px|thumb|Repackaged ''Energon'' Sharkticon]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Basics Wave 3''' (10-2007)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Backstop (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Backstop]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Brakedown (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Brakedown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brushguard#Universe (2003)|Brushguard]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Lugnutz#Universe (2003)|Lugnutz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Scattorshot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Undermine (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Undermine]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxes Wave 1''' (10-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Barricade]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sharkticon (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Sharkticon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Steamhammer (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Steamhammer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Storm Jet (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Storm Jet]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Multi-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|The Ultimate Battle ([[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#UltimateBattle|Optimus Prime]] vs. [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Megatron]])}}
|}

====Exclusives====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Walmart]]''' (11-2007)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|Opposites Attack ([[Excellion (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Excellion]] vs. [[Thundercracker (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Thundercracker]])}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Search for the [[Barbarossa|Pirate Moon]] ([[Downshift (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Downshift]] vs. [[Cannonball (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Cannonball]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Chevrolet Store''' (10-2008)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (Chevy)#Universe (2003)|Swerve]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:TFU03-toy SwerveChevy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Chevrolet Swerve, the final toy in the line and a real bear to obtain.]]
|}

===Unreleased toys===
A great many more toys were planned for ''Universe'' that ultimately never made it out the door. In early 2004, a large number of stolen samples of toys intended for the line appeared on [[eBay]]; all of them were later officially revealed by Hasbro one way or another. Many of these toys' decos would be the inspiration for other characters altogether, often through [[Fun Publications]] as club and convention exclusives.

[[File:Spacewarp-r.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Ultra-sized [[Spacewarp#Toys|Spacewarp]], [[Comettor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Comettor]], and the [[Space Mini-Con Team#Universe (2003)|Space Team]], intended for Toys"R"Us]]
[[File:Leatherhide.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Deluxe-sized [[Leatherhide (Universe)#Toys|Leatherhide]], intended for Walmart]]
[[File:Defensorotfcc.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Super-sized [[Defensor (OTFCC)|Hot Spot / Defensor]], intended for OTFCC 2005]]

* '''[[Toxitron (Universe)#Toys|Toxitron]]''' — Seemingly set for regular retail release, this was a "toxic"-themed redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' Super-sized [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#|Laser Optimus Prime]]. It was ''incredibly'' popular immediately. Fun Publications investigated the possibility of releasing this toy as a Club exclusive, but was told the tooling was too expensive.

* '''[[Jetstorm (BM)#Universe (2003)|Jetstorm]]''' — An unreleased deco revealed in Hasbro's [[BotCon 2007]] display. No name was assigned for this Ultra Class toy, so we're listing it as Jetstorm.

* A Chinese distributor list leaked to the internet in 2004 contained the names of four more toys listed under the mass-retail Deluxe assortment, namely "Sonar", "Optimus Primal", "Optimus Minor", and "Thrustor". It's unclear whether there were ever any concrete plans behind those names, or whether they were merely placeholders.

* '''[[Smokescreen (Cybertron)#Toys|Smokescreen]] with [[Jolt (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Jolt]] VS. [[Drench (Universe)|Drench]] with [[Wind Sheer (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Wind Sheer]]''' — Confirmed by Hasbro as an intended third "[[Battle in a Box]]" two-pack that would have been available from [[Target]], this set was to include the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Cons [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Hot Shot]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)#Toys|Wheeljack]] molds (and their Mini-Cons, of course) redecoed like [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Drench (G2)|Drench]] (but as a Decepticon like "Euro" [[Drench (G1)|Drench]]), respectively.
: While Smokescreen still hasn't seen a release, a "Drench"-based redeco of the Wheeljack mold was later released—with slight modifications—by the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] as the [[BotCon 2008]] exclusive ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Sideswipe (SG)#Toys|Sideswipe]] toy.

* '''[[Spacewarp#Toys|Spacewarp]]''' with '''[[Comettor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Comettor]]''' and '''[[Space Mini-Con Team#Universe (2003)|Space Mini-Con Team]]''' — Originally intended for [[Toys"R"Us]], this was a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Giga-Con [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]], including redecos of his Mini-Con companion [[Comettor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Comettor]] and a new-deco version of the [[Space Mini-Con Team#Toys|Space Mini-Con Team]] ([[Astroscope#Universe (2003)|Astroscope]], [[Sky Blast (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Sky Blast]], and [[Payload (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Payload]]). As with other Mini-Cons in the ''Universe'' line, Comettor and the Space Team would presumably have retained their original toy names and not have been new characters.
: The Transformers Collectors' Club later released the toy in a slightly modified version of this deco, sporting a new head sculpt, as [[Astrotrain (Cybertron)#Toys|Astrotrain]]. While the Comettor redeco (now named [[Starcatcher (Cybertron)#Toys|Starcatcher]]) was included, the Space Team redecos were replaced by redecos of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team#Toys|Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]] as the [[Sabotage Team]], as the Space Team molds had degraded beyond use by that time.

* '''[[Leatherhide (Universe)#Toys|Leatherhide]] VS. [[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#UnUni|Blackarachnia]]''' / '''[[Nightprowler]] VS. [[Waspinator (BW)/toys#Uinverse (2003)|Waspinator]]''' — Intended to be [[Walmart]]-exclusive "Halloween [[Horrorcon (Universe)|Horrorcon]]" two-packs, these toys were mysteries until two years after their appearance on ebay, when an odd checklist update on Hasbro's public ''Transformers'' website (which was "fixed" days later) revealed their names and planned outlet. Leatherhide is a redeco of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutant]] [[Soundwave (BW)#Toys|Soundwave]], pitted against a redeco of the [[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|original Blackarachnia toy]]. Nightprowler is a redeco of the original ''Beast Wars'' [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor]], packed with a redeco of [[Transmetal]] [[Waspinator_(BW)/toys#TM1|Waspinator]].
: For [[BotCon 2015]], the Waspinator deco was used on the ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' [[Waspinator (BW)/toys#Generations|Waspinator]] mold as the [[Waruder]] "[[Parasite#Toys|Parasite]]" drone, which was later [[repurposing|repurposed]] as the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Skywasp]]. In [[2022]], [[Skywasp#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Skywasp got a new toy]], a Target-exclusive redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' [[Waspinator (BW)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Waspinator]] in a ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' "Beasts Collide" four-pack.

* '''[[Piranacon (G1)#Timelines|Piranhaking]]''' — Redecos of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Seacon (G1)#Toys|Seacons]], now named the "Piranhacons", in a Walmart-exclusive Ultra-sized giftset. Even though the aforementioned checklist on Hasbro's public website confirmed them as having been intended for the ''Universe'' line, Hasbro themselves stated at [[OTFCC 2004]] that Walmart had asked them to release them under the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' banner instead. Either way, Walmart later decided to back out of the deal. Instead, the Seacons (now under their original Generation 1 names again) were released via the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] in 2008.

* '''[[Menasor (G1)#Universe (2003)|Menasor]]''' — The ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' Ultra-sized [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Machine Wars|Optimus Prime]] tooling of Generation 1 [[Thunder Clash#Toys|Thunder Clash]] was planned for a store exclusive redeco as "Menasor", as "[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]" was unavailable as a [[trademark]] at the time. This redeco got as far as a prototype and received packaging art before being canceled.<ref>[http://www.iaconone.com/datatrax/datatrax_002.php ]</ref>

* The [http://www.allspark.com/ Allspark] fansite also received details about planned <strike>[[BotCon]]</strike> OTFCC 2005 exclusives following the bankruptcy of [[3H Productions]]. As with [[OTFCC 2003]] and [[OTFCC 2004|2004]], these figures would presumably have been labeled as part of the ''Universe'' line. With the exception of [[Defensor (OTFCC)|Hot Spot/Defensor]], who was shown as a prototype, none of the other ideas made it beyond the design stage.

:* '''[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Brawn]]''' and '''[[Roadbuster (G1)#Universe (2003)|Roadbuster]]''' — ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Basic-sized [[Strongarm (Energon)#Toys|Strongarm]] was planned as a redeco and new-head retool pair

:* '''[[Devcon (G1)#Universe (2003)|Devcon]]''' — ''Energon'' Deluxe-sized [[Slugslinger (Energon)#Toys|Slugslinger]] was intended for a new-head retool as the first toy of the Generation 1 cartoon character, who had previously [[Devcon (G1)#Expanded Universe|lost a vote]] to become a [[BotCon 2002]] toy.

:* '''[[Megatron (BW)/toys#Combiner Wars|Megatron]]''' — ''Robots in Disguise'' Ultra Class [[Megatron (RID)#Toys|Megatron]] was planned for a new toy of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron's [[Transmetal 2]] dragon form, possibly characterized as a "Transmetal 3" upgrade in a post-''Beast Machines'' setting. This Megatron concept was actually revived a decade later and released at [[BotCon 2016]].

:* '''Hot Spot''' / '''[[Defensor (OTFCC)#Toys|Defensor]]''' — ''Robots in Disguise'' Super Class [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Toys|Optimus Prime]] was intended to be used for a new form of Generation 1 [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], but as one figure with a super mode instead of five figures together as the Combiner. This figure would have retained the small mode Optimus head for Hot Spot mode but received a newly-tooled head as super mode Defensor. To offset the costs of producing such a large toy, there was also a "Midnight Shield Defensor" black redeco planned.

{{-}}

==Post-''Universe'' releases==
As, ultimately, a short-lived footnote in the overall ''Transformers'' franchise, ''Universe'' has not had a huge impact on later nostalgia-driven series. Most of the callbacks to it are more in the form of [[homage]], and mostly to unreleased toys, as noted many times above. But a handful of characters have actually made their way into other lines with new, updated toys.

{|style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (Universe)#Timelines|Ramjet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spacewarp#Combiner Wars|Spacewarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Toxitron (Universe)#Combiner Wars|Wrecker Toxitron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Alternity 2|Convoy [Super Black]]] (aka Nemesis Prime)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightprowler#Legacy|Autobot Nightprowler]]}}
{{Bp-d2|[[Toxitron (Universe)#Legacy|G2 Universe Toxitron]]}}
{{Bp-multi|Creatures Collide ([[Skywasp#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Skywasp]])}}
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:TF-Legacy-Toxitron-Collection-Toxitron.jpg|250px|thumb|''Legacy'' [[Toxitron (Universe)#Legacy|"G2 Universe" Toxitron]]]]
|}

==Notes==
* The [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] & [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]]/[[Mega-Dinobot]] [[combiner]] was originally intended for the ''Universe'' line, which would have made it the first newly created mold(s) to be initially released as part of the line. However, Hasbro ultimately decided to release it as a two-pack in the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line instead. As a consequence, Chevrolet [[Swerve (Chevy)|Swerve]] was the first (and only) new mold to be released under the original ''Universe'' banner...in 2008, shortly before the ''second [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' line was launched.
* On their official Transformers website, Hasbro listed several combo-packs of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Mini-Con]] teams (Adventure Team/Sea Team, Road Wrecker Team/Night Attack Team, Race Team/Space Team) under "Universe". The actual toys, however, which were available from Toys"R"Us and Wal-Mart stores and were unchanged from their ''Armada'' releases other than the packaging, came on ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' rather than ''Universe'' cards.

==See also==
*''[[Transformers: Expanded Universe]]''—a short-lived [[BotCon 2002]] exclusive toyline whose characters appear in the [[Transformers: Universe (comic)|''Universe'' comic]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Universe (2003 toyline)}}
[[Category:Toylines]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)| ]]

Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)

2024-07-24T13:11:40Z

RedNYellow: /* Post-Universe releases */

{{Nav-universe2003}}
[[File:Universe2003toy-Primal.jpg|upright=2.33|thumb|''Universe'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Primal]]. Yes, you are seeing that correctly.]]

The original '''''Transformers: Universe''''' toyline, launched in 2003, was a line (almost) entirely made up of [[redeco]]s (and occasionally [[retool]]s) of toys from older lines, in order to quickly (as quickly as a massive multinational corporation can, at any rate) capitalize on the success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)| Armada]]'' and the demand for more ''Transformers'' product that line created.

And in many ways, it did its job a bit ''too'' well. After a considerable flood of products and a huge number of store [[exclusive]]s, the line was effectively dead after a little over one year. However, it continued in other forms, such as an outlet for [[rebranding|rebranded]] toys to smaller retailers, for nearly three more years, coupled with the occasional delayed release from its original run.

Importantly, ''Universe'' really cemented the re-use of years-old molds at retail for Hasbro, and while they would never ''quite'' do it as extensively as they had this time, the practice would live on... especially in the second [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' line]], launched in 2008, which was mainly all-new toys, but made pretty extensive use of older molds at its larger price points and for its many store exclusives.

{{TOC}}

==History and overview==
===Initial conception and original run===
[[File:TFU03-toy Reptilion.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Reptilion#Toys|Reptilion]], in all his... glory.]]
The ''Universe'' line was intended to run concurrently with and supplement the main kid-aimed ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line, with $10 "Deluxe" and $20 "Ultra" [[Size class|price points]]. Due to this more limited range of price points, toys that didn't really stack up to one of these were supplemented with other toys, such as a "Basic" toy and added [[Mini-Con]] sold as a Deluxe, or a "Mega" toy with a "Basic" sold as an Ultra class set. In addition, an unusually huge-for-the-time number of store [[exclusive]] toys and multi-packs was released as well. Some of those multi-packs were even available at lower prices than the original releases of those molds combined. The [[OTFCC 2003]] and [[OTFCC 2004|2004]] exclusives were also branded "Universe".

The molds used for the ''Universe'' line spanned from as far back as late-era [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] to the most recent lines, with molds from ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' being particularly common. Some molds that had previously only been available in Japan (such as [[Big Convoy#Toys|Big Convoy]] or the [[Micromaster]] [[Combiner|Sixcombiner]] teams) were also made available to Hasbro's target audience for the first time that way. Notably, many of these toys now had... ''unconventional'' decos. Reportedly, most of these decos were done by Hasbro employees from outside the ''Transformers'' team, and were basically allowed to go nuts. Early ''Universe'' toys had silver "energon surge" paint simulating power flashes, but this was dropped fairly shortly, even if the fantastically gaudy base color choices carried on.

The first wave of toys came with a [[Pack-in material|pack-in]] [[Transformers: Universe CD-ROM|CD-ROM]] featuring related stories and games.

The line was officially only available on the American market, although some toys (the aforementioned Micromasters, in particular) were released in some European countries in ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' packaging, coupled with a few American imports (such as the "[[Battle in a Box]]" sets) that were sold by online retailers and specialty stores.

{{-}}
===Discontinuation and continuation===
[[File:TFU03-toy CybBackstop.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Repackaged and unchanged ''Cybertron'' Backstop]]
''Universe'' effectively died as a mass retail line when [[Walmart]] decided to discontinue the Ultra Class assortment in late 2004 due to low sales. Earlier that year, Walmart had already stocked half a dozen exclusive ''Universe'' toys, which had also ended up as [[shelfwarmer]]s. The Deluxe assortment was cancelled by Hasbro shortly afterwards.

Two more [[KB Toys]] exclusive Deluxe toys (in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''-esque packaging) followed in 2005, as well as two more KB Toys exclusive [[Micromaster]] waves in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Furthermore, three Ultra two-packs that had already been produced before the Ultra assortment was cancelled eventually ended up as [[Target]] exclusives, also in 2006.

Aside from those delayed releases of already planned toys (except for the KB Deluxes), the ''Universe'' line continued for nearly ''four'' more years (!) following the cancellation of the mass retail assortments, but now only in the form of [[rebranding|rebranded]] toys from more recent lines such as ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'', ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'', with no [[redeco]]es whatsoever. Those toys were mostly available from liquidator stores such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, or Tuesday Morning. Even a new mold, which was available as a Chevrolet online store exclusive in 2008, used the old ''Universe'' logo in its instruction sheet.

{{-}}
==Toys==
===The redeco line (2003 - 2006)===
====Retail releases====
;Tiny Tins
An odd exception to the "redeco" rule of the early ''Universe'' line, these three Mini-Cons, released individually with additional [[Tiny Tins]], were unchanged from their original releases as part of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Race Mini-Con Team
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1''' (03-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|[[Dirt Boss (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Dirt Boss]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Downshift (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Downshift]]}}
{{Bp-mc|[[Mirage (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Mirage]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|}{{-}}

;Deluxes
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1''' (06-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Reptilion#Toys|Reptilion]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Universe (2003)|Silverbolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Snarl (BM)#Universe (2003)|Snarl]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2''' (08-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Blackarachnia]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Striker#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Striker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3''' (10-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Inferno (BW)#Universe (2003)|Inferno]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 4''' (01-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Triceradon (BM)#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Triceradon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Skywarp]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:TFU03-toy Ratchet.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Deluxe [[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 5''' (03-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (BM)#Universe (2003)|Skydive]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 6''' (08-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (Universe Deluxe)#Universe (2003)|Fireflight]] with [[Firebot (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Firebot]] & [[Thunderwing (Armada)#UniverseFireflight|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Strika (BM)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Strika]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 7''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Air Raid (G1)#Universe (2003)|Air Raid]] & [[Wind Sheer (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Wind Sheer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Swerve]] with [[Roadhandler (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Roadhandler]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 8''' (02-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Night Slash Cheetor]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Frostbite (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Frostbite]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ramulus#Universe (2003)|Longhorn]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 9''' (04-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Blastcharge (BM)#Universe (2003)|Blastcharge]]}}
|}{{-}}

;Ultras 
An oddity of the Ultra assortment (one that would also manifest in the eventually-concurrently-running [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'' toyline]]) is the ".5" assortments. Basically, the contents of a wave would be revised mid-run, with new product added to the mix, but none of the "tracking" information changed. As far as the stores were concerned, it was all the same stuff.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1''' (07-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Primal]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Razorclaw (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Razorclaw]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1.5''' (10-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Tankor (BM)#Universe (2003)|Tankor]] & [[Obsidian (BM)#Universe (2003)|Obsidian]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2''' (11-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Depth Charge (BW)#Universe (2003)|Depthcharge]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2.5''' (03-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[King Atlas#Toys|King Atlas]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:Universe KingAtlas toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|[[King Atlas#Toys|King Atlas]], one of the oldest molds used in ''Universe''.]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3''' (08-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Stockade (Universe 2003)#Toys|Stockade]] & [[Magna Stampede#Toys|Magna Stampede]] with [[Prowl (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Prowl]] & [[Terradive (Armada)#UniverseStockade|Terradive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Whirl (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Whirl]] with [[Gunbarrel (Armada)#UniverseWhirl|Gunbarrel]] & [[Makeshift (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Makeshift]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3.5''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Soundwave]] & [[Space Case (G2)#Universe (2003)|Space Case]]}}
|}
{{note|A fully-fledged fourth mass retail wave was planned; but ultimately the new toys that would have been included with it ended up as [[Target]] [[exclusive]]s.}}
{{-}}

====Exclusives====
Well after the normal retail line ended, ''Universe'' continued on as a series of store [[exclusive]]s.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Kmart''' (07-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Crystal Widow#Toys|Crystal Widow]] vs. [[Oil Slick (Universe)#Toys|Oil Slick]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''"[[Market six]]"''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Smokescreen (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Smokescreen]] with [[Liftor#Universe (2003)|Liftor]] VS. [[Ransack (Universe 2003)#Toys|Ransack]] with [[Refute (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Refute]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Ultra Magnus]] with [[Over-Run (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Over-Run]] VS. [[Treadshot (Universe 2003)#Toys|Treadshot]] with [[Nightbeat (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Nightbeat]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Sam's Club'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (RID)#Universe (2003)|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ultra Magnus]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Target]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Universe (2003)|Overbite]] with [[Repugnus (G1)#Universe (2003)|Repugnus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (Universe Ultra)|Long Haul]] & [[Hightower (Universe Ultra)|Hightower]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (Universe Ultra)|Bonecrusher]] & [[Scavenger (Universe Ultra)|Scavenger]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:TFU03-toy Ramjet.jpg|thumb|250px|Toys"R"Us exclusive [[Ramjet (Universe)#Toys|Ramjet]], with [[Thunderclash (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Thunderclash]], [[Gunbarrel (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Gunbarrel]], [[Terradive (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Terradive]], and [[Thunderwing (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Thunderwing]]]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Toys"R"Us]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (Universe)#Toys|Ramjet]] with [[Thunderclash (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Thunderclash]], [[Gunbarrel (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Gunbarrel]], [[Terradive (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Terradive]], and [[Thunderwing (Armada)#UniverseRamjet|Thunderwing]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Walmart]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (RID)#WMBasic|Optimus Prime]] with [[Prowl (RID)#WMSC|Prowl]] [[Spychanger]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (RID)#Universe (2003)|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Side Burn (RID)#Universe (2003)|Side Burn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ultra Magnus (RID)#WMBasic|Ultra Magnus]] with [[Ironhide (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ironhide]] Spychanger}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Ruination (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ruination]] ([[Armorhide (RID)#Universe (2003)|Armorhide]], [[Mega-Octane#Universe (2003)|Mega-Octane]], [[Movor#Universe (2003)|Movor]], [[Ro-Tor (RID)#Universe (2003)|Ro-Tor]], [[Rollbar (RID)#Universe (2003)|Rollbar]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sunstorm (Universe)#Toys|Sunstorm]] with [[Inferno (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Inferno]] and [[Street Action Mini-Con Team#Universe (2003)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]] ([[Perceptor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Perceptor]] – [[Sureshock (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Sureshock]], [[High Wire (Armada)#Universe (2003)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Grindor]])}}
|}

{{-}}
;[[KB Toys]]
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series I''' (05-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[First Aid (Universe)|First Aid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groove (Universe)|Autobot Groove]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (Universe)|Hot Spot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (Universe)|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Red Alert (Universe)|Red Alert]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Streetwise (Universe)|Streetwise]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series II''' (10-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Buckethead#Universe (2003)|Buckethead]] (1 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Quickmix (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Quickmix]] (2 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Scavenger (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Scavenger]] (3 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Bonecrusher]] (4 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Long Haul]] (5 of 6)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hightower (Universe Micromaster)#Universe (2003)|Hightower]] (6 of 6)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series III''' (09-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Railspike (Universe)|Railspike]] (1 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (Universe)|Overload]] (2 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tankor (Universe)|Tankor]] (3 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Midnight Express (Universe)|Midnight Express]] (4 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Swindle (Universe)|Swindle]] (5 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rapid Run (Universe)|Rapid Run]] (6 of 6)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''MicroMaster Series IV''' (09-2006)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireflight (Universe Micromaster)|Fireflight]] (1 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Silverbolt (Universe)|Silverbolt]] (2 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skydive (Universe)|Skydive]] (3 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Storm Jet (Universe)|Storm Jet]] (4 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (Universe 2003)|Air Raid]] (5 of 6)}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ro-Tor (Universe)|Ro-Tor]] (6 of 6)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:TFU03-toy RedAlertMicro.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Micromaster Protectobot [[Red Alert (Universe)|Red Alert]]]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxes''' (09-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Snow Cat]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Downshift (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Downshift]]}}
|}
{{note|The MicroMaster Protectobots were not individually numbered. The Protectobots and Constructicons were also available as non-exclusive releases on ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' cards in Europe, and the Railbots and Aerialbots on ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' cards, the ''Cybertron'' releases even ''before'' the U.S. versions, with the first sighting of the Railbots hailing from the Netherlands in August 2005. The ''Universe'' versions were also available from Australian online retailer Casefresh since July 2005, and at Australian KMart stores since August 2005.}}

;[[Transformers Collectors' Club]]
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[OTFCC 2003]]''' (07-2003)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Shadow Striker (Universe)#Toys|Shadow Striker]] / [[Roulette (Universe)#Toys|Roulette]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Sunstreaker]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[OTFCC 2004]]''' (07-2004)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megazarak (Universe)#Toys|Megazarak]] with [[Caliburn (Universe)#Toys|Caliburn]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sentinel Maximus#Toys|Sentinel Maximus]] with [[Apelinq (BM)#Universe (2003)|Ape-Linq]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:TFU03-toy SideswipeOTFCC.jpg|right|thumb|200px|OTFCC 2003 Sideswipe]]
|}

{{-}}

===Rebranding and other odds and ends (2005 - 2008)===
At this point, ''Universe''-branded product was almost entirely repackagings of toys released in other lines without changes (aside from the packaging, obviously), put out through "discount" chains in ''extremely'' staggered release. And the one truly new toy in the series was one you were ''highly'' unlikely to see through normal shopping...

Interestingly, the new packaging omitted any references to combiner toys' combining abilities.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Spy Changers Wave 1''' (02-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Autobot Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Silverstreak]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Wheeljack]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Spy Changers Wave 2''' (08-2006)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Camshaft (G1)#Universe (2003)|Autobot Camshaft]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hoist (G1)/toys#Uni2|Hoist]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Mirage (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Mirage]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Basics Wave 1''' (08-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Arcee (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Arcee]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Doom-Lock (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Doom-Lock]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Insecticon (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Insecticon]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Perceptor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Perceptor]] ([[Grindor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Grindor]], [[High Wire (Armada)#Universe (2003)|High Wire]], [[Sureshock (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Sureshock]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strongarm (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Strong Arm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windrazor (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Windrazor]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Basics Wave 2''' (10-2006)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Cruellock#Universe (2003)|Cruellock]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Energon Saber#Universe (2003)|Energon Saber]] ([[Scattor (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Scattor]], [[Skyboom (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Skyboom]], [[Wreckage (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Wreckage]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Signal Flare (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Signal Flare]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Terradive (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Terradive]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Treadshot (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Treadshot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wideload (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Wideload]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:Hoist-Uni03SC1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Spy Changer Hoist]][[File:TFU03-toy Sharkticon.jpg|250px|thumb|Repackaged ''Energon'' Sharkticon]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Basics Wave 3''' (10-2007)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Backstop (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Backstop]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Brakedown (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Brakedown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Brushguard#Universe (2003)|Brushguard]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Lugnutz#Universe (2003)|Lugnutz]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Scattorshot]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Undermine (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Undermine]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxes Wave 1''' (10-2005)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Barricade]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sharkticon (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Sharkticon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Steamhammer (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Steamhammer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Storm Jet (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Storm Jet]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Multi-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|The Ultimate Battle ([[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#UltimateBattle|Optimus Prime]] vs. [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Megatron]])}}
|}

====Exclusives====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Walmart]]''' (11-2007)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|Opposites Attack ([[Excellion (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Excellion]] vs. [[Thundercracker (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Thundercracker]])}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Search for the [[Barbarossa|Pirate Moon]] ([[Downshift (Energon)#Universe (2003)|Downshift]] vs. [[Cannonball (Cybertron)#Universe (2003)|Cannonball]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Chevrolet Store''' (10-2008)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Swerve (Chevy)#Universe (2003)|Swerve]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:TFU03-toy SwerveChevy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Chevrolet Swerve, the final toy in the line and a real bear to obtain.]]
|}

===Unreleased toys===
A great many more toys were planned for ''Universe'' that ultimately never made it out the door. In early 2004, a large number of stolen samples of toys intended for the line appeared on [[eBay]]; all of them were later officially revealed by Hasbro one way or another. Many of these toys' decos would be the inspiration for other characters altogether, often through [[Fun Publications]] as club and convention exclusives.

[[File:Spacewarp-r.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Ultra-sized [[Spacewarp#Toys|Spacewarp]], [[Comettor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Comettor]], and the [[Space Mini-Con Team#Universe (2003)|Space Team]], intended for Toys"R"Us]]
[[File:Leatherhide.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Deluxe-sized [[Leatherhide (Universe)#Toys|Leatherhide]], intended for Walmart]]
[[File:Defensorotfcc.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Super-sized [[Defensor (OTFCC)|Hot Spot / Defensor]], intended for OTFCC 2005]]

* '''[[Toxitron (Universe)#Toys|Toxitron]]''' — Seemingly set for regular retail release, this was a "toxic"-themed redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' Super-sized [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#|Laser Optimus Prime]]. It was ''incredibly'' popular immediately. Fun Publications investigated the possibility of releasing this toy as a Club exclusive, but was told the tooling was too expensive.

* '''[[Jetstorm (BM)#Universe (2003)|Jetstorm]]''' — An unreleased deco revealed in Hasbro's [[BotCon 2007]] display. No name was assigned for this Ultra Class toy, so we're listing it as Jetstorm.

* A Chinese distributor list leaked to the internet in 2004 contained the names of four more toys listed under the mass-retail Deluxe assortment, namely "Sonar", "Optimus Primal", "Optimus Minor", and "Thrustor". It's unclear whether there were ever any concrete plans behind those names, or whether they were merely placeholders.

* '''[[Smokescreen (Cybertron)#Toys|Smokescreen]] with [[Jolt (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Jolt]] VS. [[Drench (Universe)|Drench]] with [[Wind Sheer (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Wind Sheer]]''' — Confirmed by Hasbro as an intended third "[[Battle in a Box]]" two-pack that would have been available from [[Target]], this set was to include the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Cons [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Hot Shot]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)#Toys|Wheeljack]] molds (and their Mini-Cons, of course) redecoed like [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Drench (G2)|Drench]] (but as a Decepticon like "Euro" [[Drench (G1)|Drench]]), respectively.
: While Smokescreen still hasn't seen a release, a "Drench"-based redeco of the Wheeljack mold was later released—with slight modifications—by the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] as the [[BotCon 2008]] exclusive ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Sideswipe (SG)#Toys|Sideswipe]] toy.

* '''[[Spacewarp#Toys|Spacewarp]]''' with '''[[Comettor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Comettor]]''' and '''[[Space Mini-Con Team#Universe (2003)|Space Mini-Con Team]]''' — Originally intended for [[Toys"R"Us]], this was a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Giga-Con [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]], including redecos of his Mini-Con companion [[Comettor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Comettor]] and a new-deco version of the [[Space Mini-Con Team#Toys|Space Mini-Con Team]] ([[Astroscope#Universe (2003)|Astroscope]], [[Sky Blast (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Sky Blast]], and [[Payload (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Payload]]). As with other Mini-Cons in the ''Universe'' line, Comettor and the Space Team would presumably have retained their original toy names and not have been new characters.
: The Transformers Collectors' Club later released the toy in a slightly modified version of this deco, sporting a new head sculpt, as [[Astrotrain (Cybertron)#Toys|Astrotrain]]. While the Comettor redeco (now named [[Starcatcher (Cybertron)#Toys|Starcatcher]]) was included, the Space Team redecos were replaced by redecos of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team#Toys|Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]] as the [[Sabotage Team]], as the Space Team molds had degraded beyond use by that time.

* '''[[Leatherhide (Universe)#Toys|Leatherhide]] VS. [[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#UnUni|Blackarachnia]]''' / '''[[Nightprowler]] VS. [[Waspinator (BW)/toys#Uinverse (2003)|Waspinator]]''' — Intended to be [[Walmart]]-exclusive "Halloween [[Horrorcon (Universe)|Horrorcon]]" two-packs, these toys were mysteries until two years after their appearance on ebay, when an odd checklist update on Hasbro's public ''Transformers'' website (which was "fixed" days later) revealed their names and planned outlet. Leatherhide is a redeco of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Mutant (BW)|Mutant]] [[Soundwave (BW)#Toys|Soundwave]], pitted against a redeco of the [[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|original Blackarachnia toy]]. Nightprowler is a redeco of the original ''Beast Wars'' [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor]], packed with a redeco of [[Transmetal]] [[Waspinator_(BW)/toys#TM1|Waspinator]].
: For [[BotCon 2015]], the Waspinator deco was used on the ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' [[Waspinator (BW)/toys#Generations|Waspinator]] mold as the [[Waruder]] "[[Parasite#Toys|Parasite]]" drone, which was later [[repurposing|repurposed]] as the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Skywasp]]. In [[2022]], [[Skywasp#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Skywasp got a new toy]], a Target-exclusive redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' [[Waspinator (BW)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Waspinator]] in a ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' "Beasts Collide" four-pack.

* '''[[Piranacon (G1)#Timelines|Piranhaking]]''' — Redecos of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Seacon (G1)#Toys|Seacons]], now named the "Piranhacons", in a Walmart-exclusive Ultra-sized giftset. Even though the aforementioned checklist on Hasbro's public website confirmed them as having been intended for the ''Universe'' line, Hasbro themselves stated at [[OTFCC 2004]] that Walmart had asked them to release them under the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' banner instead. Either way, Walmart later decided to back out of the deal. Instead, the Seacons (now under their original Generation 1 names again) were released via the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] in 2008.

* '''[[Menasor (G1)#Universe (2003)|Menasor]]''' — The ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' Ultra-sized [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Machine Wars|Optimus Prime]] tooling of Generation 1 [[Thunder Clash#Toys|Thunder Clash]] was planned for a store exclusive redeco as "Menasor", as "[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]" was unavailable as a [[trademark]] at the time. This redeco got as far as a prototype and received packaging art before being canceled.<ref>[http://www.iaconone.com/datatrax/datatrax_002.php ]</ref>

* The [http://www.allspark.com/ Allspark] fansite also received details about planned <strike>[[BotCon]]</strike> OTFCC 2005 exclusives following the bankruptcy of [[3H Productions]]. As with [[OTFCC 2003]] and [[OTFCC 2004|2004]], these figures would presumably have been labeled as part of the ''Universe'' line. With the exception of [[Defensor (OTFCC)|Hot Spot/Defensor]], who was shown as a prototype, none of the other ideas made it beyond the design stage.

:* '''[[Brawn (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Brawn]]''' and '''[[Roadbuster (G1)#Universe (2003)|Roadbuster]]''' — ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Basic-sized [[Strongarm (Energon)#Toys|Strongarm]] was planned as a redeco and new-head retool pair

:* '''[[Devcon (G1)#Universe (2003)|Devcon]]''' — ''Energon'' Deluxe-sized [[Slugslinger (Energon)#Toys|Slugslinger]] was intended for a new-head retool as the first toy of the Generation 1 cartoon character, who had previously [[Devcon (G1)#Expanded Universe|lost a vote]] to become a [[BotCon 2002]] toy.

:* '''[[Megatron (BW)/toys#Combiner Wars|Megatron]]''' — ''Robots in Disguise'' Ultra Class [[Megatron (RID)#Toys|Megatron]] was planned for a new toy of ''Beast Wars'' Megatron's [[Transmetal 2]] dragon form, possibly characterized as a "Transmetal 3" upgrade in a post-''Beast Machines'' setting. This Megatron concept was actually revived a decade later and released at [[BotCon 2016]].

:* '''Hot Spot''' / '''[[Defensor (OTFCC)#Toys|Defensor]]''' — ''Robots in Disguise'' Super Class [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Toys|Optimus Prime]] was intended to be used for a new form of Generation 1 [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], but as one figure with a super mode instead of five figures together as the Combiner. This figure would have retained the small mode Optimus head for Hot Spot mode but received a newly-tooled head as super mode Defensor. To offset the costs of producing such a large toy, there was also a "Midnight Shield Defensor" black redeco planned.

{{-}}

==Post-''Universe'' releases==
As, ultimately, a short-lived footnote in the overall ''Transformers'' franchise, ''Universe'' has not had a huge impact on later nostalgia-driven series. Most of the callbacks to it are more in the form of [[homage]], and mostly to unreleased toys, as noted many times above. But a handful of characters have actually made their way into other lines with new, updated toys.

{|style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (Universe)#Timelines|Ramjet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Spacewarp#Combiner Wars|Spacewarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Toxitron (Universe)#Combiner Wars|Wrecker Toxitron]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Alternity 2|Convoy [Super Black]]] (aka Nemesis Prime)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightprowler#Legacy|Autobot Nightprowler]]}}
{{Bp-d2|[[Toxitron (Universe)#Legacy|G2 Universe Toxitron]]}}
{{Bp-p1|[[Skywasp#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Skywasp]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|[[File:TF-Legacy-Toxitron-Collection-Toxitron.jpg|250px|thumb|''Legacy'' [[Toxitron (Universe)#Legacy|"G2 Universe" Toxitron]]]]
|}

==Notes==
* The [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] & [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]]/[[Mega-Dinobot]] [[combiner]] was originally intended for the ''Universe'' line, which would have made it the first newly created mold(s) to be initially released as part of the line. However, Hasbro ultimately decided to release it as a two-pack in the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line instead. As a consequence, Chevrolet [[Swerve (Chevy)|Swerve]] was the first (and only) new mold to be released under the original ''Universe'' banner...in 2008, shortly before the ''second [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' line was launched.
* On their official Transformers website, Hasbro listed several combo-packs of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Mini-Con]] teams (Adventure Team/Sea Team, Road Wrecker Team/Night Attack Team, Race Team/Space Team) under "Universe". The actual toys, however, which were available from Toys"R"Us and Wal-Mart stores and were unchanged from their ''Armada'' releases other than the packaging, came on ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' rather than ''Universe'' cards.

==See also==
*''[[Transformers: Expanded Universe]]''—a short-lived [[BotCon 2002]] exclusive toyline whose characters appear in the [[Transformers: Universe (comic)|''Universe'' comic]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Universe (2003 toyline)}}
[[Category:Toylines]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)| ]]