Editing Variant

[[File:G1 Bumblebee Cliffjumper Red Yellow.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|Wait till you see what crazy colors other countries got.]]
A '''variant''' is a product, usually a toy (in recent years, also often a comic), that is available in more than one version, but is technically considered the "same" product from a manufacturing standpoint. Each version differs from the other(s) in one or more ways. The exact definition of a variant is not cut-and-dry and varies from person to person. Though a variant is generally different from a [[redeco]] or re-release, even that line is blurry in some cases.

The distinction between an error and a variant is equally unclear: A variant is something that someone might want; an error is something people usually don't want. However, if the error becomes widespread, some people might start considering it a genuine variant. Generally, a variant does require some quantity of each version: Isolated one-of-a-kind freak incidents are not variants. 

There are several possible causes for variants: In some instances, the manufacturer creates variants on purpose with the intention to sell more product to [[completist]]s; in other cases, a variation is the result of an effort to improve the product by altering it in some way in the middle of its production run, with some quantities of the unaltered version having been produced (and possibly already distributed) before the alteration was implemented. This is also referred to as a "'''running change'''". In some drastic cases, errors have been found during [[quality control]] which then have to be corrected. Sometimes these changes aren't even a conscious decision, but the by-product of subtle changes in the manufacturing process, minor differences in the materials used for different batches of the production run, etc. In the case of toys, variants aren't just limited to the toys themselves, but can also occur with their packaging or the paperwork included.

Many collectors enjoy finding variants. It can be fun to discover some difference in two supposedly-identical toys, and some differences are quite major. Some collectors make a hobby of collecting all variants of a particular toy, which can lead to impecunious insanity if this toy is one like [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Ultra Magnus]].

==Collector-incentive variants==
[[File:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Buy me twice!]]
Companies want to sell their products. Sometimes they try to sell multiples of the same product to the same buyer. One way to achieve this is by offering variants:
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1 2|Cliffjumper]] were both available in yellow and red versions well into the 1985 assortments. According to former [[Hasbro]] R&D Vice President [[George Dunsay]], this was a conscious decision to "make the line look bigger".<ref name="dunsay">[http://www.tfarchive.com/fandom/interviews/george_dunsay/george_dunsay_interview.php Interview with George Dunsay at TFArchive.com]</ref> Less clear is the case of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]], an entirely different sculpt who was also sold in "Cliffjumper" packaging.
*[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] has offered quite a few simultaneously released variants of ''Transformers'' toys, usually marketed as such. Sometimes they are just color swaps using the same [[paint operation|paint mask]]s and [[tampograph]]s, while occasionally, they are outright simultaneously released [[redeco]]s:
**''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Smokescreen]] and his retool "Smokescreen GT" were both available in two slightly different decos, with two different driver-specific sets of decals each, based on the real-life rally cars the toys were based on. Similarly, ''Binaltech'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators|Meister]] was available in both white and red versions, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] was even available with [[mold]] differences, as a black and white police car including a lightbar and as a blue civilian vehicle with a different rear spoiler. [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|Tracks]] was also available in yellow and blue versions, but the blue version was released months after the yellow one and shipped all by itself, unlike the other ''Binaltech'' variants, each of which shipped in mixed [[case]]s.[[File:G1 Vol.1 Issue1 all covers.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Buy me six times!]]
**Similarly, ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Ramble]] was simultaneously available in red, blue and yellow versions.
**Also, let's not forget the [[chase figure]]s from various [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] assortments like ''[[The Transformers: Micromaster|Micromaster]]'' or the [[JUSCO]] [[exclusive]] [[Spy Changer]]s.
*Sometimes stores also get [[exclusive]] variants of toys that include bonus non-toy accessories, such as DVDs (e.g. ''Cybertron'' Deluxes at [[Walmart]]), posters (e.g. ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' Deluxe "preview figures" at Walmart) or comic books (e.g. ''Movie'' [[Unleashed (toyline)|Unleashed]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Merchandise|Bumblebee]] at [[Kmart]]). Occasionally the exclusive version is released in redesigned packaging (arguably making it a different product, see below), but not always.
*While '''variant covers''' have been a common staple in the comic book industry since the early 1990s, usually reserved for the first issue of a new series or special occasions (issue numbers like 500, 333 etc., major story-based events), both the late [[Dreamwave Productions]] and current ''Transformers'' comic publisher [[IDW Publishing]] took the concept to the max, with nearly ''every single'' ''Transformers'' comic published to date having been released with more than one cover.

==Market-specific variants==
[[File:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Buy my superior deco!]]
Sometimes a toy is available in different versions in different markets. This mostly affects the toys' packaging, but differences between the toys themselves can also happen:
*The most common difference is between [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] versions of a toy. These can range from minor differences in the plastic colors to different plastic color layouts, different [[paint operation|paint masks]], different [[tampograph]]s and fully-blown different decos.
*Material differences can also occur, such as the [[die-cast]] metal parts used for Takara's ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toys versus Hasbro's mostly-plastic ''Alternators'' versions, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]'s Japanese version sporting [[rubber tires]] instead of the Hasbro version's plastic wheels, or the soft, flexible plastic used for [[for safety reasons|pointy parts]] on Hasbro's toys in the place of the harder plastic used on Takara's versions. (See also [[unpaintable plastic]].)
*In some cases there are even [[mold]] differences, such as some ''Binaltech'' toys having their steering wheels on the right side of their dashboards, whereas Hasbro's ''Alternators'' usually had the steering wheel on the left side. In addition, Hasbro's [[Windcharger (G1)#Alternators|Windcharger]] lacked the long gun barrel his ''Binaltech'' counterpart [[Overdrive#Binaltech|Overdrive]] came with, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] sported several changes with his car shell reflecting the differences between the real-life Acura RSX (''Alternators'' Prowl) and the Honda Integra Type R (''Binaltech'' Prowl).
[[File:UniRedAlertThreeVersions.jpg|upright=1.55|thumb|Buy me in different countries!]]
*Packaging differences can range from "Hasbro-derived packaging with additional stickers for the Japanese market" ([[USA Edition]]s, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toys) to entirely different Japanese packaging for the Takara versions. Likewise, Japanese toys traditionally come with their own (oftentimes superior) [[instructions]].
*Hasbro themselves also have packaging differences between different markets: Whereas the United States market (as well as Australia, New Zealand and some other English-speaking countries) typically gets toys in English-only packaging, Canada and Latin America used to be stuck with English/French/Spanish [[Multilingual packaging|trilingual packaging]] and instructions and recently moved on to quadrilingual packaging including Portuguese, and [[Europe]] has to deal with an increasing number of languages on their packaging (currently thirteen), and even ''more'' in the accompanying instructions.
*The European versions also replaced the US versions' [[package art]] with [[stock photography|stock photos]] of the toys themselves for undisclosed reasons between the tail end of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and the launch of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' and the second ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line.
[[File:UltimateBattleUSEuro.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Buy me in another country with more economic packaging!]]
*Packaging shapes and sizes can also differ between markets, such as the smaller European version of the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' "Ultimate Battle" two-pack without excessive space for the [[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle|DVD]] case or the smaller ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging Australia got.
*Toys may even be distributed in packaging attributed to different [[franchise]]s in different Hasbro markets: For example, the original ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line's [[Micromaster]] [[combiner]] waves (originally [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]]s in the USA) were released in ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' ([[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]) and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' ([[Railbot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]) packaging in European markets, but retained the same product code numbers. More complicated are the [[Superion (G1)#Universe (2008)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus (G1)#Universe (2008)|Bruticus Maximus]] combiner giftsets that were originally intended for the second ''Universe'' line and were released in some markets (Australia, Singapore) in intended-for-the-US-market ''Universe'' packaging, but were released in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' packaging in the USA. Since the ''Revenge'' versions sported different product codes than their ''Universe'' counterparts, this raises the question whether they are to be considered "packaging variants" or different products (see below).
*Name variants mostly exist between Hasbro and Takara versions of toys; however, in the 1980s and 1990s, [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European]] releases could even have different names on the toys' packaging for different markets (such as the [[Turbomaster]]s aka "Cannonmasters" and the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]]s). This practice has been abandoned with the introduction of uniform multilingual European packaging. The occasional name change of a [[gimmick]] still exists, though: ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ''[[Beast Hunters (toyline)|Beast Hunters]]'' Battlemaster Class "[[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#Talking|Talking Bumblebee]]" was renamed into "SFX Bumblebee" for European markets, with the sound chip changed from containing voice clips to generic sound effects, and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' "[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Mega1Step|Mega 1-Step Bumblebee]]" was renamed into "Mega Flip Bumblebee" for European markets.
*A particularly odd case: In 2012, Hasbro's Asian division released several redecos and retools of older toys in ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' packaging in markets such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia, with all the various texts on the packaging being kept in English. Several months later, Hasbro's US division released those toys in the United States and Canada as [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] exclusives, with the toys now sporting [[:File:GenerationsAsianDeluxes.jpg|bilingual English/Chinese texts on their packaging]]. In addition, the Deluxe Class toys were now packaged in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] rather than in [[robot mode]].
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==Running changes==
[[File:G1toy optimus prime variants and running changes.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Collect them all! (The red-footed version was a running change in European markets only.)]]
When companies come up with a way to slightly tweak and improve their product, they sometimes do so in the middle of the production run. This creates "running change" variants, but as far as the company is concerned, the later version is usually considered the "superior" product that is supposed to "replace" the earlier, "inferior" version. This can be an [[retool|improved tooling]] of a toy, allowing for more stability of joints or pegs or higher plastic tolerances improving the toy's [[articulation]]; it can be minor changes to the coloration or deco, occasionally in an attempt to make the toy more [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]]; or it can be limited to the packaging and/or paperwork included with the toy. Whether these changes are to be considered fixes to a perceived flaw or "error", cosmetic improvements or equally valid "alternate versions" with neither version being superior to the other one depends from case to case, and sometimes also from person to person (see "[[#Errors|errors]]" below for more).

Sometimes, the changes of a toy's colors are very noticeable, suggesting other intentions than cosmetic improvements.
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===Tooling===
[[File:G2OptimusPrimeFuelTanksComp.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Variants not only drive completists insane, they also make it a lot more difficult to use toys [[for parts]].]]
[[File:DOTMLegionSoundwave.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|The benefits of having a [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed vehicle alternate mode]].]]
[[File:BH CV Hun-Gurrr Claws comparison.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Clawfingers.]]
*Many ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' toys were available both with and without [[rubsign]] indents.
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] had [[retool]]ed fist [[Peg|holes]] so that he could better hold his [[ion blaster]]. Furthermore, the weapon was also available with a larger barrel than the standard version.
*[[Transmetal]] [[Rattrap (BW)#Transmetal1|Rattrap]]'s neck-hinge was retooled to include a "catch" that keeps his head upright better in [[robot mode]].
*The first [[wave]] containing ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Alternators|Silverstreak]] had the toy sport its steering wheel on the right side of the dashboard, a carry-over from the Japanese ''Binaltech'' release of the toy. Subsequent shipments replaced the interior with the tooling from its (earlier released) [[retool]] [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators|Smokescreen]], with the steering wheel on the left side.<ref name="streakright">[http://toynewsi.com/index.php?itemid=3482 Toy News International gallery of Alternators Silverstreak] depicting the first version with the steering wheel on the right side of the dashboard.</ref><ref name="streakleft">[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/resources/review/alternator/silverstreak/1132 Transformers @ The Moon gallery of Alternators Silverstreak] depicting the later version with the steering wheel on the left side of the dashboard.</ref>
*''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Classics|Bumblebee]]'s air scoop on the roof of his car mode was made a touch bigger after the first half of his run when it was found that the [[rubsign]] did not fit on top of the scoop itself. Later redecos would continue to use this version of the mold.
*''Movie'' [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Deluxe Class Classic Camaro Bumblebee]] saw two changes to his mold during its production run: The initial version had even tabs on its [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]] gimmick; the first modification saw that changed to an uneven tab, which frequently caused the gimmick to break, which in turn resulted in the toy refusing to stay in its [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]; the second modification, which was only available with the UK [[exclusive]] "Towed to Safety" two-pack with [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and with the more widely available "Evolution of a Hero" two-pack with Concept Camaro Bumblebee, saw the addition of another small tab which fixed the gimmick's fragility.<ref name="moviebbtab">[http://web.archive.org/web/20071016124950/http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38149 Comparison photos for all three tab variants of Movie Bumblebee's Automorph gimmick.]</ref> All three versions are, by definition, "variants", since they were intentional changes on behalf of the factory; but since the intermediate version worsened the toy, not all fans interested in collecting variants would want it.
*Later versions of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class [[Soundwave (ROTF)#CyberverseLegion|Soundwave]] figures featured sculpted "grill" details on the front, sides, and hood of the vehicle, whereas the initial production run had left those areas smooth.<ref name="dotmcvswave">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/dark-of-the-moon/soundwave/2513/ Both versions of ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Soundwave] (the MOSC one is the later variant, whereas the photos featuring a loose one depict the earlier version).</ref>
*The ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)#Series 2|Cyberverse]] Legion Class [[Vehicon (Prime)#Cyberverse|Vehicon]] figure had a molding variation with his included weapon: In the initial run of figures, the "shield" piece on the side was thicker. Later waves thinned the shield a bit, tapered the ends and added a few more sculpted details.
*In 2012, Hasbro released minor redecos of [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] "[[Reveal the Shield]]" [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Starscream]] (sporting the same decos as TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' EZ Collection releases of those sculpts) in generic 2010 ''Transformers'' packaging as "Dollar store" exclusives. Later shipments saw Optimus and Starscream sporting retooled hands, holes compatible with [[C joint|3mm ports]] and additional weapon accessories, all of which originated with the ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Motormaster (G1)#Generations|Motorbreath]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generations|Thundercracker]] retools of those sculpts, respectively.
*Initial shipments of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime:]] [[Beast Hunters (toyline)|Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class [[Hun-Gurrr (Prime)|Hun-Gurrr]] were unable to fold the claws over all the way in both directions due to problems with the plastic tolerances. This was amended by a running change, which also affected international releases of the figure. (All subsequent releases and redecos of the sculpt came with the same problem-free claws as the running change version.)
*Initial releases of ''[[Kre-O]] Custom Kreon'' [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#CustomRID2015|Optimus Prime]] had an unsculpted helmet (either opaque or transparent, depending on the various samples) on his right side, while his left side is sculpted. However, this problem was solved by giving two perfect helmets via a running change in later releases.
*Later releases of Combiner Wars [[Swindle (G1)#Generations|Swindle]] featured two sets of nubs on his gun that could clip over either of his shoulders (meant for his retool, [[Hound (G1)#Generations|Hound)]], whereas initial releases lacked the aforementioned nubs.
*''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Trypticon (G1)#Titans Return|Trypticon]] originally featured symmetrical towers; the right tower was later redesigned to mimic the original asymmetrical towers on the original toy.
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===Materials===
*The "gray [[Roller (G1)|Roller]]" version of ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]] (see below) had metal plates on the insides of his trailer/[[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] instead of stickers.
*Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#G1RodimusPrime|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Metroplex (G1)#Generation 1|Metroplex]] were all originally available with rubber tires, while later shipments saw them replaced with plastic wheels. In addition, the first version of Rodimus Prime had toes made of [[die-cast]] metal, which were also replaced with plastic toes on the later version, and the second version of Metroplex replaced the [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] legs with flat white plastic legs.
*Some Generation 1 [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style [[combiner]] components were alternatively available with metal parts or in all-plastic versions.

===Colors and deco===
[[File:Prowl tm2 fktoy.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Buy both of us for the sake of completeness!]]
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]] was available with a gray [[Roller (G1)#Generation 1 2|Roller]] and gray missiles for his [[Combat Deck (G1)#Generation 1 2|Combat Deck]], and with a blue Roller and black missiles. Furthermore, the second version also had an ''additional'' variant with a lighter shade of blue for both Roller and the Combat Deck components.
*The initial Japanese release of Generation 1 [[Astrotrain (G1)#Generation 1 2|Astrotrain]] sported different colors than his Hasbro counterpart, resulting in a black steam locomotive mode and a mostly white Space Shuttle mode complete with [[NASA]] decals. The following year, Takara re-released Astrotrain, now sporting the same colors as the Hasbro version.
*The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Dinobot (G1)#Generation 2|Dinobots]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Grimlock]], [[Snarl (G1)#Generation 2 2|Snarl]], and [[Slag (G1)#Generation 2 2|Slag]], were all available in three different color variants, each released in sequence.
*Some toys with [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts were available in slightly different shades, such as ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Seaspray (G1)#Generation 2|Seaspray]] or ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#OptimalOptimus|Optimal Optimus]] (both with either "blue" or "purple" parts).
*The ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] toys [[Dinobot II#Beast Wars|Dinobot]] and [[Prowl II#Beast Wars|Prowl]] were some of Hasbro's early attempts at same-[[character]] [[redeco]]s: The first few [[wave]]s featured Dinobot in a bone-tan and purple coloration, whereas Prowl was white, turquoise, and red; several waves in, Dinobot's colors were changed to bright white with blue, and Prowl was now black, blue, and red. Neither toy's packaging made mention of the change, and both toys' packaging retained the same individual SKU rather than having them as completely new releases, as later lines would do with redecos.
[[File:Movie legends ratchet colorvariants.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Ignore the left one! Buy the right one!]]
*Early shipments of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Unicron/toys#Energon|Unicron]] also had the toy still sporting the same colors as the original ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' release, eventually being replaced by an all-new [[redeco]].
*''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Autobot Ratchet]] was originally released in a very saturated green color, but later shipments had his color changed to a lime-ish tone closer to the character's larger [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Voyager Class toy]].
[[File:PCC-toy Huffer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|You'd think this gets spotted sooner.]]
*Similarly, ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] originally had his truck mode hood painted in a notably different shade of orange than the orange plastic used for the rest of the truck body. Later shipments changed the [[paint operation]] to a different shade that matched the plastic much better.
*''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Breakaway (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Breakaway]],<ref name="breakway">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/revenge-of-the-fallen/breakaway/1883/1/ Side-by-side comparison of both variants of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Breakaway.]</ref> [[Sideways (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys|Sideways]],<ref name="rotfsideways">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/revenge-of-the-fallen/sideways/1848/ Side-by-side comparison of both variants of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Sideways.]</ref> and [[Scattorshot (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Scattorshot]]<ref name="rotfscattorshot">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys-products-30/revenge-of-the-fallen-scout-scattorshot-variant-169202/ Both versions of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Scout Class Scattorshot side by side.]</ref> all had their colors changed to slightly darker tones in later shipments. It's possible that this change wasn't actually intentional, but just the result of slightly differently mixed colors for the batch.
*''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Mudflap initially came with a license plate that referenced his car model, "Trax."<ref name="traxplate">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/view/revenge-of-the-fallen/mudflap/1817/1/21/ ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Mudflap with "TRAX" license plate.]</ref> A later variant enlarged the license plate and changed it to "Mudflap".<ref name="mudflapplate">[http://desmondyoongcollection.blogspot.com/2009/07/hasbro-mudflap-rotf.html ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class Mudflap with "MUDFLAP" license plate.]</ref>
*The initial production run of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Cannon|Cannon Bumblebee]] featured nearly opaque blue windows. Later cases then featured translucent blue windows instead.<ref name="cannonbee">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/revenge-of-the-fallen/cannon-bumblebee/1855/2/92/ Comparison between both versions of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Cannon Bumblebee.]</ref>
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Roadbuster (DOTM)#Human Alliance|Roadbuster]] initially sported his tampographed "88" driver numbers in a generic font, "NASCAR" decals behind the headlights and a missile made out of clear yellow plastic. A later variant saw the "88" numbers changed to resemble the font used for the real-life {{w|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.}} {{w|Chevrolet Impala#NASCAR Sprint Cup|Sprint Cup Chevy Impala}} (including black and white outlines) and replaced the "NASCAR" decals with Sprint Cup Series logos and the clear yellow missile with an opaque yellow one.<ref name="haroadbuster">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/dark-of-the-moon/roadbuster/2516/1/ Comparison of both versions of Human Alliance Roadbuster.]</ref>
*Some variants even omit deco present on previous production runs. The second, [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] run of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#First Edition (2011)|Prime: First Edition]]'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#FirstEdition|Optimus Prime]] omitted the red paint on, beside, and below the truck side windows, revealing the patch of brown plastic underneath.
*''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Transformers: Prime]]''/''[[Beast Hunters (toyline)|Beast Hunters]]'' ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class [[Soundwave (WFC)#Cyberverse|Soundwave]] originally had his head including the [[mouthplate]] as well as the "collar" around the head all painted in flat black. Coupled with the the purple paint operations on each side of the mouthplate, this made it look as if Soundwave had a huge black head with two purple eyes. This was later amended to some degree by a running change that gave the face a slightly darker, more glossy paint job.
*''Transformers: Prime''/''Beast Hunters'' Deluxe Class [[Windrazor (Prime)#Beast Hunters|Windrazor]] was originally released in colors that were very close to those of his [[wave]]-mate [[Twinstrike (Prime)#Beast Hunters|Twinstrike]]. A later running change replaced nearly ''all'' plastic and paint colors, most notably splitting up the formerly bright yellow plastic parts into gray and gold. This was effectively the most significant color variant officially marketed and sold as the same product since the ''Beast Wars'' Transmetal 2 Dinobot and Prowl variants.<ref name="windrazor">[http://ofensau.wordpress.com/2014/07/26/beast-hunters-deluxe-class-vs-cyberverse-legion-class-windrazor-twinstrike/ Comparison between both variants of Deluxe Class Windrazor] (and also Deluxe Class Twinstrike and Legion Class Windrazor and Twinstrike).</ref>
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===Packaging and paperwork===
[[File:EnergonPerceptorPackagingVariant.jpg|upright=1.45|thumb|''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' is dead! Long live ''[[The Powerlinx Battles]]''!]][[File:ThunderwingInstructionsChange.jpg|upright=1.05|thumb|Not so fast, bucko.]]
*The ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]] originally used a Roman numeral, "Transmetal '''II'''", but later changed it to an Arabic number, "Transmetal '''2'''".
*The [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] ''[[Transformers: Dinobots|Dinobots]]'' line had the name "Swoop" changed to "[[Terranotron (Dinobots)|Terranotron]]" on the toy's character card after initial shipments. 
*Similarly, early versions of [[Red Alert (Armada)#CybCD|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] were also available with the "Cybertron Defense" prefix missing on the packaging.
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#BoltBumblebee|"Bolt" Bumblebee]] was released under the simple name "Bumblebee" in the United States. The [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]] initially also simply used the name "Bumblebee" everywhere on the packaging, but replaced it with a variant in later shipments that identified the toy as "Bolt Bumblebee". Conversely, ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#LegionStealth|Stealth Bumblebee]] was consistently named "Stealth Bumblebee" on the European packaging, whereas the United States version was once again initially named "Bumblebee", only to be followed by a variant that now also sported the name "Stealth Bumblebee".<ref name="dotmstealthbb">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys-products-30/dark-of-the-moon-stealth-bumblebee-packaging-variant-173523/ ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Stealth Bumblebee packaging variant]</ref>
*Lines that run longer than a year often see the introduction of a [[subline imprint]] such as the ''[[The Unicron Battles|Unicron Battles]]'' for ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', the ''[[The Powerlinx Battles|Powerlinx Battles]]'' for ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'', ''[[Primus Unleashed]]'' for ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' or ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' for the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie line]]. This often coincides with a slight change of the packaging design. Sometimes, toys originally released before the packaging design change will also be available in the new design.
*The packaging ''size'' can also change. For example, some ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Mini-Con]] two-packs were also available in slightly smaller packaging at [[Walmart]] stores. Likewise, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging was severely shrunk down for the Australian market following [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Human Alliance|Bumblebee's]] initial release, with a running change for Bumblebee himself.
*Some toys were available alternatively packaged in robot or [[alternate mode]]. Examples include the 1984 ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]] for the 1985 lineup, or assorted ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe and Voyager Class toys. In the latter case, the packaging's orientation was also flipped sideways to keep the same dimensions. However, most of those alternate versions have only been released in Asia, so they might rather fall under "market-specific variants".
*''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class [[Laserbeak (DOTM)#Dark of the Moon|Laserbeak]] was initially packaged with the toy pointing diagonally to the left (like all ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class toys), with his guns placed to the right, pointing in the same direction as Laserbeak. A later variant saw Laserbeak pointing diagonally to the ''right'', with the guns placed to the left, pointing straight up.<ref name="dotmlaserbeak">''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class Laserbeak packaging variant [http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/dark-of-the-moon-laserbeak-packaging-variant/21891/ comparison 1] and [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/430237-dotm-deluxe-laserbeak-packaging-variant.html comparison 2].</ref>
*Various ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' toys came with [[instructions]] that depicted different heads and other sculpt differences compared to the actual toys, hinting at planned [[retool]]s for those toys. The line art for ''Generations'' [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing's]] instructions, for example, depicted the head and chest that would later be used for [[Black Shadow (Victory)#Generations|Sky Shadow]]. However, a running change version of the instructions changed the head (but not the chest) to Thunderwing's.
*''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' Voyager Class [[Megatron (WFC)/toys#Prime|Megatron]]'s packaging initially featured a larger Decepticon [[insignia]] cutting into the box window, whereas a later variant not only featured a smaller insignia, but also an additional "Glowing fusion cannon!" call-out.<ref name="primemegs">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/transformers-prime-voyager-megatron-packaging-variant-174672/ Comparison between both packaging variants Voyager Class Megatron.]</ref>
*The ''[[Beast Hunters (toyline)|Beast Hunters]]'' redeco/retool of ''Prime'' Voyager Class [[Megatron (WFC)/toys#Beast Hunters|Megatron]] was originally identified as simply "Megatron" by his packaging, and his weapon was referred to as the "Tartarex Warp Sword", whereas the instructions call the toy "Sharkticon Megatron" and his weapon the "Sharktooth Spear". Later shipments had the packaging changed to match the instructions in both instances.<ref name="sharkticon">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/sharkticon-megatron-packaging-variant-and-shoulder-fix-video/28150/ Side-by-side comparison of both versions of Sharkticon Megatron] at Seibertron.</ref>
*The single pack version of the ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mini-Con]] [[Back]] was named "Decepticon Forth" on his packaging when available from US-based online retailers but "Decepticon Back" when released in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Eventually, both versions were even found side by side in the same store at US retail.
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===Planned but unfulfilled running changes===
Sometimes Hasbro states plans for a running change in an official capacity that ultimately never come to pass:
* At [[OTFCC 2003]], Hasbro noted they had vague plans to release a running change variant of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Wheeljack (Armada)#Armada|Wheeljack]] using the deco of his Takara counterpart, ''Micron Densetsu'' Rampage. This never materialized, however.
*In their then-weekly Hasbro.com website Q&A, Hasbro contemplated releasing the #7 ''Binaltech'' variant of [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Smokescreen]] (see above) as part of their ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line "in late 2004 or early 2005". This idea was likely dropped due to the original #8 version of Smokescreen ending up as a major [[shelfwarmer]].
*Following [[fandom|fan]] complaints about ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxe Class [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ironhide]]'s face being painted ''blue'', Hasbro promised that a running change would see the face color changed to silver<ref name="hasuni">"Hasbro Responds RE: Universe Cyclonus & Ironhide", originally posted at theIDW boards, mirrored at [https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-responds-re-universe-cyclonus-ironhide/14201/ Seibertron].</ref>, which never happened.
*When Hasbro originally revealed ''[[Transformers: Generations#Combiner Wars|Generations Combiner Wars]]'' Voyager Class [[Onslaught (G1)#CombinerWars|Onslaught]] at [[BotCon 2015]], he was advertised as having a tan Bruticus chestplate for a ''Generation 1'' Onslaught-accurate color scheme as the first release and a silver chestplate for a ''Generation 1'' Bruticus-accurate color scheme as a running change. Instead, only the version with a silver chest plate ever made it to retail, while the version with a tan chestplate has never surfaced at all.
Chances are that when Hasbro actually announces a running change in advance, it will most likely never happen, as all the running changes listed above that ''did'' happen were never announced at all.

==Variants from gang-molding==
[[File:G2-toy Motormouth.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
In some rare cases, toys that were [[gang-molding|gang-molded]] with other toys were available in unintentional variants when the toys they were gang-molded with were [[redeco]]ed for a subsequent [[wave]]:
*The ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]] [[Gearhead]] and [[Motormouth]] were both available with either clear or solid plastic parts. The clear plastic parts corresponded with the clear car shells of their wave-mates [[Firecracker]] and [[Blowout]], the solid plastic parts with the car shells of Go-Bot [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]] (redecos of Firecracker and Blowout, respectively).

==Borderline cases==
===Variant or different product?===
[[File:CybertronPrimusPackagingComparison.jpg|upright=1.55|thumb|Buy two of us for exclusive accessories, and the third one for the toy itself!]]
Following ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II]] and [[Prowl II|Prowl]], [[Hasbro]] decided to become more straightforward about same-character [[redeco]]s, which have been treated as separate products since then:
*The "new style" redecos of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[X-Brawn]] sported different product code numbers, as did the red and yellow versions of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]]. Still, all of them were released under the same names as the originals, without a prefix or suffix like most same-character redecos have.
*Likewise, the limited edition version of ''Cybertron'' [[Primus]] with the [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] head accessory also had different product code and assortment numbers than the regular, bonus-free release.
*The same applies to store exclusive versions of toys containing "Bonus" figures such as [[Mini-Con]]s or [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] toys. Officially, they are separate products; but some collectors might consider them "variants".
[[File:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|upright=0.95|thumb|Buy me again for less money!]]
*Furthermore, various ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toys were re-released in [[rebranding|rebranded]] ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging as "Dollar store" exclusives, again sporting different product code numbers than their initial releases.
*The [[Target]]-exclusive ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]] [[combiner]] giftsets sported different product code numbers than their ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' counterparts released in Australia and Singapore, though the Target versions ''were'' originally intended to be released in ''Universe'' packaging as well. (One might argue that the different-franchise packaging makes them different [[character]]s, though chances are the marketing department didn't put nearly as much thought into this as fans do.)
*On the other hand, there are things like the re-release of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] in ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging ([[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]) five years after his ''Armada'' release, but sporting the same product code number (the fact that he sports minor color differences compared to the ''Armada'' version doesn't help either).
*''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' are particularly complicated: On the one hand, when [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Meister]] and [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Autobot Tracks]] were re-released as part of a "rebooted" assortment for the North American market in the new "bubble" style packaging, they all sported different product code and assortment numbers than their initial releases. On the other hand, [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Silverstreak]] and [[Swindle (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Swindle]] were also re-released in the new "bubble" style packaging for the European market only, where both of them had previously been available in one of the older packaging styles… and retained the same product code numbers as those earlier releases. On top of that, Europe also saw a release of [[Dead End (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Dead End]], [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Shockblast]] and [[Decepticharge#Alternators|Decepticharge]] in the new "bubble" style packaging, none of whom had previously been available in [[multilingual packaging|multilingual]] packaging in Europe. (Shockblast and Dead End ''had'' been available as [[parallel import|gray import]]s in American packaging via Argos stores in the United Kingdom and via [[Toys"R"Us]] stores in Denmark and Sweden, respectively.) All of them sported the same product code numbers as their initial American releases in one of the older packaging styles. Needless to say, the line between "variant" and "different product" gets very blurry here.
*Another example of European market release with no ''direct'' American counterparts operating under different rules were redecos of ''Movie'' Legends Class [[Jazz (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Jazz]] and [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Barricade]] (a minor, yet distinct redeco in Jazz's case). In the United States, these two were released in "Allspark Battles" two-packs (possibly part of the ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' [[subline imprint]], based on the similar packaging design) with a new Legends Class sculpt of [[Bonecrusher (Movie)#Legends Class|Bonecrusher]] and Legends [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Bumblebee's]] redeco [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Legends Class|Cliffjumper]], respectively. While the two-packs are clearly different products to most collectors, the Jazz and Barricade redecos (as well as Bonecrusher and Cliffjumper) were released as single packs in Europe, with both of them sporting the same product codes as their original releases… even though Barricade not only sported an entirely different deco, but also a modified name, "Recon Barricade".
*Confusingly, all three ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mini-Con#Robots in Disguise (2015)|Mini-Con]] 4-Packs were not only released under the same product code number, but even retained the same UPC barcode in non-European markets (as well as retaining the same EAN barcode in Europe, which is less unusual)&hellip; despite all three of them containing an almost entirely different lineup of figures! In fact, [[Undertone]] is the only sculpt actually shared between two of the sets.
*The [[Transformers (2014 toyline)|2014 ''Transformers'' line]]'s Legion Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Starscream]] figures were re-released in different packaging in 2015. All three sported different Hasbro product code numbers and UPC barcodes than their 2014 counterparts, despite being released under the same assortment number. In 2017, they were released ''again'' in minor variants of their 2014 packaging, this time again with the original Hasbro product code numbers and UPC barcodes.

===Errors===
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Buy me and fix me!]][[File:GrappelGripMudflapEuro.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.3|Make mistake?]]
Sometimes running changes do not simply tweak the toys slightly, but are actually intended to fix errors that were caught during [[quality control]], but not until some quantities of the flawed version had already shipped. In some cases the difference between outright "errors" and genuine "variants" is blurry (see the examples for ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Autobot Ratchet]] or [[Power Core Combiners]] [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] above), but even in instances where something is objectively a defect, some collectors still consider the earlier, faulty versions as "variants":
*Considerable quantities of the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Jumpstarter]]s were available with each other's [[Package art|character artwork]] depicted in the [[Tech Spec]]/[[bio]] strips.
*Generation 1 [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Hot Rod]]'s packaging contained the erroneous blurb "[[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]] transforms into ''[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]]'s'' weapon!"<ref name="tmhotrod">[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/ToysTMHotRodMISB.html Targetmaster Hot Rod MISB] at Super Toy Archive.</ref> Targetmaster [[Scourge (G1)#Targetmaster|Scourge]]'s box contains the same error, only replacing Firebolt's name with "[[Fracas]]" but still incorrectly mentioning Misfire.<ref name="tmscourge">[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/ToysTMScourgeMISB.html Targetmaster Scourge MISB] at Super Toy Archive.</ref> For Hot Rod, this was fixed in two steps: First Misfire's name was covered with a sticker that contained the correct name "Hot Rod"; later shipment then came in boxes that had the correct name printed on them.<ref name="hartman">[http://tfsource.com/blog/collector-interview-30-karl-hartman/ "Collector Interview 30 – Karl Hartman"] at the TFSource blog.</ref> A fixed version for Scourge's box supposedly also exists, but is said to be much rarer than the fixed Hot Rod box.
*Early shipments of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#CybDx|Deluxe Class Optimus Prime]] (a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con Optimus Prime toy) had [[misassembly|incorrectly assembled]] and therefore less poseable arms, just like the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Battle in a Box]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Universe|Ultra Magnus]] release of the sculpt before it. In Prime's case, some people consider the incorrectly assembled version an "error" because it was done unintentionally; others, however, consider it a "variant", because it has been released in considerable quantities, and the later, corrected version was an intentional change.
*The European version of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Scout Class [[Dead End (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Dead End]] was initially released with the name "Detour", an early working name of the toy, on the cardboard insert inside the packaging's blister bubble<ref name="detour1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/rotf-decepticons-384/dead-end-scout-2113/ Official Hasbro stock photos of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Scout Class Dead End], including European "Detour" version in packaging</ref> (though the back of the card and the instructions correctly identified him as "Dead End"). Later shipments replaced the cardboard insert with a corrected "Dead End" version.<ref name="eurodeadend">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/62713543@N00/3625412256/sizes/l/in/datetaken/ Scout Class Dead End in European packaging], named "Dead End".</ref> In at least one case, the European "Detour" name insert was accidentally even included with a US Dead End packaging.<ref name="rotfdetour2">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/234588-package-variant-rotf-dead-end.html Standard US ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Dead End side by side with error version with misapplied ''European'' "Detour" name insert.]</ref>
*Initial batches of ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Dirge (G1)#Generations|Dirge]] lacked the white center of the head crest for all three [[tampograph]]ed Decepticon [[insignia|faction symbols]], which was later fixed by a running change.<ref name="dirge">[http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=2160&size=0&start=176 Comparison between both versions of ''Generations'' Dirge.]</ref>
*A particularly odd case: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Fast Action Battlers]] [[Mudflap (ROTF)#Fast Action Battlers|Grapple Grip Mudflap]] had his name spelled as "Grapp'''el''' Grip Mudflap" all over his [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]], whereas the North American version had it corrected into "Grapple". However, considering that the spelling was ''also'' used on [[Hasbro]]'s public website,<ref name="fabhasbro">Hasbro website entry for FAB "Grappel Grip" Mudflap, [http://web.archive.org/web/20090612230515/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/shop/details.cfm?guid=B237456C-7A23-1014-B596-FBA5EE4D560D&product_id=24286&src=endeca archived version]</ref> and is repeated with [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] "[[Grapple (G1)|Solar Storm Grapp'''el''']]", this raises the question ''which'' version is officially to be considered the "incorrect" one, and whether the "Grappel" (mis)spelling is in fact intentionally used for [[trademark]] reasons...
*While less common, running changes can also occur in comics: The original printing run of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Transformers: Movie Prequel|Movie Prequel]]'' [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1]] featured a printing error, with the text captions from page 2 repeated on page 5. The shipment was recalled by IDW, and a second printing run with the error corrected was shipped to retailers. Some fans kept the flawed version of the comic instead of exchanging it for the fixed version, considering it a "variant".

==Not variants==
===An isolated incident does not a variant make===
[[File:BTAltProwlMisassemblies.jpg|thumb|left|One variant? ''Hundreds''!]]While the errors listed above are considered genuine variants by some collectors, there are lots of other cases where the common consensus is that these are ''not'' variants: Every collector has probably encountered at least one one-of-a-kind freak error over the years (''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] assembled without a head, a toy lacking some of its [[paint operation]]s, a toy with a cardboard insert featuring the wrong name inside the packaging etc.). Unless this error affected considerable quantities of the production run, and is found on all specimens of the same toy packed in multiple [[case]]s, this isn't considered a "variant" by the vast majority of the [[fandom]].

Likewise, if a single specimen contains an entirely different toy (or at least an entirely different deco of the toy) than depicted on the packaging, this was most likely done by somebody who didn't want to pay for the toy and thus returned the packaging to the store with another toy inside. This is a case of [[toy swapping]] (simply put, a variety of store theft), and no more a "variant" than a fan-made [[Customizing|custom]]. A genuine ''variant'' requires something to occur at the factory stage.

A somewhat unusual example would be ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]] [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Cyberverse|Optimus Prime]], who was designed with an alternate head sculpt (based on the [[mouthplate]]-less face as seen on the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|show]]) intended for a later [[redeco]]/[[retool]] (like many other modern toys), which was [[gang-molding|gang-molded]] with the original head. Before said redeco (later released as [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Nightwatch|Nightwatch Optimus Prime]]) was even announced, a specimen sporting the mouthplate-less head was found at retail and immediately reported as a "variant".<ref name="opcvvari">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-prime-39/cyberverse-optimus-prime-unmasked-variant-174184/ TFW2005 reporting] on the head sculpt "variant" for Cyberverse Commander Class Optimus Prime.</ref> However, this occurrence ultimately ended up being an isolated incident, and can thus be assumed to be an unusual manufacturing error that results in a unique toy.
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===Pre-release items===
[[File:Universe2008 G1Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|You can't get it in the market NOW! Woh!!!]]
Pre-release items such as [[prototype]]s, test shots and packaged samples that differ from the final products in sculpt, plastic color, paint, deco or packaging details do not count as "variants" either. True variants only exist between different specimen of officially released and distributed products. So unless the pre-release version has been officially released in some quantities before a running change replaced it with the more common version, it's not a variant. Stolen prototypes do not count.
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==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://fredsworkshop.com/framesvars.html Fred's Complete Variants Page] — Very thorough online variant resource.

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Toys]]