Editing USA Edition

{{picsneeded}}
'''USA Edition''' (USAエディション) is a label under which American Transformers toys are released in Japan, usually (but not always) as [[exclusive]]s through special outlets.

Usually identical to their [[Hasbro]] counterparts (down to the packaging) other than an additional sticker on the packaging identifying them as "USA Edition", there are some examples where the "USA Edition" releases feature notable differences from their Hasbro counterparts.

There is no clear rule as to what constitutes a "USA Edition" other than the word of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], and as some cases from more recent years have shown, "USA Edition" is essentially an all-encompassing term that translates as "We feel like doing whatever we want with these toys as long as we don't have to create our own packaging" (although ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Superlink]]'' [[Unicron]], officially recognized as a "USA Edition" by Takara, even broke the "Hasbro packaging" rule).

==Characteristics of USA Edition toys==
[[File:PL Red Thrust toy.jpg|thumb|250px|Not released in the USA.]]
"USA Edition" toys are typically released in American Hasbro packaging with a sticker containing Japanese legal information, possibly with the figure's name (which might be different from the Hasbro one). Sometimes there are minor variations between the USA Edition and the United States release, such as slightly different paint or plastic color, but this is rare. The most notable exceptions were ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Powerlinx [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], which was sold in modified packaging in a color scheme that never received an American release (but did come out in Europe), and the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' versions of [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], which sport different colors and decos from their Hasbro counterparts (most notably Powerglide). The (possibly never released) "USA Edition" version of ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators/Binaltech]]'' Prowl was also supposed to sport "Satellite Patrol" markings on his doors instead of the Hasbro version's "Highway Patrol" markings. Furthermore, the "USA Edition" version of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] featured a new "spark pilot" figure inside the cockpit that was omitted from the Hasbro release.

The Japanese mass retail release of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Unicron]], which was the Hasbro version in the original ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Legends of the Microns]]'' Unicron's packaging, is also officially recognized as a "USA Edition" by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]].

Many USA Edition toys are [[redeco]]s that were released in the United States, but not in the main Japanese line, such as [[Powerlinx]] [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], Powerlinx [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], and the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' redecos. Some are also intended as American-exclusive sculpts, like ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Sharkticon (Energon)|Sharkticon]] and [[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]], while others, such as ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]] and [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]], were initially planned for a regular Takara release but ultimately only saw limited release as USA Edition toys.

Other USA Edition releases are toys that had previously been released in Japan, but the Hasbro version sported notable differences, and the USA Edition release reflected those changes (but wasn't always entirely identical to the Hasbro version either). This applies to ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Convoy/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]], Masterpiece [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Classics|Starscream]] and ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Prowl]].

Most USA Edition toys are available either at [[e-HOBBY]] or the Japanese branch of [[Toys"R"Us]]. Other stores carrying USA Edition toys in the past were [[JUSCO]], Laox, [[Toy's Dream Project|Toy's Dream Project/Toycard]] and selected stores participating in the "TF Station" program. In some instances, "USA Edition" releases aren't even [[exclusive]] at all, but available at general retail.

==What's NOT a USA Edition==
Other toys are occasionally released in Japan in a similar fashion (i.e. in mostly unchanged Hasbro-derived packaging, and often with little to no difference from the Hasbro releases), such as [[Gnaw (G1)|Gnaw]], the European [[Motorvator]]s, [[Thunder Clash]], [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]], the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], Takara's "EZ Collection" versions of the [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] toys of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (which came on Hasbro cardbacks, but with new, Japanese-language blister bubble inserts) or the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 live-action movie]] and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' main line toys. However, only toys officially declared as "USA Edition" by Takara are actually considered as such by fans.

USA Edition toys should also not be confused with imports of Hasbro toys released in Japan through [[TakaraTomy#Tomy Direct|Tomy Direct]], an outlet that already existed prior to the Takara/Tomy merger and is now handled by the former Tomy part of the company. Unlike USA Edition figures, which often sport minor (sometimes even major) differences from their Hasbro counterparts, Tomy Direct releases are direct, unchanged imports. Transformers-related toys released through Tomy Direct are presumably limited to toys that have been designed by Hasbro without Takara's involvement, which includes the ''[[Star Wars Transformers (2005)|Star Wars Transformers]]'' (since the line was handled by the ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' team at Hasbro, and Tomy was releasing ''Star Wars'' toys in Japan prior to the Takara/Tomy merger), its successor, ''[[Transformers: Crossovers]]'', ''[[Titanium Series]]'' figures and some toys from the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 live-action movie]] and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toy lines, such as [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Ultimate Bumblebee]], various role-play accessories, the [[Robot Replicas]], the [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] figures, the [[Cyber Stompin' Robots]], the [[Power Bots]] and the [[Robot Powered Machines|RPM]] vehicles.

==List of USA Edition toys==
===''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Primal Prime#Toys|Primal Prime]]
|??
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|}

===[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)]]===
[[File:Cryotekridtoy.jpg|thumb|[[Cryotek (RID)#Toys|Cryotek]]]][[File:RID-toy XBrawn-SpyChanger.jpg|thumb|[[X-Brawn#Spychanger|SpyChanger X-Brawn]]]][[File:RID01-toy Bludgeon.jpg|thumb|[[Bludgeon (RID 2001)|Destructicon Bludgeon]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Cryotek (RID)#Toys|Cryotek]]
|???
|Mass retail
|[[Target]]
|-
|[[Sideways (RID)#Toys|Sideways]] vs. [[Axer (G1)#Robots in Disguise|Axer]]
|[[May 30]], 2002
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|[[Walmart]]
|-
|[[Storm Jet (RID)|Storm Jet]]
|[[July 5]], 2002
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|-
|Cybertron 3-Piece Set: [[Nightcruz (RID)|Nightcruz]], [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage GT]] & [[Scavenger (RID 2001)|Scavenger]]
|[[July 31]], 2002
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
|[[August 8]], 2002
|Toys"R"Us
|Toys"R"Us
|-
|[[Megatron (RID)#Megabolt|Megatron Megabolt]]
|August 8, 2002
|Toys"R"Us
|[[KB Toys]]
|-
|Basic class [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Basic|Optimus Prime]]
|[[November 28]], 2002
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|Basic class [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Basic|Ultra Magnus]]
|November 28, 2002
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|Basic class [[X-Brawn#Spychanger|X-Brawn]] & [[Scourge (RID)#Spychanger|Scourge]]
|November 28, 2002
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Dreadwind (RID)#Toys|Dreadwind]] & [[Smokejumper#Toys|Smokejumper]]
|[[January 1]], 2003
|Toys"R"Us
|Target
|-
|[[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]] [[Scourge (RID)#Destructicon|Scourge]]
|[[February 20]], 2003
|Toys"R"Us
|KB Toys
|-
|[[Bludgeon (RID 2001)|Destructicon Bludgeon]]
|[[February 20]], 2003
|Toys"R"Us
|KB Toys
|-
|[[Ruination (RID)#UrbanCamo|Ruination ("Urban camo" set)]]
|[[September 26]], 2003
|Affiliates with [[Toy's Dream Project]]'s "Toycard" program
|[[Walmart]]
|}{{-}}

===''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada / Legends of the Microns]]''===
[[File:Arm-toy Cheetor.jpg|thumb|[[Cheetor (Armada)#Toys|Cheetor]]]][[File:Powerlinx Cyclonus toy.jpg|thumb|[[Cyclonus (Armada)#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Cyclonus]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Rhinox (Armada)#Toys|Rhinox]]
|June ??, 2003
|[[AEON|JUSCO]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Terrorsaur (Armada)#Toys|Terrorsaur]]
|June ??, 2003
|JUSCO
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Airazor (Armada)#Toys|Airazor]]
|[[July 5]], 2003
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Skywarp (Armada)#Toys|Skywarp]]
|[[August 7]], 2003
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Cheetor (Armada)#Toys|Cheetor]]
|[[September 9]], 2003
|Toys"R"Us (website only)
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Predacon (Armada)#Toys|Predacon]]
|September 9, 2003
|Toys"R"Us (website only)
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Cyclonus (Armada)#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Cyclonus]]
|[[September 27]], 2003
|[[LaOX]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Thrust (Armada)#PowerlinxBrown|Powerlinx Thrust (brown)]]
|September 27, 2003
|LaOX
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Jetfire]]
|[[October 9]], 2003
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Thrust (Armada)#PowerlinxRed|Powerlinx Thrust (red)]]
|December ??, 2003
|[[Toy's Dream Project]] (members' store Toycard)
|N/A [mass retail release in other Hasbro markets]
|}{{-}}

===[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|''Universe'' (2003)]]===
[[File:Universe2003toy-Primal.jpg|thumb|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Primal]]]][[File:TFU03-toy Ratchet.jpg|thumb|[[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]]][[File:TFU03-toy NemesisStrika.jpg|thumb|[[Strika (BM)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Strika]]]][[File:Universe2003toy-NemesisPrime.jpg|thumb|]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Primal]]
|August ??, 2003
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Razorclaw (Universe)#Toys|Razorclaw]]
|August ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Universe (2003)|Silverbolt]]
|August ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Snarl (BM)#Universe (2003)|Snarl]]
|August ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Reptilion#Toys|Reptilion]]
|August ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Tankor (BM)#Universe (2003)|Tankor]] & [[Obsidian (BM)#Universe (2003)|Obsidian]]
|September ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Universe (2003)|Blackarachnia]]
|September ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Striker#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Striker]]
|September ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Depth Charge (BW)#Universe (2003)|Depthcharge]]
|January ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]
|January ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Inferno (BW)#Universe (2003)|Inferno]]
|January ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Skywarp]]
|April ??, 2004
|"[[TF Station]]" affiliate stores
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Triceradon (BM)#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Triceradon]]
|April ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[King Atlas#Toys|King Atlas]]
|May ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Skydive (BM)#Universe (2003)|Skydive]]
|June ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Stockade (Universe 2003)#Toys|Stockade]] & [[Magna Stampede#Toys|Magna Stampede]]
|July ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Fireflight (Universe Deluxe)|Fireflight]]
|July ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Whirl (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Whirl]]
|July ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Strika (BM)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Strika]]
|July ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Toys|Nemesis Prime]]
|[[August 5]], 2004
|[[AEON|JUSCO]]
|[[Target]]
|-
|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Soundwave]] & [[Space Case (G2)#Universe (2003)|Space Case]]
|September ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Air Raid (G1)#Universe (2003)|Air Raid]] & [[Wind Sheer (Universe)|Wind Sheer]]
|September ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Swerve (Universe)|Swerve]]
|September ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|}{{-}}

===''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon / Super Link]]''===
[[File:En-toy Offshoot.jpg|thumb|[[Offshoot (Energon)#Toys|"Signal Flare USA Edition"]]]]
[[File:Energon Slugslinger toy.jpg|thumb|[[Slugslinger (Energon)#Toys|Slugslinger ("Storm Jet")]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Unicron/toys#Energon|Unicron (black)]]
|???
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]
|March ??, 2004
|[[Toy's Dream Project]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#SuperGalvatron|Galvatron]]
|[[April 28]], 2004
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Strongarm (Energon)#EnergonEnergon|Energon Strongarm ("Strongarm USA Edition")]]
|July ??, 2004
|"[[TF Station]]" affiliate stores
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Sharkticon (Energon)#Toys|Sharkticon]]
|[[July 30]], 2004
|Toy's Dream Project
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Offshoot (Energon)#Toys|Offshoot ("Signal Flare USA Edition")]]
|[[August 8]], 2004
|Gamers, Tokyo Character Show 2004
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Tow-Line (Energon)#Toys|Tow-Line]]
|[[August 10]], 2004
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Slugslinger (Energon)#Toys|Slugslinger ("Storm Jet")]]
|[[October 28]], 2004
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|}{{-}}

===''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]] / 20th Anniversary''===
[[File:Hasbro Masterpiece Starscream toy.jpg|thumb|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#MasterpieceUS|Starscream]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]]
|April ??, 2004
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Starscream (G1)/toys#MasterpieceUS|Starscream]]
|February ??, 2008
|Mass retail
|[[Walmart]]
|}{{-}}

===''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators / Binaltech]]''===
[[File:AlternatorsProwl.jpg|thumb|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Prowl]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Prowl]]
|Unreleased?
|(Takarand, giveaway for subscribers)
|Mass retail
|}
{{note|Information about this toy is hard to come by. It was once advertised on Takarand's website, to be offered as a giveaway for new subscribers for their broadcast service; limited to 60 pieces. However, Takarand later changed owners, and since no photos of the final toy ever surfaced, it's quite likely that it was actually never released.}}{{-}}

===''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron / Galaxy Force]]''===
[[File:CYB hardtop withalt.jpg|thumb|[[Hardtop (Cybertron)#Toys|Hardtop]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Starscream (Armada)#Supreme|Super Starscream]]
|[[August 11]], 2005
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Hardtop (Cybertron)#Toys|Hardtop]]
|August ??, 2005
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#CybDx|Deluxe Optimus Prime ("Armada Convoy")]]
|October ??, 2006
|[[Toy's Dream Project]] (members store Toycard)
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Primus#Cybertron|Primus]] with [[Unicron/toys#Cybertron|Unicron head]]
|October ??, 2006
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Quickmix (Cybertron)#Toys|Quickmix ("Blendar")]]
|October ??, 2006
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Menasor (Cybertron)#Toys|Menasor ("Moledive")]]
|October ??, 2006
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|}{{-}}

===[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|''Universe'' (2008)]] / ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''===
[[File:Transformers-universe-usa-edition-powerglide.jpg|thumb|[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Powerglide]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Powerglide (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Powerglide]]
|October ??, 2008
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Onslaught (G1)/toys#Uni08Ultra|Onslaught]]
|October ??, 2008
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|[[Silverbolt (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Silverbolt]]
|October ??, 2008
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}{{-}}

===''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Japanese release date'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''Japanese venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|[[Trypticon (G1)#Platinum Edition|Dinosaurer]]
|December ??, 2015
|TakaraTomy Mall, giveaway for 300 lucky contestants
|[[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]
|}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Usa Edition}}
[[Category:Exclusive toylines]]