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[[File:USA Edition logo.png|center]]
'''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.
'''USA Edition''' (USAエディション) is a label under which American Transformers toys were historically released in Japan, often 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.
These toys are usually identical to their [[Hasbro]] counterparts down to the packaging (other than additional stickers on the packaging identifying them as "USA Edition" and providing legal information in Japanese), but there are a few 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).
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). And of course, now that the two companies are putting out nigh-identical product in the main toylines down the  the same packaging design (a practice starting during the [[Prime Wars Trilogy]]), the "USA Edition" label has basically faded away.


==Characteristics of USA Edition toys==
==Characteristics of USA Edition toys==
[[File:PL Red Thrust toy.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Burger and shake not included.]]
"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.
"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)|Micron Densetsu]]'' Unicron's packaging, is also officially recognized as a "USA Edition" by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]].
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.
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]].
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.
Most USA Edition toys were available either at [[e-HOBBY]] or the Japanese branch of [[Toys"R"Us]]. Other stores carrying USA Edition toys in the past were [[AEON|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==
==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 [[Movie (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.
Other toys have been 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) over the first few decades of the franchise, but ''not'' branded "USA Edition". In the first few years of the line, Takara offered multiple toys as mail-away items, including Hasbro-exclusive decos, which were even marked on the mail-away pamphlets as "American" toys. [[Gnaw (G1)#Toys|Gnaw]] was notably available only as part of a lottery in the ''[[Beastformers (franchise)|Beastformers]]'' sub-line, coming in Hasbro packaging with a special gold sicker attached. At normal retail, many toys were also released in bestickered Hasbro packaging, including the European [[Motorvator#Toys|Motorvators]], [[Thunder Clash#Toys|Thunder Clash]], [[Skyquake (G1)#Toys|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]]'' (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 [[Movie (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.
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 toyline)|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==
==List of USA Edition toys==
===[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]===
===''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 31: Line 32:
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|-
|[[Primal Prime]]
|[[Primal Prime#Toys|Primal Prime]]
|??
|??
|[[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]]
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}
|}


===[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]] (2001)===
===[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)]]===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
[[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="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 45: Line 47:
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|-
|[[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]]
|[[Cryotek (RID)#Toys|Cryotek]]
|???
|???
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
Line 52: Line 54:
|[[Sideways (RID)#Toys|Sideways]] vs. [[Axer (G1)#Robots in Disguise|Axer]]
|[[Sideways (RID)#Toys|Sideways]] vs. [[Axer (G1)#Robots in Disguise|Axer]]
|[[May 30]], 2002
|[[May 30]], 2002
|[[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]]
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|[[Walmart]]
|[[Walmart]]
|-
|-
|[[Storm Jet (RID)|Storm Jet]]
|[[Storm Jet (RID)|Storm Jet]]
|[[July 5]], 2002
|[[July 5]], 2002
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|Cybertron 3-Guy Set: [[Nightcruz (RID)|Nightcruz]], [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage GT]] & [[Scavenger (RID)|Scavenger]]
|Cybertron 3-Piece Set: [[Nightcruz (RID)|Nightcruz]], [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage GT]] & [[Scavenger (RID)|Scavenger]]
|[[July 31]], 2002
|[[July 31]], 2002
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Optimus Primal/toys#Robots in Disguise|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
|[[August 8]], 2002
|[[August 8]], 2002
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|-
|-
|[[Megatron (RID)#Megabolt|Megatron Megabolt]]
|[[Megatron (RID)#Megabolt|Megatron Megabolt]]
|August 8, 2002
|August 8, 2002
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|[[KB Toys]]
|[[KB Toys]]
|-
|-
|[[Spy Changer]] [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Spychanger|Optimus Prime]]
|Basic class [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Basic|Optimus Prime]]
|[[November 28]], 2002
|[[November 28]], 2002
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|Spy Changer [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]
|Basic class [[Ultra Magnus (RID)#Basic|Ultra Magnus]]
|November 28, 2002
|November 28, 2002
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|Spy Changers [[X-Brawn]] & [[Scourge (RID)#Spychanger|Scourge]]
|Basic class [[X-Brawn#Spychanger|X-Brawn]] & [[Scourge (RID)#Spychanger|Scourge]]
|November 28, 2002
|November 28, 2002
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] & [[Smokejumper]]
|[[Dreadwind (RID)#Toys|Dreadwind]] & [[Smokejumper#Toys|Smokejumper]]
|[[January 1]], 2003
|[[January 1]], 2003
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|Target
|Target
|-
|-
|[[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]] [[Scourge (RID)#Destructicon|Scourge]]
|[[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]] [[Scourge (RID)#Destructicon|Scourge]]
|[[February 20]], 2003
|[[February 20]], 2003
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|KB Toys
|KB Toys
|-
|-
|[[Bludgeon (RID 2001)|Destructicon Bludgeon]]
|[[Bludgeon (RID 2001)|Destructicon Bludgeon]]
|[[February 20]], 2003
|[[February 20]], 2003
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|KB Toys
|KB Toys
|-
|-
Line 109: Line 111:
|Affiliates with [[Toy's Dream Project]]'s "Toycard" program
|Affiliates with [[Toy's Dream Project]]'s "Toycard" program
|[[Walmart]]
|[[Walmart]]
|}
|}{{-}}


===[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada/Micron Densetsu]]===
===''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada / Legends of the Microns]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
[[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="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 121: Line 124:
|[[Rhinox (Armada)#Toys|Rhinox]]
|[[Rhinox (Armada)#Toys|Rhinox]]
|June ??, 2003
|June ??, 2003
|[[JUSCO]]
|[[AEON|JUSCO]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
Line 131: Line 134:
|[[Airazor (Armada)#Toys|Airazor]]
|[[Airazor (Armada)#Toys|Airazor]]
|[[July 5]], 2003
|[[July 5]], 2003
|[[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]]
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Skywarp (Armada)#Toys|Skywarp]]
|[[Skywarp (Armada)#Toys|Skywarp]]
|[[August 7]], 2003
|[[August 7]], 2003
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Cheetor (Armada)#Toys|Cheetor]]
|[[Cheetor (Armada)#Toys|Cheetor]]
|[[September 9]], 2003
|[[September 9]], 2003
|ToysЯUs (website only)
|Toys"R"Us (website only)
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Predacon (Armada)#Toys|Predacon]]
|[[Predacon (Armada)#Toys|Predacon]]
|September 9, 2003
|September 9, 2003
|ToysЯUs (website only)
|Toys"R"Us (website only)
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
Line 161: Line 164:
|[[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Jetfire]]
|[[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Jetfire]]
|[[October 9]], 2003
|[[October 9]], 2003
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
Line 168: Line 171:
|[[Toy's Dream Project]] (members' store Toycard)
|[[Toy's Dream Project]] (members' store Toycard)
|N/A [mass retail release in other Hasbro markets]
|N/A [mass retail release in other Hasbro markets]
|}
|}{{-}}


===[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe (2003)]]===
===[[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:100%"
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 179: Line 182:
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|-
|
|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|Optimus Primal]]
|???
|
|Mass retail
-->
 
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
|-
! 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/toys#Universe|Optimus Primal]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|[[e-HOBBY]]
Line 202: Line 192:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Silverbolt (BW)#Universe (2003)|Silverbolt]]
|[[Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Universe (2003)|Silverbolt]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
Line 212: Line 202:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Reptilion]]
|[[Reptilion#Toys|Reptilion]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
Line 247: Line 237:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Skywarp]]
|April ??, 2004
|April ??, 2004
|"[[TF Station]]" affiliate stores
|"[[TF Station]]" affiliate stores
Line 257: Line 247:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[King Atlas]]
|[[King Atlas#Toys|King Atlas]]
|May ??, 2004
|May ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
Line 267: Line 257:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Stockade (Universe 2003)|Stockade]] & [[Magna Stampede]]
|[[Stockade (Universe 2003)#Toys|Stockade]] & [[Magna Stampede#Toys|Magna Stampede]]
|July ??, 2004
|July ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
Line 277: Line 267:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Whirl (Universe)|Autobot Whirl]]
|[[Whirl (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Whirl]]
|July ??, 2004
|July ??, 2004
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
Line 287: Line 277:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)|Nemesis Prime]]
|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Toys|Nemesis Prime]]
|[[August 5]], 2004
|[[August 5]], 2004
|[[JUSCO]]
|[[AEON|JUSCO]]
|[[Target]]
|[[Target]]
|-
|-
Line 306: Line 296:
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}
|}{{-}}


===[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon/Superlink]]===
===''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon / Super Link]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
[[File:En-toy Offshoot.jpg|thumb|[[Offshoot (Energon)#Toys|"Signal Flare USA Edition"]]]]
[[File:En-toy Slugslinger.jpg|thumb|[[Slugslinger (Energon)#Toys|Slugslinger ("Storm Jet")]]]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 328: Line 320:
|[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#SuperGalvatron|Galvatron]]
|[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#SuperGalvatron|Galvatron]]
|[[April 28]], 2004
|[[April 28]], 2004
|[[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]]
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
Line 341: Line 333:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Offshoot (Energon)|Offshoot ("Signal Flare USA Edition")]]
|[[Offshoot (Energon)#Toys|Offshoot ("Signal Flare USA Edition")]]
|[[August 8]], 2004
|[[August 8]], 2004
|Gamers, Tokyo Character Show 2004
|Gamers, Tokyo Character Show 2004
Line 348: Line 340:
|[[Tow-Line (Energon)#Toys|Tow-Line]]
|[[Tow-Line (Energon)#Toys|Tow-Line]]
|[[August 10]], 2004
|[[August 10]], 2004
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Slugslinger (Energon)|Slugslinger ("Storm Jet")]]
|[[Slugslinger (Energon)#Toys|Slugslinger ("Storm Jet")]]
|[[October 28]], 2004
|[[October 28]], 2004
|ToysЯUs
|Toys"R"Us
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}
|}{{-}}


===[[The Transformers: Masterpiece| Masterpiece]]/20th Anniversary===
===''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]] / 20th Anniversary''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
[[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="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 365: Line 358:
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|-
|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]]
|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]]
|April ??, 2004
|April ??, 2004
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|[[e-HOBBY]]
Line 374: Line 367:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|[[Walmart]]
|[[Walmart]]
|}
|}{{-}}


===[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech/Alternators]]===
===''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators / Binaltech]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
[[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="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 389: Line 383:
|Mass retail
|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.}}
{{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)|Galaxy Force/Cybertron]]===
===''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron / Galaxy Force]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
[[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="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 399: Line 394:
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|-
|[[Starscream (Armada)#Supreme|Super Starscream]]
|[[Starscream (Armada)#Supreme|Starscream]]
|[[August 11]], 2005
|[[August 11]], 2005
|[[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]]
|[[Toys"R"Us]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
Line 419: Line 414:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Quickmix (Cybertron)#Toys|Quickmix ("Blender")]]
|[[Quickmix (Cybertron)#Toys|Quickmix ("Blendar")]]
|October ??, 2006
|October ??, 2006
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor ("Moledive")]]
|[[Menasor (Cybertron)#Toys|Menasor ("Moledive")]]
|October ??, 2006
|October ??, 2006
|e-HOBBY
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}
|}{{-}}


===[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe (2008)]]/[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]===
===[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|''Universe'' (2008)]] / ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
[[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="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 452: Line 448:
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}
|}{{-}}


===Transformers: Platinum Edition===
===''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]''===
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:100%"
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:80%"
|-
|-
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
! scope="col" width="35%" | '''Item'''
Line 462: Line 458:
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''US venue'''
|-
|-
|[[Trypticon_(G1)#Platinum_Edition|Dinosaurer]]
|[[Trypticon (G1)#Platinum Edition|Dinosaurer]]
|December ??, 2015
|December ??, 2015
|TakaraTomy Mall, giveaway for 300 lucky contestants
|TakaraTomy Mall, giveaway for 300 lucky contestants
|Mass retail
|[[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]
|}
|}


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

Latest revision as of 12:57, 14 May 2026

USA Edition (USAエディション) is a label under which American Transformers toys were historically released in Japan, often as exclusives through special outlets.

These toys are usually identical to their Hasbro counterparts down to the packaging (other than additional stickers on the packaging identifying them as "USA Edition" and providing legal information in Japanese), but there are a few 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 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 Superlink Unicron, officially recognized as a "USA Edition" by Takara, even broke the "Hasbro packaging" rule). And of course, now that the two companies are putting out nigh-identical product in the main toylines down the the same packaging design (a practice starting during the Prime Wars Trilogy), the "USA Edition" label has basically faded away.

Characteristics of USA Edition toys

[edit]
Burger and shake not included.

"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 Armada Powerlinx 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! versions of Powerglide, Silverbolt and Onslaught, which sport different colors and decos from their Hasbro counterparts (most notably Powerglide). The (possibly never released) "USA Edition" version of 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 Robots in Disguise Cryotek featured a new "spark pilot" figure inside the cockpit that was omitted from the Hasbro release.

The Japanese mass retail release of Energon Unicron, which was the Hasbro version in the original Legends of the Microns Unicron's packaging, is also officially recognized as a "USA Edition" by Takara.

Many USA Edition toys are redecos that were released in the United States, but not in the main Japanese line, such as Powerlinx Cyclonus, Powerlinx Jetfire, and the Armada Beast Wars redecos. Some are also intended as American-exclusive sculpts, like Energon Sharkticon and Tow-Line, while others, such as Cybertron Menasor and 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 Masterpiece Convoy/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, Masterpiece Starscream and Alternators Prowl.

Most USA Edition toys were 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/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

[edit]

Other toys have been 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) over the first few decades of the franchise, but not branded "USA Edition". In the first few years of the line, Takara offered multiple toys as mail-away items, including Hasbro-exclusive decos, which were even marked on the mail-away pamphlets as "American" toys. Gnaw was notably available only as part of a lottery in the Beastformers sub-line, coming in Hasbro packaging with a special gold sicker attached. At normal retail, many toys were also released in bestickered Hasbro packaging, including the European Motorvators, Thunder Clash, Skyquake, the Generation 2 Go-Bots, Takara's "EZ Collection" versions of the Legends of Cybertron toys of Optimus Prime, Megatron and Starscream (which came on Hasbro cardbacks, but with new, Japanese-language blister bubble inserts) or the 2007 live-action movie and 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 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 (since the line was handled by the 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 2007 live-action movie and Revenge of the Fallen toy lines, such as Ultimate Bumblebee, various role-play accessories, the Robot Replicas, the Robot Heroes figures, the Cyber Stompin' Robots, the Power Bots and the RPM vehicles.

List of USA Edition toys

[edit]

Beast Machines

[edit]
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Primal Prime ?? Toys"R"Us Mass retail

Robots in Disguise (2001)

[edit]
Cryotek
SpyChanger X-Brawn
Destructicon Bludgeon
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Cryotek ??? Mass retail Target
Sideways vs. Axer May 30, 2002 Toys"R"Us Walmart
Storm Jet July 5, 2002 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Cybertron 3-Piece Set: Nightcruz, Mirage GT & Scavenger July 31, 2002 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Air Attack Optimus Primal August 8, 2002 Toys"R"Us Toys"R"Us
Megatron Megabolt August 8, 2002 Toys"R"Us KB Toys
Basic class Optimus Prime November 28, 2002 Mass retail Mass retail
Basic class Ultra Magnus November 28, 2002 Mass retail Mass retail
Basic class X-Brawn & Scourge November 28, 2002 Mass retail Mass retail
Dreadwind & Smokejumper January 1, 2003 Toys"R"Us Target
Destructicon Scourge February 20, 2003 Toys"R"Us KB Toys
Destructicon Bludgeon February 20, 2003 Toys"R"Us KB Toys
Ruination ("Urban camo" set) September 26, 2003 Affiliates with Toy's Dream Project's "Toycard" program Walmart


Armada / Legends of the Microns

[edit]
Cheetor
Powerlinx Cyclonus
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Rhinox June ??, 2003 JUSCO Mass retail
Terrorsaur June ??, 2003 JUSCO Mass retail
Airazor July 5, 2003 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Skywarp August 7, 2003 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Cheetor September 9, 2003 Toys"R"Us (website only) Mass retail
Predacon September 9, 2003 Toys"R"Us (website only) Mass retail
Powerlinx Cyclonus September 27, 2003 LaOX Mass retail
Powerlinx Thrust (brown) September 27, 2003 LaOX Mass retail
Powerlinx Jetfire October 9, 2003 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Powerlinx Thrust (red) December ??, 2003 Toy's Dream Project (members' store Toycard) N/A [mass retail release in other Hasbro markets]


Universe (2003)

[edit]
Optimus Primal
Autobot Ratchet
Nemesis Strika
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Optimus Primal August ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Razorclaw August ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Silverbolt August ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Snarl August ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Reptilion August ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Tankor & Obsidian September ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Blackarachnia September ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Dinobot Striker September ??, 2003 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Depthcharge January ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Autobot Ratchet January ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Inferno January ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Skywarp April ??, 2004 "TF Station" affiliate stores Mass retail
Dinobot Triceradon April ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
King Atlas May ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Skydive June ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Stockade & Magna Stampede July ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Fireflight July ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Autobot Whirl July ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Nemesis Strika July ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Nemesis Prime August 5, 2004 JUSCO Target
Soundwave & Space Case September ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Air Raid & Wind Sheer September ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Swerve September ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail


[edit]
"Signal Flare USA Edition"
Slugslinger ("Storm Jet")
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Unicron (black) ??? Mass retail Mass retail
Ultra Magnus March ??, 2004 Toy's Dream Project Mass retail
Galvatron April 28, 2004 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Energon Strongarm ("Strongarm USA Edition") July ??, 2004 "TF Station" affiliate stores Mass retail
Sharkticon July 30, 2004 Toy's Dream Project Mass retail
Offshoot ("Signal Flare USA Edition") August 8, 2004 Gamers, Tokyo Character Show 2004 Mass retail
Tow-Line August 10, 2004 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Slugslinger ("Storm Jet") October 28, 2004 Toys"R"Us Mass retail


Masterpiece / 20th Anniversary

[edit]
Starscream
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Optimus Prime April ??, 2004 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Starscream February ??, 2008 Mass retail Walmart


Alternators / Binaltech

[edit]
Prowl
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Prowl Unreleased? (Takarand, giveaway for subscribers) Mass retail
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.


Cybertron / Galaxy Force

[edit]
Hardtop
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Starscream August 11, 2005 Toys"R"Us Mass retail
Hardtop August ??, 2005 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Deluxe Optimus Prime ("Armada Convoy") October ??, 2006 Toy's Dream Project (members store Toycard) Mass retail
Primus with Unicron head October ??, 2006 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Quickmix ("Blendar") October ??, 2006 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Menasor ("Moledive") October ??, 2006 e-HOBBY Mass retail


Universe (2008) / Henkei! Henkei!

[edit]
Powerglide
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Powerglide October ??, 2008 Mass retail Mass retail
Onslaught October ??, 2008 Mass retail Mass retail
Silverbolt October ??, 2008 Mass retail Mass retail


Platinum Edition

[edit]
Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Dinosaurer December ??, 2015 TakaraTomy Mall, giveaway for 300 lucky contestants Amazon
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