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


==Characteristics of USA Editions==
==Characteristics of USA Editions==
"USA Editions" 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 (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! (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 ''[[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 ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]] featured a new "spark pilot" figure inside the cockpit that was omitted from the Hasbro release.
"USA Editions" 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 (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 ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Unicron]], which was the Hasbro version in the original ''[[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)|Micron Densetsu]]'' Unicron's packaging, is also officially recognized as a "USA Edition" by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]].


Many USA Editions 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 ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' redecos. Some are also intended as American-exclusive sculpts, like ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Sharkticon (Energon)|Sharkticon]] and [[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]], while others, such as ''[[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 Editions.
Many USA Editions 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 Editions.


Other USA Editions 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]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Convoy/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]], Masterpiece [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Classics|Starscream]] and ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Prowl]].
Other USA Editions 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 Editions are available either at [[e-Hobby]] or the Japanese branch of [[Toys"R"Us]]. Other stores carrying USA Editions 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 Editions" aren't even [[exclusive]] at all, but available at general retail.
Most USA Editions are available either at [[e-HOBBY]] or the Japanese branch of [[Toys"R"Us]]. Other stores carrying USA Editions 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 Editions" 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]], the European [[Motorvator|Motorvators]], [[Thunder Clash]], [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]], the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], Takara's "EZ Collection" versions of the [[Legends Class|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 ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' main line toys. However, only toys officially declared "USA Editions" by Takara are actually considered as such by fans.
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]], 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|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 "USA Editions" by Takara are actually considered as such by fans.


USA Editions 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 Editions, 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 |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, ''[[Crossovers|Transformers Crossovers]]'', ''[[Titanium Series]]'' figures and some toys from the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 live-action movie]] and ''[[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 Editions 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 Editions, 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.


==List of USA Editions==
==List of USA Editions==
===[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]===
===[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]===
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===[[Armada (toyline)|Armada/Micron Densetsu]]===
===[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada/Micron Densetsu]]===
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===[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe (2003)]]===
===[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe (2003)]]===
<!--
<!--
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|[[Optimus Primal/toys#Universe|Optimus Primal]]
|[[Optimus Primal/toys#Universe|Optimus Primal]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|[[e-Hobby]]
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Razorclaw (Universe)#Toys|Razorclaw]]
|[[Razorclaw (Universe)#Toys|Razorclaw]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Silverbolt (BW)#Universe (2003)|Silverbolt]]
|[[Silverbolt (BW)#Universe (2003)|Silverbolt]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Snarl (BM)#Universe (2003)|Snarl]]
|[[Snarl (BM)#Universe (2003)|Snarl]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Reptilion]]
|[[Reptilion]]
|August ??, 2003
|August ??, 2003
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Tankor (BM)#Universe (2003)|Tankor]] & [[Obsidian (BM)#Universe (2003)|Obsidian]]
|[[Tankor (BM)#Universe (2003)|Tankor]] & [[Obsidian (BM)#Universe (2003)|Obsidian]]
|September ??, 2003
|September ??, 2003
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Universe (2003)|Blackarachnia]]
|[[Blackarachnia (BW)#Universe (2003)|Blackarachnia]]
|September ??, 2003
|September ??, 2003
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Striker#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Striker]]
|[[Striker#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Striker]]
|September ??, 2003
|September ??, 2003
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Depth Charge (BW)#Universe (2003)|Depthcharge]]
|[[Depth Charge (BW)#Universe (2003)|Depthcharge]]
|January ??, 2004
|January ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]
|[[Ratchet (Universe)#Toys|Autobot Ratchet]]
|January ??, 2004
|January ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Inferno (BW)#Universe (2003)|Inferno]]
|[[Inferno (BW)#Universe (2003)|Inferno]]
|January ??, 2004
|January ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
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|[[Triceradon (BM)#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Triceradon]]
|[[Triceradon (BM)#Universe (2003)|Dinobot Triceradon]]
|April ??, 2004
|April ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[King Atlas]]
|[[King Atlas]]
|May ??, 2004
|May ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Skydive (BM)#Universe (2003)|Skydive]]
|[[Skydive (BM)#Universe (2003)|Skydive]]
|June ??, 2004
|June ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Stockade (Universe 2003)|Stockade]] & [[Magna Stampede]]
|[[Stockade (Universe 2003)|Stockade]] & [[Magna Stampede]]
|July ??, 2004
|July ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Fireflight (Universe)|Fireflight]]
|[[Fireflight (Universe)|Fireflight]]
|July ??, 2004
|July ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Whirl (Universe)|Autobot Whirl]]
|[[Whirl (Universe)|Autobot Whirl]]
|July ??, 2004
|July ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Strika (BM)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Strika]]
|[[Strika (BM)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Strika]]
|July ??, 2004
|July ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
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|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Soundwave]] & [[Space Case (G2)#Universe (2003)|Space Case]]
|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|Soundwave]] & [[Space Case (G2)#Universe (2003)|Space Case]]
|September ??, 2004
|September ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Air Raid (G1)#Universe (2003)|Air Raid]] & [[Wind Sheer (Universe)|Wind Sheer]]
|[[Air Raid (G1)#Universe (2003)|Air Raid]] & [[Wind Sheer (Universe)|Wind Sheer]]
|September ??, 2004
|September ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Swerve (Universe)|Swerve]]
|[[Swerve (Universe)|Swerve]]
|September ??, 2004
|September ??, 2004
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}
|}


===[[Energon (toyline)|Energon/Superlink]]===
===[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon/Superlink]]===
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===[[Masterpiece]]/20th Anniversary===
===[[The Transformers: Masterpiece| Masterpiece]]/20th Anniversary===
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|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]]
|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]]
|April ??, 2004
|April ??, 2004
|[[e-Hobby]]
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
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|}
|}


===[[Alternators|Binaltech/Alternators]]===
===[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech/Alternators]]===
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{{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.}}


===[[Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force/Cybertron]]===
===[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force/Cybertron]]===
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|[[Hardtop (Cybertron)#Toys|Hardtop]]
|[[Hardtop (Cybertron)#Toys|Hardtop]]
|August ??, 2005
|August ??, 2005
|[[e-Hobby]]
|[[e-HOBBY]]
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
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|[[Primus#Cybertron|Primus]] with [[Unicron/toys#Cybertron|Unicron head]]
|[[Primus#Cybertron|Primus]] with [[Unicron/toys#Cybertron|Unicron head]]
|October ??, 2006
|October ??, 2006
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Quickmix (Cybertron)#Toys|Quickmix ("Blender")]]
|[[Quickmix (Cybertron)#Toys|Quickmix ("Blender")]]
|October ??, 2006
|October ??, 2006
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|-
|-
|[[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor ("Moledive")]]
|[[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor ("Moledive")]]
|October ??, 2006
|October ??, 2006
|e-Hobby
|e-HOBBY
|Mass retail
|Mass retail
|}
|}


===[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe (2008)]]/[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]===
===[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe (2008)]]/[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]===
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Revision as of 11:03, 21 May 2012

Let's see what you can see...

This article is in need of images.

USA Editions are American Transformers toys that are released in Japan, usually (but not always) as exclusives 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 Editions", there are some examples where the "USA Editions" 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).

Characteristics of USA Editions

"USA Editions" 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 Micron Densetsu Unicron's packaging, is also officially recognized as a "USA Edition" by Takara.

Many USA Editions 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 Editions.

Other USA Editions 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 Editions are available either at e-HOBBY or the Japanese branch of Toys"R"Us. Other stores carrying USA Editions in the past were JUSCO, Laox, Toy's Dream Project/Toycard and selected stores participating in the "TF Station" program. In some instances, "USA Editions" 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, 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 "USA Editions" by Takara are actually considered as such by fans.

USA Editions 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 Editions, 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 Editions

Beast Machines

Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Primal Prime ?? ToysЯUs Mass retail

Robots in Disguise

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

Armada/Micron Densetsu

Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Rhinox June ??, 2003 JUSCO Mass retail
Terrorsaur June ??, 2003 JUSCO Mass retail
Airazor July 5, 2003 ToysЯUs Mass retail
Skywarp August 7, 2003 ToysЯUs Mass retail
Cheetor September 9, 2003 ToysЯUs (website only) Mass retail
Predacon September 9, 2003 ToysЯUs (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 ToysЯUs 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)

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
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 ToysЯUs 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 ToysЯUs Mass retail
Slugslinger ("Storm Jet") October 28, 2004 ToysЯUs Mass retail

Masterpiece/20th Anniversary

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

Binaltech/Alternators

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.

Galaxy Force/Cybertron

Item Japanese release date Japanese venue US venue
Super Starscream August 11, 2005 ToysЯUs 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 ("Blender") October ??, 2006 e-HOBBY Mass retail
Menasor ("Moledive") October ??, 2006 e-HOBBY Mass retail

Universe (2008)/Henkei! Henkei!

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

Footnotes

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