Fan mode
A fan mode is an unofficial mode of transformation which adds to the playability of a figure. Fan modes vary from slight changes to drastic reconfigurations of the original transformation scheme. Fan modes can also improve the looks a figure in one respect or another. Shortround has one of the more infamous fan modes—the toy can be turned into a fair approximation of a toilet.
Other examples of extra modes, people have invented extra modes for Titans Return Sixshot including a base mode, a boat mode, and a city mode, as well as others
One example of a fan mode can be some form of robot mode combination between the Mindwipe mold and the Skystalker mold.
Fans also created ways to combine the Universe Darkwing and Timelines Dreadwind figures in a homage to their G1 counterparts even though the molds were not originally designed to.
Fan mode possibilities depend on the articulation, transformation, and design of a toy. For instance, due to the autotransformation gimmick, flipchangers have small amounts of potential fan modes, while Movie toys have many possibilities. Combiner Wars-style combiners are also common examples of fan mode usage, as many fans create fan modes to make the combiners look better in their eyes.
Other examples of fan modes include Titans Return Broadside legs partially untransformed in jet mode so as not to create a large block on top of the jet, improving what is otherwise considered one of the worst vehicle modes of a Titans Return toy. This like many fan modes makes the figure look better, but is a less stable transformation as there are no tabs or locks designed for alternate configurations. Some people also remove and reattach the leg fins to point them the opposite direction. There are other fan modes that involve partially disassembling and reassembling a figure in a slightly different configuration.
