By Sean Hollister , a senior editor and founding member of The Verge who covers gadgets, games, and toys. He spent 15 years editing the likes of CN

This self-transforming Megatron is as badass as it is expensive

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2024-04-26 10:30:03

By Sean Hollister , a senior editor and founding member of The Verge who covers gadgets, games, and toys. He spent 15 years editing the likes of CNET, Gizmodo, and Engadget.

Three years later, Hasbro’s self-transforming, dancing, driving, talking, and attacking Optimus Prime finally has a villain to fight. Megatron, the leader of the Decepticons, is about to arrive. For $1,200 — $899 through May 25th — its robot partner Robosen has created what could be the best auto-converting Transformer yet.

Just to make sure you’re getting it: this bot automatically transforms itself into a badass remote-control tank with a gigantic auto-extending cannon that can actually fire projectiles — then stands up and speaks over 270 phrases from original Megatron voice actor Frank Welker while doing all sorts of tricks.

I’ve been playing with Megatron for half a day now, and it’s mostly awesome. Not only do its 36 servo motors and 118 microchips let the 21-inch tall bot perform all kinds of routines, but it’s also got more engaging play features than Optimus or the Dinobot Grimlock, thanks to a better set of weapons, 112 bright LEDs, and intriguing new joints for its servos to actuate.