An auto-transforming Optimus Prime Transformer toy already exists, and it was such a hit that manufacturer Robosen decided to release a Decepticon version in the form of Megatron. The $899 toy can transform from tank to humanoid and back again entirely by itself. Now, I know I said in the title that it’s the toy I wish I had growing up—and that’s true—but it’s also the toy I wish I had now. Why does it have to be $899?
Megatron stands 21″ tall in humanoid form and is constructed from “4,500 premium materials” (not entirely sure what that means) with 36 servos controlled by 118 smart chips. He can be operated via voice command, or you can control him with a smartphone app. He has pre-programmed moves you can activate, or you can create your own moves for him to perform later, either with a block-based move editor in the app or by putting him in learning mode and physically moving him the way you want. Wow, this really is the future!
Megatron comes with an energon mace and light-up energon sword, and his voice is that of the legendary Frank Welker, who voiced the original US cartoon version of Megatron! Each tank tread is individually controllable in tank mode, and the cannon can fire projectiles up to 2 feet. He can also interact with users via touch sensors. And to think, when we were kids, we had to transform our Transformers ourselves AND throw our voices to make them talk. We sure have come a long way.
[via TheAwesomer]
With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.