TFW2005 member shadow panther directs our attention to a Previews World listing for MP-44, which is being billed as Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime Version 3:
From Hasbro Toy Group. Making a third appearance into the Transformers Masterpiece line is the brave leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime. This version of Optimus will feature a more cartoon accurate styling. Set includes: Optimus‘ Trailer, Rifle, Energy axe, Jet pack, Rover (Rollar), 2 Energy spikes, 3 Heads, Matrix of Leadership, Starscream’s shoulder pieces, Battle damaged piece, and an Energon pump with hose and nozzle. In Shops: Sep 04, 2019 SRP: $450.00
Review our extensive coverage of this Optimus Prime, including the recent Figure King #252 scans, here and then sound off on the 2005 boards!
franpincho
*This thread*
Memph99Q4Ev
FightingRooster
What is the size of this thing?
SureShotSniper
With tax, half a grand for an adult collectable toy… no way.
Ejector369
Hopefully Hasbro Pulse will carry MP-44 in the future.
FightingRooster
Is it the same size as MP10?
nSoundwave
Whats been the best price on Version 3 on Amazon JP so far?
Memph99Q4Ev
Dont pay full price for Prime unless there isn't another option, besides not getting it all together of course. Ordered Prime for 316.00 and Bee for 90.00 and still had dough leftover from saving (goddamn change jar). Getting both for less than the cost of one Prime. Amazon JP all day, check it out now.
RKillian
And the best part, I would bet real money that the EE Distribution "wholesale" price is higher than Amazon Japan too. Back when I was ordering cases, it was almost always cheaper to go through HLJ retail. And HLJ didn't pull any horseshit like shipping a case of 12 as 3 shipments of 4 either.
Enigma2K2
It makes up for it by transforming into a child's vehicle!
Cyclonus79
No trailer ?! Malarkey !
samisham
I'm honestly surprised there hasn't been a story yet where Optimus goes up to titan size and fights Trypticon and Scorponok.
Enigma2K2
I got yer $400 Optimus Prime RIGHT HERE!!
LewinResources optimus prime L MP10 71CM With Alloy Robot | eBay
reluttr
Personally I blame Diaclone Returns for the price jump. Takara must have seen some sort of success with the line seeing as they keep releasing new stuff for it, and then realized they might be able to get away with it on the Transformers Brand.
The issue is that Diaclone Returns is a bubble, it came into the market at that price and terms, there was no previous examples for fans to go off of when justifying the purchase outside of other niche releases like SOC. Eventually though that bubble will pop and the line will fold. That's just how bubbles work.
But then compare to MP Transformers. They are trying to apply the logic onto repaints of previous releases, and I personally believe most people see through it, the only people buying the expensive re-releases are those that missed the initial run. The only way Takara will see success is with drastic redesigns like Prime and Megs and new characters like Dinobot, BW Megs, Hound, etc.
What complicates things the most is the way Japan handles msrp's. It's really common for a MSRP in japan to be inflated, then its up to retailers to fight it out for the best "discount", it's not uncommon for customers to haggle with stores for things like big box appliances. Hasbro just saw the MSRP, didn't account for the cultural differences, and slapped it on their listing. That's why you can get it on Amazon.co.jp for 300, but EE wants the full price.
Onslaught24
Welcome to the boards! I like you already. Keep a positive attitude like that and you'll do well around here.
Let's stop the bickering, guys. If you can afford it, awesome. If you can't, understandable. If you're able to justify the price, perfect. If you can't, no problem. We all have different financial situations and different ideas of worth when it comes to this stuff. Being of one mindset or another doesn't make anyone bad, it doesn't "feed the issue of increasing price" or anything. It just means they can afford it and are okay with the price point. There's nothing wrong with being able to afford it and there's nothing wrong with not being able to afford it. There's also nothing wrong with preferring one of the third party options (just leave it for those threads) or waiting for a KO. I can tell ya'll right now that some of the mods can afford this dude and some of us can't. Hell I can't even afford the Amazon.jp discounts. But nobody cares in the end cause we understand each other's situations and are happy for one another. Ya'll've been warned. Keep it up and I'll hand out infractions.
[Wing_Saber-X]
This
GAUGE
View attachment 28195286
Predaking EX
Why does TT owe you anything?
goldenboy1on1
Completely agree. To each their own. There are people that would spend that cash on a statue….something that doesn't even mood. Would I poke fun at that or call that absurd? No. You be you. Everyone is different. Let it be. People want to buy it, let them and let them feel good about it. Who cares. Those who think it's too much or cannot afford it, go your way. Let people enjoy what they're doing!