I love the Transformers community for always being optimist. Case in point, with the recent reveal that Takara's Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 had an MSRP of record breaking 50,000 Yen, some fans wondered what the Hasbro release would look like. Maybe it could be like Starscream where we all caught a break on the price, or like Hot Rod where he came without the trailer for cheaper. Well, Hasbro really did change gears with the Masterpiece line lately and the reveal of their release of MP-44 really cements the new reality (if there was any doubt).
As Hasbro has said in the past, their goal now is to release Masterpiece figures at the same time as Takara. No more waiting years for you to find them at US retail, and also no more skimping on accessories. Starting with Anime Prowl, they will release the exact same product, around the same time ... for the same MSRP.
So with Hasbro's release of MP Beast Wars Megatron being $320 USD at Entertainment Earth, you can easily guess what was in store for MP-44 Optimus Prime.
A listing on Entertainment Earth has revealed that this Optimus Prime will be released in the US by Hasbro next year for $439.99 USD. It is the exact same figure with the same accessories though it may come with a wrap around cover with English text (for all you completionists). The item number is HSE4009 and here is the product detail:
The most complete Optimus Prime toy ever!
Redesigned to better match his appearances in media from the 1980s.
Transforms from truck to robot and back again.
Comes with an Ion Blaster, an Energon Axe, Starscream head and shoulders, hoses, blast effects, and much more!
The Transformers Masterpiece Edition Optimus Prime has been reformatted! The beloved original leader of the Autobots has been redesigned from head to toe to better match his appearances in media from the 1980s. The former Orion Pax transforms from truck to robot and back again, and he comes with an Ion Blaster and an amazing Energon Axe. With cartoon-specific detailing, Optimus looks incredible and includes more accessories than ever before. This Transformers Masterpiece Edition MP-44 Optimus Prime (Convoy) is the most complete Optimus Prime toy ever!
Prime also includes a cargo container, a Starscream head, a set of Starscream shoulders, nozzles, hoses, Spike, Sparkplug, a display stand, blast effects, Roller, variant damage parts, an instruction sheet, a character card, and so much more. Don't miss this one!