The Energon Pub

by **megatran** » Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:51 pm

This question goes out to all you Hot Wheels collectors.

Does the Basic/Mainline HW come in 2 different size carded packaging? I'm familiar with the regular carded packaging but heard there is also a smaller carded packaging. Or is it a KO? It's in reference to the G1 Optimus Prime cab.

Thanks.

by **megatran** » Wed Sep 03, 2025 11:30 pm

Color Change Tracks are showing up in US retail stores.

There are 2 per case but that doesn't make it any easier to find.

MyFigureCollection.net collection · by **Emerje** » Sat Sep 06, 2025 1:43 pm

megatran wrote:Color Change Tracks are showing up in US retail stores.

There are 2 per case but that doesn't make it any easier to find.

I picked up mine back on 8/24 at Walmart (posted it in the haul thread that day), didn't even realize it was a new sighting at the time. I'm surprised they're two per case, they had 5 between 2 pegs. No I wish I took a picture. The other Walmart that I usually hit twice a week also got them in, but someone grabbed all of the Tracks (along with case worth of AotP Sideways that had been on the pegs a few days earlier).

Emerje

by **megatran** » Sun Sep 07, 2025 6:08 am

The 2 color change Transformers per case is quoted from william-james88' earlier post, who quoted Entertainment Earth.

MyFigureCollection.net collection · by **Emerje** » Sun Sep 07, 2025 7:45 am

megatran wrote:The 2 color change Transformers per case is quoted from william-james88' earlier post, who quoted Entertainment Earth.

I wonder if Walmart got a different assortment, there's no way they stuck three boxes on two pegs.

Emerje

by **megatran** » Sun Sep 07, 2025 10:54 pm

Emerje wrote:
megatran wrote:The 2 color change Transformers per case is quoted from william-james88' earlier post, who quoted Entertainment Earth.

I wonder if Walmart got a different assortment, there's no way they stuck three boxes on two pegs.

Emerje

Sounds even better, if true. Can't complain with more additional Transformers per case.

by **megatran** » Sat Sep 13, 2025 1:13 am

Mattel Creations is releasing a Nemesis Prime variant to compliment the Optimus Prime that no one except scalpers were able to obtain. Same will apply here.

MyFigureCollection.net collection · by **Emerje** » Sat Sep 13, 2025 11:29 am

megatran wrote:Mattel Creations is releasing a Nemesis Prime variant to compliment the Optimus Prime that no one except scalpers were able to obtain. Same will apply here.

I was able to get one. Let's see if I can make it 2 for 2.

Emerje

News Credits: 4853 · by **william-james88** » Sat Sep 13, 2025 4:07 pm

If Mattel has got something over Hasbro, it’s their lack of leaks. While we all assumed their exclusive transforming Hot Wheels Optimus Prime would be turned into Nemesis Prime, we didn’t get word of it until they wanted us to, with a full reveal just days before the product’s launch. It will be on sale exclusively on their website September 16, 2025 at 09:00 am Pacific Time. The price is $65.00 USD + shipping + taxes and it will probably sell out soon after it goes live. So any bellyaching regarding the price will fall on deaf ears.
As with the original release, anyone wanting it will have to order it the moment it goes up or pay more on the secondary market (or else never get it).

As reported earlier in the year, this is a great example of Hasbro ceding its hold on Transformers toys that transform since this is a Mattel product, created by their designers, rather than it being made by Hasbro.

You can check out all the images below. And here is the product page:

https://creations.mattel.com/en-ca/prod ... cC-HeVFw8v

News Credits: 331 · by **chuckdawg1999** » Sat Sep 13, 2025 5:42 pm

Don't ask me how I know this, but Mattel has a few "Fixers" on the Payroll who make sure leaks don't get out.

by **megatran** » Sat Sep 13, 2025 11:32 pm

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Don't ask me how I know this, but Mattel has a few "Fixers" on the Payroll who make sure leaks don't get out.

Why am I thinking Pinkerton? The same mob used by Wizards of the Coast a few years back to retrieve Magic The Gathering cards from a person's house because it was before the official release date, IIRC.

by **megatran** » Sat Sep 13, 2025 11:43 pm

Emerje wrote:
megatran wrote:Mattel Creations is releasing a Nemesis Prime variant to compliment the Optimus Prime that no one except scalpers were able to obtain. Same will apply here.

I was able to get one. Let's see if I can make it 2 for 2.

Emerje

You are an outlier. Got my fingers crossed for ya.

I wonder if this release will have better QC, especially the paint job. Optimus was criticised for having inconsistent paint application and paint chipping.

News Credits: 331 · by **chuckdawg1999** » Sat Sep 13, 2025 11:46 pm

megatran wrote:
chuckdawg1999 wrote:Don't ask me how I know this, but Mattel has a few "Fixers" on the Payroll who make sure leaks don't get out.

Why am I thinking Pinkerton? The same mob used by Wizards of the Coast a few years back to retrieve Magic The Gathering cards from a person's house because it was before the official release date, IIRC.

Shhh, not so loud.