Masterpiece Megatron MP-36 New Details Including Release Date Revealed

TakaraTomy Mall has put up a product page for the new Masterpiece Megatron. While it has not been populated with any images yet, there is some official information provided. First up, the retail price is confirmed, with the listing posted at 24,480 Yen (23,000 + 8% tax). This leaves it on roughly equal footing with MP-10 Optimus as the most expensive (non exclusive) Masterpiece releases. The page also gives some information about the figure's features, plus the planned release timeframe. Keep reading to find out more!

Right now, MP-36 is expected to be released in early April, probably meaning April 1 or April 8. Though the listing is not that specific itself, it's easy to infer based on TakaraTomy's typical behavior with Transformers of releasing new products on weekends.

The basic information notes that two LR44 button cell batteries are required. The listing goes on to describe that Megatron will have "sound and voice" features, so you can expect Megatron to shout phrases recorded by the Japanese voice actor for the character, and possibly have sound effects as well. These electronics may represent a portion of the cost of this release.

However, taking in to account the large silencer and stock, which converts to a display/flight stand for the robot, the overall amount of material and parts is a bigger culprit in the cost which has shocked many. Much like Optimus Prime's trailer, a large part of this package will be non-figure accessories that bring the figure to a basic level of completion. Though stock and silencer may not feel equivalent to a trailer combat deck that they should add up to the same retail cost, economic factors have also changed over the years.