Perceptor (G1)/toys

"You've got red on you."

Perceptor is the definitive Transformer microscope.

Toys

The Transformers

Because it's easier to see small things when you have a giant light cannon aiming at them.

• Perceptor (Autobot, 1985/1986)
  • Takara ID number: 39
  • Accessories: Concussion rifle, missile launcher, 3 missiles

• Known designers: Hideaki Yoke (TakaraTomy), Shinji Aramaki (concept artist)

Formerly the Micro Change MC-20 Micro Scope, The Transformers Perceptor transforms into a functional microscope. His magnification is limited to 14X^[1] due to the relatively crude nature of his lens. In robot mode, Perceptor is armed with a red "Concussion Rifle" and a rocket launcher that holds one of three red missile-shaped projectiles. On the original Micro Change toy, the launcher fired via a spring-loaded mechanism, which was disabled for the Hasbro release of Perceptor, but re-enabled for Takara's version of the figure.

Perceptor can also be configured into a third "vehicular" mode. In the Micro Change line, this form was a mobile artillery emplacement that repurposed his scope into a cannon barrel. It had two configurations; it could be angled forward to serve as a tank, or upward to serve as a mortar cannon, and could be manned in both by a Microman action figure, who sat in the "seat" formed by his chest tray. The Transformers release of the toy chose to reinterpret the mode as a "mobile laboratory" in its instructions, which depicted it in its angled-upwards "mortar cannon" configuration, but Perceptor's Universe profile didn't go along with this, and referred to it as an artillery emplacement like it was in Micro Change.

The Japanese version does not launch missiles from the scope, despite what some sources say.

There is an odd variant of this toy: some have a more golden-hued chrome than the normal silver. This is not a very common variant.

The mold was later redecoed to make Magnificus. It also served as the model for the non-toy character, the Chairman.

• More information on Perceptor at TFU.info

The Transformers Collection

• Cybertron Perceptor (2005)
  • ID number: 19

Perceptor was reissued in Japan as part of Takara's Transformers Collection line.

Classics

"I will blow up your whole city. For science."

• Perceptor (Legends Class, 2006)

• Known designers: Joe Kyde (deco artist)

Available as part of the first assortment of Classics Legends of Cybertron, Perceptor is a redeco of the Legends of Cybertron Red Alert. He transforms into a BTR-90 armored personnel carrier with a large missile/laser cannon/microscope/telescope.

This mold was also used to make Universe Onslaught.

• More information on Classics Perceptor at TFU.info

Universe (2008)

Free him from his prison, so that he may think outside the box!

• Perceptor (2009)
  • Series: G1 Series
  • Accessories: Concussion rifle, missile launcher, 3 missiles

Hasbro did their own reissue of Perceptor as part of the Universe line. The Toys"R"Us exclusive was issued in a box with an opening front cover and advertised as a "Commemorative Edition", much like the earlier Soundwave and the Insecticons (which were released at the same time as Perceptor).

There are several differences between the original 1985 toy and this one. The stickers are shiny reflective, not matte. On his shoulder stickers, the magnification is shown as x15, not x14 as on the G1 figure. The stickers on the sides of the lower legs retained the original Microman number "MC 20", which is filled out blank on the original. Lastly, while the 1985 figure has 1974-1984 Takara stamped on his lower back, the reissue has Takara 1984 and Hasbro 1984 stamped vertically on his shoulder blades.

Strangely, the spring of the missile launcher was not weakened like most Generation 1 toys, but were straight-out omitted from the gun. This makes the missiles totally useless, because they don't even clip into the gun. Additionally, the box labels his mobile-laboratory mode as a tank mode while not including his actual tank mode.

Transformers (2010)

Thank you Aaron, and your love of Perceptor!

• Perceptor (Deluxe Class, 2011)

• Known designers: Hisashi Yuki (TakaraTomy)

Part of the sixth wave of the 2010 Transformers toyline, Perceptor amalgamates elements from his original Generation 1 design and Guido Guidi's design from IDW's All Hail Megatron series (in particular, the foreshortened chest seen in this panel, the arrows on his forearms and abdomen, and even his sniper rifle barrel in lieu of his traditional scope). His updated vehicle mode is reminiscent of that of his Animated counterpart, being a generic "scientific expedition" vehicle. Its front half resembles a modern off-road vehicle similar to a Land Rover Defender or a Jeep Commander, while the rear section features treads instead of wheels, making it a half-track vehicle (which aren't actually produced anymore). His license plate reads "MR 51409", the exact significance of which is not yet known (though it might have something to do with the possible birth date of Bill Rawley's daughter).

Lack of G1 chrome was deemed "not nerdy enough".

Unusually for a mainline Hasbro toy, Perceptor has some vacuum-metalized parts. The chromed dials on his forearms feature bars compatible with C joint accessories. Like all Reveal the Shield subline imprint figures, Perceptor has a rubsign, which is located behind a translucent door on his chest that can be opened. His hands are compatible with 5mm posts, such as the ones on the guns of his original toy.

The instructions incorrectly tell you to position the feet horizontally in vehicle mode, which causes them to press against his knees and prevent the vehicle mode from tabbing correctly in numerous places, when they are meant to be positioned vertically and rest against the trunk. Strangely, the correct position can be seen in the numerous steps depicting the underside of the vehicle, but it immediately switches to the incorrect position on the steps concerning the feet. Additionally, packaging stock photography depicts a considerably different Perceptor than the final product. The photos show him having silver paint operations on his upper legs and inner forearms, but said parts appear to be made of unpaintable plastic, rather understandably causing the paint operations to be dropped. Additionally, the shoulder laser, chest, and arm knobs sport silver paint rather than chrome.

As first acknowledged by Hasbro at BotCon 2010, the toy was planned to eventually be retooled into Reflector, using a new head based on Perceptor's original toy head.^[2] At one point, Reflector was intended to be released as part of a Toys"R"Us exclusive Generations 2-pack together with Sideswipe (in Generation 2 colors), but that set was ultimately never released. The alternate head sculpt was eventually used by TakaraTomy for the e-HOBBY exclusive Generations Magnificus figure.

• More information on Reveal the Shield Perceptor at TFU.info

United

Maybe my C joints will work!

• Autobot Perceptor (February 26, 2011)
  • ID number: UN-15

United Autobot Perceptor features several differences from his Hasbro Reveal the Shield counterpart, covering his red vehicle panels with metallic red paint, replacing the clear yellow with colorless clear plastic, and adding some additional detailing to his vehicle mode and robot mode. Other notable details are blue translucent paint on the eyes, as well as silver detailing on his chest. As with all United versions of the 2010 Transformers toys, Perceptor lacks a heat-sensitive rubsign, replacing it with a tampographed Autobot sigil. Surprisingly, he lacks any of the chrome from the Hasbro release, leaving those corresponding parts either painted silver or unpainted light gray plastic.

Kre-O

Robot mode and "looking for where I put my head" mode.

• Perceptor (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2013)
  • Collection: 2
  • Bag number: ***** 74
  • Accessories: Stand-brick, large rifle

• Known designers: Ed Masiello (Hasbro)

As part of the second wave of blindpacked Micro-Changers, Perceptor is a Kreon patterned after Generation 1 Perceptor. He can be rebuilt into a microscope.

This Collection was still in circulation at "dollar" stores and drug stores up through 2015. They eventually lost the individual-identifying bag codes, but other changes were hidden inside the bag. The 2015 releases replaced the 2x4 logo stand-brick with a new 3x4 logo plate. The Kreon was also given the slight retooling to the arm seen in the 2014 Kreons, making the "cuff" parts more sharp-cornered and better adapted to being used as studs. Some of the add-on pieces may also be slightly off-color, possibly due to a change in factories in mid-production.

• More information on Micro-Changer Perceptor at TFU.info

Yeah yeah, blinded with science, '80s reference, we get it.

• Kreon Class of 1984 (Kreon figure set, 2014)
  • Set number: B0090
  • Voted: Class Brain
  • Accessories: Large rifle, microscope slide (?)

This version of Perceptor, part of the Kreon Class of 1984 (despite the fact that Perceptor did not appear in Transformers in any capacity until 1985), has much more detailed toy-based tampographs than his prior version, including a masked face. He comes with a clear blue 2x2 tile that one can only assume is supposed to be some kind of microscope slide.

He was only available in a San Diego Comic-Con 2014 exclusive pack of 30 Kreons dubbed the "Kreon Class of 1984". Remaining stock was to be sold at Hasbro Toy Shop online, only there was no remaining stock after the show.

• More information on Class of 1984 Perceptor at TFU.info

• Perceptor (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2016)
  • Collection: 2
  • Accessories: Logo plate, large rifle

In 2016, Collection 2 was re-released in a whole new production run for Dollar General stores in the US as part of a large collection of re-released Kre-O sets. But where most of these releases are nigh-identical to the originals, the re-released Micro-Changer blind-bags use the almost-entirely-retooled 2015 Kreon, with slightly-differently-hued plastics than the originals. (It is possible for some of the add-on pieces to be in the older hues.) Perceptor's tampographs got some color changes, replacing the light gray with shiny silver, and changing his light blue toe paint to black.

Sadly, this release has no individual-identification code on the bag, requiring you to use the feel-through-the-bag method or just buy blind and hope.

Generations

• Autobot Warriors (Multi-pack, 2014)

Reveal the Shield Perceptor was re-released in a three-pack with Universe Ratchet and Generations Sergeant Kup, available from Hasbro Asia and TakaraTomy Mall. All three Autobots feature new metallic paint decoes, which in Perceptor's case also includes a rear license plate reading "N1j1K4."

Platinum Edition

Now we can simulate that 15 Go! Go! scene with ever greater efficiency!

• Autobot Intel Ops (2015)
  • Accessories: Concussion rifle, missile launcher, 3 missiles, 6 slides, slide holder

Hasbro again re-released G1 Perceptor in 2015 as part of the Platinum Edition toyline. He was co-packed with Blaster, Eject, Ramhorn, and Steeljaw in a box with an opening front cover.

A new feature included in this set specifically for Perceptor are six 'microscope slides' featuring different pictures, and a slide holder / cage which can hold all six slides. The slides fit snugly onto the mirror of Perceptor's mounting platform, although looking at them through the scope is an underwhelming experience, to say the least.

Although Perceptor's missile launcher is included, once again the firing mechanism is completely gutted, with the trigger glued into the launcher. However, the missiles are still able to plug into the launcher and are held firmly in place by friction.

In the United States, this set was officially a Target exclusive, though it was initially only ever found at a single Target store, otherwise only available via the company's website. It was later revealed that multiple Target stores had kept it in their stockroom and eventually put it out on instant clearance many months later. However, it was also stocked by US-based online retailers BigBadToyStore and TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In Australia, it was sold at Toys"R"Us stores.

In the United Kingdom, it was both sold at Toys"R"Us stores and officially available via the UK division of Amazon, making this the first official UK release of all the toys contained within! In Spain, it was officially available via the Spanish division of Amazon. In Germany, it was originally available via Bankroft, an online retailer that otherwise specializes in Nerf blasters and accessories, as part of a special "Fan Edition" arrangement through Hasbro Germany, with the help of several German fan sites. Due to low sales, the unsold stock was later sold to Actionfiguren24, a German online retailer that specializes in imported toys, who was able to lower its price for its existing stock of imported Autobot Intel Ops sets as a result.

Titans Return

Targeting grid eye not included.

• Convex & Perceptor (Deluxe Class, 2017)
  • Accessories: Gun, Convex Titan Master

• Known designers: John Warden (Hasbro)

Part of the fourth wave of Titans Return Deluxe Class toys, Perceptor is based on Guido Guidi's design for the character first seen in All Hail Megatron (complete with sniper rifle), and transforms into a microscope. Perceptor's microscope lens works, and a dial on the scope can be turned to refocus it slightly. Titan Masters can be laid across the tray in robot mode, or pegged into the tray in head mode. Perceptor comes with his Titan Master partner Convex, who transforms into his robot mode head.

Perceptor is designed to transform into a new interpretation of the third mode of his original toy, with dedicated parts and clips to hold his body in place in the specific angled-upward position of the "mortar cannon" configuration, but with his scope pointed forward like the "tank" configuration. It is omitted from his instructions for unknown reasons.

Perceptor's transformation involves very little to lock anything in place in robot mode, relying on either friction or gravity to hold him together. This leaves him somewhat unstable, and his parts prone to shifting out of place when attempting to move his limbs. The large size of his scope also greatly restricts his head articulation.

As with other Titans Return toys, Perceptor can accommodate any Titan Master figure in both robot and vehicle mode, though unlike most other figures in the line, Perceptor has no dedicated cockpit to hold them in. This means Titan Masters can really only lay in his tray in microscope mode, or attach to him via the small pegs sculpted onto the sides of his altmodes. There does appear to be a section sculpted specifically to hold a Titan Master's feet under the small flip-up silver panel on his chest that would allow them to "man" his third mode... except rather than sitting in it, they have to kneel with their knees locking into the groove.

Legends

• Perceptor (Deluxe Class, December 30, 2017)
  • ID number: LG56
  • Accessories: Gun, Headmaster

Legends Perceptor is a redeco of his Titans Return Deluxe Class toy with some minor differences, such as red shoulders and elbows and an Autobot insignia on his chest instead of stomach, and also lacking the toy-style tampographs on his legs. His Headmaster, redecoed from Convex, features detailed paint operations to resemble Perceptor himself and has blue instead of yellow eyes in head mode. Perceptor comes with Amhorn, who transforms into a weapon he can wield.

Golden Lagoon

• Beachcomber / Perceptor / Seaspray (Three-pack, November 2018)
  • Hasbro ID number: GL-03
  • Accessories: Gun, Headmaster

Golden Lagoon Perceptor is a gold and gold chrome redeco of Titans Return Deluxe Class Perceptor in homage of the original cartoon episode of the same name. Packaged with similar redecoes of Titans Return Seaspray and Power of the Primes Beachcomber, this set was released exclusively by TakaraTomy Mall as part of TakaraTomy's celebration of the franchise's 35th anniversary. The set was later rereleased by Hasbro Pulse in the USA in January 2021.

This toy also appeared in Generations Selects Special Comic as a member of the Golden Age, who may or may not be named "Perceptor".

Studio Series

A cursory evaluation of his microscope's capability reveals a distinct tactical deficiency.

• Perceptor (Deluxe Class, 2022)

• Movie: The Transformers: The Movie
• Hasbro ID number: 86-11
• TakaraTomy ID number: SS-75
• TakaraTomy release date: April 30, 2022
• Accessories: Blaster, "Battle of Autobot City" backdrop (1st version)
• Known designers: Evan Brooks (Hasbro),^[3] Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy)^[4], Mario Carreiro, Christina Murphy and Amy Bence (packaging),^[5] Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

Released to commemorate the 35th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie, Studio Series Perceptor faithfully recreates his character model from the Generation 1 cartoon, as well as the tank tread legs from his original toy. Perceptor transforms into both a microscope and a goofy mortar cannon mode. While both ends of his scope are fitted with translucent plastic "lenses", it does not have any actual functionality as a microscope unlike the G1 and Titans Return figures. He comes with a modestly-sized blaster which can be pegged into the side of his scope/cannon in either alternate mode.

The pearl-white paint on Perceptor's chest window is molded entirely in translucent plastic, which is prone to scuffing and scratching even before the packaging is opened.

Like the other Studio Series toys, the interior of the package forms a display backdrop, depicting the Battle of Autobot City in Perceptor's case. This mold was also used to make Selects Magnificus.

War for Cybertron Trilogy

You almost need a microscope to actually see this one.

• Behold, Galvatron! Unicron Companion Pack (Leader Class, 2022)

War for Cybertron Trilogy Perceptor is a non-transforming and immobile minifigure, barely 10mm tall, scaled to interact with the immense War for Cybertron Trilogy Unicron figure and its clear display base. This was one of a set of 14 minifigures in the "Unicron Companion Pack" that was included with the "reformatting" version of Galvatron. The set was exclusive to Hasbro Pulse.

Transformers Retro

Smoke gets in his eye.

• Perceptor (2023)
  • Accessories: 2 Blasters

The original Generation 1 Perceptor toy was reissued by Walmart once again in 2023, this time under the branding of Transformers Retro. However, this release, which was given specific The Transformers: The Movie branding, gives the mold a redeco with colors based on his original cartoon character model. Although every previous incarnation of this mold has featured a working microscope, with the Retro version Hasbro decided to give the microscope a semi-opaque grey lens, rendering it useless. However, the instructions do show directions for using the microscope, making this change even odder. On a similar note, the instructions don't include Perceptor's third "mobile laboratory"/"artillery emplacement" mode, possibly due to it not being present in the G1 cartoon and movie. As the mold itself remains unchanged, though, he can still transform into it.

Perceptor’s design on the packaging is very loosely based on the Studio Series '86 figure above in robot mode and on the lower section of the microscope, with the upper half being based on the G1 toy.

Perceptor was listed on French toy website mania-toys-collector.fr with in-packaging images, prior to any official announcement by Hasbro.

Merchandise

Decoy

Red and rubbery with science!

• Cybertron Hero Collection 22 (Decoy multi-pack, 1985)

Perceptor was among the many characters rendered by Takara as part of their series of 1.5" soft rubber keshigomu figurines. Like all the figures in the series, Perceptor featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his Tech Specs, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines. He was available in red as part of a 22-piece box set of Autobot figures, in peach as part of various other randomly-packed box sets released by Takara subsidiary Seven, and in a wide variety of different colors in "gachapon" capsule machines.

• Perceptor (Decoy, 1987)
  • Decoy number: 30

The Perceptor figurine was later brought over to Hasbro markets as part of the Decoy promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded Throttlebots, Aerialbots, Protectobots, and Technobots.

• More information on decoy Perceptor at TFU.info

Super Collection Figure

• Perceptor (2002)
  • Act: 7
  • Accessories: Stand

Super Collection Figure Perceptor is a non-transforming three-inch tall figure, released blindpacked in the Victory-themed "Act 7" of the line (which, given Perceptor had an extended cameo in the Victory cartoon, makes sense). He came in both full color and painted-pewter versions, each packed one per case of twelve. Bizarrely, the color version has a red left hand, which is even reflected in the packaging photography.

The pewter version of the figure has a potential problem with connector peg breakage, due to said pegs often getting a layer of pewter paint before being forced into a socket, leading to sticking and tearing. Care should be used when moving or removing the arms; shaving down the socket interior with a thin hobby knife is usually sufficient to fix the issue. On top of that, the short peg for his shoulder-mounted microscope assembly needs to be shaved down slightly to fit into the extremely shallow hole on his shoulder.

The pewter version of Perceptor was packed with the Victory Saber rifle. This part could also be in either full color or pewter, packed at a ratio of eight color parts to two pewters.

• More information on Super Collection Figure Perceptor at TFU.info
• More information on pewter Super Collection Figure Perceptor at TFU.info

Heroes of Cybertron

• Perceptor (2003)

Perceptor was released in the fourth wave of the Heroes of Cybertron, casting the Super Collection Figure mold in clear blue plastic painted over, leaving the eyes and back of the head unpainted to attempt a light-piping gimmick. This release also correctly colors his left hand dark gray. There is still a slight issue with the incredibly shallow peg/hole combo that holds his shoulder-scope on, so some slight paint-shaving might be needed to keep it in place.

He was released on a separate card instead of a blindpacked box, and came with the head and sword of the Fortress Maximus build-a-figurine.

• More information on Heroes of Cybertron Perceptor at TFU.info

Robot Heroes

Now competing on "Iron Chemist".

• Perceptor & Hardshell (Two-pack, 2008)

• Known designers: Bill Rawley (Hasbro), Marcelo Matere (concept artist)

Part of the fourth wave of Universe Robot Heroes, Perceptor is a super-cute figure packed versus Hardshell as part of the "Generation 1 Series".

• More information on Robot Heroes Perceptor at TFU.info

Tiny Titans

• Perceptor (Tiny Titans, 2016)
  • Series: 5
  • Number: 10/12

Part of the fifth assortment of Tiny Titans blindpacks, this version of Perceptor is a very small, soft-plastic figure of him in robot mode, kneeling with a sniper rifle, recalling his IDW incarnation.

He includes a collectible card that renders him in the 2015 Robots in Disguise styling. The card includes a scan-badge for the Robots in Disguise mobile game, which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.

Transformers Figure Collection

• Perceptor (01–2016)

Standing 42 mm tall, Transformers Figure Collection Perceptor is a non-poseable soft-rubber figure based on his Decoy figure.

Transformers Trading Card Game

• Perceptor, Precise Sniper (2020)
  • Wave 5P: Titan Masters Attack
  • Rarity: RT
  • Card Number: P06/2020
  • Stars: 8

This card's set was originally scheduled for an April 2020 release, however due to the global COVID-19 pandemic the release was pushed back to May 29, 2020.

ReAction

• Perceptor (2020)
  • Accessories: Concussion rifle

Released in the third wave of Super7's line of multi-property 3.75-inch "retro" action figures, ReAction Perceptor is a non-converting 3 3/4-inch action figure based on his appearance in the original cartoon, with 5 points of articulation (swivel neck, shoulders, hips) and holes in his feet for use with some variety of stand.

As with all releases in the ReAction toyline, Perceptor comes packaged on a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of Kenner's Star Wars action figures from the late 1970s to early '80s.

• MC-20 Microscope (2020)
  • Accessories: Concussion rifle

As a special "Black Friday" exclusive, ReAction Perceptor got a black repaint based on the original Micro Change "MC-20 Micro Scope" toy that pre-dated the Transformers "Perceptor" release. AKA "Magnificus" colors. Why he didn't get the name (and a Decepticon logo to go with it) is anyone's guess.

This figure was only available through Super7's website.

Notes

• At Toy Fair 2013, Kre-O Perceptor was shown having more or less Hardshell's alt-mode. Why? Lord knows.

References