The New Studio Series Leader Class Soundwave: Hasbro Brings The Movie’s Decepticon Back Bigger Than Ever

Hasbro’s latest release in the Studio Series line is a throwback in the best possible way. The Transformers Studio Series The Movie Leader Class Soundwave brings one of the most iconic Decepticons back with all the tape-deck swagger you remember. This isn’t an unboxing or in-hand review, since the figure’s still up for pre-order, but the official images and details already paint a clear picture of what collectors can expect. We’re talking classic 1986 movie styling, multiple cassette bots, and a transformation scheme with enough moving parts to feel satisfying without tipping into overkill. So, let’s break it down.

Release Date: February 2026 (UK / EU)
MSRP / Price Range: £55.99 (UK), ~$59.99 USD
Edition Size / Production Run: Standard retail release, not limited
Manufacturer / License: Hasbro / Transformers (Takara Tomy co-license)

First Impressions and Design

Let’s start with the visuals. From the press images, the Studio Series Transformers Leader Class Soundwave is looking sharp. The design captures the original 1986 movie look almost beat for beat. The proportions are tighter than many previous Soundwave releases and the colour palette is spot-on. The dark navy blue body, silver detailing and iconic red visor all show up beautifully, giving us that boxy, menacing silhouette we’ve all come to love.

This version stands at around 6.5 inches tall in robot mode which might sound a tad short for a Leader Class figure. But with Hasbro’s newer scale approach focusing more on complexity and included accessories rather than just size, it makes sense. Speaking of accessories, you get Soundwave’s trademark blaster, his backpack, and perhaps the biggest highlight — three mini cassette bots: Buzzsaw, Ravage and Laserbeak.

If you’ve been collecting the Studio Series line, particularly from The Transformers: The Movie, this one fits right in stylistically. And if you haven’t, this is not a bad place to jump in. You can catch up on how Hasbro has handled other 1986 film characters in our overview of the Studio Series from The Transformers: The Movie.

Transformation and Features

The figure converts from robot to tape deck in 28 steps. That’s a healthy middle ground, not too simplistic, not painfully intricate. It suggests a transformation that’s enjoyable and intuitive, with just enough twisty parts to keep it interesting. Of course, we won’t know how smooth or fiddly it is until collectors get their hands on it, but it certainly doesn’t look like a partsformer mess.

What elevates this release is the cassette crew. All three cassette bots transform from their animal forms back into tape mode and fit inside Soundwave’s chest compartment. We’ve seen this gimmick before, but it’s great to have the full trio right out of the box rather than having to buy separate packs. Ravage and Laserbeak are classic choices, and Buzzsaw’s inclusion is a nice touch that’ll please deep-cut fans.

Another welcome aspect is how close this version sticks to the animation model from the 1986 movie. From the tapered legs to the clean shoulder design, Hasbro’s clearly aiming for screen accuracy over stylised bulk. That means the figure will sit nicely alongside the other Transformers: The Movie Studio Series figures like Hot Rod, Ultra Magnus and Galvatron. You can see how those stack up in our Studio Series from The Transformers: The Movie breakdown.

Character Context: Who Is Soundwave?

If you’re newer to Transformers, Soundwave is more than just a cool voice filter. In G1 lore and especially The Transformers: The Movie, he’s Megatron’s top communications officer and master spy. He’s cold, loyal and efficient. His chest compartment houses cassette minions that serve as saboteurs and scouts, the kind of covert team that strikes from the shadows while the Seekers blast everything in sight.

He doesn’t get huge screen time in the film, but he does show up during key scenes. One standout moment is when he helps evacuate a damaged Megatron from the battlefield, showing his loyalty even as Starscream is already plotting a hostile takeover. He’s the kind of character who might not take centre stage but whose presence adds weight to the Decepticon ranks.

If you want to see a wildly different take on Soundwave, we recently covered the LEGO Transformers Soundwave: A Decepticon Masterpiece and it’s worth checking out for comparison.

Positives, Potential Weaknesses and Collector Notes

On paper, this figure has a lot going for it. The size is display-friendly, the accessories are generous, and the playability factor is high thanks to the multiple transformations. But, as always, there are things to keep an eye on.

The cassettes look great in renders, but they’re small, and small often means fiddly. Durability might be a concern, especially with Ravage’s legs or Laserbeak’s wings. If these parts are overly thin or have tight ball joints, that’s where the QC gremlins often live.

There’s also the matter of pricing. At nearly $56, expectations are higher. You want crisp paint apps, minimal hollow bits and no frustrating transformation steps. While we can’t judge those aspects yet, the engineering from other recent Studio Series releases suggests Hasbro is likely to deliver.

Still, collectors will want to wait for reviews before committing, especially if you’ve had issues with recent Leader Class figures. And if you’re wondering where to buy Transformers Studio Series 86 Soundwave figure, the usual suspects — Hasbro Pulse, specialty retailers and fan-favourite online shops — are your go-to. Don’t wait too long though, because Soundwave tends to sell out faster than you’d expect.

Final Verdict

As pre-orders go, this one’s definitely tempting. The Hasbro Soundwave Studio Series figure brings enough nostalgia and modern engineering together to make it more than just another G1 repaint. It’s a focused, character-accurate take that offers good value in accessories and looks to balance playability with display appeal.

If you’re deep into the Studio Series Transformers Leader Class figures, this one belongs in the mix. If you’re on the fence, keep your eyes peeled for early reviews. But if you grew up on the 1986 movie or just want Soundwave with his full cassette team in one box, this is the best official route we’ve had in years.

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