TFPrime FE, Movie & United re-releases
I have a feeling these might be prompted by Hasbro HK, which are more intune with the Collectors than Hasbro US, and more able to generate specific production runs than TakaraTomy.
Several highly sought after toys in recent months are seeing a re-release, to meet a demand by collectors, as prices on secondary markets are going through the roof on these otherwise cheap toys.
TF3 Que - unreleased in America, and not planned for the new Trilogy line, it is said to be re-released in a solid case of just that figure (something that is only ever done as a custom order from the factory).
I'd imagine that branch of Hasbro/TT that has commissioned this exclusive Que case, has offered it to online stores, as several have listed it (at the same time) for pre-order in late May.
Shop around though, both online and on ebay, as some of these online stores are scalping these toys - so the question for those interested in Que is, jump on the $40 price now in case they sell out again, or wait until the demand is over and the price comes down (like Battle Unicorn or TF3 Soundwave).
TFPrime First Edition Cliffjumper, Arcee, Vehicon - again, since the case assortment doesn't have Bumblebee, this is not a retailer release... it would have been instigated by a branch of Hasbro/TT (likely Hasbro HK, as they can obtain and sell US and JP Transformers) specifically for online stores that sell to collectors (the ones who missed out on these figures).
The case assortment is 2x Arcee, 3X Cliffjumper, 3x Vehicon, making it worth buying a case and splitting among other collectors.
It is also possible, that if these are being packaged in Hasbro packaging (which is unlikely, as Vehicon was not released in Hasbro packaging), Que and the FE toys could make their way to the Hasbro online store (at much cheaper prices). Fingers crossed on that, as it would help drive down the scalper prices elsewhere.
Schedule for release later this month.
Lastly, United Gen2 Optimus - This is likely to be a TakaraTomy re-release, like United Rodimus (before the Targetmaster version came out)... mostly to respond to the demand created by a 3rd party accessory (the tanker trailer) that made it impossible for collectors to find or buy the actual toy at a reasonable price. (like Henkei Wildrider/SG Rodimus)
3rd party items may drive up the sales of this second run, but a lot of collectors were forced to pay scalper prices of this toy because a re-release was not expected or guaranteed.
This item is said to be re-released later this month.
