We've been wondering for a while what would happen with this high-detail transformer, and now we've got more info! There's a lot to cover, so let's get into the important info first: The figure is now up for pre-order for 38,500 Yen (about $268) retail with a release date of February 2026. You can view tons of photos on its official web page. As a Zoids x Transformers collaborative project, it can, of course, transform between Shield Liger Mode and Optimus Prime Mode.

 This figure is 1/60 scale based on the pre-existing diaclone pilots, meaning it's about the same size as a 1/72 scale Shield Liger. It has all the same movable gimmicks you'd expect from a Shield Liger such as the back gun, canopy opening, missile pods deploying, etc. A bay installed to the belly of the Shield Liger can open up behind it, deploying a small motorcycle, the Road Viper. The Shield Liger head contains LEDs for the cockpit to light up as well as motorized chomping action, (click video on the page and skip to about 26 minutes in) a shout out to Takara Tomy's long history with motorized model kits.

 When transformed into Optimus Prime Mode, some of the Shield Liger parts such as the tail and back segments can be converted into a Beam Cannon Mode. The additional cockpit on the Shield's back is a standard CRP type cockpit common to the Diaclone series, meaning it can be combined with other non-Zoids Diaclone figures.

 Diaclone's 1/60 scale pilots, the Dia-nauts, have built in magnets in their feet that can attach to tiny square steel plates built into the Shield Liger. This allows you to pose them dramatically standing on the Shield Liger's head or on the back. The included FZ Ion Blaster gun can also be equipped to both forms, while the Shieldy's chest and tail gun can be combined into a single handheld weapon for Optimus Prime. For those who've seen the images and are wondering, no, the display stand is not included. There are some awesome video promos too, check them out below!

- Teaser Preview Video

- Preview

 At long last we've gotten to see the Shield-D-Prime painted sample! I gotta admit, I'm impressed at how well this kit carries a rather flawless Zoids aesthetic while still being able to transform. The Shield Liger benefits from extra guns and both transformation forms look pretty good. The panels behind the figure explain that there's an included 1/60 scale diaclone crew member, that the cockpit lights up electronically and has a roaring action, and that the motorcycle (Road Viper) can be stored inside the chest. I love seeing stowable gimmicks like this, that make it easy for people who don't display those parts to keep track of them. There are additional photos from AmiAmi and Dengeki Hobby and one of the promo images shows that the kit is expected to open for pre-orders in June!

 We heard mention through a hobby article that there'd be a Zoids x Evangelion crossover, and with perhaps one of the fastest product reveals, we got to see both types at the Shizuoka Hobby Show! General-Purpose Beast-Type Decisive Weapon Xeno Rex Test Unit 01 (based on the famous Unit 01) and the General-Purpose Beast-Type Decisive Weapon Xeno Rex Regular Practical Type Unit-02 (based on the other famous Unit 02) both use the Xeno Rex platform as its base, adding new armor and equipment. Unpainted prototypes were shown off at the Hobby Show, and are expected to open for pre-orders this summer. (There's... a lot of things coming this summer, aren't there?) There's also some added photos by Dengeki Hobby.

 The Synergenex collabs Spider Zoids Spider-Man Special and Spider Zoids Black Spider-Man Special are hitting stores, so check your favorite shops of choice! They now have their own pages on TT's website, showing off both the action figure and the Zoid kit. Both kits are scheduled for late April for 4,400 yen (each, roughly $31).

 The biggest product announced under the new Synergenex label is a Zoids x Transformers collab! Fans have been asking for many years why Zoids didn't have a transformers collab, and now it does! This announcement focuses on the Shield-D-Prime, a Shield Liger transformer based on the long-running 1/60 scale Diaclone series.

 Diaclone are modular in nature, allowing for figures to be disassembled and combined in different ways. In spite of being a transformer, the Shield Liger is quite convincing as a Zoid, so even if you're not a Transformers fan, it's a figure you can easily enjoy. Many of the newer products of this series run at higher prices comparable to other diecast figures, but we don't yet know the price of this one. The product is currently slated for 2025, so look forward to more news.

 Just before Synergenex's main announcement, Takara Tomy also announced a Spider-man x Zoids collab! This caught the interest of older fans who remember the Spider-man and Zoids comics from back in the day. Though these comics weren't quite what we think of as a collaboration today (the two series were separate, but printed in the same magazine) it's still a name that rings nostalgic with many fans. Both kits were shown off at the Tokyo Toy Show.

 Now we're getting a genuine collaboration, featuring two Spideath recolors: Spiderman Special, colored in Spider-Man's classic red and blue, complete with the webbing design of the suit, and Black Spider-Man Special, featuring black, white, and blue coloring. The kits also come with miniature articulated Spider-Man figures, which is just such a fun addition. Especially for kids who only got into the Zoids franchise during the Wild launch. Both kits are slated for a September 2024 pre-order and a post by media outlet The River JP shows off some art for the collab!

 A new comic is being developed as part of the ongoing collaboration between Patlabor and Zoids! The project, Code Name B.U.D.D.Y. was first announced earlier this month, showing off the logo. We've now got our first full color artwork for the series!