LEGO has announced a retro-themed Transformers Soundwave set, which you can transform into a cassette player without disassembling it. You also get his two cronies, Ravage and Laserbeak, which transform into cassette tapes that are insertable into Soundwave’s cassette bay. The listing is live on the LEGO Store, but it’s not available to preorder. Soundwave will retail for $189.99 and will be available exclusively at the LEGO Store on August 4.
This is the third transformable Transformers build of its kind. A LEGO Optimus Prime debuted in 2022, and a LEGO Bumblebee debuted in 2024. But this is the first time that a villainous Decepticon has gotten the full-scale LEGO treatment, and it is the first time that a LEGO Transformer came with companions that interacted with the base model.
LEGO LEGO Transformers: Soundwave
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It is also the first time that LEGO has given a Transformer the ability to speak. When you press the ‘play’ button on the LEGO sound brick, Soundwave will recite one of his catchphrases or sound effects.
The build measures 13 inches tall, which places it heightwise between Optimus Prime build (14 inches) and the Bumblebee build (10 inches). In addition to Ravage and Laserbeak, you also get rocket pod, laser blaster and dart accessories, as well as a placard for display.
Like the prior two Transformers builds, this set is targeted at adults – or more specifically, at Gen-Xers who came of age during the mid to late-80’s, or Millennials who watched Michael Bay’s Transformers films in theaters. You may remember Soundwave from when he first appeared on the big screen in Revenge of the Fallen back in 2009.
Check out our photo gallery above for a closer look. To see more from LEGO, check out our roundup of the 10 Best LEGO Sets. And check back in; we’ll be building, photographing, and reviewing Soundwave for its launch in the weeks ahead.
LEGO Deals for Prime Day
Also, Prime Day is happening now, and you can save a ton of cash with Prime Day LEGO deals. All sorts of sets are on sale, so check them out if you feel like picking one up while it’s on sale.
Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He’s also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.