Ratbat is often not a cassette.

Toys

The Transformers

• Ratbat /Frenzy (Cassette 2-pack,1986)

• Accessories: 2 "radar-guided free-electron laser" thrusters
• Known designers:Takashi Matsuda (TakaraTomy)

Released in the third year ofThe Transformers toyline (second year in Europe), and the only new Decepticon cassette that year, Ratbat transforms from a robot bat into a microcassette that can fit in the chest compartment of theSoundwave andBlaster molds. He was released in a two-pack withFrenzy in 1986 in the US and European markets. The toy had either gold or silver weapons, and either painted or sticker cassette detail. It is unknown if the color of the weapons corresponded to the detailing types.

Ratbat's tiny "ears" are among the more easily lost parts in the originalTransformers toyline.

This mold was later used to makeEncoreWingthing andShattered GlassRatbat.

• More information on G1 Ratbat at TFU.info

• Ratbat (Cassettron, 1986/1987)

• ID number:D-61,D-107
• Accessories: 2 "radar-guided free-electron laser" thrusters, cassette case (1987 release only)
• Known designers:Takashi Matsuda (TakaraTomy)

In Japan, Ratbat was initially released by himself on an individual card in the second year of Takara'sFight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers toyline. This version of the toy came with golden weapons and stickered paint detailing.

The following year, he was re-released in theHeadmasters-themed era of the line, this time in a small box with a new ID number. The toy itself appears to have no significant changes from the first Takara release, though it did gain a clear-plastic cassette case Ratbat (or any other cassette) could be stored in.

Universe (2008)

Batman always did need a space ship.

• Standoff Beneath the Streets (2-Pack,2008)

• Series:War Within Series
• Accessories: Left & right wing-swords, DecepticonPlanet X-styleCyber Key
• Known designers:Joe Kyde (deco artist)

ATarget-exclusiveredeco ofCybertronSideways,Universe Ratbat is a purple, alien spacefighter with a pop-out "internal displacement cannon". When hisCyber Key is inserted into the back of the cannon, he switches factions (from Decepticon to Ultracon) and the built-in spring-loaded "combat blades" deploy. His wings can also detach from his ankles and be used as blades, with bothpegging into either his hands, either with one blade in each hand, or with both blades pegging into the top and bottom of a single hand, forming a double-bladed weapon. His (conveniently color-coded) purple Cyber Key is unpainted, save for its silver Decepticon symbol. He was available only withSpringer.

Hispackagingstock photography has hisrobot mode flipped, and hisinstructions andpackaging call-out erroneously mention that his key-activated faction-changinggimmick makes him switch from "Autobot to Decepticon at will!" Worse yet, in an effort for him to fit in the box, he ishorribly mis-transformed, with his crotch being left split open, and the panel above it not being fully attached to his main body.

Despite being a redeco of aCybertron mold,Universe Ratbat is a remarkablehomage to hisDark Ages robot mode and altmode. This is further enhanced by packaging him withSpringer, whom Ratbat had a rivalry with in the story. Seethe relevant story section for more details.

In its first release in Canada, the set did not include a comic (in spite of theINCLUDES COMIC! marking on the package), and in itsfirst reported US sighting, included the wrong comic. Instead of a reprint of "Target: 2006" parts4 and5, which was meant for the "Autobot Ambush" Deluxe-Voyager two-pack ofRoadbuster andDirge, the right comic was to beThe Dark Ages issue "Escalation", which was similarly and erroneously included with the "Autobot Ambush" two-pack.

This mold was also used to make theNoisemaze Mass Production Type Version, andretooled intoTimelinesScourge and SweepsTwo,Six, andSeven. The Sweeps were later repurposed asShattered GlassScourge.

• More information on Universe Ratbat at TFU.info

I'm a cassette... I'm a bat... I'm adorable!

• Soundwave (Multi-pack,2009)

• Series:G1 Series
• Accessories: 2 "radar-guided free-electron laser" thrusters, cassette case

In 2009, the original Ratbat toy was included with yet anotherreissue of the original Soundwave as part of theUniverse line, this time as aHasbro Toy Shop exclusive that was prominently offered atSan Diego Comic-Con 2009. This release has stickered tape detailing and gold weapons, as well as a clear cassette case.

Surprisingly for a reissue, the US San Diego Comic-Con release and theEncore release were near simultaneous, both occurring on the same weekend... but the two have a significant difference (see below).

Encore

• Great Cassette Operation Vol.2 (Multi-pack, 2009)

• ID number:17
• Accessories: 2 thrusters

As part ofTakaraTomy'sEncore line, Ratbat was reissued in a box set along withSlugfest,Ramhorn, andSteeljaw. While this release retains the gold weapons, its tape detailing is now a tampograph, a first for Japanese Ratbats.

In 2014, this and the other two cassette four-packs were re-released as lucky draw prizes for the Transformers Celebration 2014 event held at Ikebukuro Sunshine City store'sToys"R"Us, though this was likely just leftover stock.

Generations

• Hardhead vs. Ratbat (2-pack,2011)

This figure would have been apretool/redeco ofGenerations Deluxe ClassScourge, utilizing the alternate head sculpt depicted in Scourge's instructions (inspired by Ratbat's pre-warSenator bodyas seen inIDW'sMegatron Origin).

It was intended to be released as part of aToys"R"Usexclusive two-pack withHardhead, a redeco ofGenerationsWarpath that would have similarly used that toy's alternate head sculpt. The intended deco sheets for the two figures were revealed by the unofficialPete's Robot Convention on Facebook in 2020, but later taken down again at the request of Hasbro.

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Generations (Japan)

Made from yet another Unicron agent.

• Ratbat (Deluxe,2013)

• Release date:June 29, 2013
• ID number:TG20
• Accessories: 2 handguns

Part of the seventh wave ofTakaraTomy'sGenerations toys, Ratbat is a pretool/redeco ofGenerations Deluxe Class Scourge that utilizes the alternate head sculpt previously intended for the unreleased HasbroGenerations figure listed above, but features a considerably different deco. He transforms into a jet loosely based on theBoeing X-48 blended wing body concept aircraft, and comes with two weapons that are both held via5 mm post. They can combine viaC joint into a triple-barreled weapon, and can store inside each of his cape halves/aircraft wings.

Aside from the actual toys sharing the same basic tooling as Ratbat, this particular version using the Ratbat head also served as the basis of the non-toyIDW incarnation ofDeathcobra and theEx-Jet.

• More information onGenerations Ratbat at TFU.info

Linkin Park × Transformers

Insides crying: "Save me now"
You were there, impossibly alone

• Transformers Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition (Multi-pack, 2013)

• Release date:September 23, 2013
• Accessories: 2 "radar-guided free-electron laser" thrusters

Linkin Park Ratbat is a gold and... also goldredeco of the original Ratbat microcassette toy. He has no stickers, factory-applied or otherwise, leaving his tape mode bereft of tape detail.

At least one Ratbat (*ahem*) was misassembled so that the tips of the feet are unable to swing forward for bat mode, requiring disassembly and reassembly. Currently unknown if this is a widespread problem.

He's packaged with Linkin Park gold redecoes ofSoundwave,Laserbeak,Buzzsaw, andRavage on a flocked-purple plastic tray inside a special commemorative box. Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition was exclusive toSURU and limited to 2000 pieces.

Masterpiece

Don't smash through any billionaires' windows!

• Soundblaster (2014)

• Release date:March 23, 2014
• Accessories: Cassette case
• Known designers:Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)

Masterpiece Ratbat transforms from micro-cassette to a character model-accurate mechanical bat. Similar toMasterpieceBuzzsaw/Laserbeak andRavage, Ratbat's gold accessories are now integrated into the transformation and separation is not possible. Unlike the otherTakaraTomy Cassettrons however, Ratbat comes with a colorless-clear cassette case instead of a hot pink cassette case.

Due to the modifiedtransformation scheme compared to the original toy, thecassette mode details are visible on the front of his wings. The line art of these details were actually part of Ratbat's originalcharacter model, although in most depictions of this model in fiction the wings remained solid purple. The detailswere properly colored in for his appearance inAll Hail Megatron#5, however, as shown in Ratbat'sIDW section.

This mold was also used to makeMasterpiece Wingthing.

Xiaomi/Transformers

• Soundwave (2016)

The result of a team-up betweenHasbro and Chinese consumer electronics companyXiaomi, Ratbat is included with the larger Soundwave figure that transforms from an officially licensed Mi Pad 2 tablet to a Voyager-sized robot in 30 steps. Ratbat is a somewhat large figure formed from part of Soundwave'skibble, and can be mounted on his back as a wing attachment, or perched on his arm. Ratbat's whole design seems like something of an afterthought and lacks any semblance of a bat face other than a Micro-USB port that is perhaps meant to represent his head in this form. Soundwave's weapons store within Ratbat's wings while the two are combined in tablet mode.

G.I. Joe and the Transformers

And I'd like to submit a formal request for you to shut your face whenever it's convenient for you, and if not, then no problem!

• G.I. Joe featuring Ninja Force and Transformers (Multi-pack, 2017)

Part of a comics-inspiredG.I. Joe / Transformers crossover set sold byFun Publications, this redeco ofMasterpiece Ratbat has super-comic-inspired colors, most notably replacing his black with blue, as was the way "black" was usually depicted in comic coloring through the '80s and '90s.

Also included in the box set wereMegatron, theJoe figuresNinja Force: Scarlett,Dr. Sidney Biggles-Jones, andCobra Commander, a figurine ofAutobot Black Cat, and accessories of gun mode Megatron,Autobot Toaster, and threeCrusticons.

• More information on Ratbat at YoJoe.com

War for Cybertron: Siege

Not in the face!

• Decepticon Rumble & Ratbat (Micromaster 2-pack,2019)

• Hasbro ID number:WFC-S46
• TakaraTomy ID number:SG-41
• TakaraTomy release date:January 25,2020

Part of the fifth wave ofSiege Micromaster two-packs, Ratbat transforms into the "V4 Sonicsurge Drone Armor". This flattened box mode is theoretically compatible withSiegeSoundwave, but in practice it is slightly too large to fit into his chest compartment without bending the clear plastic door. He can, however, attach to Soundwave and other figures as some sort of shield thanks to a flip-out5 mm post. (Later retools of the Soundwave mold, as well as later toys ofBlaster, can juuust fit him in, though.)LegacyThundertron, released five years later, has two slots on his right shoulder in robot mode for Ratbat to securely perch on him.

Ratbat was only available packaged together withRumble.

This mold was also redecoed to makeGenerations SelectsWingthing, and retooled with a new head asSkar andNightstrike.

Legacy

As seen onFox News.

• Rise of Tyranny 2-Pack (2-pack,2023)

• Accessories: Blaster
• Known designers:Evan Brooks (Hasbro),Koki Yamada (TakaraTomy)^[1]

Revealed on theMay 16th, 2023 Transformers Fanstream, and released as part of anAmazon exclusivePre-Cybertronian War Collection subline, Legacy "Senator Ratbat" is a retool ofStudio SeriesScourge, transforming into a Cybertronian hovercraft in 17 steps. The figure's new head, shoulders, and chestplate are based on his appearance in theMegatron Origin comic. His new vehicle mode face cover features an embossedSenate insignia. He lacks theblast effect accessory included with original iterations of the mold.

Ratbat comes in a 2-pack with"Miner Megatron".

Amazon mistakenly mixed up the product IDs for the "Rise of Tyranny" and "Humble Origins" two-packs; as a result, customers who pre-ordered this set were actually sentData Clerk Orion Pax andSenator Shockwave. This was corrected a few days after the pre-orders started arriving; customers who purchase this set now will receive what they ordered.

The original version of this mold was also used to makeStudio SeriesSweep, and retooled differently to makeLegacyAlpha Trion.

Designer commentary on Senator Ratbat from Evan Brooks on Instagram

Studio Series

Look, I found my thrusters!

• Autobot Perceptor / Ratbat / Ramhorn (Multi-pack,2025)

• Movie:The Transformers: The Movie
• Accessories: Thrusters/blaster
• Known designers:Evan Brooks (Hasbro),Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)^[2]

Studio Series Ratbat is a redeco of hisSiege figure, sporting a new, animation-accurate paintjob and a pair of thrusters, which can also be wielded as a gun by the included “Autobot Perceptor” figure.

Ratbat was revealed atNew York Toy Fair 2025 and released in aTarget-exclusive 3-pack as part of the “MTMTE Collection” with the aforementioned Perceptor and rival cassetteRamhorn, homaging the scene inThe Transformers: The Movie when they fought.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available at mass retail.

Merchandise

Diamond Select

Sorry, Soundblaster, but you having legs was JUST NOT in the budget. Squeak.

• Sound Blaster (Diamond Select, 2008)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, theSound Blaster bust was sculpted byMark Wong ofArt Asylum, limited to 1,000 pieces. It includes a new sculpt of Ratbat perching on Sound Blaster's shoulder.

They took the plastic that would have been used for Rumble's legs to make me! Because really, who's more adorable: Me, or Rumble's legs? Yeah, I thought so.

• Rumble (Diamond Select, 2009)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2009,Rumble was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 1000 pieces. Ratbat is seen blazing over his shoulder and decoed in a deeper purple than he is usually depicted in.

G.I. Joe and the Transformers

• Shockwave H.I.S.S. Tank with two figures & Energon (July 12,2012)

Anexclusive release forSan Diego Comic-Con 2012, this box set contains aredeco of the 2012 new-moldG.I. Joe: RetaliationHISS tank meant to representShockwave, along with theCobrasDestro and a "Constructicon B.A.T." with a trolley for carryingEnergon cubes.

Destro's accessories includeSoundwave in the form of a non-transforming tape deck and three "Mini-ConDeployers" – micro-cassettes capable of being placed within the Soundwave toy. The toy's press release identifies the tapes asLaserbeak,Ravage, and Ratbat, but since all three sport the sculpted details of the original Laserbeak toy and are colored solid red, gold, and orange, just who is meant to be who is unclear.

• More information on Destro (v28) (with Soundwave) at YoJoe.com

Imaginarium Art

Is this really an efficient use of resources?

• Soundwave (2018)

Imaginarium Art's Soundwave statue stands 32 inches tall and features light-up eyes. Though it is a statue, the set includes alternate heads and arms to change Soundwave's posture and whether he is holding his concussion blaster. The set also features attachment points for the included Ravage, Laserbeak, Rumble, and Ratbat. Only 200 were produced.

Transformers Trading Card Game

• Raider Ratbat, Spy Patrol-Fuel Scout (2019)
  • Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II
  • Rarity:CT
  • Card Number:T37/T52
  • Stars:6

Raider Ratbat, Spy Patrol-Fuel Scout is one of forty-eight double-sided character cards available in Wave 3 of theTransformers Trading Card Game, War for Cybertron: Siege I. In order to represent Ratbat's size, Raider Ratbat, Spy Patrol-Fuel Scout is the size of a battle card, about half the size of a normal character card.

The card's artwork is based on theSiege Ratbat toy, with the Bot Mode artwork being reused from the toy's packaging art, and original Alt Mode artwork with lines bySara Pitre-Durocher.

Super Cyborg

• Soundblaster (2021)
  • Accessories: Concussion blaster, torso plate, Ratbat cassette

Super Cyborg Soundblaster is an 11-inch-tall non-transforming figure with 7 points of articulation, released bySuper7. The figure's main selling point is the ability to remove the entire front of the torso, revealing sculpted mechanical innards (including internal speakers and tape reels, appropriately enough). The figure includes a non-transforming cassette that is purportedly Ratbat, even though it is clearly arepaint of the previously-releasedSuper Cyborg Laserbeak cassette.

XM Studios

Kōmoribreast, eat your heart out!

• Soundwave (2022)

XM Studios' statue of Soundwave is 29" tall, made of hand-painted porcelain. Soundwave comes with closed and open chest doors, and alternate arms depending on whether owners want him to be posing, pointing, opening his chest door, holding his own guns, or holding a gun-mode Megatron. He is accompanied by Ravage, Rumble, Ratbat (written as "Redbat" on the XM Studios website), and Laserbeak. The set also includes a sculpted representation of Soundwave's cassette player mode that can be displayed next to the robot.

599 pieces were produced, with a suggested price of about $1,700 US.

Transformers Character Card

• Broadcast & Soundwave Set (March 14,2022)
  • ID number:07 & 08

Released as part of the second wave of thee-HOBBY exclusiveTransformers Character Card series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art ofBlaster (withEject andSteeljaw) andSoundwave (with Ratbat,Laserbeak andRavage) along withcharacter profiles andtech specs.

• Translation of Soundwave's Transformers Character Card

• Sentinel Prime and Ratbat Set (December 28,2024)
  • ID number:97 & 98

Released as part of the thirteenth wave of thee-HOBBY exclusiveTransformers Character Card series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art ofSentinel Prime (withInfinitus) in hisTitans Return form and Ratbat (himself in his"Senator" form from the2013Generations toyline toyline) along withcharacter profiles andtech specs.

• Translation of Senator Ratbat's Transformers Character Card