LEGO Icons Transformers: Soundwave Is the Set Fans Wanted

The LEGO Icons Transformers: Soundwave set (10358) just dropped everything fans have been begging for since day one - a wickedly cool Decepticon that talks, poses like a boss, and actually makes converting fun again. This bad boy just changed the entire game.

Why Was Soundwave Chosen Over Megatron for LEGO's First Decepticon?

LEGO's boardroom, circa 2024. Everyone's shouting "Megatron! Starscream!" But then designer ron Gerencsr (who owns 500+ Transformers figures, by the way) drops the mic with one word: Soundwave.

LEGO Soundwave turned out to be pure genius. While Megatron's stuck with that whole "turns into a gun" problem (yeah, LEGO's not touching that), and Starscream's fighter jet mode would've been an engineering nightmare, Soundwave's boxy cassette player design? Chef's kiss. The character was born to be built from LEGO bricks.

We've got an iconic villain whose alt-mode is basically a rectangle with buttons. LEGO probably looked at that and thought, "Finally, a character that speaks our language!"

How Many Sound Effects Does Soundwave Have?

Revolutionary Sound Integration

Hold onto your hats, folks, because this LEGO Transformers 2025 release just broke new ground. We're talking about the first-ever LEGO Transformers with actual sound effects. Press that play button and boom Soundwave's iconic voice fills the room with 39 different sounds, from classic "Soundwave Superior" lines to brand-new LEGO-exclusive dialogue.

Press the button, hear that robotic voice, and suddenly you're eight years old again, making explosion sounds while your figures duke it out on the living room carpet. Except now your LEGO version actually 6talks back.

The audio team went absolutely wild here. We're getting cartoon theme music, laser blasts that'll make your neighbours think you're under attack, and radio static so authentic, you'll check if someone's trying to contact the Decepticons.

Superior Articulation and Engineering

Here's where things get really exciting. Remember how Bumblebee's conversion felt like solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded? Or how Optimus Prime's joints sometimes felt shakier than your morning coffee routine? Well, LEGO's Soundwave just schooled them both.

The engineering improvements are immediately noticeable:

• Enhanced poseability: Full elbow and knee articulation
• Stable conversion: The conversion sequence faithfully follows the G1 toy and Masterpiece versions, featuring the iconic "splits" move where Soundwave's legs rotate and fold upward to form the cassette player sides
• Improved proportions: More accurate to the source material than previous releases

Outstanding Package Value

While LEGO Bumblebee has faced criticism for lacking additional builds, LEGO Soundwave delivers exceptional value through its complete package:

The Complete Arsenal:

• Massive 1,505-piece main figure (standing proud at 33cm)
• Ravage and Laserbeak that actually convert into tiny cassettes
• Enough weapons to arm a small Decepticon squad
• Tech specs display plaque with secret storage compartment
• Bonus mini Soundwave for your desk
• Swappable red/yellow eyes for cartoon vs. toy accuracy

Seriously, crack open this box and you're basically getting three separate figures for the price of one.

Why Optimus Prime Suddenly Feels Like Yesterday's News

The Optimus Prime Showdown

Don't get us wrong - Optimus Prime's still the Autobot we'd want leading us into battle. His truck mode looks so realistic, you'd expect it to start up and drive away. But LEGO's Soundwave plays a completely different game.

While Prime delivers classic heroic appeal, Soundwave brings the tech revolution. Interactive sound effects, two bonus mini-cons, and articulation that makes posing an absolute joy. Plus, those cassette tapes fitting perfectly into his chest deliver pure nostalgic magic.

Soundwave's Victory Lap:

• Sound effects that bring childhood flooding back
• Two extra figures included (hello, value!)
• Knee joints that actually bend (revolutionary!)
• Conversion that's actually fun, not frustrating

Prime's Strong Suit:

• A vehicle mode that could fool real truck enthusiasts
• More printed details, fewer stickers
• Rock-solid stability once posed

Poor Bumblebee Gets Left in the Dust

Here's the uncomfortable truth: Bumblebee just got schooled. Hard. With Soundwave's release, the little yellow bot suddenly feels like the awkward middle child nobody talks about at family dinners.

Fewer pieces, no bonus figures, and legs that only move at the hips? Meanwhile, Soundwave's over here throwing a full-blown Decepticon party with sound effects and backup dancers. The comparison favours Soundwave completely.

The Design Details That Prove LEGO's Obsession with Perfection

Construction Thrills and Minor Spills

Building Soundwave feels like assembling a piece of childhood magic. The sound brick gets installed early (sitting snugly behind that play button), and every bag reveals new surprises. That printed cassette window arrives in its own protective bag like the precious gem it represents.

Let's keep it real, though, those 14 stickers can be a pain. Some are pretty large, and getting them perfectly aligned without capturing every speck of dust feels like performing surgery. The grey sticker colours don't quite match the surrounding pieces either, which might bug perfectionist builders.

Pro tip: Soundwave likes to lean forward slightly, so you'll need to play with his leg positioning to get that perfect heroic (or villainous) stance. Those rubber feet are your friends.

The Details That Make You Smile

The working cassette mechanism delivers that satisfying 'click' when you load Ravage or Laserbeak. The dual eye colours let you choose your preferred Soundwave era. Hidden throughout are little touches that prove LEGO's designers are genuine fans who understand what makes these characters special.

Why Custom Lighting Is the Secret to Ultimate Soundwave Displays

Want to convert your display from "pretty cool" to "absolutely mind-blowing"? Custom Light Kit for Transformers: Soundwave options turn Soundwave into a glowing monument to Decepticon superiority.

The Full Light Show Experience:

• Chest bay is glowing like powering up for battle
• Blue-white joint lighting that screams "advanced alien technology"
• Red eyes that pierce through darkness
• Weapon effects that look ready to blast Autobots

These lighting kits don't just enhance display pieces – they create experiences that capture Soundwave's menacing presence both day and night.

Why Complex Simplicity Is the New Standard for Premium Sets

Learning from Past Mistakes

LEGO clearly took notes from previous releases. Optimus Prime's wobbly joints? Fixed. Bumblebee's overly complex conversion? Simplified and improved. Missing interactive elements? Enter the sound brick revolution.

LEGO Soundwave feels like the culmination of everything LEGO learned from the first two releases. Better articulation, more stable construction, and features that actually enhance play rather than complicate it.

A Harmonious Mix of Modernity and Nostalgia

The sound effects go beyond cool tech - they're emotional time machines. Hearing Soundwave's voice takes you straight back to Saturday morning cartoons, while the LEGO-specific dialogue keeps you grounded in the building experience.

This set proves that the best licensed products respect their source material while adding something genuinely new. Soundwave doesn't just recreate the character - he enhances the entire concept through innovative features that weren't possible with traditional toys.

The 160 Investment That Delivers Three Transformers for One Price

This represents the first LEGO Transformers Decepticon that fans have been dreaming about, which is what happens when brilliant engineering meets genuine passion for the source material. This goes beyond being another LEGO Transformers release the set proves that LEGO and Hasbro's partnership has finally hit its sweet spot.

Every element delivers: the engineering fixes past problems, the sound effects create emotional connections, and the additional figures provide incredible value. As a display piece, Soundwave commands attention. As a toy, he delivers endless entertainment.

For collectors, fans, or anyone who loves seeing childhood favourites brought to life in new ways, LEGO Icons Transformers: Soundwave deserves a spot on your shelf next to Optimus and Bumblebee. This represents the set fans have been dreaming about since LEGO first announced its partnership with Hasbro.

The waiting game is over. Soundwave has arrived, and he's absolutely superior.

FAQ

How does the LEGO Soundwave compare in size to previous Transformers sets?

LEGO Soundwave measures 33cm tall and about 21cm wide in robot mode, matching Optimus Prime in height. In cassette player mode, he measures 19cm wide, 13cm tall, and 10cm deep.

Can the sound effects be turned off?

Yes, the sound brick can be easily removed, or the batteries can be taken out if you prefer a silent display.

Are Ravage and Laserbeak fully converting figures?

Yes, both Ravage and Laserbeak convert into miniature cassette tapes, fitting snugly into Soundwave's chest compartment. Despite their small size, they maintain stability and poseability.

What's included in the light kits for this set?

Light kits illuminate Soundwave's chest bay, cassette-loading mechanism, LED-lit joints, and highlighted accessories, with both robot and cassette player modes enhanced.

Is this set worth buying if I already own LEGO Optimus Prime?

If you can only get one LEGO Transformers figure, Soundwave's the better choice thanks to the sound brick, bonus figures, and superior articulation.

When will the LEGO Soundwave set be available?

The set is available for all shoppers from August 4th, priced at £159.99.