darkSpyro

Quote: Donatron

Quote: Okaps

Quote: WickedRogue

So people know because I will see it still be asked 10,000 times in the next couple of years to follow. This is a chase variant.

Um, a chase variant is one that's rarely packaged with a regular wave, she looks to be a regular variant like blue Bash, WERDS, etc.

I've always thought that Chase was any variation that was intentionally made by the manufacturer, and a variant was an unintentional variation (i.e. errors made in the factory). Chase Variant would then be an intentional variation that also had a factory error.

But I've seen the terms used interchangeably here, so I figured that this community didn't differentiate. But I guess there is a difference, it just differs from my understanding of the terms. Is there an official glossary of terms for the Skylanders community?

My understanding is that any intentionally different production of an existing figure is considered a variant such as these: http://skylanderscharacterlist.com/variants/

Figures with factory errors are typically just that, not variants but factory errors.

I think some people refer to CHASE variants as the ones that are randomly placed in normal production runs and not separate orderable figures or variants. This sprocket is a normal variant, but a Metallic Eye brawl for example would be considered a Chase variant by many people.

Then there's prototype skylanders which are generally one off pre-production or altered figures that were never sold at retail.

I can't tell you that my above coments are anyway official or even the general concensus on terms but they are my understanding.

Unfortunately Best Buy does not ship internationally I ask just because i know alot of guys/girls in here are from other countries so i did the leg work and he even pointed me to there policy. I said i have friends that collect so they cant get this thru Best Buy and sadly he said no.

I don't know if I should get it, it looks cool but I didn't buy the regular version yet. I might wait, if this turns out like blue bash then it don't be a problem.

let's name it.

how about..

BBESS

Best Buy Exclusive Silver Sprocket

no i got it "Boot Camp Sprocket" or "Government shutdown Sprocket" or "The Sprocinator" starring Sproket

I'm going with "Heavy Metal Sprocket" -

She's a variant; not in game, not chase either.
Much like GITD Sonic Boom, she's a retail exclusive variant - should show up as special in game, but same color scheme.
She strikes me more as a variant that only those of us who just have to have them all will get, or someone who actually likes Sprocket ...
I do wonder how many other variants will spring up like this one, with absolutley no warning.

Khaki Sprocket?

@defpally I agree with that too.

BBEMS

(Pronounced Bee-Bee-Emms)

Best buy exclusive metal sprocket

I also would like to thank the OP. This is one of the great things about this forum. I might not have picked up this variant otherwise as I frequent Best Buy only sporadically. My son will love getting this, even though it is only a variant and not a chase variant. Sometimes I think it might be better if we thought like kids anyways.

I love that Activision is releasing variants that are easily accesible. I think that it would be cool, however, if they started releasing one variant from each theme as a regular variant and not a chase variant. For instance, make Green Scorp a store exclusive variant, while Green Riptide and Green Chop Chop are chase variants. Make Glitter Hot Head another store exclusive variant, and the other two glitters can be chases. This way, those of us that have virtually no chance to find a chase can still get our hands on a pretty cool looking figure. Just an idea, but I think that it would work out well for most people.

Thanks again OP. Helping each other out is so much preferable to bickering about things we cannot change.

Quote: alegeobla

really hoping this makes it's way to canada. Right now though there's nothing on bestbuy.ca

So this is another US only thing...? Let's say I live in the US: Can I walk up to a store and ask them to order it instead of doing that online (credit card dead)?

Ordered MINE !!

Ah neat. I just got a chance to go and order it. I figured the best option is to just go pick it up from the store. Mine is relatively close by, I can go and check out some other nearby shops when I got get it, I save a bit on no shipping costs, and i don't have to worry about it getting potentially damaged in the mail.

Here let's make a chart

Figures

Normal Abnormal
Characters Items. Varients. Chase Varients
S1,S2,S3,LC,SF,Giants Magic Items/Locations Pieces. Punch Pop Fizz Glitter Hot Head
WERDS Pumpkin EB

Quote: jlcox7

I'm going with "Heavy Metal Sprocket".

That's the name I was going with too, though in keeping with a more "military" feel, "Full Metal Sprocket" would also be acceptable. lol

And for the record, my wife was just at Best Buy (Columbus, OH - Morse Rd), and they had them out on the shelf already.
I pre-ordered them last night, and the preorder said it wasn't available until 1/12, but since she was right there, they're processing the order for her now so we don't have to go back.
So, YMMV, but check. They might already be out there.

Amazing I got mine! Thank you

How about Desert Fox Sprocket? Treadhead Sprocket?

Those are actual nicknames used in the Army.

Just seen all wave 3 at best buy....shelf's were stocked....no sprocket variant... Looks like best buy getting ready for the 12th...

just ordered mine for store pick up on Sunday!

Quote: Loxone

Quote: Donatron

Quote: Okaps

Um, a chase variant is one that's rarely packaged with a regular wave, she looks to be a regular variant like blue Bash, WERDS, etc.

I've always thought that Chase was any variation that was intentionally made by the manufacturer, and a variant was an unintentional variation (i.e. errors made in the factory). Chase Variant would then be an intentional variation that also had a factory error.

But I've seen the terms used interchangeably here, so I figured that this community didn't differentiate. But I guess there is a difference, it just differs from my understanding of the terms. Is there an official glossary of terms for the Skylanders community?

My understanding is that any intentionally different production of an existing figure is considered a variant such as these: http://skylanderscharacterlist.com/variants/

Figures with factory errors are typically just that, not variants but factory errors.

I think some people refer to CHASE variants as the ones that are randomly placed in normal production runs and not separate orderable figures or variants. This sprocket is a normal variant, but a Metallic Eye brawl for example would be considered a Chase variant by many people.

Then there's prototype skylanders which are generally one off pre-production or altered figures that were never sold at retail.

I can't tell you that my above coments are anyway official or even the general concensus on terms but they are my understanding.

You're probably right. I was just more familiar with the McFarlane Toys definitions.

http://www.mcfarlane.com/info/...eneral.aspx#c15

Quote:

A "chase" figure is most often associated with our McFarlane's Sports Picks action figures. It is a different version of a regular figure, intentionally produced and generally released in limited numbers. Differences usually involve paint application, but could also be sculpt or accessory changes. Most commonly, a "chase" figure will have a different uniform from the "base" version shown in the photos. If the "base" version is produced wearing a home uniform, for example, then the "chase" may be produced in a road uniform -- or vice versa.

A "variant" figure is a paint or accessory difference from the "normal" version that is unintentional. Sometimes, these are production errors or glitches that occur at the factory and might be released into distribution before the mistake is caught and corrected.

Would I be able to buy this in store in the 12th?

Quote: CamoForever

Would I be able to buy this in store in the 12th?

Yes..

On the subject of variant terminology... IMO there should also be the term "rare variant" that we can just use to encompass all the non-game, "Special" variants. Just saying "variant" could also be mistaken for an in-game variant, "rare" sets it apart a bit. "Special variant" could work too but isn't as quick.

I just pre-ordered a BBEMS!

Names for this figure I like (Speculation):
Heavy Metal
Military
Army
Boot Camp

I do it like this:

In-Game Variants (Legendaries, Darks, etc)

Common Chase Variants (Blue Bash, GITD Cynder, Pumpkin Eye-Brawl, Metallic Sprocket, etc)

Rare Chase Variants (Metallic Purple Eye-Brawl, Glitter Hot Head, etc)

Convention/Event Chase Variants (Chrome Spyro, Gold Flocked LC Prism Break, Pearl Hex, etc)

Mine goes like:

Alter Egos- Obviously the ones different looking in the game.

Rare Variants- Limited edition characters that are packed randomly into a specific number of boxes. They do not show up different in the game, and either look cool, or have shiny colors.

Store exclusive variants- Exclusive figures that can be confused with rare variants, but are more abundant.

I talked to the guy I know at bestbuy here they have them in the store but are street dated for Sunday. The best buy here has 12 on hand I was assured my pre-order will be held.

Quote: Matteomax

Mine goes like:

Alter Egos- Obviously the ones different looking in the game.

Rare Variants- Limited edition characters that are packed randomly into a specific number of boxes. They do not show up different in the game, and either look cool, or have shiny colors.

Store exclusive variants- Exclusive figures that can be confused with rare variants, but are more abundant.

I would have been fine with calling the ones in the game Alter Ego's, but if you look at Lost Islands it just confuses people and they think those are available in Swap Force. Thus why I tend to split those into Special. Ones that do nothing to the game experience I consider chase variants. Waiting for what they announce for the 4th game and then even more of these come in, you will see how it just gets more confusing with people understanding everything.

Stopped by my best buy and they had them out. When I tried to buy it it came up as "recalled" so she couldn't sell it. Guess I'll wait until Sunday.

Pre-ordered, shipping's actually pretty good on this one to boot, only $2. Also did anyone notice they had online listings for the two new Lightcores that are sold out?

Also keep in mind not all chase variants sell out immediately. We're still trying to get rid of GITD Sonic Boom up at work (have about 12 left), and played heck trying to get rid of WERDS for the longest time...

Werds?

Walmart Exclusive Red Drill Sarge. We sat literally on them forever, the biggest problem being they aren't actual modded items so they don't get official shelf space and have to be sold on clearance pegs or clip strips near the skylanders. Same problem we have with Enchanted Hoot Loop now that I think about it.

Oddly we only got *one* box of Jolly Bumble Blast and holy cow did he go fast.

Jolly was one of them I don't regret since how fast he sold out everywhere I've looked. Even was able to get him for my nephews at half price when TRU had the B1G1 mixup on corelanders in December.

Quote: defpally

How to completely destroy the excitement of a new variant? Keep it totally secret until three days before it comes out, then put it up for pre-order with a release date.

We need far more randomness, vague release windows, figures that are street dated accidentally put out and a month of lead time for people to make up a dozen rumor threads up in here.

It's ironic that everything we all seem to hate about store exclusive variants seems to be the things that generate the most excitement and discussion. Here we have one that pops up out of the blue, bang pre-order, done and we move on to the next thing immediately. One has to wonder if the franchise would be nearly as popular if we had predictability and less hunting.

This one came out of nowhere. I'm getting a couple, but no need to take it out...as it would serve no utility in game other than to add to my figure count. If this was an in game variant instead of just a character variant I'd buy one to open.

I personally think there's not AS MUCH excitement here since we all know this will appear as REGULAR OLE SPROCKET, just with a special tag. I suspect they will leave the rare notation to the true chase stuff like the green team.

I'm also surprised Best Buy did an exclusive...they've appeared apathetic to Swap Force since release.

Quote: Kung Fu Man

Pre-ordered, shipping's actually pretty good on this one to boot, only $2. Also did anyone notice they had online listings for the two new Lightcores that are sold out?

Also keep in mind not all chase variants sell out immediately. We're still trying to get rid of GITD Sonic Boom up at work (have about 12 left), and played heck trying to get rid of WERDS for the longest time...

This does not qualify as a chase variant to me. Chase is 1 in 100 boxes or so. This is just an alt-deco or something like that. The reason you sat or are sitting on so many of those is because they were so readily available.

As I stated yesterday, I Pre-Order mine at a BestBuy near the freeway in Victorville so I can pick it up on my way out of town on Sunday.
There is another Best Buy located on the other side of town and since we (My wife and I) were in that area we stopped in. I was checking out the stock and my wife asked me what character are we looking for? I showed her the S2 (Regular) Sprocket (There was one in front of me) and explained that it is Silver and Gold. Next thing I know she said "This One"?

I was totally shocked that they had it out.

I contemplated what to do, since I had the Pre-Order at the other store. After picking the best paint job I took it up to the Customer Service.
I explained how the character is on the site last night and Pre-Order for Sunday (the 12th) and if I could use this for the Pre-Order?
They tried to transfer my order from the other store but had no success (At the time they did not know why), so with my permission they cancelled my order and refunded my PayPal account.

The next step was to buy the Limited Sprocket. Easier said then done.

Found out that it was locked in the system for Sunday the 12th. She called for a manager, hoping that he could fix it. My wife and the nice employee were optimistic. I on the other hand knew what was going to happen.
The Manager told them what I expected, cant sell before the 12th and we need to remove from the show room.

The great news is the employee took my previous (Canceled PayPal) Pre-Order receipt and put it together with the Sprocket that I hand picked (Best paint job) and put it on hold for me on Sunday. I verified that she was working Sunday Morning and she handled the situation as a professional. She said that she will see me on Sunday.

I had no problem waiting till Sunday (Knowing in advance that it was not suppose to be release till Sunday), and the way I look at it I got to pick the best paint job instead of having one set aside on Sunday, not knowing the paint condition.

Good Luck to all of you on Sunday.

Quote: Bazinga

Quote: Kung Fu Man

Pre-ordered, shipping's actually pretty good on this one to boot, only $2. Also did anyone notice they had online listings for the two new Lightcores that are sold out?

Also keep in mind not all chase variants sell out immediately. We're still trying to get rid of GITD Sonic Boom up at work (have about 12 left), and played heck trying to get rid of WERDS for the longest time...

This does not qualify as a chase variant to me. Chase is 1 in 100 boxes or so. This is just an alt-deco or something like that. The reason you sat or are sitting on so many of those is because they were so readily available.

Hmmmm....I remember glitters: Hot Head, Sprocket, Sonic Boom, and other "chase" variants were sold through Gamestop.com awhile back. So why are those still considered "chase" and Best Buys figure cannot be one. What if this Sprocket pops up from time to time in a box, would it then be considered a "chase"?

By the way there is a rectangle sticker (Blue with White letters) on the top left corner and says "Only at Best Buy".
It is a sticker so it could be peeled off.
I would have taken a picture at the time but I also thought I was going to be walking out the door with it in hand today and take picture later to post.

Captain Sprocket on duty!

I wonder what will be the final name she will get... "Best Buy Exclusive" is awful sorry lol. Color Shift?

I like SpecOps Sprocket, has a nice ring to it.

I think the best name listed so far here is "Heavy Metal Sprocket". Love that!

I am so grateful that Best Buy handled this release with a predictable pre-order and hard street/sell date including register lock-out.
At least we know one retailer can figure out how to do that. Normally, Best Buy sucks for Skylanders, but this is an example of how it "should be done", for all other retailers to follow.

I know that the "thrill of the hunt" was semi-exciting for me and my young children when we first started collecting Skylanders. But after a few months, that really becomes tiresome and jaded. I know other newer Skylanders fans deserve the same opportunity to experience the "thrill of the hunt" if they wish to, but I would really appreciate it if Activision and/or its retail partners would start doing more hard-dated releases so that consumers don't have to fret about "early leaks" of new characters, store employees hoarding the new merchandise for their own purchase, and/or stores selling-out of product prior to the date they were supposed to be released/advertised for sale.

I found this on blu-ray.com. It's in Best Buy's 1/19 ad.



Strange that the supposed release date is 1/12, but they put it in the 1/19 ad.

Quote: Bazinga

This does not qualify as a chase variant to me. Chase is 1 in 100 boxes or so. This is just an alt-deco or something like that. The reason you sat or are sitting on so many of those is because they were so readily available.

It's for the sake of simplicity to call it such. All drawing semantics on whether or not this counts as a 'chase variant' will do is lead to even more confusing terms for the community to deal with.

Quote: BahamutBreaker

I think the best name listed so far here is "Heavy Metal Sprocket". Love that!

I am so grateful that Best Buy handled this release with a predictable pre-order and hard street/sell date including register lock-out.
At least we know one retailer can figure out how to do that. Normally, Best Buy sucks for Skylanders, but this is an example of how it "should be done", for all other retailers to follow.

I know that the "thrill of the hunt" was semi-exciting for me and my young children when we first started collecting Skylanders. But after a few months, that really becomes tiresome and jaded. I know other newer Skylanders fans deserve the same opportunity to experience the "thrill of the hunt" if they wish to, but I would really appreciate it if Activision and/or its retail partners would start doing more hard-dated releases so that consumers don't have to fret about "early leaks" of new characters, store employees hoarding the new merchandise for their own purchase, and/or stores selling-out of product prior to the date they were supposed to be released/advertised for sale.

Most retailers do follow through with a register lock-out. I'm sure you're talking about the Target debacle, and they have proven that they can do it, too (even if some employees still find a way around it). They couldn't do it with the Swappers because they are the same as the rest in their system. There never seemed to be an official "street date" for them. Even the boxes said Oct. 13, 2013 and not Dec. 29, 2013. I believe the intention was that the stores were supposed to hold the product back until that day for the ad (as some stores do), but there was breakdown in communication. That's what I blame it on. Not a register lock-out, as they had no way of doing that.

I think this one might be like the legendary editions and jolly bumbleblast and may have a different sku which may be why they can street date it. And also the reason it's so hard to street date any of the regular figures since they all share the same sku based on which version of figure it is. But as I don't work retail this is just speculation.

Quote: chevyext02

Hmmmm....I remember glitters: Hot Head, Sprocket, Sonic Boom, and other "chase" variants were sold through Gamestop.com awhile back. So why are those still considered "chase" and Best Buys figure cannot be one. What if this Sprocket pops up from time to time in a box, would it then be considered a "chase"?

Bad example, Gamestop short circuited the process by going through all the cases in the warehouse to pull them out to be sold in conjunction with large bundles. They took the "chase" out of "chase variant" by doing it themselves. Those were still "chase variants". This term, as noted previously, is not new to Skylanders. It has a specific meaning, and a long history.

The simple way to remember it is a "chase variant" is one that is not shipping in a standard case. It cannot be counted on to be in a particular case assortment. In other words, you have to "chase" it down because it appears randomly 1 in 150 boxes or so. This Sprocket almost certainly appears in a case of just that figure. Same with other store exclusives.

I know people want to feel variants they have are special, and "chase variant" sounds more special than "variant", but that isn't accurate. Yes, you can avoid the "chase" by going to EBay, or getting a Gamestop bundle, but that doesn't change the definition.

Quote: chevyext02

Quote: Bazinga

Quote: Kung Fu Man

Pre-ordered, shipping's actually pretty good on this one to boot, only $2. Also did anyone notice they had online listings for the two new Lightcores that are sold out?

Also keep in mind not all chase variants sell out immediately. We're still trying to get rid of GITD Sonic Boom up at work (have about 12 left), and played heck trying to get rid of WERDS for the longest time...

This does not qualify as a chase variant to me. Chase is 1 in 100 boxes or so. This is just an alt-deco or something like that. The reason you sat or are sitting on so many of those is because they were so readily available.

Hmmmm....I remember glitters: Hot Head, Sprocket, Sonic Boom, and other "chase" variants were sold through Gamestop.com awhile back. So why are those still considered "chase" and Best Buys figure cannot be one. What if this Sprocket pops up from time to time in a box, would it then be considered a "chase"?

Yeah, they had it for sale. In most cases it was with a whole bunch of other figures that you paid 300 bucks for everything. They did have glitter WW and Sprocket for sale at regular price but it was only done once. That was the only time you could get it at regular price unless you found it at a store. In most cases though it was just luck of finding it in the store.

I vote for Rheyvynn's "Full metal sprocket"

Quote: defpally

Quote: chevyext02

Hmmmm....I remember glitters: Hot Head, Sprocket, Sonic Boom, and other "chase" variants were sold through Gamestop.com awhile back. So why are those still considered "chase" and Best Buys figure cannot be one. What if this Sprocket pops up from time to time in a box, would it then be considered a "chase"?

Bad example, Gamestop short circuited the process by going through all the cases in the warehouse to pull them out to be sold in conjunction with large bundles. They took the "chase" out of "chase variant" by doing it themselves. Those were still "chase variants". This term, as noted previously, is not new to Skylanders. It has a specific meaning, and a long history.

The simple way to remember it is a "chase variant" is one that is not shipping in a standard case. It cannot be counted on to be in a particular case assortment. In other words, you have to "chase" it down because it appears randomly 1 in 150 boxes or so. This Sprocket almost certainly appears in a case of just that figure. Same with other store exclusives.

I know people want to feel variants they have are special, and "chase variant" sounds more special than "variant", but that isn't accurate. Yes, you can avoid the "chase" by going to EBay, or getting a Gamestop bundle, but that doesn't change the definition.

Thank you sir!

This is actually one of the reasons I really don't care for Gamestop. They pull these figures out of the cases and sell them in bundles. Yeah, a few figures made it to the store but those were rare examples.

Quote: echomancer

I think this one might be like the legendary editions and jolly bumbleblast and may have a different sku which may be why they can street date it. And also the reason it's so hard to street date any of the regular figures since they all share the same sku based on which version of figure it is. But as I don't work retail this is just speculation.

EXACTLY!

Quote: defpally

Quote: chevyext02

Hmmmm....I remember glitters: Hot Head, Sprocket, Sonic Boom, and other "chase" variants were sold through Gamestop.com awhile back. So why are those still considered "chase" and Best Buys figure cannot be one. What if this Sprocket pops up from time to time in a box, would it then be considered a "chase"?

Bad example, Gamestop short circuited the process by going through all the cases in the warehouse to pull them out to be sold in conjunction with large bundles. They took the "chase" out of "chase variant" by doing it themselves. Those were still "chase variants". This term, as noted previously, is not new to Skylanders. It has a specific meaning, and a long history.

The simple way to remember it is a "chase variant" is one that is not shipping in a standard case. It cannot be counted on to be in a particular case assortment. In other words, you have to "chase" it down because it appears randomly 1 in 150 boxes or so. This Sprocket almost certainly appears in a case of just that figure. Same with other store exclusives.

I know people want to feel variants they have are special, and "chase variant" sounds more special than "variant", but that isn't accurate. Yes, you can avoid the "chase" by going to EBay, or getting a Gamestop bundle, but that doesn't change the definition.

Gamestop messes up the entire system. They tend to open cases at the warehouse/distribution center and break them out among their stores. That's why they may not get a full case at times, especially any exclusives. It seems they also took the "chase" variants out and sold them online instead of just letting them go to the stores.

Did anyone suggest Metal Gear Sprocket yet? lololol

I'm very pleased at how Best Buy seems to be handling everything thus far. Hopefully for those that want to get it at store wont have too hard of a time trying to find it. I also hope that other stores will take note and allow things like preorders for things like these variants. It saves both collectors and fans a lot of headaches whenever something new pops up.