'Make 100s of Robots..... 100s of Space Cars!!!!'
BAT-BOT is one of three mode changing robot shaped candy containers released by TOPPS in 1986. The mode change is purely partsforming with one set of wheels and the head needing to be relocated to complete the change.
While maybe the most cool and desirable to a lot of kids due to the bat shape, BAT-BOT held significantly less candy than the other two figure in the Switch-A-Robots line-up.
See Switch-A-Robots Index for Further Details
Region Codes Used: US United States - Location codes only shown where items were known to be released.
This list is accurate yet likely to be incomplete. If you are able to confirm release in other regions please get in contact.
BAT-BOT US TOPPS 1986
Assortment - while these are so far the only colour combinations for BAT-BOT sighted on card, it's highly possible other combinations exist. Only examples on card are included below. Due to the mix 'n' match nature of the toys, any loose example may not reflect released assembly variations. As the Switch-A-Robots SCREW-BOT figure has six sighted examples, two of each body colour so it's possible each have six; unconfirmed.
Stamping (c) 1985 TOPPS Chewing Gum, INC.
Collector Notes As Switch-A-Robots weren't intended as a value product, QC wasn't stringent and that's most evident with BAT-BOT. Often plastic didn't make it all the way to the wing tips (most commonly the right) leaving up to a centimetre missing. In listing photos it's not always obvious and something to check for.
Another common issue with all Switch-A-Robots is the candy inside the toy has often turned into a sticky, black sludge due to age. It's not uncommon for this sludge to leak out of the toy and discolour the cardback or if loose, other things. If you have loose Switch-A-Robots it's strongly suggested the candy be poured out into a zip-lock bag (if you want to keep it) and stored separately. If it's already sludge, the candy compartment can be washed out with warm water. Shaking both loose and carded examples and listening for the candy rattling inside is a good test. Unlike the other two Switch-A-Robots, BAT-BOT's candy compartment back plate is glued in place and can't be remnoved to make cleaning easier. If you're keen on collecting these, the goo doesn't seem to discolour the
toy and so very rough looking carded examples can end up being quickly cleaned to be a mint, off card figure.
Trivia On the counter display that held the tray Switch-A-Robots were sold in the art shows BAT-BOT in 'Space Car' mode with the head on the other way around. They are also all shown with different, brighter colour schemes.
