[NeonZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurona

I... really feel you've got that the wrong way round. Modifications of existing items points to Bandai putting in less money to make money. Just look at any retool in a Transformers line; it's a pretty standard practise in toylines to do retools and repaints like this to make a much easier buck than putting much more money into design and molding. Hell, Bandai have done it for movie-exclusive toys since like Faiz.

I really highly doubt that a third belt was so integral to four shows in a row, where they're clearly establishing a marketing pattern as Rider continues to heighten just how many products they're selling. It's especially hard to see Gold Drive and Cronus for instance desperately needing new belts.

In Gold Drive's case it's not even speculation that it was driven by the show though, since the belt debuted in the series a long time before getting any kind of toy announced and when it was announced it was so late it wasn't really part of the show's toyline run proper - only coming out after the series was over for months. Recolors and remolds are pushed by the show production due to the low cost, with unique items coming from Bandai because they're the sponsors paying for them. Cronus and Evolt later just seem like Bandai and Ohmori working closer together since their plans clearly line up (villain Rider and merchandising pushing him).

Also, technically, Zi-O did have a third remodeled belt with the Mirai Driver - it debuted fairly early in the show, but toy-wise only was released around episodes 30/31, which is pretty close to Evolt's debut. So, the early debut and lack of story relevancy compared to the previous ones seems almost certainly down to the show's staff.