If you’re at all into the nerdy hardcore world of Jumbo Machinder collecting, then this might be of interest. If you’re just a regular gamer though, wondering what these crazy large toys are all about, well in many ways they were the nascent influence for games like Super Robot Wars. The original toys were made by then Japanese toy giant Popy, who later merged with Bandai. Popy also birthed the Chogokin line of toys, with the term referencing the “super alloys” that graced many super robot anime shows of the mid to late 70’s. A line Bandai resurrected a decade ago with their Soul of Chogokin range of toys.

The Jumbo Machinders were unique due to their size and the fact that play fights between robots would inevitably and awesomely break out. Apparently, this was one of the initial and main inspirations for the first Super Robot Wars game that appeared way back in 1991 on the GameBoy. Even the term “chogokin” makes its way into multiple Super Robot Wars games too.

If you fancy a stupidly large Jumbo Machinder of your own, then you’d do well to pick up the new Mazinger Z. It’s pretty damn pimp.