While doing this Desuccus Remote Control Transform Robot Car review I realized that it’s probably popular for its resemblance to Bumblebee even though that would be a Camaro and this looks more like a Lambo.
Some kids might not realize the difference because it still acts similar to a real Transformer in that it changes from car to stand up robot at the push of a button. Of course, maybe I’m thinking of the movies. I don’t recall what it looked like in the cartoons that came beforehand (that was quite a long time ago!).
Desuccus Remote Control Robot Car
Features
This car’s big trick really is just that transforming feature although it can also go forward, backward, turn and do 360 degree spins while in robot mode and it has a cool LED light underneath that makes it fun to play with in the dark.
It’s a sports car model that’s very sleek with excellent attention to detail on the exterior.
Size
The size is very small at just 1:18 scale.
The length is 8.6 inches with a width of 3.5 inches and a height of 2.3 when in race car mode.
The length is just over that of an average man’s hand from wrist to the tip of their middle finger.
When it stands up it’s 7.1 inches tall.
It’s very lightweight, too, at just .8 pounds.
Color
It does come in other colors but this one is yellow and black and has a coordinating controller.
The robot body underneath is silver with a red and grey chest plate, silver legs and black boots.
The robot’s head is black and gold.
Run Time
Because this runs on regular AA batteries your run time is only limited by the number of those that you have on hand and the downtime experienced while you swap them out. You should be able to get through at least a couple of days before you have to do that for the car.
Waterproof Rating
This has no waterproof rating and should not get wet. It is not submersible, should not be taken into the bathtub and should stay away from puddles.
Age Range
The manufacturer recommends that it be limited to children 8 and older and that’s probably best.
While younger kids would be able to use the remote they’re more likely to knock the car over while in robot mode which could result in breaking the frame.
At the same time, I’m not sure this would be that entertaining for kids over 8. It’s not really meant for racing or driving around the yard.
In the Box
- Remote Control Car
- Remote Controller
- User Manual
- Screwdriver
Desuccus Robot RC Car Max Speed
I’m guessing on the max speed but it seems to be about 5-8 mph. It’s not very fast but it does transform quickly and the 360 degree spins are pretty neat.
This speed is good for beginners because it’s easier to control. Others that are faster have a whole other level of excitement but some of them are complicated for even adults to control if they’re too fast.
Frame
The frame is made of non-toxic, ABS plastic which is supposed to be collision and scratch resistant.
The color seems to hold up well and it doesn’t easily chip but a number of consumers reported that pieces broke off more easily than they would have liked and that it didn’t feel as sturdy as they expected.
In fact, if you watch the video below of the mother demonstrating it with her child you can hear the clicking of the plastic parts and they don’t sound extremely sturdy.
The robot’s head is tucked under a flap at the front of the hood that raises when you push the transform button.
As the robot raises up it reveals the robot’s body in silver, red, and black that’s hiding in the underside of the frame.
When the car is raised up into robot mode there’s a little white roller at the front that helps it continue to move forward, backward, and do spins. That roller takes the place of the front tires when it’s raised up.
It is pretty amazing how they’ve made the underside work into the shape of the robot body and legs. In that mode the weight is balanced by the rear of the car which acts as a stabilizer behind the robot.
The LED light on the base of the car gives an under glow effect. Sometimes it flashes like a strobe light and other times it’s a solid light.
The exterior has other cool features like mirrors that stand out from the frame like they do in real life, a scooped hood, the windows look like they’re tinted, and there’s a large spoiler on the back. It’s very sporty.
It even has windshield wipers although they don’t move and are just raised plastic at the base of the windshield.
When it’s in robot mode, the arms extend out and they’re held on by some thin braces. Little kids might try to pick it up by the arm and that could cause the arms to break.
Tires
It has four tires that allow for drifting and spins.
The two front tires become tucked into the outstretched arms when in robot mode.
The tires have silver rims and are not meant to be removed.
Terrain
The Desuccus RC transforming robot car is meant only for indoor use and even then only on hard surfaces.
It doesn’t work well even on low pile carpet.
It might operate on a level outdoor surface like a concrete driveway but the uneven nature of a driveway could also cause it to tip over when it’s upright which could result in damage or the arms breaking off.
If that happens you might not be able to use it in car mode again since the arms hold the front tires.
Robot RC Car Controller
The car is operated by a wireless 2.4 GHz frequency controller and is has to go through a pairing process before it can work the car.
The controller’s shape resembles that of a game controller.
This pairing process means that you can operate more than one at the same time.
However, this pairing process usually requires that you first turn on the remote, then turn on the car, and wait until the LED light on the remote shows the pairing is successful.
Once that’s done you can then pair a separate vehicle.
However, several customers mentioned in their reviews that while it looks like there’s a hole where the on/off switch for the controller should be located there isn’t actually a switch which makes the controller always on.
This both drains the batteries and could make it a bit more challenging to pair another RC car. If you buy more than one because you have more than one child and want them to be able to play at the same time just keep this in mind. You might have to separate the two by an amount of space during the pairing process.
The range of the controller is 147 feet which shouldn’t be an issue since this should only be used inside.
The remote is pretty small. It’s just 3.5 inches tall and 2.7 inches wide. This can be easy for kids to control but an adult trying to hold it with both hands might feel like they do when they try to ride a tricycle – like you’re joints are all cramped up.
On the controller is a plastic thumb switch on the left for moving forward and backward and a thumb switch on the right for turning.
There’s an Auto Demo button that helps you see the car in action and a Deformation button (which seems poorly named – or is it just me?) that transforms the car into robot mode and back again.
The controller does match the car in color with a black body and yellow trim. It looks like the same car in other colors has different colors for the remote so that it’s easy to see which controller goes with which car if you get them in different colors.
Spare Parts
I have not been able to find a location where you can get replacement parts.
Being able to get those is common for more expensive, hobby-grade RC cars but this is not one of those.
This is more of a basic toy car for younger kids.
Based on the low price of this toy I’d assume that once it breaks – and it will at some point – that you should just buy a replacement rather than hunt down specific parts.
Batteries
The car itself takes 3 AA batteries to operate and the controller takes 2 so you need a TOTAL of 5 batteries and they are not included with the car.
Be prepared to go through a bunch of them although I suspect you can try using rechargeable ones.
Pros
- Kids think it’s like Bumblebee from the Transformers movie
- Turns from a car to a robot very quickly with the push of a single button
- Runs on regular AA batteries so you don’t have to wait for charging time
- Cool light underneath the frame
- Can do 360 degree spins
- Remote is easy to use
Cons
- Parts can break off easily
- Should only be used indoors
- Very small
- No replacement parts available
Transforming Robot RC Car Price
All things considered, the price is pretty cheap and even if it lasts only a few weeks or holds a child’s attention for a short amount of time it’s not a bad deal.
You know those toys that you buy for Christmas and your child is thrilled with them at first but after a week or two they can’t even find it?
This might be one of those. I’ve certainly paid more for ones that weren’t this interesting to my kids.
But for the right kid this could be your best option.
I have a son who has collected everything that even hints at being a Transformer and he would love this. He might not use it a lot but I know it would also look good sitting on his shelf with his other move-related favorites.
Desuccus RC Transforming Robot Car
Review Summary
This was a hard one to rate because it is going to be well liked by a certain audience.
It just doesn’t offer a lot of features when you consider some of the other RC sports cars out there.
At the same time, the price is so low that – for the right child – you won’t feel like you wasted your money.
If your child is absolutely enamored with cars that turn into robots – especially yellow ones – then this is one of your more entertaining options for kids between 8-10.
However, its limitations to indoor driving and even surfaces will limit where they can play.
If you don’t have a large hardwood or linoleum floor space where they could roam with this for awhile then they – and you – may be really disappointed.
If, though, you know your child is really after the RC experience where they can control a car, drive it outdoors, and race it with their friends then you might want something different.