Description:

Pictured above is a preproduction version of Switch Gears (2003) as the figure appeared on a product insert catalog. The most notable difference is the swivel joint above both knees. The mask of the helmet was larger, causing the chest plate to fit improperly. This was corrected before production began. Also, the fingers are colored to match his skin, rather than being covered by the gloves and the waist construction is slightly different.

It should also be noted that the G.I.Joe logo appears on the right leg, as with the original variation of the figure.

Additional Images:

When the figure appeared at conventions, it did not have a G.I.Joe logo.

When the figure appeared on Hasbro's website, it also included an additional shoulder pad accessory, adding to the Over Kill disguise.

While several production-level hard copies of Switch Gears with slighly different colors and the different Spy Troops helmet have become available to collectors, it is likely that these were produced in quantity by the workers at the factory where G.I. Joe figures are produced, rather than actually being created at Hasbro's request. It should be noted that these Switch Gears figures do not have the added leg articulation and also feature the same waist mold as the produced figure.