Powerlink (Transformers)

Powerlink is a term from Transformers Armada and Transformers Energon that refers to a combination between two or more Transformers, or a Transformer and a robotic object.

In Transformers: Armada, all larger transformers (either Autobots or Decepticons) have the ability to powerlink with a Mini-Con by way of specialized "powerlinx ports." This process uses the Mini-Con's unique powers to give the Transformer a boost of energy (such as with Megatron's cannon), or reveal a special weapon (such as Hot Shot's axel-wheel cannon).

In addition, Powerlinking also referred to combination between multiple Transformers. Optimus Prime and Jetfire both had the ability to combine with one another into "Jet Optimus", and later on, with Overload as well.

Other examples of this include the Street Action Team's combination into Perceptor, the three weapon Mini-Con teams' ability to combine into the Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Requiem Blaster, as well as Megatron's ability to combine with Tidal Wave (Burning Megatron in Japan).

In the Transformers Armada comic by Dreamwave, the Mini-Cons' ability to powerlink is acquired by extensive remodeling done to them by the Decepticons.

In Armada's sequel, Transformers: Energon, Powerlinking is almost exclusively done between Autobots (other than the combiners Constructicon Maximus and Bruticus Maximus). Through the power of the Spark of Combination, provided by Primus, the Autobots gained the ability to combine with one another, as long as their partners had one as well.

Most Powerlinking was done between two the various members of the Autobot ranks, with one Autobot forming the upper body and the other forming the lower body - the resulting combination was referred to by the dominant Transformers' name with "Powerlinx" in front of it. For example, a combination between Hot Shot and Inferno with Hot Shot as the upper body would be called "Powerlinx Hot Shot."

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