Whenever Earth is on the brink of a galactic invasion or the human race is threatened with extinction, mankind has no other choice but to send in the Gundam robots. Just like the Transformers, Gundam robots are huge humanoid machines that are armed with sophisticated weaponry; but unlike the Transformers, Gundam robots are piloted by humans. Gundam belongs to the iconic mecha genre, in which powerful robots are controlled and operated by pilots instead of having sentient minds of their own.
Since 1979, the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has been entertaining millions of fans throughout the world. What started out as a mecha anime series is now a vast franchise that spans several mediums of entertainment including movies, video games, trading cards, spin-off series, and – of course – toys! Today, Gundam can be considered the longest running mecha anime franchise in the world – thanks to the creativity and imagination of its creator, Yoshiyuki Tomino.
Mobile Suit Gundam – Over 40 Years of Gunpla to Collect
For more than 40 years, the series and models have evolved together, and more than 473 million models have been sold. These models are now popularly called as Gunpla, coined from "Gundam plastic models."
Why are collectors so enthused with Gunpla kits? Here are a few reasons:
- There's almost a limitless number of robot models to assemble and collect.
- Assembly takes 60 minutes to several hours, which makes it more thrilling.
- The kits offer multiple levels of difficulty to satisfy beginners and experienced builders alike.
The Best Gundam Model Kits This Year
So what are the most popular kits on the Gundam toy market today? Most Gundam fans and collectors often prefer to assemble Gundam models or Gunpla kits. If you’re seeking what’s trending in the world of Gundam toys, then you’re in luck! Mr Toys takes the pleasure of showing you a list of the best and most popular Gundam kits and Gundam figures for this year. Check them out below!
Interested in other robot toys? Read through the Top Robotic Toys for Robot Enthusiasts or check out the Best Selling VEX Robotics Toys!
10. MG 1/100 RX-93-V2 Hi-V Gundam Ver.Ka
SKU: 1080376
This modern version of the NU Gundam has been designed by esteemed mechanical designer Hajime Katoki as part of the G-Dome at the Gundam Front Tokyo exhibit. Featuring new modeling technology refined since the original MG NU Gundam release, this Ver.Ka incorporates new gimmicks such as foldable tabs on weapons to allow better gripping and a head with light up eyes using LED lights (sold separately). The armour opening reveals portions of the internal frame, which feature bits of embedded "psycoframe." The hands have an articulated finger system, allowing an expressive hand and individual finger movement. Set includes all of NU Gundam's weapons including large and small beam saber, beam rifle, hyper bazooka, weapon shield, and 6 fully deployable fin funnels. A custom stand in the shape of Amuro's insignia is included, as well as holders to display the deployed fin funnels.
9. Perfect Grade 1/60 Strike Freedom Gundam
SKU: 1177041
The Strike Freedom Gundam from Gundam Seed Destiny makes its debut into the PG line, featuring brand new styling with extreme articulation and unprecedented mechanical detail. Shoulder armour can extend outward to reveal more of the internal frame. Elbows feature multi-joint construction, allowing complex poses such as drawing the sword and gun poses. Stomach unit features full articulation and chest cannon. Knee armour is designed to move along with poses. Calf frame extends and retracts. Additional accessories include a beam cannon with accurate internal detail, beam shields, and 8 DRAGOON wings with spring loaded gimmick.
8. Gundam Infinity – Unicorn Gundam
SKU: 1159168
Packed in this high-grade kit is the classic Gundam design of a legendary Mobile Suit. The Gundam Infinity collection from Bandai takes the most iconic Mobile Suit from the Gundam Universe and delivers a 4.5-inch, highly detailed figure with over 14 points of articulation and battle ready accessories. Burning Gundam and Unicorn Gundam are the third wave entering the collection. Each figure in the collection has interchangeable arms, legs, torso, and head that can be mixed and matched across all the figures for endless customisations that will excite Gundam enthusiasts of all ages.
7. Entry Grade 1/144 NU Gundam
SKU: 1161838
Bandai Spirits releases another Amuro Ray mobile suit in its Entry Grade model kit series! The RX-93 NU Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam Char Counterattack joins the Entry Grade GunPla lineup. Just like any other entry-grade MG kits, it is treated with great amount of colour separation that pays respect to its original design without the need to paint the model. The kit also offers amazing articulation that defines the model's aesthetics to its potential. Set includes Gundam's beam rifle, shield, beam saber, and backpack that can holster its bazooka. The kit doesn't come with a fin-funnel equipment, but Bandai Spirits has made it compatible with the already existing HGUC 1/144 RX-93 NU Gundam's fin funnel.
6. MG 1/100 Gundam Wing Zero EW Ver.Ka
SKU: 1145814
The MG Gundam Wing Zero EW Ver.Ka is based on the Mobile Suit Gundam W Endless Waltz, and was created under the full supervision of Mr Hajime Katoki. This model kit features new designs and incorporates unfolding, interactive gimmicks for the white wings and firing poses using the Twin Buster Rifle. A new gimmick has been adopted in which the Twin Buster Rifle can be stored in the wings, and the transformation into Neo Bird Mode can be re-created. Display base, foil stickers, and water decals are also included.
5. Gunpla Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam
SKU: 1138608
This new Gundam model line aims to celebrate the 30th anniversary of GunPla (Gundam plastic models) with the grand daddy of all Gundams, the RX-78-2. At a 1/144 scale and with all the mechanical details and posability found in the Perfect Grade and Master Grade lines, the Gunpla Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam combines affordability with the best plastic engineering.
4. RG 1/144 MSN-02 Zeong Principality of Zeon
SKU: 1145802
Developed by the Principality of Zeon at the A Baoa Qu space fortress during the One Year War, the Zeong is built exclusively for Newtype pilots. Each forearm is built with 5 mega particle cannons in its fingers.The Zeong also has 3 more mega particle cannons on its body: 2 in the waist and one in the head. The MSN-02 Perfect Zeong joins the Bandai Spirits line. Based on the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series, Perfect Zeong is highly articulated and includes a wide selection of effect parts and accessories.
3. Bandai Hobby HG 1/72 MAILeS KENBU
SKU: 1156245
The design of the MAILeS KENBU has been meticulously done with a focus on its functional aspects. The upper arm and forearm sections are connected with a unique cantilever structure that allows for the arms to bend deeply. Using its hand, the unit can take the equipment attached on the back, such as the sword or cannon, allowing for a wide range of poses.
2. HGUC 1/144 Xi Gundam VS Penelope Funnel Missile Effect Set
SKU: 1150543
The HGUC 1/144 Xi Gundam VS Penelope Funnel Missile Effect Set is inspired by the Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway movie. It is a special set that includes 12 newly designed Funnel Missiles and clear Funnel Missile effects, enabling intense confrontation scenes. The frames that support the Effect Parts can be attached to multiple different points to create random Funnel trails. The kit includes 2 clear BA13 display bases (bases that do not use screws) with sturdy frames that can support the massive weight of the kits.
1. HGCE 1/144 Freedom Gundam
SKU: 1137570
Rising Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM is now in HG! The SEED Action System re-creates iconic action poses from the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED series. Transform the model into MA model by re-arranging certain parts! Set includes the model's famous shield and two beam sabers. Other exciting features include:
- Polarised moulding on the beam shield which re-creates parts with colours that change when seen from different angles.
- Deployable wings, agni cannon on the back, and extendable rail cannons on the hips that allow for the reproduction of the dynamic HiMAT Full Burst.
- Connecting axes on the hip joints of both legs that have individual up-and-down sliding mechanisms to facilitate further leg mobility.
- Detailed colour-coding of parts that provides a satisfying finish after you completed the assembly.
There are more Gundam model kits waiting for you at Mr Toys online and in-store! You may also check out our entire selection of plastic model kits.
The original Gundam anime has sparked a craze that lingers to this day. What's your favourite anime? Dive into more anime trivia by reading through the following: