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Three decades ago, the Mobile Suit Gundam series launched its third significant “alternate universe” installment, After War Gundam X. Though it didn’t initially garner the same attention as its predecessors, it is now enjoying a renaissance, particularly noticeable in the surge of interest in its plastic model kits.
In celebration of the anime’s 30th anniversary, Bandai is reviving four vintage model kits inspired by the mecha from After War Gundam X. These kits, including the main mobile suit and three other models, are being reintroduced in the 1/100 scale format. Expected to hit the market by the fourth quarter of 2026, they offer fans a perfect way to commemorate the Gundam X milestone.
Among the re-released kits, the HG 1/100 Gundam X stands out with its signature x-shaped Reflector Unit adorning its back, complemented by a shoulder-mounted back cannon and a blaster. Additionally, the HG 1/100 X Divider, a variant of the main unit, features the unique Divider shield, also showcasing the iconic “X” design. These models provide both new and veteran fans with a chance to reconnect with a classic chapter in the Gundam saga.
X Marks the Spot With Bandai’s New Gundam Re-Releases for Gunpla Model Kit Collectors
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the anime, Bandai is putting four classic High Grade model kits for After War Gundam X back on the market. The first of these is the HG 1/100 Gundam X, which has the iconic x-shaped Reflector Unit on its back. There’s also a shoulder-mounted back cannon and a blaster as weapons. The HG 1/100 X Divider is a similar variant, and it comes with the Divider shield with its own “X” motif.
The HG 1/100 Gundam Airmaster retains a design similar to classic mobile suits such as the RX-78-2, albeit with more red in its color scheme, and its weapons are two shoulder-mounted missile launchers (non-firing) and two hip cannons. Finally, the HG 1/100 Gundam Leopard is based on a thoroughly armored mobile suit (somewhat similar to the Heavy Arms from New Mobile Report Gundam Wing). Along with a Beam Saber, it has non-firing missile launchers and a Gatling gun across several limbs.
All of these completed model kits have a cel-shaded-esque finish to them, bringing the details of the anime designs to life in buildable, playable form. Gundam Base Online Shop opened a pre-order period for Premium Bandai users on Feb. 24, although the model kits will also be released in stores and hobby shops at a later date by September 2026. They’re scheduled to be sold for around 2,090 yen (roughly US$14), keeping these retro classics affordable and in the same financial ballpark as modern High Grades.
Running for 39 episodes, After War Gundam X was fittingly set in the “After War” timeline and was broadcast from April until December 1996. Released after the success of both Mobile Fighter G Gundam and New Mobile Report Gundam Wing, it was the third mainline entry in the franchise not set in the classic Universal Century timeline.
The show was also somewhat overlooked at the time, and U.S. fans weren’t able to officially watch it at all until recently. This changed in 2025 when it was added to the free Tubi TV streaming service, and since then, it’s had something of a rebound in popularity. Bandai is taking full advantage of this and the anime’s current anniversary, with other new Gundam X model kits being revealed and released this year.
- Release Date
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April 5, 1996
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