Shortly after the Meta Quest VR experience Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom was released, Bandai Spirits announced of an upcoming kit of the Delta Zayin, the main protagonist mobile suit. Given the in-universe origins of the mobile suit, the kit will likely be a retool of the HGUC Delta Gundam. With solicitations finally going up at Premium Bandai, we now have more idea of its features, especially for those who don’t have a Meta Quest VR headset to experience Silver Phantom.
All of Argent Keel’s mobile suits are painted in silver, and the kit recreates this with what they refer to as “silver-gray coating.” Fortunately, they didn’t just go with a silver chrome finish though if you prefer painting your kits, you will likely need to strip the coating. Outside the colors, the more notable changes are with the head and the shield.
The different shield is more apparent when the Delta Zayin transforms into waverider mode. Note that the transformation mechanism is very much lifted over from the original kit so this will require “parts-formation” or use of replacement parts. And you know me when it comes to these Zeta Gundam-esque parts-formations, I’d rather get two copies of the kit instead of disassembling them.
The original HGUC Delta Gundam isn’t exactly the best when you expect dynamic poses, but it can sure look good at that it can pose thanks to the silver-gray coating this version has. For other weapons outside the shield, it comes with a standard beam rifle and beam saber. When not in use, you can mount the beam rifle on the rear binders for storage.
Let’s talk about that new shield unit. It’s custom designed to include an I-Field Generator that can be displayed by extending the Funnel-esque parts. Much like any other U.C. 0096 Gundams, the Delta Zayin also has Psycho Frame parts, and it’s integrated with the shield. When activated, the outer edges of the shield manifest that signature glow and for this kit, the effect is replicated via replacement parts. Likewise, in this configuration, the shield itself acts as a funnel that can be controlled remotely.
Lastly, with the kit being a reuse of the HGUC Delta Gundam mold, you’re also given an in-universe reason in case you just want to build a silver Delta Gundam. Referred to as the Delta Zayin Essence, Argent Keel basically kept the original Delta Gundam parts before they applied all the enhancements.
Given the special coating, and its exclusivity to Premium Bandai, prepare to shell out more than you usually would for a Premium Bandai kit as this kit costs ¥7,000 before taxes. If I’ll get this guy, I will need to have two copies because of the whole parts-formation aspect so yeah, pricey indeed.
HGUC 1/144 Delta Zayin
February 2025 / ¥7,000
Premium Bandai Exclusive
