I’ve been in the hobby of building Gunpla and other mecha model kits for 20 or so years. And I am well aware of how companies would really want to make the most out the steel molds being used to create these kits, either through recolors or slight retools. That’s why it bothers me why we haven’t gotten HGUC kits of the Enhanced or Full Armor ZZ Gundam, or an HGUC RX-78-1 Prototype Gundam, especially given the recent announcement of the RX-78-7.
The closest we’ve gotten to such kit is with the Gundam Factory Yokohama exclusive Gundam HMT where the core mobile suit is in the colors of the Prototype Gundam. Heck, the ankle armor even has its unique design. The next would involve some alternate universe hopping as the HG 01 Gundam from Gundam GQuuuuuuX is finally open for pre-orders.
Despite its brief appearance in the series, everybody immediately assumed Bandai Spirits is going to release this kit as a Premium Bandai exclusive, basically making it a matter of when rather than if. It’s an obvious recolor of the HG Red Gundam and has a head unit which is very similar to the HG Light-Type Guncannon. That’s why you’ve probably seen custom builds of the 01 Gundam using those kits.
I have yet to built my HG Red Gundam, since I’m planning to paint it in G-3 colors, but those who have should be very familiar with what to expect in terms of build quality, engineering, and articulation so there should be minimal surprises here.
We only saw the 01 Gundam once during its first and only encounter with Char Aznable piloting the White Gundam. And while it was immediately destroyed in that encounter, we got to see the 01 Gundam in several shots wielding its Hyper Bazooka and Beam Saber. It does come with a Beam Rifle, among the other accessories seen below.
That makes it two Premium Bandai releases that I’m keen on getting, following the HGUC Gundam G07/7th earlier this week. I just hope our local Premium Bandai doesn’t put up pre-orders on the same day as that would guarantee I can only secure one and the other will be via after-market purchases.
HG 1/144 01 Gundam
January 2026 / ¥2,200
Premium Bandai Exclusive
