Please note that the several HobbyLink Japan pre-orders pages linked here are now closed. You may still go there to get notified of any additional slots, but please feel free to go with your preferred stores.
Following the recent All Japan Model & Hobby Show several weeks ago, I didn’t expect anything new from this wave of Q2 2026 solicitations from Bandai Spirits. We did get more details on the stuff we knew both from the solicitations themselves and the recent stream they had which I’ll towards the end.
And as always, I’ll just include here those I found interesting.
First is the HGAC Sandrock Custom EW, which is the kit I’m looking forward the most. What I’m not looking forward to is the time we’ll wait to get all five mobile suits. Anyway, nothing new was technically revealed, they even had the same gray prototype in the live stream.
They did highlight the cloak that’s included. Instead of being a hard plastic shell like some have assumed, it is a flexible material that’s still able to retain all the creases for a more realistic look. Your Sandrock won’t be a traffic cone as expected whenever cloaks like these are made from hard plastic. You might still want to do some weathering and finishes to make it even less toy-etic.
HGAC 1/144 Gundam Sandrock EW
June 2026 / ¥3,800
Pre-order from HobbyLink Japan
Here’s the livestream I mentioned earlier, this just covers Gunpla but they have cool things shown here, including more of the PG Unleashed Nu Gundam.
Next on this list is another Armored Core VI unit, the 30MM Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Arquebus Corporation VP-40S. When it comes to these Armored Core kits, I do prefer those with less outlandish colors, and they have been releasing these monotonous-looking kits, which some might find boring to look at. Personally, the neutral colors provide more opportunities to customize and paint, not to mention they will look good together when displayed side by side.
This is the reason why I got the Melander, and have the Aquebus ADD VE-40A (the one with a tank for its lower half) on pre-order. Much like other Armored Cores in the line, option parts are available to customize and equip with more weapons, just like in the games.
30MM Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon Arquebus Corporation VP-40S
June 2026 / ¥2,300
Order from HobbyLink Japan
Also revealed in the All Japan Model & Hobby Show is a new slew of the Keroro Gunso or Sgt. Frog kits with the HG Kero-pla line. For those not familiar, the show basically involves an alien frog who is obsessed with Gunpla. With this premise, model kits of the characters and their mecha, yes they pilot their own mecha, were released. I didn’t get any of them though I want to say their engineering is along the same level as SD kits. Correct me if I’m wrong though.
This is the tentatively named HG New Keroro Robo, which appears to be an upgrade of the regular Keroro Robo appearing in the series. Despite the solicitation details provided, not much is still known of this kit. It does mention utilizing the “Keroro Action System” for dynamic poses. This is an obvious parody of the “SEED Action System” seen in kits from Gundam SEED FREEDOM. Though I do hope this kit IS articulated due to its stumpy proportions and that huge backpack unit.
For weapons and accessories, it comes with what appears to be some sort of a rifle, shield, a Zaku heat hawk, beam saber handles along with two pairs of effect parts. The kit also comes with a display stand to support that massive backpack unit.
Since I’m not the biggest Keroro Gunso fan, I’m not the most invested to get this kit. Although it’s definitely a novelty I’ll check out once the usual reviews have their copies.
HG New Keroro Robo (Tentative)
June 2026 / ¥2,600
Order from HobbyLink Japan
As for that post title, I’m inclined to think there’s more kits in store that what was announced. It’s a little odd that they only have one Gunpla lined up in June, which is summer in most countries and is prime time for building kits, in case you’re not spending time at the beach or something.
In any case, I have preordered both Sandrock Custom EW and VP-40S, and will keep watching for any new kits they decide drop by Q2 2026.
