Bandai Brings Heavy Gundam’s Exclusive MG Gunpla Kit Back to the US for New 2027 Re-Release
Image by Charlotte DavisOne of Gundam’s classic heavily armed MSV designs is officially returning to the US, with an exclusive Master Grade Gunpla getting a new re-release for American builders in 2027.
The returning “MG 1/100 Heavy Gundam” recreates the FA-78-2 Heavy Gundam, a design from Gundam’s wider MSV lineup that builds on the Full Armor Gundam concept with additional protection incorporated directly into the Mobile Suit rather than fitted as removable armor.
Its Master Grade Gunpla originally launched in 2015, recreating the Heavy Gundam with unique parts across the head, chest, shoulders, arms, backpack, waist, legs, and ankle armor to give the model its bulkier appearance.
The standout weapon is the enormous Frame Launcher mounted directly onto the right arm, combining a six-barrel Gatling gun with a four-tube missile launcher in a single weapon measuring around 17cm long.
That gives the Heavy Gundam a very different silhouette from the RX-78-2 and Full Armor Gundam, with the oversized weapon dominating one side of the finished build while leaving the other arm free for posing.
A beam cannon is mounted over the right shoulder through the backpack, adding another large ranged weapon without requiring the model to hold it in either hand.
A Beam Saber is also included for close-range poses, giving builders a simpler weapon option when they don’t want the Frame Launcher to be the sole focus of the display.
The kit also includes water-transfer decals featuring caution markings and other smaller details for builders who want to add more visual detail across the Heavy Gundam’s armor.
Bandai recently brought the MG Heavy Gundam back to Premium Bandai in Japan as part of a September 2026 re-release, and the same exclusive kit is now making its return for US buyers as well.
Pre-orders for the “MG 1/100 Heavy Gundam,” which is priced at $61, are now open through Premium Bandai US and are scheduled to remain available until April 16, 2027, at 2:59 AM EDT, although reservations may close earlier if the available allocation sells out.
The Premium Bandai exclusive kit is currently scheduled to ship in May 2027.
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