Bandai Confirms Nu Gundam METAL ROBOT SPIRITS Re-Release as New HWS Expansion Set Unveiled
Image by Charlotte DavisBandai is officially bringing one of its most detailed modern Nu Gundam figures back in 2027, only a little over a year after its original release.
The “METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
Nu Gundam is Amuro Ray’s final mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, designed specifically for his abilities during the Second Neo Zeon War and becoming the machine he pilots during his final confrontation with Char Aznable.
The METAL ROBOT SPIRITS line combines articulated ROBOT SPIRITS figures with die-cast components and metallic paintwork, giving its releases additional weight and a more premium finish while retaining the ability to recreate action poses.
Originally released on January 24, 2026, the “METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
The shield includes Amuro’s personal emblem, while detailed sculpting extends to areas such as its reverse side and the soles of the feet.
Its main weapons include the Beam Rifle, New Hyper Bazooka, and two Beam Sabers, with the bazooka also able to mount directly onto the back of the Nu Gundam.
All six Fin Funnels are included and can be attached to the back in their familiar asymmetric configuration or displayed independently using dedicated joints and effect parts to recreate their deployed state.
Bandai has also included several Beam Saber effects, including a wide horizontal slash based on the battle against Sazabi and a separate shortened effect recreating the weapon’s energy-saving idle state.
A dedicated base and support arm help hold the figure in more demanding poses, while additional display parts support the Fin Funnels when recreating attacks.
The timing of the re-release is particularly useful because Bandai has simultaneously revealed the new “METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
HWS stands for Heavy Weapon System and represents a heavily upgraded form of Nu Gundam developed around the possibility that the Second Neo Zeon War could become a longer conflict.
The design takes inspiration from the Earth Federation’s earlier FSWS full-armor concepts, adding extra armor with integrated thrusters to increase protection without sacrificing the Nu Gundam’s mobility.
Its most obvious addition is the bulky new chest and shoulder armor, with the currently revealed prototype also showing opening sections and additional mechanical details across the upgraded body.
The HWS equipment adds a “Hyper Mega Rifle” as its primary firearm alongside a huge “High-Mega Shield,” which incorporates its own mega particle cannon and large thrusters.
Missile launchers are also incorporated into the chest and shoulder armor, substantially increasing the Nu Gundam’s weapon loadout compared with its standard configuration.
Bandai is also including new display equipment capable of holding accessories away from the figure, with the preview specifically showing support for the Shield, New Hyper Bazooka and Fin Funnels.
This means the expansion is not limited to recreating the fully armored HWS configuration, as the additional stand can also be used to create a more elaborate weapons display around the standard Nu Gundam.
The returning “METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
Bandai has not yet announced a price, pre-order date, or release window for the “METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
Bandai has also not officially confirmed availability or pricing through Premium Bandai US for either the returning Nu Gundam or its new HWS expansion, though this is expected to be revealed shortly, as US pre-order start dates are often slightly delayed in comparison to Japan.
If you enjoyed this article, you can see more from us directly in your Google feed by adding us as a preferred source.
This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
