Char’s Counterattack’s HG Psycho Doga Gets Rare US Release for Bandai’s Gundam Winter Fest 2026
Image by Charlotte DavisOne of Char’s Counterattack’s lesser-known Neo Zeon Mobile Suits is returning to the US, with Bandai reopening pre-orders for the heavily armed Psycho Doga as part of a major limited-time promotional event.
The “HG 1/144 PSYCHO DOGA” joins more than 200 Gunpla kits and related accessories available through Premium Bandai US for Gundam Winter Fest 2026, including a selection of models originally released through Japan’s dedicated Gundam retail locations.
The Psycho Doga was one of several alternative Mobile Suit designs introduced in Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack – Beltorchika’s Children, Yoshiyuki Tomino’s 1988 novel that presented a different version of the events depicted in the Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack anime film.
The story follows the final conflict between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, but introduces several important differences, including alternative Mobile Suit designs and the return of Beltorchika Irma as Amuro’s romantic partner.
Psycho Doga serves as the novel’s counterpart to the Jagd Doga from the theatrical film, a powerful Neo Zeon machine equipped with advanced Psycommu technology that allows Newtype pilots to control remote weapons.
Piloted by the enhanced human Grave Guss, who takes the place of Gyunei Guss in this version of the story, the Psycho Doga incorporates technology associated with the standard Geara Doga alongside specialized equipment designed for Newtype combat.
Bandai originally released the High Grade kit in December 2022, initially making it available through Gundam Side-F, a Gundam retail and exhibition facility in Fukuoka, Japan.
The model marked the Psycho Doga’s first official High Grade Gunpla appearance, with its design later becoming available through other Gundam Base locations and Premium Bandai.
Based on the “HGUC 1/144 Geara Doga,” the kit incorporates newly molded components to recreate the Psycho Doga’s specialized appearance, including its redesigned head, shoulder assemblies, and backpack.
Its distinctive head features an elongated crest and a movable mono-eye, with the Neo Zeon emblem reproduced using separately molded parts for improved color separation.
The rear of the Mobile Suit incorporates three newly designed binders, giving the completed model a more elaborate silhouette than the standard Geara Doga.
One of its most important features is the inclusion of six Funnels, with three mounted on each shoulder to recreate the Psycho Doga’s remote-controlled weapon system.
These can be removed from their shoulder mounts, with interchangeable components allowing builders to reproduce their deployed configuration.
The deployed Funnels also feature connection points compatible with separately sold Action Bases, making it possible to display them surrounding the Mobile Suit during combat.
Bandai has also incorporated enhanced movement into the waist, allowing the torso to bend and rotate in several directions for more flexible posing.
The kit retains the articulated arms and legs of its Geara Doga-based construction, with the shoulder assemblies accommodating the additional equipment without preventing the Mobile Suit from adopting combat stances.
Its weapon selection includes a Beam Assault Rifle, shield, and Beam Sword-Axe, providing conventional ranged and close-combat equipment alongside the Psycommu-controlled Funnels.
Additional details include the Neo Zeon emblem molded into the shield, while the model’s purple and gray coloring recreates the design associated with Beltorchika’s Children.
Gundam Winter Fest 2026 runs from November 6 at 5:00 PM PST until November 30 at 11:59 PM PST, featuring a substantial selection of returning Gunpla kits, limited models, and building accessories through Premium Bandai US.
Pre-orders for the “HG 1/144 PSYCHO DOGA,” priced at $56, opened through Premium Bandai US on November 6 at 8:00 PM EST and are scheduled to close on December 1 at 2:59 AM EST, giving collectors until the end of Gundam Winter Fest to secure the kit.
Orders may close earlier if the available allocation sells out, with shipping currently scheduled for January 2027.
Premium Bandai US also offers free shipping on qualifying orders over $99 independently of the promotion, so builders purchasing the Psycho Doga can add other eligible kits or accessories to reach the required threshold.
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