Gundam MSV’s Classic Zaku Desert Type Returns for New Hajime Katoki Produced Premium Figure
TAMASHII NATIONS has revealed a new addition to its premium GUNDAM FIX FIGURATION METAL COMPOSITE lineup, bringing one of the most distinctive Mobile Suit Variations designs into the acclaimed collector-focused series.
The latest release recreates the MS-06D Zaku Desert Type, a specialized ground-combat machine originating from the Mobile Suit Gundam MSV setting and developed for operations in some of the harshest environments encountered during the One Year War.
The MS-06D was created by the Principality of Zeon as an evolution of the Zaku Ground Type for use during Earth invasion campaigns across Africa’s deserts and savannas.
To improve performance in extreme heat and constant sand exposure, the mobile suit was equipped with numerous modifications, including a dedicated short-range communications antenna mounted on its head, sand-resistant joint sealing, reduced-weight armor, additional waist thrusters, and a large backpack cooling system.
The new figure has been produced under the supervision of renowned mechanical designer Hajime Katoki and incorporates a substantial number of newly created components specifically designed to capture the Desert Type’s unique appearance.
Among the newly sculpted details are a straight multi-purpose blade antenna, sharply defined shoulder spikes, a redesigned shield, subtly curved chest armor, reinforced forearm armor, and an upgraded cooling backpack assembly.
The figure’s paintwork has also been carefully developed to reproduce the colors and markings seen in Kunio Okawara’s original illustrations, giving the mobile suit a faithful appearance that reflects its classic source material.
Articulation has received considerable attention, with newly engineered alloy components used for the dust-protected knee joints and sliding armor sections incorporated into the rear of the thighs and lower legs to maintain mobility during deep bends.
Additional articulation features include independently movable toe and heel armor sections within the feet, helping improve posing options while maintaining mechanical accuracy.
The mono-eye camera system introduces a revised mechanism that allows adjustment through an internal dial accessed from the rear of the head after removing the power pipe connection piece, eliminating the need to open the head armor itself.
Weapon options are equally extensive, beginning with a Zaku Machine Gun featuring both an articulated stock and movable side grip.
Collectors will also receive a three-tube missile pod equipped with a special gimmick that allows individual missile components to be removed.
A separate two-tube missile pod is included and can be displayed either mounted on the mobile suit or carried as a handheld weapon.
Two grenade pod units are also provided, each containing a pair of grenades to further expand display possibilities.
Numerous hardpoints positioned on the shoulder shield, forearm armor, side skirt armor, and rear skirt armor allow weapons, magazines, missile pods, and other equipment to be attached in a variety of configurations.
These customization options make it possible to create an original fully armed loadout while emphasizing the rugged battlefield role of the desert-combat mobile suit.
Pre-orders for the “GUNDAM FIX FIGURATION METAL COMPOSITE MS-06D Zaku Desert Type” are scheduled to open through Premium Bandai on June 24, 2026, with the figure priced at ¥33,000 (approx. $229 USD/ £180 GBP) and planned for release in December 2026.
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