Gundam TCG Launches In 2025 – Limited Release Coming December 2024
Bandai Card Business Division announced the new TCG (Trading Card Game) “Gundam Card Game” at the “BANDAI CARD GAMES Next Plan Announcement 2024.10” held on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Set to release in 2025, a limited release will also come in December 2024 to allow players earlier access to the game.
The Gundam TCG is scheduled to be released not only in Japan, but also in three languages: Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese, as a global TCG, marking the first time that a “BANDAI CARD GAMES” title will be released in three languages at the same time.
What is the Gundam Trading Card Game?
“Gundam Card Game” is a competitive card game in which mobile suits and pilots from the “Mobile Suit Gundam” series battle it out.
Players battle opponents using a deck of 50 cards consisting of “unit cards” such as mobile suits, “pilot cards” that pilot the mobile suits, “base cards” such as battleships, and “command cards” of various characters.
By assigning pilots to units, players can strengthen their units, and aim to win battles by making full use of “link units” that are formed in specific combinations.
In addition to 1-on-1 battles, there are also rules for three or more people to play, such as 2-on-2 “team battles” and “Battle Royale,” where three or more people fight to determine one winner.
A wide variety of character illustrations, including original illustrations by popular illustrators, have been created solely for the new trading card game, making the cards not only practical in terms of use during play, but also perfect as collectors items for fans of the Gundam series.
When will the Gundam TCG be available for sale?
Ahead of the official release in 2025, the company has announced that it will release a “beta” package, titled “Gundam Card Game Limited BOX Ver.β”, in December 2024.
The global release for the Gundam TCG Beta Package appears to be slightly later than this, with Premium Bandai USA advising a February 2025 release date. This is likely to be the case with most other regions including Europe and China, however this is yet to be confirmed.
The cards included can be used to play the game immediately and they can also be used with any future releases following the games official release.
The Limited BOX Ver.β will retail at 7,700 yen (global pricing to be confirmed) and contents will be as follows:
・16 beta booster packs (9 cards per pack)
・56 fixed cards
・1 Legendary Rare Card
・2 play sheets
・6 damage counter dice
The sale of the Limited BOX Ver.β is restricted to a lottery application system within Japan via Premium Bandai.
US sales appear to be limited to Premium Bandai USA, with the beta package having sold out almost immediately after going on sale.
UK and Europe release details for the Beta Package are yet to be confirmed, with the official Gundam TCG website currently advising that the only way to obtain the release is via the Premium Bandai USA Store or at BANDAI CARD GAMES Fest 24-25, which is taking place in Manila in Asia, Utrecht in Europe and Orlando in the USA, as well as at selected BANDAI TCG+ Stores, with the list of stores yet to be confirmed.
There is currently no information regarding online sales of the Beta Package outside of the Premium Bandai store, however this may be subject to change, so keep an eye on popular retailers in your region, as well as the official Gundam TCG website as well as the official Gundam TCG X account for any changes.
Source, Images: PRTimes