A guide to all Gundam figure lines — from Robot Spirits to Metal Structure
Gundam figures have existed as long as the franchise itself — that’s 46 years, if you didn’t know! 🤯 Navigating the various lines can be confusing, so here’s a little primer on what’s available in 2025. Hopefully handy for new fans, or if you’d simply like a refresher. If model kits are more your thing, please check out the Gunpla Guide.
Let’s jump straight in.
ROBOT魂 / ROBOT SPIRITS
1/144-ish Scale. Bandai’s most prevalent figure line is Robot Spirits, which features Gundam figures under its SIDE MS range. Fully plastic, posable figures, often with multiple accessories. Proportions are a mixed bag, with some generally faithful to the original designs, and others more exaggerated. The line started in 2008, and was originally an offshoot of the Mobile Suit in Action series (which no longer exists).
Following the Iron-Blooded Orphans show, the core line has been mostly superseded by its ‘ver. A.N.I.M.E.’ offshoot. The base brand is now only applied to designs that originate from manga, games or events, since ‘anime’ wouldn’t make much sense in those cases!
ROBOT魂 ver. A.N.I.M.E. / ROBOT SPIRITS ver. A.N.I.M.E.
1/144-ish Scale. The latest and greatest iteration of the Robot Spirits line. Fully plastic, and extremely posable — the core concept is to evoke the in-anime presentation. As such, proportions are exaggerated and characterful, when compared to other figure lines. Multiple accessories and effects parts are often included. The line started in 2016, and swiftly replaced its parent line in almost all cases.
Bonus note 1: A.N.I.M.E in this context stands for Action New Imagination Memory Emotion.
Bonus note 2: ‘A.N.I.M.E. of the 1st Generation’ is used for UC-related figures, with ‘A.N.I.M.E. of the New Generations’ applied to those which are AU-related.
METAL ROBOT魂 / METAL ROBOT SPIRITS
1/144-ish Scale. A premium option at this smaller scale. Whilst the outer armor and accessories are still plastic, metal is typically used within the inner frame — offering a slight heft and rigidity. Multiple decals are pre-applied for a refined look. Proportions are usually quite faithful to the original designs. The line started in 2015, but has really picked up pace from 2024 onwards.
Ka Signature
1/144-ish Scale. Ka Signature is a spin-off option within both the Robot Spirits and Metal Robot Spirits lines. Its differentiator being that Hajime Katoki - veteran Gundam designer - has a high involvement with each design. So expect additional polish, decals, the lot. Proportions are very faithful to Katoki’s original designs, or those referenced. The first Ka Signature figure was released in 2012.
Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite / GFFMC
1/100-ish Scale. Whilst primarily plastic, newer figures in the line have an increased application of metal within the inner frames. Each is designed under the leadership of Hajime Katoki. For Gunpla fans, imagine a MG Ver.Ka kit in figure form. Proportions are very faithful to Katoki’s original designs, or those referenced. The line started in 2007.
Metal Build
1/100-ish Scale. A hybrid plastic and metal approach — with metal featured heavily for the inner frames, and plastic for other elements. Proportions are a mixed bag, depending on the lead designer’s approach. The line started in 2008 and focused on Kanetake Ebikawa’s Gundam 00 designs, with his direct oversight. Due to its popularity, other shows have now been folded into its ranks.
超合金 / Chogokin
1/100-ish Scale. As with Metal Build, the line offers a hybrid plastic and metal approach — with metal featured heavily for the inner frames, and plastic for other elements. Proportions are typically faithful to the source material, but can vary. The Chogokin line started in 1974, and is one of Bandai's oldest figure lines. Since then, it has flirted with the Gundam franchise, but since 2020 we’ve seen a steady stream of Gundam figures hit the shelves.
解体匠機 / Metal Structure
1/60-ish Scale. The most lavish of Bandai's Gundam figure lines. Leaning into the opportunities that a larger size affords, each figure is packed with fine details, and has numerous materials and finishes applied. An abundance of decals also contributes to a high-complexity aesthetic. Additional elements are typically included, such as hanger frame parts. I can’t comment on articulation, as I’m yet to see one posed in an extreme stance. The line started in 2019.
Gundam Universe
No Scale. A new spin on fully-plastic Gundam figures, and a departure from classic scales to align with the worldwide 6-inch action figure standard. Proportions are typically chunky, and they're clearly designed around play, vs authenticity. The line started in 2019, with a soft quality-reboot in 2025 (inner frame improvements).
NXEDGE Style
No Scale. The only chibi-style figures currently available. The vision is a combination of cute but edgy, resulting in some fun arrangements. Fully plastic and quite posable. The line started in 2014, and may be on the way out — time will tell.
The full range of Tamashii Nations figure lines as of 2025
It’s time to play!
And that’s all Bandai's current figure lines which offer Gundam designs — all via Tamashii Nations, which is Bandai’s dedicated division for premium figures. Technically other figure lines are also available (such as Gashapon series, candy-inserts, and others) but that’s one for another day. 💦 If you notice any errors in this post, or have any questions, please ping me on Bluesky.
All images in this post are sourced from the official Tamashii Nations website.
