In celebration of the upcoming pre-orders, the website Hobby Watch Impress shared an interview with Bandai’s production manager of the new Metal Build Hi-ν Gundam (Metal Build Expo).
The Hi-ν Gundam originates from an illustration in the novel “Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack – Beltorchika’s Children,” based on an early draft of the story for the 1988 animated film.
The illustrations were created by mechanical designer Izubuchi, and since Char’s personal mobile suit in the novel had been modified from the Sazabi to the Nightingale, the artist also designed the ν Gundam with a bulkier design. This novel model later evolved into the CCA-MSV and other models, and so, to differentiate it from the movie’s v Gundam, it was called the “Hi-ν Gundam” to symbolize its superiority.
While the overall design remains unchanged, the funnel attachment on the back has been redesigned so you can freely choose whether to display the model in the movie-accurate configuration or as in the novel.
The color scheme has been revised, and the shield, previously a spotted camouflage, has been redesigned with a more conventional two-tone colorway reminiscent of the one featured in the optional Hyper Mega Launcher set. Finally, the funnel attachment to the backpack has been revised and improved, making it easier to attach and detach them.
Aside from the aforementioned differences, the model is identical in specifications to the original released in 2022. It is made of PVC and ABS with a die-cast metal skeleton and measures 20.5 cm tall.
The following interview was conducted to explore the approach taken for this commemorative product celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Metal Build line.

HWI: Tell us about the development and marketing process for the Hi-ν Gundam Metal Build (Metal Build Expo).

PM: The premise is that the Hi-ν Gundam Metal Build was announced in 2021 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Metal Build brand, marking the beginning of the large-scale marketing of Universal Century mobile suits with the release of the “Zeta Gundam” and “Kampfer” models.
At the time, the Hi-ν Gundam, familiar even to younger audiences, was chosen as a bridge between the full development of Universal Century and the Metal Build series.
The reason for this choice is that when the Metal Build Strike Freedom Gundam (Metal Build Festival 2024) and the Metal Build Destiny Gundam (Metal Build Festival 2024) were launched as commemorative products, we were fortunate to see many new customers purchasing them.
Based on this experience, we wanted to allow even more people to discover the Metal Build line.
Last year, the “Metal Build EX Project” was announced, expanding the line’s capabilities with subjects like Kamen Rider and Hatsune Miku.
This led to the release of this Hi-ν Gundam, a new entry point for the increasingly popular brand, incorporating a new theme.

HWI: When the new Hi-ν Gundam was announced at Tamashii Nation 2025, the funnels, reminiscent of the ν Gundam from the movie, caught everyone’s attention. What’s the reason for this design?

PM: Initially, when the Hi-ν Gundam MB was released in 2022, it was developed to incorporate the two different designs of the previous “Hi-ν Gundam” models.
One is the design from when the Hi-ν Gundam was first displayed, based on the novel’s illustrations and also released in color in 1998, and the other is the revamped design for the plastic model (MG 1/100 Hi-ν Gundam) in 2007. We see them as two fundamentally different designs.
Other designs exist, but the MB’s goal was to create a product that bridges these two subjects.
Therefore, the product already featured a streamlined shape, a bolder form with deployed armor, and a transformable backpack, and this concept has been carried over into the new model.
We consulted with the original mechanical designer Yutaka Izubuchi about the idea of ​​attaching the funnels vertically on one side and using special parts, and he immediately agreed. We felt that even though the Hi-ν Gundam has wing-shaped funnels, we could still highlight aspects of the ν Gundam from the movie, so we included a design that allows it to be displayed in two different ways.

HWI: The coloring and color scheme are different from the one released in 2022.

PM: Exactly. The 2022 model is based on the purple color scheme introduced around 1998, while the Hi-ν Gundam (Metal Build Expo) uses a revamped blue color scheme.
We also once again emphasized the color texture characteristic of the Metal Build.
As I mentioned earlier, the model was conceived as a bridge between the Universal Century and the Metal Build line.
The design staff at the time discussed the idea, and with a relatively understated finish, we made a special effort to create a sense of realism and precision, approaching it as “a high-density, high-end, alloy-finished Hi-ν Gundam that customers desire.”
With this in mind, this time, as an approach that further echoes the “Metal Build” style, the new model features a relatively vivid glossy finish and a metallic feel.

HWI: In terms of sculpting, it seems the proportions and design have been carried over from the 2022 model.

PM: Aside from the color scheme, there are no significant changes to the exterior of the main body, and a joint has been added to secure the vertical funnels on one side. The interior of the joint has a joint that corresponds to the four holes on the base of the funnels and can be secured by interlocking them. The mounting structure of the mechanism that connects the funnels is very delicate and can be heavy, so we prioritized ease of assembly and created a new joint to mount it.

HWI: The joints give a sense of unity even when the funnels are attached.

PM: Koma, in charge of design coordination, and Hiroyuki Hirose, in charge of color coordination, both worked on a unified design and color approach for the joints. We considered using gray POM for the joints, which were intended exclusively for commercial use, but since they are large and one of the highlights of this version, we paid the same attention to shape and texture as we did to the main body.

HWI: The New Hyper Bazooka can also be mounted in the center of the backpack, recreating a silhouette more similar to that of the “ν Gundam”.

PM: Initially, the idea of ​​using vertical funnels came from the design team at the time. Once all the funnels are deployed and positioned, the modules to which they are attached transform into thrusters. This allows the model to be compact when the funnels are not mounted on the back, and we wanted to create a style reminiscent of the ν Gundam seen in its first sortie in the movie. This time, by removing the module and replacing it with a dedicated element, mounting one side as a cape and folding the other side to use it as a support for the beam saber, we can create a silhouette closer to what everyone imagines of the ν Gundam.

HWI: When all the funnels are deployed, the dedicated parts aligned could create an unnatural silhouette. How will this problem be solved?

PM: The dedicated parts are divided into groups of three for convenience, so, for example, if you want to leave three funnels and deploy three more, you can separate them from the center. We hope you can unleash your imagination and play with the model, removing the dedicated parts as disposable connecting elements, depending on your preferences. Rather than corresponding to an official model, this model is simply an expansion based on the same subject, so we hope you enjoy it as an original subject.

HWI: Were the main body features carried over from the 2022 model? For example, can the machine gun on the right arm be extended?

PM: The presentation of the die-cast model is a key part of the “ν Gundam” design, and the person in charge at the time focused on enhancing the model and highlighting the unique aspects of a finished toy, such as the metal and coloring. Naturally, all the model’s different gimmicks have been retained, such as the alloy cylinders for the knees. Furthermore, to make it clear that the two forms can be recreated, the promotional photos intentionally feature poses reminiscent of the “ν Gundam.” This time, we’ve managed to recreate a silhouette similar to that of the Hi-ν Gundam and the ν Gundam, so we think you’ll enjoy even more freedom in posing.

HWI: Are the movable funnel stands still present?

PM: Yes. By connecting the funnel stands to the dedicated pedestal, you can fix the funnels in mid-air. The new version’s funnels feature an improved design that makes them easy to attach and detach.

HWI: What were the highlights and challenges during the model’s development?

PM: The idea of ​​combining the two models, “Hi-ν Gundam” and “ν Gundam,” was already incorporated into the development of the original Hi-ν Gundam, but the fact that we were able to realize it in a clearer form with this new model is something worth mentioning. Furthermore, by creating this unique subject, I believe we were able to further expand the potential of the Metal Build version of the Hi-ν Gundam. The basic body was already well-crafted, with a wide range of motion at the hip joint that allows for a more than generous crouch, so we hope you’ll have fun imagining different poses and situations with both the massive form of the Hi-ν Gundam and the elegant form of the ν Gundam. On the other hand, since this is a product with extremely high play value, even among Metal Build models, we had a hard time deciding which poses, equipment, and situations to use for the promotional photos (laughs).

HWI: The Metal Build Hi-ν Gundam (Metal Build Expo), released for the line’s 15th anniversary, inherits the well-crafted design and mobility of the model announced for the 10th anniversary, and its two forms, which open up new possibilities, are captivating.
Furthermore, its high play value makes it a worthy anniversary model.

PM: I think one of the strengths of the Metal Build line is its unique play value, offering the ability to play with both the Hi-ν Gundam and the ν Gundam, so I hope even those picking it up for the first time can experience this fun.

HWI: Finally, I’d like you to leave a message for all fans.

PM: Thank you all, the Metal Build brand will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. Last year, the “Metal Build EX Project” was announced, featuring characters different from previous models, and I believe it gave users an idea of ​​the brand’s diverse possibilities.
We’ve marketed the Metal Build Hi-ν Gundam (Metal Build Expo) so that it can be enjoyed not only by existing customers but also by those experiencing it for the first time.
We hope you’ll appreciate the glossy texture, which has received a new color scheme, and the numerous gimmicks.
We’ll continue to offer the detail and finish that only a finished product can offer.
Also, the Metal Build Expo event will be held in March, so we invite you to attend that as well.

HWI: Thank you very much.

Please note that the Metal Build Hi-ν Gundam (Metal Build Expo) is a limited-edition product from the Tamashii Web Shop. Pre-orders will be held via a lottery starting January 22nd for eligible Tamashii Club members. The price is 39,600 yen. Shipping will coincide with the special “Metal Build Expo” event, which will be held from March 27th to July 6th in Japan.