Bandai is bringing its premium TAMASHII NATIONS figures to Gundam Base stores in a new way, announcing the first-ever exclusive release from its popular collectible figure division specifically created for the official Gundam retail network.
The new “METAL BUILD Aile Strike Gundam -THE GUNDAM BASE LIMITED-” recreates Kira Yamato’s iconic mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED in a special blue-and-white color scheme inspired by the Gundam Base’s official branding.
The Gundam Base is Bandai’s dedicated network of Gundam stores, best known for its extensive selection of Gunpla kits, exclusive merchandise, and special-edition model kits that are not normally available through general retailers.
METAL BUILD, meanwhile, is Bandai’s premium line of fully assembled and painted action figures, combining detailed mechanical designs with die-cast metal components and extensive articulation to offer a different experience from building a traditional Gunpla kit.
The Strike Gundam first appeared in 2002’s Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, becoming Kira Yamato’s main mobile suit during the early stages of the conflict between the Earth Alliance and ZAFT.
Its Striker Pack System allowed the machine to equip different weapons and equipment depending on the situation, with the Aile Striker providing additional mobility and flight capabilities through its large winged backpack.
For the new Gundam Base exclusive, Bandai has taken its existing METAL BUILD Aile Strike Gundam and completely reworked the coloring, replacing the familiar red, white and blue appearance with a finish dominated by deep blues, white armor and dark metallic components.
Bright blue highlights appear across the wings, shield, and other sections of the mobile suit, while smaller orange accents provide contrast around the shoulders, ankles, and wing tips.
The figure retains the detailed mechanical redesign originally developed for the METAL BUILD version of Strike Gundam, which was supervised by Mobile Suit Gundam SEED chief mechanical animation director Satoshi Shigeta.
Its Aile Striker backpack was also reinterpreted by veteran Gundam mechanical designer Kunio Okawara, with movable wings and thrusters allowing the completed figure to be displayed in different flying and combat poses.
Measuring approximately 18 cm tall, the new release includes an internal die-cast metal frame alongside the detailed armor and articulation mechanisms associated with the METAL BUILD line.
Weapons and accessories include the 57mm High-Energy Beam Rifle, two Armor Schneider combat knives, an Anti-Beam Shield and two Beam Sabers, complete with interchangeable effects.
Bandai has also included four pairs of interchangeable hands, an alternative antenna, a dedicated display stand and a backpack connector compatible with Astray-related equipment.
The new figure follows another recent announcement involving the same mobile suit, with Bandai previously revealing the METAL BUILD Strike Gundam ENGINEERING EDITION, which uses smoky translucent armor and a monochrome finish to expose elements of the die-cast inner frame.
Image by Charlotte Davis
While that release concentrates on the machine’s internal mechanical design, the Gundam Base edition instead gives the completed Aile Strike Gundam a new appearance inspired by Bandai’s official retail stores.
Its arrival also coincides with the opening of THE GUNDAM BASE SHIBUYA, a new permanent Gundam store on the fifth floor of Shibuya PARCO in Tokyo, which will feature exclusive merchandise, rotating Gunpla collections, and original Gundam displays.
The “METAL BUILD Aile Strike Gundam -THE GUNDAM BASE LIMITED-” will officially launch in Japan on November 20, 2026, priced at ¥33,000 (approximately $208 / £156).
The figure will initially be available through four Japanese locations: THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO, SHIBUYA, FUKUOKA, and THE GUNDAM BASE ANNEX in New Chitose Airport.
Bandai has also confirmed plans to sell the figure in selected overseas markets at a later stage, although specific international release dates and availability through Premium Bandai US or other retailers have yet to be announced.
If you enjoyed this article, you can see more from us directly in your Google feed by adding us as a preferred source.
This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
