Bandai Needs to Make These Real Grade Gunpla Next

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Real Grade Gunpla kits offer a great balance – they have the intricate details of Master Grade models but are closer in size to High Grade kits. Fans really appreciate their high quality and build experience, especially the newer releases, and announcements of new Real Grade kits always generate a lot of excitement. So far, only one kit has been announced for 2026, and surprisingly, it’s not from the popular Gundam series. Because of this, we’ve created a list of predictions for the next mobile suit that will be released in the Real Grade line.

Top picks for the next Real Grade Gunpla release

As a huge fan of Real Grade model kits, I’m always excited to see what Bandai will release next – they only put out a few each year, so there’s a lot of guessing! Right now, the only one announced for 2026 is the Ingram Plus from Patlabor, which leaves everything else a mystery. But if I had to predict, here are ten suits that would make perfect Real Grade kits, in my opinion.

RG Dom/Rick Dom

The Dom is a very popular mobile suit design, and fans would love to see more readily available model kits of it. I’d like Bandai to approach the Dom with the same level of detail as they did with the RG Zeong, particularly focusing on the thrusters. Given the many different versions of the Dom – around 1,000! – there’s potential for RG kits of variants like the Rick Dom, Dom Funf, and others. As a big fan of the Dom, I’d be thrilled to see Bandai release a wide range of Dom kits.

RG GM

Even though the original GM is a fan favorite, Bandai hasn’t given it much attention with their Real Grade (RG) line. An RG GM was announced years ago alongside other kits, but only the Z’Gok was ever actually released. While the HGTO GM is a good alternative, it doesn’t quite match the quality of a Real Grade. The recent release of the updated RG RX-78-2 gives hope for a future RG GM, but Bandai hasn’t historically prioritized mass-produced mobile suits in the RG line.

RG GP03 Dendrobium + GP03S Stamen

The HG Dendrobium is already the biggest High Grade model kit ever released, and a Perfect Grade version would be enormous – far too large to be practical. Instead, Bandai should consider making it a Real Grade Unleashed kit. Following the incredibly detailed PGU Nu Gundam, I’d love to see a 1/144 GP03 with a similar level of complexity. It would be a challenging build with all its moving parts and panels, and I’m eager to tackle the intricate decal application. Honestly, since the HG Dendrobium is never reissued, I’d be thrilled if they just brought that one back into production.

RG Gundam X

The RG Gundam X is the most anticipated release after the Ingram Plus, based on a trustworthy leak. The High Grade model is already quite impressive, and with careful sticker application on the Satellite Cannon, it looks fantastic. However, it would be great to see a more innovative design for the weapon itself. Bandai has used stickers over molded plastic before, but in 2026, fans are hoping for something truly special. Considering how closely the Divider and Double X resemble their original designs, it’s highly probable that we’ll see those models released through retail or P-Bandai soon.

RG Hyaku Shiki

Given how much fans love the Hyaku Shiki, it’s surprising Bandai hasn’t released a Real Grade version yet. The biggest challenge in creating one would be replicating the iconic gold anti-beam coating. Will they use a shiny gold chrome finish, like they did with the Akatsuki Gundam, or a more toned-down, metallic champagne color? I think we’ll likely see this mobile suit, and maybe an updated MK2, sometime down the line.

RG Nightingale

The RG Nu and Sazabi kits are fantastic, and now fans are hoping Bandai will release an RG version of the Nightingale to serve as its rival. While the High Grade Nightingale is good, this massive mobile suit deserves a lot more detail and features. If Bandai delivers an RG version comparable to their recent releases, it could be one of the most stunning gunpla models ever made.

RG Quebley

The Qubeley is a wonderfully over-the-top mobile suit, perfectly capturing the extravagant style of 80s Gundam. It’s also a fan favorite, appearing prominently in both Zeta Gundam and ZZ Gundam. While the Real Grade line has mostly focused on standard mobile suits alongside models like the Z’Gok and Zeong, it would benefit from more unique designs. The Qubeley, in particular, is full of potential for the detailed engineering Real Grade is known for – features like its shoulder binders, funnel storage, and long fingers could all be incredibly impressive. The older HGUC Revive and Master Grade kits are showing their age, so a new release of the Qubeley is long overdue.

RG S/Ex-S Gundam

The S and Ex-S Gundams are really popular with fans, even though an official English translation of Gundam Sentinel isn’t available. Their detailed designs would be fantastic as Real Grade kits. While the existing Master Grade models are impressive, they have a few issues I’d like to see fixed. However, achieving that level of detail and a transforming feature in a Real Grade kit might be too difficult. I’m optimistic about what Bandai can do, but a kit as complex as the S/Ex-S that also transforms presents significant challenges. Because of these design hurdles, this is likely the least probable kit on the list to be released, but I’m still hoping for it!

RG Turn A

As a huge fan of Gundam, I have to say the Turn A is just… different. Whether you love it or not, it really stands out. Syd Mead’s design is so memorable – lowering the V-fin to create that ‘moustache’ look, and all those sharp angles. It’s a design that really grabs you. Honestly, the Master Grade Turn A is one of my all-time favorite model kits, and I think Bandai could knock it out of the park with a Real Grade version, just scaling down that amazing design.

RG ZZ Gundam

Nearly all of the iconic mobile suits have received the detailed “Real Grade” model kit treatment, and fans have been waiting a long time for a ZZ Gundam version. It’s sure to be a complex build for Bandai, as the ZZ Gundam is a very large mobile suit – comparable in size to the Sazabi – and features a complicated transformation involving multiple smaller vehicles. Despite the challenges, a Real Grade ZZ Gundam seems likely eventually, simply to complete the collection.

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2026-03-16 23:08