2026 Gunpla Top 10: The Hottest Preorders Right Now – Hathaway Wave Crushes Everything

Hey Gunpla fans! It’s March 2026, and the Gundam scene is on fire. The second Hathaway movie, The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, just dropped in Japan—North America’s still waiting—but the preorders? Already insane. This year’s biggest hits are basically a Hathaway takeover: movie tie-ins, massive transformations, and instant sell-outs. Here’s my ranked list of the top 10 hottest ones, based on preorder speed, Reddit hype, community buzz, and pure collector frenzy.

1. HG 1/144 Alyzeus

Release Date: April 2026

PRE-ORDER HERE

Alyzeus is easily the most talked-about kit this year. Standing at around 25cm tall—which is unusually big for an HG—it already breaks expectations. On top of that, it features four transformation modes, making it one of the most ambitious High Grade kits ever made.

The wing design gives it a powerful “angelic” look, making it stand out on any shelf. But what really excites builders is the build experience itself. This is not just a display piece—it’s a fun and complex kit to assemble. No surprise that preorders sold out within hours.

2. HG 1/144 Xi Gundam (Circe Ver.)

Release Date: April 2026

PRE-ORDER HERE

This updated version of Xi Gundam brings a more cinematic feel, especially with its battle-damaged head design. It looks like it came straight out of a final battle scene.

Collectors are especially interested because it pairs perfectly with Alyzeus. Many fans plan to display both together for a dynamic battle setup. With improved details and stronger presence, this version feels like a true upgrade rather than just a re-release.

3. HG 1/144 Messer Type-M01 (Gawman Use)

Release Date: May 2026

PRE-ORDER HERE

Messer Type-M01 (Gawman Use) brings a strong battlefield presence with its rugged and heavily armored design. Compared to standard Messer units, this version stands out with its custom colors and commander-type feel, making it highly appealing for fans of the Hathaway series.

Its bulky proportions and military-style detailing make it perfect for diorama setups, especially alongside other Hathaway units. While it may not rely on flashy gimmicks, its realism and solid build give it a powerful shelf presence that many collectors appreciate.

4. PG Unleashed 1/60 Nu Gundam

Release Date: January 2026

PRE-ORDER HERE

Even though it’s not a new release, the PG Unleashed Nu Gundam is still incredibly popular. As a Perfect Grade, it offers insane detail, a complex inner frame, and advanced gimmicks like the funnel system.

At around 36cm tall, this kit is a true display centerpiece. It’s also getting a lot of attention from YouTube reviews, which keeps the hype going strong. For serious collectors, this is more than just a kit—it’s a long-term showpiece.

5. MG 1/100 Full Armor ZZ Gundam Ver.Ka

Release Date: February 2026

ORDER HERE

Designed by Hajime Katoki, this Ver.Ka kit delivers a heavy, powerful look. Thick armor, massive weapons, and strong proportions make it feel like a walking tank.

It also features great surface detail and decals, perfect for builders who enjoy customizing and panel lining. Plus, it carries strong nostalgia for fans of ZZ Gundam, making it both visually impressive and emotionally appealing.

6. MGSD Destiny Gundam

Release Date: February 2026

ORDER HERE

This kit mixes the cute SD (Super Deformed) style with Master Grade-level detail, creating something unique. The wings and beam effects look especially impressive, giving it a premium feel despite its smaller size.

It’s beginner-friendly but still satisfying for experienced builders. Its “cute but powerful” look makes it very popular on social media, and many stores sold out on day one.

7. HG 1/144 Gustav Karl Type-00

Release Date: February 2026

ORDER HERE

Unlike typical Gundams, Gustav Karl focuses on a realistic military design. With large shoulder shields and a bulky frame, it looks more like a battlefield unit than a hero suit.

This makes it perfect for dioramas or army-style displays. It may not be flashy, but its grounded design gives it a unique charm. Many builders consider it a hidden gem.

8. HG 1/144 Legend Gundam

Release Date: January 2026

PRE-ORDER HERE

Legend Gundam brings back the classic SEED vibe with its DRAGOON system and missile effects. It creates a dynamic display, especially when posed in action.

Fans often pair it with Destiny Gundam to complete their SEED collection. While it’s not a brand-new design, its nostalgia factor keeps demand strong.

9. MGEX 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam [Mechanical Clear]

Release Date: January 2026

MGEX Strike Freedom returns in a stunning Mechanical Clear version, showcasing its incredible inner frame and engineering. This version highlights the gold internal structure, making it the main visual focus instead of just the outer armor.

As part of the MGEX line, this kit is known for its premium build experience, combining advanced articulation, layered parts, and impressive detail. The clear armor adds a display-oriented appeal, making it a perfect centerpiece for collectors who want to show off the kit’s internal mechanics.

10. HG 1/144 Challia's Rick Dom (GQ)

Release Date: January 2026

ORDER HERE

Challia’s Rick Dom offers a fresh take on the classic Dom design with a unique color scheme and updated detailing. While it keeps the iconic bulky silhouette, the new look gives it a more modern and distinctive identity.

This kit is simple yet effective, making it enjoyable for both beginners and experienced builders. For fans of Zeon-style mobile suits, it’s a great addition that blends nostalgia with a new twist.

This year is clearly dominated by the Hathaway wave, where movie connections, large-scale designs, and unique gimmicks drive massive hype. But beyond that, we also see how nostalgia, redesigns, and creative new formats like MGSD continue to play a big role in the Gunpla community.

One thing is clear:
Gunpla today is not just about building—it’s about the full experience. From assembling the kit, to displaying it, to recreating iconic scenes.

With many of these kits selling out fast, preordering has become more important than ever.

So the real question is:
Will you follow the hype, or hunt for hidden gems before they’re gone?