HG 1/144 Xi Gundam (Circe’s Witch Ver.) Preview: Everything You Need to Know Before the April 2026 Drop
The HG 1/144 Xi Gundam (The Sorcery of Nymph Circe Ver.) is officially landing on shelves on April 25, 2026, and if you’re a Hathaway’s Flash fan, this is absolutely a kit you don’t want to sleep on. Designed by the legendary Hajime Katoki and packed with film-accurate new parts, this updated High Grade brings the iconic RX-105 Ξ Gundam to life in ways that the original 2021 kit simply couldn’t — right down to the battle-damaged shield and the standard Gundam face hidden beneath that white helmet. Whether you’re a long-time collector or a builder who just discovered the Hathaway trilogy, here’s your complete guide to this exciting April 2026 release.
Why the Xi Gundam Is One of the Most Beloved Mobile Suits in UC Gundam
Before we dive into the new kit, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how special the RX-105 Xi Gundam is in the Universal Century timeline. Piloted by the conflicted protagonist Hathaway Noa, this over-26-metre-tall mobile suit is a beast by any measure — armed with a high-powered mega particle cannon, beam sabers, and a Minovsky flight unit that lets it soar through the skies without external boosters. Unlike bulkier machines from the same era, the Xi Gundam has a sleek, almost angelic silhouette that immediately stands out on any display shelf.
Its reappearance in Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe — which released in January 2026 — gave fans a whole new look at the machine in action, including some particularly dramatic moments where its armour is battle-damaged and the standard Gundam face beneath the helmet is revealed for the first time on screen. That’s precisely the moment this new kit is designed to recreate.
What’s New in the Circe’s Witch Ver. Compared to the 2021 Original
The original HGUC RX-105 Xi Gundam launched back in 2021 to strong reviews, but Bandai has gone the extra mile with this updated version to ensure it captures the specific scenes from the latest film. Here’s what’s genuinely new:
- Battle-damaged head part — The standard Gundam face underneath the Xi Gundam’s visor helmet is now recreatable via a newly tooled interchangeable head piece. This is the dramatic “Gundam face reveal” moment straight from Circe’s Witch.
- New beam rifle with barrel holder — The newly designed beam rifle matches the weapon as it appears in the film, and includes a dedicated barrel holder attachment for additional pose options.
- Battle-damaged shield — The shield now features a new part showing the peeling anti-beam coating from combat damage, adding a fantastic weathered look straight out of the box with no extra painting needed.
- Manipulator-style hand parts — Newly included manipulator hands allow for improved pose accuracy for gripping and action poses.
- Updated joint and face parts — These subtle engineering improvements tighten up the articulation throughout the kit, meaning your Xi Gundam holds action poses more reliably than ever.
For builders who already own the original 2021 kit, these additions make the Circe’s Witch Ver. a compelling upgrade. For newcomers, this version is simply the definitive way to build the Xi Gundam.
Kit Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key specs so you know exactly what you’re getting:
- Grade: HG (High Grade) 1/144 scale
- Kit number: HGUC #266
- Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe
- Mechanical designer: Hajime Katoki
- Approx. height: 18 cm (finished model)
- Price (Japan): 7,700 JPY (tax included)
- Release date: April 25, 2026 (standard retail)
- Forms: MS Form and Flight Form (transformation via leg and wing parts)
- Included weapons: Beam Rifle (with barrel holder), 2x Beam Sabers, Shield (standard + battle-damaged version)
- Special parts: Battle-damaged head (Gundam face reveal), manipulator hands, joint parts, face parts, sticker sheet
At 7,700 JPY this sits at a mid-range price point for a High Grade kit, which is entirely fair given the engineering involved. The Xi Gundam is a complex machine — those wings, the Minovsky flight unit, and the transformation gimmick all add up to a build that feels satisfying from start to finish.
Build Tips: Getting the Best Out of Your HG Xi Gundam
Planning to grab this kit the moment it drops? Here are a few tips to help your build turn out looking its absolute best.
Panel Lining Makes a Huge Difference
The Xi Gundam has extensive surface detailing — panel lines, vent grooves, and armour seams run all over the kit, especially on the wings and Minovsky flight unit. Take the time to panel line every major section. Use a grey panel liner on white parts, brown on the gold or yellow sections, and black on the darker navy blue areas. The result is a much more realistic, three-dimensional look that really sells the scale of this enormous mobile suit.
Nub Removal on the Wing Parts
The wing surfaces are smooth and large, which means any visible nub marks will stand out like a sore thumb. Take your time with careful nub removal on every runner — a sharp hobby knife followed by light sanding (400 grit, then 800 grit) will keep those wing faces clean. If you’re not painting, this extra effort is absolutely worth it.
Pose It in Flight Form on an Action Base
This kit looks incredible posed in flight form on an action base — the swept-back wings and airborne silhouette of the Xi Gundam is one of the most dramatic poses you can achieve with any HG kit. Pick up an action base (the Bandai Action Base 5 works well for 1/144 kits) and display it soaring through the air for maximum impact on your shelf.
Try the Battle-Damaged Gundam Face for Display
Don’t forget to swap in that new battle-damaged head piece! The reveal of the standard Gundam face beneath the Xi Gundam’s helmet is one of the key dramatic moments from the film, and displaying it this way is a fantastic talking point. You can even lightly drybrush the battle-damaged shield with silver paint to exaggerate the scraped anti-beam coating effect.
Should You Get This Over the Original 2021 HG Xi Gundam?
If you already own the 2021 HGUC Xi Gundam, the question of whether to grab the Circe’s Witch Ver. comes down to how much you loved the new film. The core proportions and engineering are built on the same solid foundation, but the new parts — particularly the battle-damaged head, shield, and updated beam rifle — are genuine additions rather than just a simple recolour. If you’re a Hathaway purist who wants the most movie-accurate version of the kit, this is it.
For anyone who doesn’t already have the Xi Gundam in their collection, the Circe’s Witch Ver. is simply the best version to start with. It includes everything the original offered, plus these meaningful new additions, at a comparable price point. There’s really no reason to hunt down the older version when this one is dropping fresh.
It’s also worth noting that Gundam.my stocks a wide range of Hathaway’s Flash model kits, including the original HGUC Xi Gundam and the SDBB version — great companions for a full Hathaway display setup.
Where to Pre-Order the HG Xi Gundam in Malaysia
The HG 1/144 Xi Gundam (The Sorcery of Nymph Circe Ver.) is set for standard retail release on April 25, 2026 in Japan, with stock expected to arrive at Malaysian hobby shops and online retailers shortly after. Pre-ordering is strongly recommended — new Hathaway-related kits have been selling out fast in 2026, especially with the film still generating buzz.
Gundam.my is your go-to Malaysian Gunpla destination, with competitive pricing, fast local shipping, and a huge selection of kits from every Gundam series. Head over now to check availability and secure yours before the April rush!
Conclusion: The Xi Gundam’s Best Version Yet
The HG 1/144 Xi Gundam (Circe’s Witch Ver.) is a genuinely exciting kit — it’s faithful to a beloved design, it captures a defining cinematic moment from the Hathaway films with its new parts, and it builds into a display piece that will turn heads on any Gunpla shelf. Whether you’re a Gundam Hathaway superfan or simply appreciate a well-engineered HG kit, this one deserves a spot in your collection. April 25, 2026 is the date to mark — start saving up, get your panel liner ready, and prepare for one of the best HG builds of the year.