P-Bandai: HGUC 1/144 GM III (Desert Color) [REISSUE] - Release Info

P-Bandai: HGUC 1/144 GM III (Desert Color) [REISSUE] 

Release Date: July 2026

Price: 1,980 yen

Premium Bandai has announced the HGUC 1/144 GM III (Desert Colors), bringing the Earth Federation’s upgraded mass-production unit from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn into the High Grade Universal Century lineup. Featuring its distinctive desert color scheme, this release captures the GM III’s appearance during its deployment in arid combat zones, making it a fitting addition for fans of the OVA.

Based largely on the HGUC 1/144 GM III originally released under Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, this version incorporates newly molded parts to better reflect its updated look in Gundam UC. Enhancements include revised knee sections, updated back waist and ankle parts, and a newly detailed shield exterior. The kit’s molding colors are carefully selected to recreate its desert-specific palette straight out of the animation.

Despite its reuse of the original mold, these targeted updates give the GM III (Desert Colors) a refreshed presence, aligning it more closely with its OVA counterpart while maintaining the solid build and articulation fans expect from the HGUC line.

The RGM-86R GM III itself was developed by the Earth Federation Forces under the “GM III Plan” as a successor to the GM II, first appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ before receiving visual updates in Gundam UC. Designed to balance performance with mass-production efficiency, the GM III integrates newer technologies while retaining cost-effectiveness, achieving capabilities that rival or even surpass the Gundam Mk-II in certain areas.

A key feature of the GM III is its backpack, a mass-production adaptation of the Mk-II’s system, which enhances mobility and maneuverability without sacrificing practicality. It also retains compatibility with support systems like the FXA-05D G-Defenser. For combat versatility, the unit can be outfitted with missile pods on the shoulders and additional launchers on the waist, allowing it to function effectively in mid- to long-range support roles.