Gundam Revives a Forgotten Transforming Mecha With Massive New Release

The model kits and action figures for the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise tend to be the most mainstream and recognizable mecha, with a few notable exceptions. One such exception is based on a somewhat obscure side story, and the design itself is anything but conventional.

The NRX-044(R) Prototype Asshimar TR-3 [Kehaar] Space Specification joins the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS series, hailing from a classic Universal Century side story. With the articulation and metallic detailing expected of the lineup, it also boasts one of the most distinctive designs in the Gundam franchise. There’s even a transformation gimmick that completes this odd addition, making it a must-have for those who love eccentric mobile suits.

NRX-044(R) Prototype Asshimar TR-3 [Kehaar] Space Specification is based on the mecha of the same name from the original story Advance of Zeta: The Flag of Titans. This was itself a tie-in/spinoff to Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, the sequel to the original 1979 anime. In the story, the Asshimar is one of the most experimental mobile suits from the Titans Test Team, with this unusual design reflected in the new toy.

For instance, the lower part of the body is made up of propulsion tanks and other aspects meant to propel the unit in space. The METAL ROBOT SPIRITS version uses die-cast across the frame, and despite the strange form, it has extensive articulation and an unexpected amount of joint stability. There are even two die-cast axis joints near the fuel tanks that provide more movement and steadiness, though a stand is ultimately needed to truly pose it.

It can also transform into a Mobile Armor form, with this further weaponizing the gigantic blaster that the figure comes with. In its primary form, it stands at almost 11 inches in height, making it imposing and towering compared to other Gundam kits and figures. This impressive size is made all the grander with a semi-gloss finish that brings home how luxurious the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS figures are.

Bandai’s NRX-044(R) Prototype Asshimar TR-3 [Kehaar] Space Specification figure can now be pre-ordered through the Premium Bandai website, with the figure priced at $270 in the U.S. and expected to be released November 2026. Advance of Zeta: The Flag of Titans began as a photo-novel before being turned into a manga, although sadly, neither has ever been localized for Mobile Suit Gundam fans outside Japan.