Bandai Namco has announced a new Gundam anime titled 'Gundam RG XARX-ZERO', set to release next year. The reveal follows the critical and commercial success of 'Gundam GQuuuuuuX', signaling the franchise's continued momentum.
The new series was announced during a special Gundam conference in Tokyo, with Sunrise Studio confirmed as the production house. 'Gundam RG XARX-ZERO' is scheduled for a global streaming release in late 2026.
The Gundam franchise, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino in 1979, has produced over 50 anime series, films, and OVAs, becoming a cultural cornerstone of mecha anime and Japanese pop culture. Recent entries like 'Gundam: The Witch from Mercury' (2022-2023) brought in younger audiences and strong international viewership on streaming platforms. 'Gundam GQuuuuuuX', which aired this year, broke viewership records on Netflix Japan.
'Gundam RG XARX-ZERO' will be written by veteran screenwriter Hajime Yatate (a collective pseudonym often used by Sunrise staff) and directed by Mitsuo Iso, known for 'Dennou Coil'. The plot details remain under wraps, but the title suggests a focus on the 'RG' (Real Grade) model kit line's aesthetic and a new mobile suit called XARX-ZERO. The series budget is reported to be ¥3 billion (≈$20 million), one of the highest for a Gundam TV anime. Bandai Namco plans a simultaneous merchandise rollout, including model kits, video games, and apparel.
Industry analysts see this as Bandai Namco's strategy to capitalize on the enduring popularity of mecha anime and the growing global appetite for Japanese animation. The franchise's ability to reinvent itself—from political drama to space opera to school settings—has kept it relevant for over four decades.
Fans can expect a teaser trailer at the upcoming Gundam Base Festival in November 2026. The full premiere is slated for spring 2027 across major streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime. The announcement cements Gundam's position as a pillar of modern anime production and cross-media franchise monetization.
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‘Gundam RG XARX-ZERO’ Is The Latest ‘Gundam’ Anime Released Next Year
Following the success of 'Gundam GQuuuuuuX', the next 'Gundam' anime, called 'Gundam RG XARX-ZERO', will be released next year.
Ollie Barder, Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
4/10
Tokyo
Key Takeaways
- 'Gundam RG XARX-ZERO' was announced on July 24, 2026, following the record-breaking success of 'Gundam GQuuuuuuX' which accumulated 10 million streams on Netflix Japan within its first week.
- The new series is directed by Mitsuo Iso, known for 'Dennou Coil', and features a budget of ¥3 billion (≈$20 million), one of the highest ever for a Gundam TV anime.
- Bandai Namco plans a simultaneous global merchandise launch, including model kits under the 'Real Grade' line, expected to generate ¥50 billion in sales over the first year.
- The Gundam franchise has produced over 50 anime titles since 1979, with 'Gundam: The Witch from Mercury' (2022-2023) being the most streamed Gundam series on Crunchyroll globally.
- The animation will be produced by Sunrise Studio, with a release window of spring 2027 on streaming platforms including Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime.
Frequently Asked Questions
'Gundam RG XARX-ZERO' is an upcoming anime series in the 'Mobile Suit Gundam' franchise, announced in July 2026. It is directed by Mitsuo Iso and produced by Sunrise Studio, with a planned release in spring 2027.
The series is scheduled for a spring 2027 release, with a teaser trailer expected at the Gundam Base Festival in November 2026.
It will be available on major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime globally.
The series is directed by Mitsuo Iso, known for his work on 'Dennou Coil'. The screenplay is credited to the collective pseudonym Hajime Yatate.
The production budget is reported at ¥3 billion (approximately $20 million), making it one of the most expensive Gundam TV anime to date.
The announcement follows the massive success of 'Gundam GQuuuuuuX', which set streaming records. The involvement of a unique director and high budget, plus the franchise's global fanbase, has raised anticipation.
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www.forbes.com
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