After 47 Years, Gundam Will Make History in 2026 With Its Biggest Project to Date

After 47 Years, Gundam Will Make History in 2026 With Its Biggest Project to Date By  Hannah Diffey Published 7 minutes ago Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature. Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes.   Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

For nearly five decades, Mobile Suit Gundam has reinvented itself across anime, gaming, and global pop culture, but 2026 is shaping up to be its most ambitious year yet. Bandai Namco is preparing a milestone project that doesn’t just celebrate the franchise’s past, it redefines its future. With excitement already high from recent releases and anniversaries, Gundam is poised for a historic breakthrough.

What makes 2026 especially significant is the scale of Bandai Namco’s new initiative, according to Nerdist. For the first time, the United States will host a fully permanent Gundam Base with an expansive, specialized hub dedicated entirely to Gunpla, merchandise, and community-building. While temporary showcases and pop-ups have appeared before, this project marks the franchise’s boldest commitment to the American market.

A Permanent Home for Gundam Fans in the U.S.

Bandai Namco Amusement America

The new Gundam Base will open its doors in the Chicago area, signaling Gundam’s strongest push yet into Western fandom. Spanning roughly 3,000 square feet, the massive facility aims to be more than a retail shop. It’s designed as a full-scale experience where visitors can watch, buy, build, and learn, all in one purpose-built destination for veteran collectors and brand-new fans.

Beyond its size, what sets this project apart is its emphasis on community. Visitors will be able to browse rare Gunpla kits, study custom displays, and build alongside fellow hobbyists. The space also features interactive elements like a towering Gundam statue and exclusive merchandise previously available only in international stores, finally bringing coveted items to U.S. fans.

To accompany the grand opening, Bandai Namco will launch a Pop-Up World Tour located just steps from the main store. This rotating showcase will include limited-time exhibits, hands-on workshops, and rare Gunpla releases. The combination of the permanent facility and the touring experience underscores Bandai Namco’s dedication to expanding Gundam culture far beyond Japan.

A Global Gundam Expansion 47 Years in the Making

Since the first Gundam Base launched in Asia in 2003, the chain has grown steadily to more than 30 locations worldwide. Yet none have been permanent fixtures in the U.S., until now. Establishing a long-term American location marks a symbolic shift, reinforcing Gundam’s global influence as the franchise approaches its 50th anniversary.

The Chicago shop’s arrival also helps support Gundam’s evolving multimedia presence. With new anime installments, a rising competitive card game, and a high-profile live-action film in development, the franchise is building momentum across every entertainment sector. The new store not only caters to dedicated builders but also provides an entry point for newcomers discovering Gundam through its expanding slate of projects.

For Bandai Namco, this milestone reflects confidence in the growing U.S. fanbase and the cultural staying power of Gunpla. The company’s decision to bring exclusive kits, displays, and events to American soil shows a commitment to deepening Gundam’s connection with global audiences. After 47 years, the franchise is not slowing down, it’s gearing up for its biggest era yet.

As 2026 approaches, Mobile Suit Gundam’s historic expansion stands as a testament to its enduring legacy. The Chicago Gundam Base isn’t just a store; it’s a bold step toward the next half-century of one of anime’s most influential universes.

Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) Poster Gundam Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino First Film Mobile Suit Gundam I First TV Show Mobile Suit Gundam Latest TV Show Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury First Episode Air Date April 7, 1979 Cast Tôru Furuya, Shūichi Ikeda, Hirotaka Suzuoki

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