Disclaimer: I didn’t write this. I chanced upon this article on WeChat, originally written by Allen, which I found insightful. It was originally in Chinese, and I’m simply translating it into English (with some tweaks and omissions here and there) for the benefit of a broader audience. ????
Since the past few years, more and more Chinese model kit producers have emerged, driven by passion, understanding, and persistence. These design and R&D teams are now producing highly recognizable mecha models, allowing players to identify the manufacturer just by looking at a kit. This shift has also drawn enthusiasts away from the overwhelming dominance of Gundam kits.
New Standards That Resonate with Builders
Many Chinese producers are striving to impress players through playability, articulation, special features, and pricing. Here’s the current landscape of the Chinese model kit industry:
- Die-cast inner frames and undergated parts have become the industry standard for large-scale Chinese model kit production.
- The number and variety of accessories significantly influence consumer interest.
- Ensuring review units can be safely built boosts confidence in the product.
- Attention to accuracy, part separation, decals, and display bases is evolving, reflecting shifting player preferences and a broadening industry landscape.
As a result, Chinese mecha model producers are exploring new directions, incorporating original designs, improved articulation, richer accessories, and even special effects parts and display bases.
Notable Chinese Mecha Model Kit Producers (in no particular order)
Motor Nuclear 摩动核
Motor Nuclear is widely recognized in the community for its unique design elements and consistently high-quality parts. In 2022, its Winter Dragon Ao Bing (寒龙子 敖丙) gained widespread popularity. In 2023, it dominated the market with the Weiyuan Academy Mecha (威远式学员机), followed by the Weiyuan “Swordfighter Type” (威远式剑斗型), which was well received.
In 2024, Motor Nuclear launched China’s first mecha model kit that includes a horse—the Tianyou Star – Zhao Yun Yulan White Dragon Horse (天佑星 赵云 玉兰白龙驹), which was a major success. By the end of 2024, the brand also announced several exciting upcoming models, including Phantom Gift (幻赐) and Halberd Tiger (戟虎), breaking away from their traditional designs. Motor Nuclear is well-positioned to lead China’s model kit industry.
Hemoxian 和模线
Hemoxian made a strong impact in 2023 by breaking away from the generic Gundam-style designs. Collaborating with top-tier designers, they launched Entropy of the Gods – Thor (诸神之熵 雷神), a model praised for its unique aesthetics and articulation.
In early 2024, Hemoxian expanded into military exoskeletons with Over Zero – Tastier (超限零点 塔斯提尔), which introduced soft rubber materials for bio-mechanical effects. This led to a new trend in mecha models with robotic companion dogs. Their second Over Zero release, Shadow (孤影), is set for late 2024. More ambitious projects are on the horizon, making Hemoxian a brand to watch.
Infinite Dimension 无限维度
Seasoned builders will recognize Infinite Dimension from their high-quality Gundam GK conversion kits. In 2023, they transitioned into original designs with Genesis (创世), which made a strong industry debut.
By 2024, they released the Thunderbolt Manta Ray (雷霆 魔鬼鱼) in collaboration with IN ERA+ (无限新星). Additionally, their RMD Series Lizard (利扎得) launched in Q3 2024, and their highly anticipated 1/100-scale Nemesis (复仇女神) is planned as their 10th-anniversary flagship product.
Despite their long development cycles, each Infinite Dimension kit is a masterpiece, delivering intricate detailing and internal structure mechanics that captivate hobbyists.
SNAA
SNAA (Super Nova Above All) was established in 2022 and quickly gained recognition with the Hunt And Kill (猎杀 隼) series. This original mecha kit introduced an advanced mechanical design and later received a color variation update.
In 2023, SNAA announced two major product lines: the Round Table Knights (圆桌骑士) and the Royal Series (皇者系列), with models such as Grace (格雷斯), Gawain (高文), Achilles (阿基里斯), Blade King (刃皇), and Martial Emperor (武皇) launching in 2024. Their Round Table Knights – Iron Scythe Kay (钢镰 凯) and Giant Axe Lancelot (巨鸣斧 兰斯洛特) continued the momentum, with more releases planned for early 2025.
IN ERA+ 无限新星
IN ERA+, a joint venture between SNAA and Infinite Dimension, was founded in January 2023. Their designs have consistently impressed players.
The IN ERA+ RMD Series – Thunderbolt (雷霆) was a top-ranking model of 2023, renowned for its intricate internal details and bold avian-inspired head design. Their Ruling (裁决) and Aurora (曙光) models also performed well in the market.
In Q3 2024, they launched the Lizard (利扎得) from the RMD Series, which, despite its Gundam-esque elements, remains a great base kit for custom paint jobs. Their next big release, Thunder Manta Ray (雷霆 魔鬼鱼), is expected in Q2 2025, sparking high anticipation among builders.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Chinese Mecha Models
China’s plamo industry has moved beyond third-party and bootleg kits. Leading brands are now pioneering new engineering techniques, improving articulation, and including premium features—sometimes surpassing their Japanese competitors.
As this industry grows, builders should judge kits based on their quality and innovation, not outdated stereotypes. The future of mecha model kits is evolving, and China is playing a leading role in shaping what comes next.
