The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise roars into 2025 with Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (pronounced “G-Quacks”), a bold new entry that dares to reimagine the Universal Century timeline. Jointly produced by Sunrise and Studio Khara, known for Neon Genesis Evangelion, this series promises a fresh perspective on the classic Gundam formula. With its TV premiere on April 8, 2025, after a theatrical prologue, GQuuuuuuX has already sparked considerable buzz among fans and critics alike.
A Universe Twisted: When Zeon Piloted the Gundam
GQuuuuuuX throws viewers into an alternate Universal Century where a single, pivotal event reshapes the entire course of history. In this timeline, Char Aznable, the legendary Red Comet, steals the RX-78-2 Gundam – the iconic White Gundam – before Amuro Ray can pilot it. Renaming it the “Red Gundam,” Char leads Zeon to victory in the One Year War.
However, this triumph is short-lived. Char and the Red Gundam vanish in an event known as the “Zeknova Incident,” leaving Zeon to grapple with the aftermath of their victory and the mystery surrounding Char’s disappearance. This divergence sets the stage for a dramatically different world, one where Zeon’s victory doesn’t necessarily translate to peace and prosperity for all.
The Aftermath: Colonies Under Military Rule
In the wake of Zeon’s victory, the space colonies gain independence from the Earth Federation. However, this freedom is tainted by economic inequality and the oppressive rule of the military police. The colonies are far from a utopia, and their residents struggle with new challenges.
Amidst this unrest, a dangerous and illegal sport emerges: “Clan Battles.” These underground mobile suit duels become a brutal outlet for the frustrations and desperation of the colony residents, with pilots risking their lives in modified mobile suits for fame, fortune, and perhaps a glimmer of hope.
Storyline: A Teenager Drawn Into Conflict
The story of GQuuuuuuX revolves around Amate Yuzuriha, a seemingly ordinary high school student living a peaceful life on the Side 6 space colony. Her world is turned upside down when she encounters Nyaan, a war refugee who introduces her to the world of Clan Battles.
Clan Battles and the GQuuuuuuX
Drawn into the high-stakes world of mobile suit duels, Amate takes on the moniker “Machu” and begins piloting the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX, a cutting-edge mobile suit. As she navigates the dangerous world of Clan Battles, she hones her skills and uncovers hidden talents within herself.
However, Amate’s life takes another dramatic turn when a mysterious Gundam, pursued by both the space force and the police, appears before her. Piloted by a young man named Shuji, this Gundam holds secrets that could unravel the fragile peace of the colonies.
A Collision Course: Fate and Mobile Suits
Amate’s encounter with Shuji and the mysterious Gundam throws her into the center of a conflict far greater than the Clan Battles she’s become accustomed to. As she grapples with her own abilities and the secrets surrounding her, she must decide where her loyalties lie and what she’s willing to fight for.
Characters: A New Generation of Pilots
GQuuuuuuX introduces a cast of compelling characters, each with their own motivations and backstories.
- Amate Yuzuriha (Machu): A high school student whose life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Nyaan and becomes involved in Clan Battles. She pilots the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX and struggles to find her place in a world filled with conflict. Voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa (Japanese) and Thea Saccoliti (English).
- Nyaan: A war refugee who becomes friends with Amate and introduces her to the world of Clan Battles. Voiced by Yui Ishikawa (Japanese) and Anairis Quinones (English).
- Shuji Itō: The pilot of the mysterious Red Gundam, pursued by both the police and the space force. He has a hidden agenda and a connection to the events that reshaped the Universal Century. Voiced by Shimba Tsuchiya (Japanese).
- Challia Bull: A Zeon commander and former subordinate of Char Aznable, leading a task force in pursuit of the Red Gundam. Voiced by Shinji Kawada (Japanese) and Fajer Kaisi (English).
- Xavier Olivette: An Ensign piloting the Gundam GQuuuuuuX, tasked by Challia Bull to capture the Red Gundam. Voiced by Seiichiro Yamashita (Japanese) and Ry McKeand (English).
- Comoli Harcourt: Voiced by Akane Fujita (Japanese) and Cat Protano (English).
Returning Faces: Echoes of the Past
While GQuuuuuuX features a new cast of characters, it also includes familiar names from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, such as Char Aznable. Their presence adds depth to the story and highlights the ripple effects of the altered timeline.
Mobile Suits: A Fusion of Styles
GQuuuuuuX features a diverse array of mobile suits, blending familiar designs with innovative new concepts.
- gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX: A prototype Gundam developed by Zeon. It possesses advanced capabilities and is intended for Newtype pilots. Amate Yuzuriha commandeers it and uses it in Clan Battles. The GQuuuuuuX is equipped with the Omega Psycommu system, which activates in Amate’s presence.
- Red Gundam: Believed to be the RX-78-02 Gundam originally piloted by Amuro Ray in the original timeline, but stolen and modified by Char Aznable. Its reappearance sparks a series of conflicts and mysteries.
- Military Police Zakus: Repurposed Zaku units used by the military police in the space colonies. They are equipped with rotating warning lights and a variety of weapons.
- Light Guncannon: An original mobile suit exclusive to GQuuuuuuX, featuring a large beam cannon mounted on its back.
- Civilian Zaku:
- Pom Zaku:
Mobile Suit Technology: The Omega Syamu System
One of the key technological elements in GQuuuuuuX is the Omega Syamu system, installed in the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX. This system is a specialized mechanism that cannot be activated by a typical Newtype.
When activated, the Omega Syamu system transforms the cockpit, revealing an arm-controlled joystick system. Even without gripping the joystick, the mobile suit responds to the pilot’s thoughts, initiating automatic control. The system also enables Newtype resonance, allowing contact with something unknown or another Newtype beyond the three-dimensional plane, similar to the Unicorn Gundam’s technology.
Production: A Collaboration of Titans
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is a collaborative effort between Sunrise, the studio behind the original Gundam series, and Studio Khara, renowned for the Rebuild of Evangelion films. The series is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (co-director of End of Evangelion), with writing by Yoji Enokido (FLCL, Revolutionary Girl Utena) and Hideaki Anno (creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion).
Design and Animation: A Modern Take on a Classic
The character designs are by Take (Pokémon), and the mechanical designs are by Ikuto Yamashita (Evangelion). The animation blends 2D and 3D elements, creating a visually stunning and dynamic experience.
Release and Reception: A Promising Start
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX premiered in Japan with a theatrical cut, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning, on January 17, 2025. The TV series premiered on April 8, 2025, streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Critical Acclaim: Inventive and Thoughtful
Critics have praised GQuuuuuuX for its fresh take on the Universal Century timeline, its compelling characters, and its stunning visuals. The series has been lauded as an inventive reimagining of Gundam, with a thoughtful narrative and a unique visual style.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. New episodes are released weekly, offering fans a chance to delve deeper into this alternate Universal Century.
Gunpla: Model Kits for Collectors
As with all Gundam series, GQuuuuuuX is accompanied by a line of Gunpla model kits. Bandai Spirits has released several kits based on the mobile suits in the series, including the HG GMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX, HG Red Gundam, and HG Police Zaku.
A Bold New Chapter in the Gundam Saga
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is a bold and innovative addition to the Gundam franchise. With its alternate timeline, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, it offers a fresh perspective on the classic Gundam formula. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, GQuuuuuuX is sure to captivate and entertain.
