If you're looking into getting the gundam exia ignition mode mg, you're probably after that specific, battle-damaged aesthetic that only Setsuna's suit can pull off. It's one of those kits that has been around for a long time—since 2009, actually—but it still holds a weirdly special place in the Master Grade lineup. It's not just a standard release with a few extra stickers; it's a full-on love letter to the first and second seasons of Gundam 00.
Most people pick this version over the standard MG Exia because it gives you the parts to build the "Exia Repair." You know the look: the tattered cloak, the broken head with the glowing red eye, and that chipped-off GN Sword. It's peak "lone samurai" energy, and honestly, it's one of the coolest things Bandai has ever put in a box. But before you go out and drop your hard-earned cash on it, there are a few things you should know about the build, the extra goodies, and how it holds up against modern standards.
What makes the Ignition Mode different?
When you buy the gundam exia ignition mode mg, you're paying for a premium experience compared to the basic kit. The biggest draw is definitely the chrome-plated blades. In the standard MG, the GN swords are just a dull, flat silver plastic that looks okay but doesn't really pop. In the Ignition Mode, those blades are actual chrome. They reflect light like a mirror, and they make the suit look ten times more expensive the second you clip them on.
Then there are the LEDs. This kit usually comes with two LED units to light up the GN Drive. One goes in the front, and one goes in the back. When you turn them on, the green glow through the clear parts is genuinely satisfying. It gives the kit a sense of life that a lot of older Master Grades just don't have. Just a heads-up, though—you'll need to buy the batteries separately, and getting the LEDs into the GN Drive housing can be a bit of a thumb-wrestling match.
But the real star of the show is the Repair I conversion parts. You get a different head sculpt, a different chest piece, and that iconic "cloak" that covers the missing left arm. Bandai didn't just give you a piece of cloth, either; they gave you a multi-part plastic assembly that captures the look of torn fabric surprisingly well.
The build experience: A bit of a throwback
Building the gundam exia ignition mode mg is a bit of a trip down memory lane. If you've built any of the newer MG kits like the Dynames or the Kyrios, you're going to notice some differences immediately. The Exia was one of the earlier kits to try and push the "inner frame" concept further with the 00 series, but it lacks some of the stability of its younger siblings.
The frame uses a lot of those soft, rubbery ABS parts for the GN cables—the purple/clear strips that run through the arms and legs. They look fantastic once they're in, but getting them to stay tucked into the armor plates during assembly can be a little frustrating. You'll find yourself holding pieces together with three fingers while trying to snap a plate on with your other hand. It's not a deal-breaker, but it definitely feels like a product of its time.
One thing I love about this build, though, is the GN Drive itself. It's a completely removable unit. You can build it, pop the LEDs in, and then slide the whole assembly into the back of the Gundam. It's got these little mechanical latches that hold it in place, which feels very "Real Robot." It's these little engineering touches that make the Master Grade line so addictive for hobbyists.
Dealing with the "Hand Grenade" reputation
I'll be honest with you: the MG Exia has a bit of a reputation for being a "hand grenade," meaning pieces tend to fall off if you look at it the wrong way. While I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, it's not entirely unfounded. The ankles, in particular, are a bit weak. Because of the way the armor is shaped around the feet, the range of motion is a little restricted, and the joints can get loose over time.
The GN blades that mount on the hips are also notorious for popping off. They're held on by these small peg-and-hole connections that don't always have the best friction. If you're planning on posing this thing in some high-action, mid-air strike, you might find yourself re-attaching the hip swords every five minutes.
That said, if you're building the Repair version, stability is less of an issue because you're probably going for a more static, atmospheric pose. The Repair Exia doesn't need to be doing a split or a backflip; it just needs to stand there looking legendary and battle-worn.
Aesthetics and the Repair look
Let's talk about that Repair I look because, let's face it, that's why you're here. The gundam exia ignition mode mg captures the "zombie Gundam" vibe perfectly. The broken GN Sword is molded with a jagged edge that looks really convincing, and the red "camera" eye for the damaged side of the head adds a lot of personality.
The cloak is made of several hard plastic pieces that are articulated on ball joints. This is a bit of a controversial design choice—some people wish it was actual fabric—but the plastic allows for more dramatic, wind-swept "sculpted" poses. If you're a fan of painting and weathering, this is where the kit really shines. Taking some silver paint and a sponge to the edges of the armor, or adding some "soot" to the cloak, makes the Ignition Mode look like it just walked out of a scrap heap and is ready for one last fight.
Even if you don't go the Repair route and decide to build the "clean" version, the chrome parts and LEDs still make it a significant upgrade over the standard version. The Exia is a very sleek, almost thin suit compared to something like a Sazabi or a ZZ Gundam, but it has a presence on the shelf that's hard to beat.
How it holds up today
It's fair to ask if the gundam exia ignition mode mg is still worth the price tag in an era of Real Grades and "Extreme" Master Grades. The RG Exia is technically more articulated and has more color separation, but it's also much smaller and can be a nightmare for people with large hands. The MG scale (1/100) just feels right for the Exia, giving it enough bulk to feel like a real machine.
Compared to the newer 00 Master Grades like the MG Dynames, the Exia definitely feels "old." It doesn't have the same rock-solid waist or the insane articulation in the hips. However, none of those newer kits offer the same level of customizability or the "two-kits-in-one" value that the Ignition Mode provides. You're essentially getting a standard Exia plus a specialized conversion kit and premium finish parts.
If you're a fan of Gundam 00, this kit is basically a rite of passage. It has its flaws, sure, but the end result is so striking that you kind of forget about the finicky ankles once it's sitting on your shelf under some decent lighting.
Final thoughts on the build
In the end, the gundam exia ignition mode mg is a kit that rewards patience. It's not a "shake the box and it's built" kind of deal. You'll want to take your time with the LED wiring, be careful with the chrome parts so you don't leave nasty nub marks, and maybe use a tiny bit of top coat to tighten up some of those looser joints.
It's a kit with character. It represents a specific moment in Gundam history where the designs were shifting toward these slim, high-mobility suits, and the Ignition Mode captures that transition perfectly. Whether you want a pristine, glowing hero suit or a battered, caped warrior, this box has everything you need. Just grab some batteries, a decent pair of nippers, and get ready for a build that—while a little dated—is still incredibly satisfying to finish.