Figures, Merch and Gachapon Prices — 2026-09-12
Good Smile Company is capitalizing on nostalgia with a re-release of the Crash Bandicoot Nendoroid, while Chinese collectors face a "wallet shock" from the 30th anniversary of *Ultraman Tiga*. Meanwhile, Japanese resale markets show strong demand for *Fate/Grand Order* figures and Sanrio gachapon, with new pre-order data highlighting the dominance of high-end scale figures in August rankings.
Figures, Merch and Gachapon Prices — 2026-09-12
Top developments
Good Smile Re-releases Crash Bandicoot Nendoroid for 30th Anniversary
Good Smile Company announced on September 11, 2026, a re-release of the Crash Bandicoot Nendoroid to celebrate the character's 30th anniversary. This move leverages strong IP nostalgia to drive sales for a classic figure line, offering collectors a chance to acquire a previously sold-out item without resorting to the secondary market. For international buyers, this re-release signals Good Smile’s strategy of using anniversary milestones to boost preorder volumes for established characters.
Chinese Collectors Face "Wallet Shock" from Ultraman Tiga 30th Anniversary Merch
On September 7, 2026, the 30th anniversary of Ultraman Tiga sparked a surge in merchandise demand in China, described by local media as a "wallet shock." The article from Smzdm (What's Worth Buying) highlights how nostalgia-driven purchases are straining consumer budgets, with fans rushing to buy figures and goods despite high prices. This reflects a broader trend where major IP anniversaries in Japan immediately trigger price premiums and rapid sell-outs in the Chinese secondary market.
Amiami August Pre-order Rankings Reveal FGO Dominance
Japanese retailer Amiami released its August 2026 figure pre-order rankings on September 8, 2026. The top spot was secured by a Fate/Grand Order (FGO) figure, demonstrating the enduring commercial power of the mobile game franchise. Other notable entries included Honkai: Star Rail and Limelight Lemonade Jam, indicating that gacha game IPs continue to outperform traditional anime series in preorder volume, which often leads to higher resale scalping activity.
Sanrio Gachapon Line Targets Car-Themed Collectibles
Bandai launched the "Sanrio Characters Narikiri Gokko Car" gachapon line in September 2026, featuring Cinnamoroll, My Melody, and Badtz-Maru as kitchen car drivers. Priced at ¥500 per capsule, this release targets the popular "miniature vehicle" niche within the capsule toy market. The combination of iconic Sanrio IP with detailed miniature vehicles is expected to drive high turnover in arcade locations, contributing to the continued growth of the gachapon sector.
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Local view
Zest Shop (Japan) The Japanese second-hand retailer Zest Shop reported active buyback activity for Good Smile Company items as of September 12, 2026. Specific acquisitions included the Youjo Senki II (Saga of Tanya the Evil) Tanya Degurechaff POP UP PARADE figure and the Vampire: Mira Nendoroid Doll. This indicates a steady flow of inventory in the resale market, suggesting that while new releases are popular, the secondary market remains liquid enough for collectors to trade older stock.
Dengeki Hobby Web (Japan) Hobby Dengeki emphasized the dominance of mobile game IPs in its coverage of the Amiami rankings, noting that FGO and Honkai: Star Rail figures are driving preorder metrics. This local media focus highlights how game-driven merchandise is becoming a primary revenue stream for hobby retailers, shifting attention away from traditional TV anime adaptations.
Context & numbers
- Gachapon Market Size: The Japanese capsule toy market has doubled in size over the past four years, driven by anime and manga collectibles. As of 2023, there were over 160,000 gashapon machines in operation in Japan, generating over ¥30 billion annually.
- Figure Price Range: Current market analysis shows a wide band for anime figures, ranging from $20 for prize figures to $300+ for limited edition scales.
- Market Share: Toys and figurines are expected to hold over 28% of the global anime merchandising market share in 2026, with valuations exceeding US$ 3.0 billion.
On the radar
- September Release Calendar: MegaHouse has published its September 2026 release schedule, which includes several key scale figures and limited editions. Collectors should monitor these dates as they often coincide with spikes in secondary market prices for related products.
- Gunpla Re-release Schedules: SpotGeeks has updated its Gunpla re-release calendar for September through December 2026. Tracking these dates is crucial for avoiding resale markups on popular Gundam kits that are officially being restocked.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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