Skells, those magnificent combat-ready mechas from Xenoblade Chronicles X, were bound to get their own modeling kits at some point. It would seem as though that time is swiftly approaching, as Japanese manufacturer Kotobukiya is now allowing pre-orders for the first skell, the Formula model.
A 1/48 scale figure at roughly six inches high, the Formula only ships to Japan through Kotobukiya’s website. However, other online Japanese retailers who can ship overseas are also accepting orders, namely Amiami, nippon-yasan, and Play-Asia. Of the three, nippon-yasan’s prices are currently the cheapest at around $48, with Amiami charging $50 and Play Asia at $70, but it’s highly recommended to check out payment methods and shipping rates before committing to a purchase.
The Xenoblade Chronicles X Formula is more than just a pretty face. Like its video game counterpart, this model is capable of transforming into its vehicle mode and comes with an attachable beam sword, metal blade, grenade launcher, shield, and machine gun. Orders will ship July 2016, allowing fans, hobbyists, and collectors alike to raise skell this summer (hey, someone had to say it).
In Xenoblade Chronicles X, the Formula is one of the several skells the player can purchase, and happens to be the lightest and fastest, but also the most vulnerable of the mechs. And though it’s currently the only model kit available here on Earth, there’s a good chance more skells are on the way. It’s also worth noting that Kotobukiya models typically require some extra paint to make them look as good as the preview photos, so this skell might be a challenge for non-experienced builders. FYI, that 1/48 scale? According to the math, that makes the Formula in Xenoblade Chronicles X almost 30 feet tall. Wow.
