If you are an anime fan or figure collector, the chance is you have already heard of the name Nendoroid somewhere before. These cute mini-figures often feature many well-known characters from various animes, video games, mangas, and even VTubers. Nendoroids are produced in Japan and sold around the world. Loved by thousands of people, it is one of the most highly praised anime figures in the market.
Nendoroid series is a brand of anime, game, and manga figures created by a Japanese company called Good Smile in 2006. They typically depict characters from fans’ favorite anime franchises and are designed with a large head and smaller body to create a cute appearance.
Released in 2006, the first ever Nendoroid was called “Nendoroid Neco-Arc”. It was a mini action figure based on a mascot character that appeared in various franchises of video games made by Type-Moon (You know, the company that made the famous Fate series). The name “Nendoroid” came from the production team called “Nendoron” who created the first prototype figurine. The team Nendoron had previously produced some other merchandise like soft vinyl deformed figures, but the motifs then were based on blockbuster movie series such as Alien and Predator.
Nowadays, most Nendoroid figures are made with ABS and PVC. Their faces and other body parts are exchangeable, giving them a range of different expressions and poses. The Nendoroid brand spans a variety of different products: the original 10 cm figures, smaller Nendoroid Petite figures, additional display tools known as the Nendoroid More series as well as plushies and play sets. Several video games have also been released based on Nendoroid designs.
Let’s put it this way, ANY CHARACTER that you can think of, the chance is that there is already a Nendoroid of that character there in the market. Since Nendoroid’s body parts can be switched and set to different positions, you can pose them however you want to recreate your favourite anime or movie scene! You can also use a diorama to set a screen around your figures to make them look even more alive.
How many Nendoroids are there?
Currently, there are more than 2700 different Nendoroid figures out there and that does not even include all the enhancement parts that you can use to enhance your collection (made by Playsets, Dioramas, and other independent companies). The figures are also different from series to series, some are slightly bigger than others, some are purposely oversized Jumbo figures, some give you more dressable options, and don’t forget the sitting figurines from Nendoroid Swacchao. The list just goes on and on. While the large majority of these figures are from anime, there are also figures that are based on famous American comic characters from Marvel and DC. Be sure to check out this Nendoroid Batman from the latest The Batman (2022) movie.
To give you a rough idea of how many different series are in the market, our fans at Sirius Gamez have made a list that explains how all of them are designed.
- Nendoroids – The basic series of Nendoroids all have a corresponding series number associated with each of them (various special editions have a suffix added to the number; Neco-Arc is number 000). Also, starting from No. 300, there is an update to the internal structure of the replacement face.
- Nendoroid Petite – The characteristic is that they are further reduced in size from the basic series Nendoroids, often sold inside blind boxes that have a single random character. If stock is available, some petite figures can also be purchased in sets.
- Nendoroid More -The Nendoroid More series was created to make Nendoroids even more enjoyable. These are essentially Nendoroid accessories, including replacement faces, replacement bodies, large and small props, special effects parts, storage boxes, scenes, etc. Often sold inside blind boxes that have a single random character. If stock is available, some accessories can also be purchased in sets.
- Nendoroid Co-de – Nendoroid with no moveable body parts. The figure parts are set and cannot be changed to resemble a character’s signature appearance in the original anime. A great starting point for beginners who just want to enjoy their favourite character in their original anime appearance. Note some are sold individually and some are sold in sets.
By the way, Nendoroid Co-de also makes most characters from the anime series ‘Touken Ranbu -Hanamaru-‘ which is the most phenomenal franchise in Japan. Seriously, if you are an anime fan and want to know a little more about Japanese culture, Touken Ranbu is an anime franchise you don’t want to miss. Check out one of our other blogs about Touken Ranbu, it was a scholarly research discussing its cultural importance.
- Nendoroid Plus – The special product line of the Nendoroid series mainly offers various merchandise designed using Nendoroid art, such as key chains, badges, clothing, etc. Jumbo Nendoroids or special shape Nendoroids are sometimes included in this line.
- Nendoroid × DOLL – Nendoroid × DOLL are palm-sized action figure that has a normal body size scale that makes it easy to change their clothes. Something that can allow you to try a wide range of fashions on the original figurine to make your Nendoroid look even cuter. The head can be smoothly exchanged with other Nendoroid series that have exchanged head parts, there are more than 1000 different types of them out there, so you can enjoy combining your favorite character with a body that can change clothes. The magnets embedded in the figurine’s feet allow them to pose freely in different poses on a Nendoroid base. Depending on the scene, you can also add a stand to richer action poses.
- Nendoroid Swacchao – A series of Nendoroids in sitting poses. In addition to being able to be displayed directly without a base, the two chair legs at the back can also be assembled and placed on the “edges” of tables and cabinets for decoration.
How can I find the Nendoroids that I want?
Well, the answer is a complicated one. While there are numerous new Nendoroids released every week, they are not usually produced in massive amounts. Nendoroids are only produced for a limited time because the demand for new models is high and the production line can only be occupied by one figure model for a defined period of time. The company occasionally makes announcements about reopening the production of specific figures for a while due to high demand, but in most cases, you only have a very limited number of figures that circulate in the market.
Therefore, many Nendoroid collector have turned to the pre-order option to secure them a figure of their favourite character. When a new figure is announced, you have time to pre-order that figure to make sure you receive it once it is released. After the pre-order closes, only the official partner stores will be able to have stock of that specific figure. Fortunately for you, Sirius Gamez has a large collection of Nendoroid Figures that you can choose from, be sure to check out our catalog to see if your favorite Nendoroid is available.
We carry a long list of anime figures that guarantee to have one of your favourite characters. Whether it is Luffi from One Piece, Allen Walker from D.Gray-man (Can you believe the manga came out almost 20 years ago? Boy, time flies!), Bondrewd aka “Lord of Dawn” from Made in Abyss, Tanjiro from Demon Slayer, Kakashi from Naruto, Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen, and even some rare re-run figures like Shigaraki from MHA.
More discoveries in Sirius Gamez!
