A Blast from the Past: Gundam Wing Joins Overwatch 2

Get ready, anime fans! Overwatch 2 is launching an exciting new crossover that’s bound to bring a wave of nostalgia for those who grew up watching Gundam Wing on Toonami in the early 2000s.

Originally aired in Japan, Gundam Wing faced mixed reviews but quickly found a devoted audience in North America, introducing viewers to the expansive Gundam universe. Its gripping mecha battles and dramatic storylines created a solid fanbase that fueled demand for more shows and the immensely popular Gunpla model kits.

Celebrating 30 Years of Gundam Wing!

As Gundam Wing marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, it’s gearing up for an epic collaboration with Blizzard’s Overwatch 2, featuring four premium skins inspired by legendary Mobile Suits. Get ready to see Mercy transform into Gundam Wing Zero, Soldier: 76 as the iconic Tallgeese, Ramattra embracing the power of Gundam Epyon, and Reaper donning the dark armor of Gundam Deathscythe!

Behind the Scenes: Designing the Ultimate Crossover

In an exclusive chat with Overwatch 2's art director Dion Rogers and associate product management director Aimee Dennett, we learned about the creative process behind this thrilling crossover. Blizzard has long been keen to work with Gundam, given its status as one of the most requested franchises among the team.

The collaboration kicked off with a pivotal decision: which designs to use from Gundam Wing? After weighing options between the original series and its sequel movie, Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, they ultimately chose the latter for its fresher designs.

Choosing the Right Heroes for the Skins

When it came to selecting Overwatch heroes for the Gundam-inspired skins, the team considered several factors. They focused on characters that not only fit thematically but also had not received new skins in a while. For example, Reaper was an obvious choice for Deathscythe due to their dark aesthetic, while Mercy’s winged design made her a perfect fit for Wing Zero.

Missed Opportunities: Characters That Could Have Been

Despite the exciting lineup, some beloved characters didn't make the final cut. Rogers expressed a strong desire to create a skin for D.Va, a natural fit as a mech pilot, yet the logistics didn’t work out. Other contenders included Ana for Tallgeese and Mauga as Heavyarms, which unfortunately didn't materialize as planned.

Collaboration with Bandai: The Art of Gunpla

Bandai played a crucial role in the collaboration, providing insights and suggestions from their extensive data on Gunpla sales, which helped identify the most popular Mobile Suits for this event. The artistic collaboration also extended to creating stunning lobby artwork, adding even more charm to the crossover.

Authentic Designs: Honoring the Gunpla Legacy

Rogers emphasized that the design team took inspiration from the actual Gunpla models, aiming to replicate their intricate skeletal structures in-game while keeping the unique identities of Overwatch heroes intact.

Mark Your Calendars: Launch Date!

The thrilling Gundam Wing crossover launches on April 29, complete with four Mobile Suit-inspired skins available in the in-game shop. Players can also earn free Gundam-themed rewards through challenges, alongside bundles priced at 2,800 Overwatch Coins for individual skins or 5,900 for the mega bundle including all items. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration of nostalgia and gaming!