Banpresto
Prize figures occupy a distinctive corner of Japanese collecting culture. Made to be won from amusement arcade crane games rather than sold at retail, they turned the arcade into a treasure hunt. No name is more closely tied to that tradition than Banpresto. The company traces its roots to 1977, took the Banpresto name under Bandai in 1989 and began supplying arcade prizes in 1990, with characters such as Ultraman and Kamen Rider among its early subjects. Since 2019 Banpresto has operated as a label of Bandai Spirits and its figures are collected far beyond Japan's arcades.
Collector's Guide
Product Lines
Zero Variant's Banpresto range leans happily into One Piece, with a Dragon Ball highlight alongside.
- World Collectable Figure (WCF): small-scale figures with big personality, offered here as Elbaph series blind boxes where each opening is a surprise.
- Glitter & Glamours: stylised, elegant renditions of female characters, represented by Nico Robin.
- Cross Posing: dynamic figures of Luffy and Zoro.
- Battle Record Collection: Nami captured mid-action in the line's signature dramatic posing.
- Theorama Soul: a scenic presentation of Luffy.
- Dragon Ball: a WCF Premium diorama of Kame House, the series' most famous seaside address.
Why Collectors Rate Them
Banpresto figures punch well beyond their origins. Sculpts are bold and full of motion, paint applications have grown sharper year on year under Bandai Spirits production and the sheer range of characters covered means collections grow quickly. For many collectors a Banpresto piece was their very first figure and the label remains one of the most welcoming routes into the hobby while still rewarding longtime fans with display-worthy showpieces.
Shop Authentic Banpresto Collectibles at Zero Variant
Everything in this Banpresto range is officially licensed Bandai Spirits product sourced through authorised distribution, so you can collect with confidence. Orders are packed securely and our UK-based customer service team is here to help. Enjoy exploring the range, whether you are chasing a full WCF set or a single standout piece.
FAQs
What is a prize figure?
A figure originally made as a prize for Japanese amusement arcade crane games. Banpresto built its name on them and they are collected worldwide as affordable, characterful display pieces.
Are Banpresto figures officially licensed?
Yes. Everything in this Banpresto range is officially licensed merchandise produced under the Bandai Spirits label with the approval of each series' rights holders.
What does WCF mean?
World Collectable Figure, Banpresto's long-running line of small-scale figures, often released in themed waves such as the One Piece Elbaph series.
Are Banpresto figures good for new collectors?
Yes. Their compact sizes, wide character selection and forgiving nature make them one of the easiest ways to start a display shelf.