May the 4th is the unofficial/official holiday of the Star Wars universe. For LEGO®️ fans, that means new sets or at least the reveal of new sets. In recent years, it’s come to mean an Ultimate Collector’s Series set reveal. And this year is no exception. For this year’s big release, it’s time for another X-Wing. That’s right, everyone’s favourite starfighter is back, back, back again for it’s THIRD UCS version. Last year brought us the mildly surprising release of the UCS Luke’s Landspeeder (75341). In 2021 we got UCS R2-D2 (75308). And that set was itself a repeat of the very first May the 4th set, R2-D2 (10225) in 2012. Sticking with the OG trilogy is a staple for May the 4th and it’s no different this year. From the Official Press Release:
“Whilst this is not the first time we have brought the X-wing Starfighter to brick life, this is the most detailed and I am so excited with the final design. It is such an iconic ship, by designing at this new larger scale we were able to include more specific details such as the thrusters, the cockpit and the wings. We are so excited to now share this with fans.”
Henrik Andersen, LEGO Design Master
For all you VIP members, you’ll get early access to the set on May 1st. The general release follows shortly thereafter on May 4th. And if you happen to be in London from April 7-10 for Star Wars Celebration, you’ll get to see this set on display. For now, let’s take a look at the details.
UCS X-WING STARFIGHTER
- SET #: 75355
- THEME: Star Wars
- COST: $319.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 1949
- MINIFIGURES: 1 – Luke Skywalker
- RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2023
- VIP RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2023
- COST/BRICK: $0.16 CAD (slightly above average)
- BRICKS/FIG: 1949 (poor value for the size)
- DIMENSIONS: 27 cm high x 44 cm wide x 55 cm deep
Make it a Trilogy
To date there have been 16 X-Wing sets since the theme first launched in 1999. This latest set will mark the 17th system set to release – and the largest. And if we count polybags and mini-builds, there are over 30 X-Wing models! That is wild. The very first UCS X-Wing (and UCS set in general) was 2000’s X-Wing Fighter (7191). This OG wonder released in July, had 1300 pieces and retailed for probably $150 CAD (exact MSRP unavailable). Fast forward 13 years for the second UCS set and 2013’s Red Five X-Wing Starfigther (10240). This updated model was the first May 4th X-Wing and while it didn’t come with a minifigure, R2 was included finally. The piece count increased slightly to 1559 and the MSRP was probably $200-250 CAD. And here we are again, 10 years later with more pieces and more detailing.
Make it Better
The UCS X-Wing Starfighter is very similar in design to it’s predecessors. Like versions 1.0 and 2.0, this set will feature a larger scale which makes for great detailing and accuracy. It will also feature a display stand with a minifigure. In this case it’s an all-new Luke Skywalker in his flight uniform. Check out the dual-molded legs and arm printing. R2-D2 is in his customary droid port, flying shot-gun and keeping Luke alive. And it wouldn’t be a UCS set without an info plaque. It’s back and – are you ready for this? – PRINTED! The big sticker everyone loves to hate is finally gone and replaced with a new printed piece. It’s a welcome change and one that The LEGO®️ Group has been promising for all big sets going forward.
Construction details this time around get a few upgrades thanks to newer parts in the catalogue. The engines look wonderful and they’re clearly at a larger, more accurate scale. The fuselage (body) of the ship is finally a hexagonal shape, better replicating the source material. I especially like the details on the front intakes – they finally got it spot-on. Like the 2013 version, you can open/close the wings by turning a dial on the top. And kudos on being able to reuse that canopy piece – nailed it on the first try and just kept going with it. There’s also a bit more detail in the cockpit as well thanks to some sticker and more elements.
Storytime
I had the original UCS X-Wing. It was the pride of my collection but I ended up selling it many years ago when I needed some cash. While I don’t regret it too much (made money on it!), it wasn’t exactly my first choice. I basically entered my ‘dark age’ after that for a good 5 years. It’s a bummer for sure as the set is quite sought after and collectible. But I might just have to grab this to make things right LOL. The cost is certainly higher but still mostly in line with current Star Wars cost/brick stats. Overall, an excellent looking update. What do you think of this set? Are you excited for another X-Wing? Do have either of the previous models? What iconic ship do you want to see next? Leave a comment in all the usual spots. Thanks as always for reading and until next time, keep on brickin’.
– Frank
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