One of gaming's most beloved characters is making its way onto your coffee table. SNK and Wave Corporation are bringing back the 1/24 scale SV-001/I model kit to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Metal Slug. This little tank, famous for its cute yet durable design, is now a buildable plastic marvel that can sit proudly on any shelf.
First released in 2015 and 2017, this snap-fit kit recreates the iconic one-man tank at around 12cm tall. Its multiple colours match the game's design, includes marking stickers, and doesn't require glue, making it a simple weekend project for both seasoned hobbyists and new enthusiasts.
The SV-001 stands out not just for its nostalgic value but also for its design philosophy. Created by Akio Otsuka and the original Metal Slug team, this tank combines oversized treads, chunky armour plating, and rounded bodywork to create a character that feels more like an animated sprite than a real vehicle. Its movement in-game, with exaggerated squash-and-stretch animation, makes it feel light on its tracks despite being several tonnes of steel.
This model is part of Wave's Memorial Game Collection and is available for pre-order now through hobby retailers such as HLJ and Nin-Nin Game. The SV-001/I kit reminds us that pixel art isn't just a technical limitation but an art form, one that SNK mastered to perfection.







