About
The X-1 Ninja Charger has always been one of those vehicles with a very strong identity within NINJAGO, and this anniversary version manages to keep that without feeling like just a copy of the original.
Visually, the car still feels very Kai. Red dominates the build, combined with black, gold, and more aggressive details that give it that futuristic ninja car look. The front is low and wide, the fenders are very pronounced, and the whole build gives off that sense of speed and power that fits the character really well.
What I like most about this version is that it keeps the silhouette and the concept of the classic model while feeling much more refined. The building techniques are more modern, the lines are cleaner, and the car feels much more solid than the 2014 version. This is exactly what I like to see in an anniversary set: nostalgia without being stuck with the limitations of the original build.
The 2-in-1 function is still one of the best parts of the set. By lifting the hood, the hidden motorbike can be launched out of the car. It is a simple play feature, but it is also one of the things that made the X-1 Ninja Charger so memorable. Seeing this feature return in a modern version makes perfect sense and helps maintain a direct connection to the original model.
The bike is also important because it does not feel like just a separate accessory. It is part of the car itself and part of the identity of the X-1. It is one of those features that works both for play and for simply showing someone and saying, “look what this does.”
As a display piece, this version also works much better. It has more mature proportions, more detail, and a presence that fits the 14+ positioning really well. It has not lost the toy-like side, but it clearly feels more aimed at older fans and people who have a nostalgic connection to NINJAGO. The weaker point is the price. €79.99 for 691 pieces puts this set in a fairly high range, especially when compared with other NINJAGO vehicles. Part of the value here is clearly tied to the 15th anniversary celebration, the exclusive minifigure, and the nostalgia factor.
Minifigure review
The minifigure selection is small, but very well thought out. We get Kai, General Cryptor, and Dusk, the Elemental Master of Shadow, and all three are unique to this set. Kai is obviously essential. This is his vehicle, so an anniversary version of the X-1 Ninja Charger without the fire ninja would make no sense. He comes with two golden swords, which can also be attached to the car or the bike, creating a direct connection between the minifigure and the vehicles. General Cryptor is an excellent choice for the nostalgic side. He connects the set directly to the Rebooted era, where the original X-1 Ninja Charger appeared. For me, this makes much more sense than simply including a random modern villain. It is a clear reference to the history of the vehicle and the season that made it memorable. But the biggest highlight is Dusk, the Elemental Master of Shadow. This is the first time the character appears as a minifigure, and it also comes with a display stand and commemorative 15th anniversary coin. For collectors of Elemental Masters, this figure alone is a very strong reason to get the set.
It is a lineup of only three characters, which can feel a bit limited for a €79.99 set, but at least every figure has a clear reason to be here. Kai represents the vehicle, Cryptor brings the Rebooted nostalgia, and Dusk delivers the exclusive collectible element of the anniversary celebration.
Box design
Instruction manual
Stickers
So…
X-1 Ninja Charger 15th Anniversary is exactly the kind of remake I like to see in NINJAGO. It does not try to erase the original, it takes what worked, modernizes the build, and keeps the feature that made the X-1 so special. The car has great presence, still feels completely connected to Kai, and the hidden bike remains a fantastic play feature even all these years later. The addition of General Cryptor reinforces the connection to Rebooted, while Dusk makes the set even more interesting for collectors. The €79.99 price is probably the hardest part to justify, especially with only three minifigures. But for anyone who grew up with Rebooted, likes the original X-1 Ninja Charger, or is collecting the 15th anniversary sets and minifigures, this one carries a lot of nostalgic weight. For me, it works really well because it is not just “the same car again.” It feels like a proper celebration of the original, with a more mature build, better display presence, and exactly the right dose of nostalgia for an anniversary set.
