Kai - Digi Kai
njo563 · Ninjago
Prime Empire · 2020
Figure ID
njo563
Theme
Ninjago
Year Released
2020
Rarity
Uncommon. While he appeared in four sets, the theme's high production volume makes him accessible, but retired status adds slight scarcity.
Head
Double-sided yellow head with determined and aggressive expressions, featuring white visor/mask printing and 'Digi' circuitry details. The headgear is a dual-molded white and red wrap-style helmet with a teal icon.
Torso
Red torso with dark red robing design, gold trim, and a high-tech belt with pouches. Features a distinctive gold medallion print on the right chest. Back printing includes digital circuitry and a katana holder motif. Arms are red; hands are black.
Legs
Red legs with red hips. Front printing continues the robe and sash design with metallic red and black accents representing armor and digital gear.
Accessories
In the standard sets, this figure usually includes a translucent neon green 'Prime Controller' hilt with a blue 'Cyber Blade' and a black katana. The photograph shows the figure without held accessories.
Color Scheme
Bright red and dark red primary colors, accented by metallic gold, white, and translucent light blue (on the headgear icon).
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of the Ninjago line's peak years. Includes complex layering on the torso and exceptional alignment between the torso and hips.
Variants
This is the standard 'Prime Empire' version. A variation exists in the 'Epic Battle Set' (njo635) with different leg printing and accessories.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the neck seal of the helmet and the silver/gold print on the torso. The visor printing on the head is prone to scratching if played with heavily.
Estimated Value
Used: $3.00 - $5.00 USD. New/Mint: $6.00 - $9.00 USD. Value is stable as he is a core character for the season.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $9.99 (Kai's Mech Jet) to $79.99 (Empire Temple of Madness).
Compatible Sets
71704 Kai Fighter, 71705 Destiny's Bounty (Legacy), 71707 Kai's Mech Jet, 71710 Ninja Tuner Car, 71713 Empire Dragon, 71712 Empire Temple of Madness.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire. In the Prime Empire season, he enters a video game world, gaining this digital avatar ('Digi Kai') to battle Unagami.
Design Notes
The Prime Empire wave introduced stylized, gamer-influenced aesthetics, characterized by the 'health bar' headgear and vibrant, high-contrast color choices mimicking 1980s arcade vibes.
Similar Minifigures
Digi Jay (njo564), Digi Cole (njo566), Digi Lloyd (njo570), and Digi Zane (njo565).
Collectibility
Moderate. A necessary piece for collectors completing the Prime Empire ninja team, though very common in the secondary market due to multiple set releases.
History
Initially released in January 2020 as part of the first wave of the Season 12 line of Ninjago products.
Interesting Facts
The symbol on his forehead is a stylized fire kanji that has been reinterpreted across multiple seasons. This version of Kai was prominently featured in the Ninjago Prime Empire shorts.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with the other five 'Digi' ninjas in a neon-lit acrylic case or on a gray/black baseplate to make the red 'pop'.
Modification Potential
The red/black high-tech torso is highly popular for 'Cyberpunk' or 'Sci-Fi' MOCs, specifically for futuristic security guards.
Overall Assessment
A solid, well-detailed figure that captures the unique '80s digital' aesthetic of the Prime Empire sub-theme. Good value for money and a staple for any Ninjago enthusiast.