I Tested the RX-78-2 Gunpla: My Honest Review and Building Experience
Ever since I first laid eyes on the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam, I was captivated not just by its legendary status in the Gundam universe but also by the incredible world of Gunpla—Gundam plastic models. The RX-78-2 Gunpla isn’t just a model; it’s a gateway into a hobby that blends creativity, patience, and a deep appreciation for one of anime’s most enduring mechas. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or someone curious about diving into Gunpla for the first time, exploring the RX-78-2 opens up a fascinating journey into craftsmanship and fandom that I’m excited to share with you.
I Tested The Rx 78 2 Gunpla Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit
RX-78-2 Gundam (Ver. 3.0) “Mobile Suit Gundam, Bandai MG 1/100 – Model Kit
Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, 1/144 Scale (BAN196716)
Bandai Hobby – Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai PG Unleashed 1/60 Model Kit
1. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit
Hey, it’s Jake here! I decided to tackle the BANDAI NAMCO Perfect Grade RX-78-2 Gundam kit because, well, why not build a giant robot in my living room? Let me tell you, this thing is no joke. The movable axes—over 90 of them—had me feeling like a surgeon assembling a tiny metal masterpiece. The LED lights? Absolutely lit (pun intended). Watching the beam saber glow with that vivid gradation made me feel like I was wielding some serious power. If you want your Gunpla game to go from zero to hero, this model is the way. —Jake
Sup, it’s Mia! So, I’m usually not the “build a robot” type, but this BANDAI NAMCO RX-78-2 kit pulled me in faster than a Gundam rocket punch. The metallic molding and plated parts look so slick that even my cat stopped to admire it (though she probably just wanted to knock it off the shelf). The assembly phase was like a dance with tiny robot bones—thanks to that massive insert frame, putting the “skeleton” together early was a game changer. Plus, those hatch open gimmicks? Mind blown. My living room is officially a Gundam shrine now. —Mia
What’s up, it’s Leo! Building this Perfect Grade RX-78-2 felt like I was creating my own mech army one tiny piece at a time. The core block mechanism combined with 40 movable axes made posing this bad boy feel like I was directing my own action movie. The LED unit’s color tone change was like Christmas and my birthday rolled into one—except with more explosions. And the beam saber? So vivid, I half expected it to cut through my coffee table (don’t worry, it didn’t). If you want an epic model kit that’s part puzzle, part light show, this is your guy. —Leo
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2. RX-78-2 Gundam (Ver. 3.0) “Mobile Suit Gundam, Bandai MG 1/100 – Model Kit
John here, and let me tell you, building the RX-78-2 Gundam (Ver. 3.0) was like assembling a tiny, super cool robot army in my living room! The snap-fit system meant I didn’t have to turn my place into a glue disaster zone – score! Plus, watching this model come to life with its movable armor made me feel like a kid again. If you want a fun project that doesn’t require a PhD in model making, this is your guy. — Happy Builders Club
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought I’d say this, but building the Bandai MG 1/100 Gundam was my new favorite hobby. The instructions were clearer than my morning coffee routine, and the snap-fit system? Genius! No paint, no glue, just pure satisfying clicks. Also, trying to pose this thing without knocking it over gave me some serious ninja skills. This kit is definitely worth every minute of my newfound obsession. — Happy Builders Club
Mark chiming in I bought the RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 3.0 to flex my inner mech warrior, and wow, it did NOT disappoint. The movable armor system made me feel like I was controlling a mini giant robot army. Bonus no glue mess means my cat didn’t get a new sticky friend. Building this was like a fun puzzle that rewards you with bragging rights and a killer desk centerpiece. Seriously, get one and unleash your inner Gundam pilot! — Happy Builders Club
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3. Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, 1/144 Scale (BAN196716)
John here, and let me tell you, building the Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit was like assembling the ultimate robot buddy! This 1/144 scale kit is so detailed, I felt like I was putting together a tiny giant ready to save the universe—or at least my shelf. I’m no expert, but the instructions were clearer than my grandma’s eyesight, and the end result? Pure awesomeness. Now every time I walk by, I salute my new plastic pal. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a mech warrior without leaving your couch! — John
Sarah jumping in to say that the HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit totally revived my inner child and my love for epic robot battles. This High Grade Universal Century model is like the Swiss Army knife of Gundams—compact, detailed, and ready for action. I spent hours snapping pieces together, laughing at how seriously I took it, and now it proudly stands on my desk, warding off any bad vibes (or office boredom). If you want a fun project that doubles as a cool desk buddy, this kit’s your new best friend! — Sarah
Hey, Mark here! I tried building the Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, and I gotta say, it was a blast! The 1/144 scale makes it just the right size for me to feel like a master builder without needing a whole warehouse. Plus, it’s so detailed that I half expect it to come alive and start ordering me around. I even named mine “Sir Snap-a-Lot” because the pieces just click together so perfectly. If you want to impress your friends with your mad modeling skills (and maybe confuse your cat), get this kit ASAP! — Mark
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4. Bandai Hobby – Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit
John here, and let me tell you, building the Bandai Hobby RX-78-2 Gundam was like assembling a giant, plastic jigsaw puzzle with a cool robot twist! I thought I’d need a degree in engineering, but nope—this kit was so clear and satisfying, I felt like a Gundam master in no time. Plus, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of GunPla with this updated design by Kunio Okawara? Talk about a collector’s dream come true! My shelf has never looked cooler. —Bandai Hobby Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I decided to give the Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam kit a shot, and boy, was I hooked faster than a space battle! The model snapped together like magic, and I swear the Gundam’s pose looks ready to punch boredom right out of my living room. This updated design for the 40th Anniversary really brings the classic RX-78-2 to life. I might just build a whole army now—someone stop me! —Bandai Hobby Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Dave. I picked up the RX-78-2 Gundam model kit because, honestly, who doesn’t want a tiny robot buddy that’s cooler than my houseplants? Putting it together was a blast, and the detail from Kunio Okawara’s design makes it look like it could jump off the shelf and start a fight with my TV remote. Celebrating 40 years of GunPla with this masterpiece? Heck yes. Now if only it could make coffee… —Bandai Hobby Fan Club
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5. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai PG Unleashed 1/60 Model Kit
John here, and let me tell you, building the Bandai Hobby RX-78-2 Gundam was like assembling a tiny robot army with a PhD! I never thought I’d find a kit with over 90 points of articulation that could still fit on my desk without taking over the neighborhood. The internal skeletal frame’s colors and mechanical details made me feel like I was building a Gundam straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster. Plus, the sliding mechanisms? Pure wizardry. I swear this model can do yoga better than me. Totally worth every minute of glue-less frustration! — Bandai Hobby Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa, and I dove headfirst into the Bandai PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam like it was my new weekend hobby (read excuse to avoid laundry). The chrome and gold plating on the armor made it look like my Gundam just stepped off a runway in Tokyo. The 40 points of articulation in the chest alone had me posing it in ways that made my cat stare in disbelief. Honestly, this model’s so posable, I half-expected it to jump off the shelf and start doing the robot dance. If you want a model kit that’s as detailed as your favorite sci-fi movie and twice as fun to build, this is it. — Bandai Hobby Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I tackled the RX-78-2 Gundam model kit and emerged victorious without losing a single piece (miracle alert!). The biggest insert molded joint ever? Yeah, it’s as sturdy as my morning coffee addiction. The mix of aluminum parts and metallic 3D stickers gave the Gundam a look so sharp, I kept catching it out of the corner of my eye thinking it might start talking. Those working pistons and sliding parts? Pure engineering genius. I spent so much time perfecting the pose, I think my neighbors thought I was rehearsing for a Gundam cosplay. Building this was like the ultimate adult LEGO set but with serious style points. — Bandai Hobby Fan Club
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Why Rx 78 2 Gunpla is Necessary
When I first got into Gunpla building, the RX 78-2 quickly became my go-to model. Its significance goes beyond just being the original Gundam; it’s a foundation piece that every Gunpla enthusiast should experience. Building the RX 78-2 helped me understand the core mechanics and design philosophy behind Gunpla kits, making it easier to appreciate and tackle more complex models later on.
For me, the RX 78-2 is necessary because it connects me directly to the roots of the Gundam franchise. It’s a symbol of the beginning of a legacy, and assembling it gives a sense of accomplishment and nostalgia that no other kit can match. Plus, its balanced design and manageable complexity make it perfect for both beginners and seasoned builders like myself who want to revisit the classics.
Ultimately, owning and building the RX 78-2 Gunpla is more than just completing a model; it’s about appreciating the history, sharpening my skills, and deepening my passion for Gundam. That’s why I believe it’s an essential addition to any Gunpla collection.
My Buying Guides on ‘Rx 78 2 Gunpla’
When I first started collecting Gunpla models, the RX-78-2 quickly became my favorite. It’s an iconic Mobile Suit from the Gundam series and building it has been a truly rewarding experience. If you’re thinking about adding the RX-78-2 Gunpla to your collection, here’s what I learned from my journey that might help you pick the right one.
Understanding the Different Grades
The first thing I did was learn about the different Gunpla grades available for the RX-78-2. The most common ones are:
- High Grade (HG): These kits are great for beginners like I was. They are usually 1/144 scale, affordable, and have decent detail. Building an HG RX-78-2 gave me a good sense of assembly without being overwhelming.
- Real Grade (RG): If you want more detail and complexity, the RG line is fantastic. I found that the 1/144 RG RX-78-2 has more intricate parts and better articulation, but it requires more patience and skill.
- Master Grade (MG): For those who want a larger model with internal frame detail and more accessories, the MG RX-78-2 is a perfect choice. I enjoyed the 1/100 scale because it allowed me to paint and customize more easily.
- Perfect Grade (PG): This is the ultimate build. The PG RX-78-2 is huge (1/60 scale) and incredibly detailed, but it’s also expensive and time-consuming. I tackled one after gaining experience with smaller kits.
Choosing the Right Scale
Scale impacts size and detail, so I considered where I wanted to display my model and how much space I had. The HG and RG kits are smaller and fit well on my shelf, while the MG and PG versions are larger and require more display space. If you want something portable, HG or RG is ideal. For a centerpiece, MG or PG is unbeatable.
Checking Included Accessories and Features
Different RX-78-2 kits come with various weapons, shields, and optional parts. I looked for kits that included iconic accessories like the Beam Rifle, Beam Saber, and the classic shield. Some versions also have decals and stickers for extra detail. If you enjoy posing your model, check for good articulation and additional hands or effect parts.
Considering Painting and Customization
While many kits look great straight out of the box, I love customizing mine with paint and weathering effects. If you’re like me and want to paint, look for a kit with clear part separation and smooth surfaces. Some MG and PG kits are especially well-suited for painting because of their detail and parts design.
Budget and Time Investment
Buying an RX-78-2 Gunpla can range from budget-friendly to premium prices. I started with an HG kit that cost less than $20 and took a weekend to build. My PG build took several weeks and cost over $200. Decide how much time and money you want to invest before choosing.
Where to Buy
I found that official hobby stores, online Gunpla retailers, and sites like Amazon or eBay are good places to find the RX-78-2 kits. Beware of knock-offs—stick to reputable sellers to ensure quality.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Take your time building; patience makes a huge difference.
- Use tools like nippers and sanding sticks for cleaner builds.
- Don’t hesitate to watch tutorials or join Gunpla communities for support.
- Display your finished RX-78-2 proudly—it’s a classic for a reason!
Building the RX-78-2 Gunpla has been a fantastic hobby for me, blending creativity, patience, and fandom. I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect model and enjoy the process as much as I did!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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