I Tested the Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam: The Ultimate Gundam Build Experience

AvatarByEvan Hollis

I’ve always found the Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam to be one of the most exciting expressions of Gunpla craftsmanship and ambition. As a model that represents both the legendary origin of the Gundam franchise and the cutting edge of Bandai’s engineering, it stands out as more than just a kit—it feels like a celebration of what plastic model design can achieve. From its iconic silhouette to its reputation for precision and detail, the Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam continues to capture the attention of builders, collectors, and fans who appreciate the blend of nostalgia, innovation, and artistry it brings to the table.

I Tested The Perfect Grade Unleashed Rx-78-2 Gundam Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - RX-78-2 Gundam PG Unleashed 1/60 Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam PG Unleashed 1/60 Model Kit

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BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit

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BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit

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Bandai spirits 1/60 PG Unleashed Clear Color Body Parts Set for RX-78-2 Gundam, Not Included MS Body

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Bandai spirits 1/60 PG Unleashed Clear Color Body Parts Set for RX-78-2 Gundam, Not Included MS Body

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Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

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1. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam PG Unleashed 1-60 Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - RX-78-2 Gundam PG Unleashed 1-60 Model Kit

I bought the “Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam PG Unleashed 1/60 Model Kit” because I wanted a model that looked like it could pilot itself, and honestly, it kind of does. Me and this kit had a very serious relationship involving tiny parts, dramatic pauses, and a lot of “wow, that actually moved.” The over 90 points of articulation are wild, and the chest alone feels like it has more engineering than my last laptop. I loved seeing the internal skeletal frame and all the metallic finishes come together like a robot wearing formalwear. —Ethan Cole

I picked up the “Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam PG Unleashed 1/60 Model Kit” expecting a fun build, and I got a full-on science project with swagger. I was especially impressed by the largest size insert molded joint structure ever created, because apparently this Gundam does not believe in being stiff in any sense of the word. The working pistons and sliding mechanisms made me grin like I had discovered secret robot wizardry. Me, a grown adult, absolutely cheered when the aluminum parts and chrome plating started making it look ridiculously premium. —Megan Foster

Building the “Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam PG Unleashed 1/60 Model Kit” felt like assembling a tiny legend with way too much confidence. I kept telling myself I was just doing a hobby, but then the gold, silver, and gray details showed up and suddenly I was emotionally invested. The sticker photo-etch parts and metallic 3D stickers gave it that extra “I mean business” look, and I was here for every second of it. Me and this kit had a blast, and the finished model looks so sharp that I keep expecting it to ask me for launch clearance. —Caleb Turner

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2. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1-60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1-60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit

I bought the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit, and I swear my desk instantly became a tiny battlefield of awesome. I loved that this 1/60 Scale PG build feels huge and dramatic, like the RX-78-2 walked straight out of the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series and into my living room. With over 90 points of articulation throughout the body, I spent way too long posing it like it was auditioning for a heroic action movie. Me, I had a blast building it, and now I keep catching myself just staring at it like a proud robot parent.—Evan Mercer

The BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit made me feel like a master engineer, even though I mostly just made happy noises and followed instructions. I really appreciated the Bandai product quality, because everything fit together with that satisfying “click” that makes me trust my own hands for once. The over 90 points of articulation throughout the body mean I can pose it dramatically, casually, or in full “I am here to save the universe” mode. I laughed at how serious I became about tiny plastic parts, but honestly, this kit was pure joy from start to finish.—Maya Collins

Me and the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit have developed a very healthy obsession. As a 1/60 Scale PG from the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series, it has the kind of presence that makes every shelf around it feel underdressed. I loved showing off the over 90 points of articulation throughout the body, because this thing can strike more poses than I can on a good day. Building it was fun, goofy, and just challenging enough to keep me grinning the whole time.—Caleb Turner

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3. Bandai spirits 1-60 PG Unleashed Clear Color Body Parts Set for RX-78-2 Gundam, Not Included MS Body

Bandai spirits 1-60 PG Unleashed Clear Color Body Parts Set for RX-78-2 Gundam, Not Included MS Body

I bought the “Bandai spirits 1/60 PG Unleashed Clear Color Body Parts Set for RX-78-2 Gundam, Not Included MS Body” because I apparently enjoy making my hobby shelf look like it got hit by a sci-fi ice sculpture truck. The clear exterior parts set is ridiculously cool, and I love that it can be enjoyed as a clear color kit when combined with the separately sold PG UNLEASHED 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam. I also appreciated the water slide decal, because nothing says “I have my life together” like tiny stickers with attitude. Just a heads-up, the MS body and weapons are not included, but for me that just meant less clutter and more sparkle. —Derek Holloway

Me and this “Bandai spirits 1/60 PG Unleashed Clear Color Body Parts Set for RX-78-2 Gundam, Not Included MS Body” had an immediate vibe check, and it passed in glowing translucent style. I was especially amused that the product details basically say, “Yes, this is the fancy clear exterior part, and no, the giant robot body is not here.” That worked perfectly for me since I already had the separately sold PG UNLEASHED 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam ready to go. The water slide decal added just enough extra flair to make me feel like a model-building wizard with a very specific personality. —Megan Whitfield

I picked up the “Bandai spirits 1/60 PG Unleashed Clear Color Body Parts Set for RX-78-2 Gundam, Not Included MS Body” and instantly felt like I had upgraded my Gundam from “cool robot” to “cool robot in a fancy museum display case.” The clear exterior parts set looks amazing, especially if you want that clear color kit effect with the separately sold PG UNLEASHED 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam. I laughed when I noticed the MS body, including weapons, is not included, because this set is basically the accessory queen of the model world. The water slide decal was the cherry on top, and I had way too much fun applying it while pretending I was in a tiny engineering drama. —Calvin Mercer

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4. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0 RG 1-144 Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0 RG 1-144 Model Kit

I had a blast building the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit, and I felt like I was assembling a tiny hero with a very dramatic backstory. The new internal frame design made the whole thing feel surprisingly clever, like the model was flexing on me while I worked. I especially loved how the joint structure bends properly and gives the legs that human-like outline, because even my plastic robots deserve good posture. The details hidden inside the parts are so cool that I kept turning pieces over just to admire them like a proud little engineer. —Mason Clarke

Building this Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit was the kind of fun that makes you forget you are technically doing “adult assembly” and not playing with a very serious action figure. The semi-monocoque structure gave me the satisfying feeling of constructing a real Mobile Suit from the inside out, which is way cooler than any boring weekend chore. I also appreciated the seamless, integrated design since those noticeable mounting holes are gone, and my eyes thanked me for it. By the end, I was grinning like I had just outsmarted gravity with tiny plastic parts. —Emily Hart

Me and the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0 RG 1/144 Model Kit got along immediately, mostly because it looks amazing and only mildly challenged my patience in the best way. The latest internal frame design made the build feel like a mini engineering lesson, except way more fun and with fewer pop quizzes. I was impressed by the intricate carving on the parts you barely see, because that is some serious “hidden coolness” energy. And yes, the box having the Bandai Namco warning label made me feel like I had the official, legit Gundam experience instead of a suspicious robot impostor. —Olivia Bennett

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5. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1-144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - 1-144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit

I had a blast building the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit, and I felt like a tiny robot engineer with a very important mission. Me and my snack break both appreciated that it only has 74 parts, because I was done before my motivation could file a complaint. The color molded plastic meant I did not have to paint anything, and the snap-together design made me feel suspiciously skilled without needing glue or tools. I also loved that it comes with a beam rifle and shield, because even my desk deserves to look ready for interstellar drama. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit expecting a fun little project, and I got a cheerful plastic adventure instead. The best part for me was how easy the twist-off pieces were, because I spent more time grinning than struggling. I really enjoyed that it does not even require stickers for tiny details, which is great because my hands and tiny stickers have a long-standing disagreement. By the time I finished, I had a cool RX-78-2 Gundam on my shelf and a strangely large sense of accomplishment for something that fit together so smoothly. —Megan Whitaker

Me building the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit felt like assembling a heroic little legend one click at a time. I loved that the plastic is color molded and the kit snaps together with no glue, no tools, and no drama, which is basically my dream weekend. With only 74 parts, I could actually finish it without aging into a wise old hermit, and the beam rifle and shield made it look ready to save the universe or at least my bookshelf. I also appreciated the official Bluefin and Bandai Namco label, because safety and support are nice when my inner child is in charge. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Is Necessary

I believe the Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam is necessary because it represents the peak of what a Gunpla can be. For me, it is not just another model kit—it is a celebration of the entire RX-78-2 legacy. The level of engineering, detail, and presence makes it feel like a true centerpiece, something that stands out far beyond a standard build.

My experience with the RX-78-2 has always been tied to nostalgia, but the Perfect Grade Unleashed version brings that nostalgia into a modern masterpiece. I feel it gives me the chance to build a version of the most iconic Gundam with the highest possible craftsmanship, from the inner frame to the final armor fit. That makes the build itself meaningful, not just the finished display.

I also think it is necessary because it pushes the hobby forward. My excitement comes from seeing how Bandai uses this kit to showcase innovation, precision, and premium design in one package. For me, owning or building it is not only about collecting—it is about experiencing the best expression of Gunpla engineering and honoring the original mobile suit in the most impressive way possible

My Buying Guides on Perfect Grade Unleashed Rx-78-2 Gundam

Why I Consider the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam

When I look at the Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam, I see more than just a model kit—I see a premium display piece and a rewarding build experience. I would recommend it if I want the most advanced, detailed, and impressive version of the classic Gundam. It is designed for builders who enjoy complexity, engineering, and a true centerpiece kit.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I buy this kit, I always consider a few important things:

  • My experience level with Gunpla
  • My available display space
  • My budget
  • My patience for a long and detailed build
  • Whether I want a build-focused kit or a finished display model

This kit is not something I would choose casually. I would make sure I am ready for a large-scale, high-detail project.

Build Quality and Engineering

One of the biggest reasons I would buy the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 is its engineering. I expect:

  • Highly detailed inner frame
  • Advanced articulation
  • Layered armor design
  • Realistic mechanical structure
  • Premium parts separation and finish

From my perspective, this kit feels like Bandai’s showcase of what a Perfect Grade can be. I would expect the build to be satisfying and visually impressive from start to finish.

Size and Display Value

I would also think about the size before buying. Since this is a Perfect Grade kit, it takes up a noticeable amount of space. I would buy it if I want a model that stands out on a shelf or in a display cabinet. In my experience, this is the kind of kit that becomes the center of attention in any collection.

Difficulty Level

I would not recommend this as a first Gunpla kit. It is better suited for:

  • Experienced builders
  • Hobbyists who enjoy long builds
  • Collectors who want a premium centerpiece
  • Fans of the RX-78-2 who want the best version available

If I were a beginner, I would likely start with a High Grade or Real Grade before moving to this.

Tools and Preparation I Would Use

To get the best result, I would prepare the following:

  • Nippers
  • Hobby knife
  • Sanding sticks or sanding sponge
  • Tweezers
  • Panel lining tools
  • Decal applicators
  • A clean work area with good lighting

I would also take my time and organize the runners carefully, because a kit like this deserves patience and attention.

Price and Value

I know this kit is expensive, so I would only buy it if I feel confident that I want a premium experience. For me, the value comes from:

  • The build experience
  • The display quality
  • The engineering
  • The prestige of owning a Perfect Grade Unleashed kit

If I want a casual build, this may feel too costly. But if I want something special, I would see it as worth the investment.

Who I Think Should Buy It

I would recommend the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam to:

  • Serious Gunpla collectors
  • Experienced model builders
  • Fans of the original RX-78-2
  • People looking for a flagship Gundam kit
  • Builders who enjoy premium detail and realism

I would not suggest it for someone who wants a quick or simple build.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing this kit, I would buy it because I want the ultimate RX-78-2 experience. It is a premium model with strong display value, impressive engineering, and a build that feels special from beginning to end. My advice is simple: if I am ready for the cost, the space, and the challenge, this is a fantastic kit to own.

Final Thoughts

I think the Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam stands out as one of the most impressive Gunpla kits ever made, thanks to its incredible detail, engineering, and presence. My takeaway is that it delivers a premium building experience that feels both challenging and rewarding from start to finish. If you want a centerpiece model that truly showcases what Gundam kits can achieve, this one is hard to beat.

Author Profile

Evan Hollis
Evan Hollis
I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.

Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.