You remember that feeling when you first cracked open a Master Grade box back in the day? That smell of fresh polystyrene and the sheer intimidation of all those runners? Well, the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam basically took that nostalgia, multiplied it by ten, and then fixed every single annoying thing about the hobby.
It's huge.
Seriously, it’s a beast. When Bandai announced this thing for the Gunpla 40th Anniversary back in late 2020, they weren't just making another Perfect Grade. They were trying to prove a point. They called it "Unleashed" because they essentially threw out the old manual on how to design a 1/60 scale kit. No more spending six hours just building a foot.
Honestly, the way it comes together is kinda magical.
Most high-end models start with a skeleton, right? But the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam uses what Bandai calls a "Gunpla Evolution Link System." It’s basically a five-phase build process that mirrors how a real machine would be constructed. You aren't just snapping plastic; you’re an engineer. You start with the internal frame, then move to the functional bits like hydraulics and chrome cylinders, and finally, you slap on the armor. It’s the most logical build I’ve ever experienced.
The Internal Frame Isn't Just for Show
Usually, you build a frame and then cover it up forever. It’s a bit of a tragedy. With the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam, the frame itself is a masterpiece. It’s got these pre-molded "Insert Frame" parts that look like they came out of a Real Grade, but they’re massive. They provide the core stability that previous PGs honestly lacked.
I remember the original 1998 Perfect Grade RX-78. It was revolutionary for its time, but let’s be real—it was a floppy mess if you didn't tighten those screws perfectly.
The Unleashed version? Solid as a rock.
It uses a mix of materials that makes it feel premium. You’ve got your standard PS plastic, but then they toss in some KPS for the joints so they don't wear out. Then there are the chrome-plated parts. And the etched metal stickers. And the actual metal 3D metallic stickers. It sounds like a lot of gimmicks, but once you see the light catch those "metal" parts through the gaps in the armor, you get it.
✨ Don't miss: Deep Wave Short Hair Styles: Why Your Texture Might Be Failing You
The articulation is just stupidly good.
You can get this thing into a kneeling pose that looks natural, not like it’s having a mechanical failure. The way the armor plates slide past each other—Bandai calls this "multi-layer structure"—is peak engineering. When you bend the knee, different segments of the thigh armor shift at different rates. It’s a tiny detail that makes a massive difference in how "real" the robot feels.
That LED System Is Actually Good (For Once)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Bandai’s history with LEDs. Usually, it’s a nightmare of tiny wires and $30 expansion packs that feel like a ripoff.
The PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam handles it differently.
It comes with a new RGB LED unit. It’s a single housing that fits into the chest and lights up both the eyes and the chest vents. You can cycle through different colors. It even has a "startup" sequence that flickers like a real engine turning on. Is it perfect? No. The battery life on those CR2032s is still kinda meh, but compared to the old "buy a separate LED kit for every limb" era, it’s a godsend.
There's also a separate LED unit for the beam saber. It’s a bit of a trick to get it into the hand correctly, but once you do, the saber blade actually glows. It’s bright enough to be seen in a well-lit room, which is a rare feat for these kits.
Why the "Hatch Open" Gimmick Matters
One of the biggest selling points is the "hatch open" mode. This isn't just about a few doors opening on the chest. Almost every single piece of outer armor can flip up or slide back to reveal the internal guts.
It looks like a maintenance bay scene from the anime.
🔗 Read more: December 12 Birthdays: What the Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp Really Means for Success
If you’re a painter, this is your playground. You can detail the inner frame with different shades of gunmetal and silver, and then leave the hatches open to show off the work. Even if you’re a "straight builder" who just snaps things together, the sheer density of detail under the skin is impressive. It makes the $250-plus price tag feel a bit more justified.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Build Time
There's this myth that because it’s a Perfect Grade, it’ll take you a month to finish.
Not this one.
Because of the way Bandai organized the runners, the PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam is surprisingly fast to assemble. They grouped the parts logically. You aren't hunting through 30 different runners to find one tiny piece for the head. Most experienced builders can knock out the main body in a long weekend.
Is that a bad thing? Some people think so. They want the "struggle." But honestly, the lack of frustration is a feature, not a bug. The gates (where the plastic meets the runner) are mostly thin and well-placed, meaning you spend less time sanding and more time actually seeing progress.
It’s the "Greatest Hits" of Gunpla technology.
- Phase 1: The fastest frame build in PG history.
- Phase 2: Adding the "functional" mechanical details.
- Phase 3: The internal truss frame (looks like a skyscraper).
- Phase 4: The external armor.
- Phase 5: The final etching and stickers.
It’s a rhythm. You never get bored because the build style changes every few hours.
The Competition: Unleashed vs. Everything Else
If you’re looking at your shelf and wondering if you should get this or the PG Phenex or the older PG Seven Sword, the Unleashed wins 9 times out of 10. The only reason to pick an older PG is if you specifically love that mobile suit design. From a pure engineering standpoint, the RX-78-2 Unleashed is in a different league.
💡 You might also like: Dave's Hot Chicken Waco: Why Everyone is Obsessing Over This Specific Spot
The PG Exia is great, but it’s finicky with those GN cables. The PG Unicorn is a literal brick once it's built—don't even think about posing it.
The Unleashed is the first time a 1/60 scale kit felt as playable and durable as a modern Master Grade.
Practical Tips for Your Build
If you’ve finally pulled the trigger and bought one, don't just dive in blindly.
First, get a good pair of single-blade nippers. GodHand SPN-120s are the gold standard, but a pair of DSPIAE ST-A 3.0s will do the trick too. This kit has a lot of "under-gating," but the parts that aren't under-gated need a clean cut to keep that "Unleashed" look pristine.
Second, be careful with the metal etched stickers. They are very thin and have a death-grip adhesive. Once they touch the plastic, they’re staying there. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and maybe a toothpick to nudge them into place.
Third, don't over-tighten the screws in the LED housing. It’s plastic. You will strip it.
The PG Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam basically represents the peak of Bandai’s hobby division. It’s the kit that proved you could have incredible detail without making the assembly a chore. It’s expensive, yeah. It takes up a lot of room. But in terms of the "satisfaction-to-frustration" ratio, it’s basically unbeatable in the world of plastic models.
If you're sitting on the fence because of the price, just remember that this kit usually holds its value. Even used or "built" versions sell for a decent chunk on the secondary market. But honestly, once you finish it and see it standing on your desk, you probably won't want to let it go.
Next Steps for Your Build:
- Check Your Batch: Earlier production runs had very slight issues with the LED contact points. If your lights flicker, gently bend the metal tabs in the battery compartment for a tighter fit.
- Skip the Waterslides? The kit comes with high-quality stickers, but for a "Perfect" finish, look into third-party holographic waterslides from brands like G-Rework or SIMP Models. They take the kit from "great toy" to "museum piece."
- Lighting Setup: Since the internal LED has an auto-shutoff to save battery, consider positioning a small dedicated display spotlight (like those cheap USB puck lights) to highlight the metallic 3D stickers even when the internal LED is off.