BANDAI SPIRITS
STORY

Our desire to deliver the pinnacle of Gunpla to mark 45 years

Since the launch of Gunpla in 1980, we have tackled a variety of new techniques, including multicolor molding, insert molding, and snap-fit designs. In 1998, we launched PG (Perfect Grade), a premier brand that incorporates these techniques. In 2020, which marked 40 years of Gunpla, we launched PG Unleashed, an innovative brand that did away with all sorts of conventions and limitations, allowing us to reach even greater heights. This resulted in the development of PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam (PGU RX-78-2 Gundam). A culmination of cutting-edge technology, the finished product drew a massive response, with many going as far as to suggest it may be the pinnacle of Gunpla.

As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of this series in 2025, we aim to deliver the best Gunpla product in history. Following on from the PGU RX-78-2 Gundam, we selected Amuro Ray's trusty νGundam, the last mobile suit he rode. We decided we wanted to make a PG Unleashed product out of a mobile suit that is popular among fans.

Designing the internal structure as a faithful recreation while exploring what Gundam would look like in real life

The concept behind PGU νGundam is to offer a real-life Gundam experience. The design and model were selected with the aim of faithfully recreating the Gundam universe while simultaneously exploring what Gundam would look like in real life. This time, we are particularly focused on the internal structure.

If we look at the memorable internal structure depicted in the series and imagine what a real-world Gundam might look like, we can conclude that the interior of the mobile suit would likely be equipped with numerous components involved in the power systems that drive it. A key reason we focused on the internal structure was that we wanted to create a product that offers fans the fun and excitement of assembling a real-life Gundam. We filled the interior with details by taking a sci-fi approach, imagining what kinds of mechanisms might exist based on the worldbuilding of the series.

Intricate, multilayered frames of fascinating complexity

One of the things that makes PGU νGundam truly spectacular is the assembly process. Fans will be able to enjoy its intricate, multi-layered build, including the skeletal main frame, robust structural frame, and outer armor. With its many parts, it may take a long time to assemble, but this makes it all the more worthwhile to put together.

Standing over 370 mm tall at a scale of just 1:60, the model's large size is what allowed us to put so much effort into the details. We treated the parts not as Gunpla parts but as parts of a real-life Gundam, and as a result, even some of the parts that cannot be seen from the outside were designed and crafted in fine detail.

The drive mechanisms were enhanced to enable a natural kneeling pose despite structural challenges, while the multi-colored inner frame adds realism. Detailed upgrades like these, made possible by years of expertise and technical advancement, can be seen throughout the design.

Fun that continues even after assembly

In addition to the expertise and technical capabilities we have cultivated over the years, we also incorporate customer feedback into our products. For example, the etched stickers featured on the PGU RX-78-2 Gundam were well-received, so we selected and applied them with greater attention to detail.
In addition, through trial and error, we developed a new hand structure by separating the once-static fingers and palms, expanding the range of possible poses.

Featuring a hatch-opening mechanism, a flexible body that enables a wide range of poses, and an optional light-up mechanism, the PG Unleashed νGundam is a plastic model that is not only fun to assemble but also fun to play with.

Striking an optimal balance between consistency with the source material and physical weight

In the process of developing a product with the goal of creating a real-life Gundam, we sometimes encounter unexpected obstacles. Doubling the height of a three-dimensional structure is said to increase the weight eightfold, calculated as two to the power of three. As this illustrates, the structural load varies depending on the size. In other words, even if your goal is to create something close to an actual Gundam, physical limitations can make it difficult.

The funnels were especially difficult this time. These funnels can not only separate into six individual units, each capable of transforming, but they can also be combined to form a single wing-like shape. When it came to connecting the funnels together, which was the biggest challenge, we spent more than a year figuring out the best way to secure them in place, making adjustments and conducting tests along the way.

All of this trial and error resulted in a product that we could be proud of. We look forward to hearing the thoughts of all of the Gunpla fans out there.

For all customers, from casual users to dedicated fans

Gundam has been propped up by a wide range of people, from fans who have supported the series since the anime was first released, to those who have recently come to like it. Gunpla is one of the ways that fans can enjoy the Gundam universe, and we intend to continue developing products that satisfy a wide range of customers.

For example, we sell kits for children who are discovering plastic models for the first time, as well as develop products for fans overseas. Our goal going forward is to cater to diverse customer needs, such as by offering high-quality products like this PGU νGundam that are tailored for long-time, dedicated fans of the series and Gunpla. To this end, we would like to keep an open mind.