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πŸ€– Model Kit Bandai PG 1/60 RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Model Kit Click to enlarge
Bandai 4.8 / 5 Bootleg risk: Low

Bandai PG 1/60 RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Model Kit

The PG Unicorn Gundam is widely regarded as one of Bandai's crowning achievements in the Gunpla lineup, delivering an unmatched combination of scale, engineering, and fan-service transformation gimmick.

Our verdict

The PG Unicorn Gundam is widely regarded as one of Bandai's crowning achievements in the Gunpla lineup, delivering an unmatched combination of scale, engineering, and fan-service transformation gimmick. It demands patience, space, and budget, but rewards builders with a jaw-dropping display piece that captures the essence of the anime perfectly.

πŸ“The full review

The Bandai Perfect Grade Unicorn Gundam model kit stands as one of the most celebrated releases in the RX-0 lineup, delivering the iconic mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam UC at an impressive 1/60 scale. This kit is renowned for its psycho-frame gimmick, allowing builders to transform the suit from its Unicorn Mode into the imposing Destroy Mode, complete with an internal frame that lights up thanks to the innovative use of light-catching prisms embedded throughout the clear parts. The armor panels split open to reveal glowing pink accents along the psycho-frame, faithfully recreating the anime's dramatic transformation sequences without requiring any additional LED units, since the kit is engineered to catch ambient light and channel it through the internal structure.

Construction involves an extensive multi-material approach, combining various colors of ABS and PS plastic to achieve accurate color separation with minimal need for painting, though experienced builders often still add panel lining and topcoat for a more refined finish. The kit includes an incredibly detailed inner frame skeleton that mirrors real hobby engineering, with ball-jointed limbs and multi-axis articulation in the shoulders, hips, and neck, enabling dynamic posing reminiscent of key scenes from the source material. Bandai also included a beam saber, a beam magnum rifle, a shield, and armed armor components, all rendered in scale-appropriate detail, alongside a display stand that supports the model in both its modes and various action poses, making it a centerpiece for any Gundam display shelf.

Aimed at seasoned collectors and hobbyists within the anime and geek merch community, this Perfect Grade release exemplifies Bandai's flagship engineering, often regarded as a pinnacle achievement in gunpla design due to its combination of size, articulation, and light-up features. The box itself is substantial, reflecting the scale and complexity within, and the instruction manual guides builders through a rewarding, multi-hour assembly process that appeals to both display-focused collectors and those who enjoy the tactile satisfaction of engineering-grade model construction. As a piece of Gundam UC memorabilia, the PG Unicorn Gundam remains a sought-after grail kit for fans wanting to own a meticulously detailed, screen-accurate rendition of one of the franchise's most beloved mobile suits.

✦Key features

  • Perfect Grade 1/60 scale, roughly 26cm tall assembled
  • Mechanical inner frame with full psycho-frame light-up gimmick
  • Auto-transform mechanism from Unicorn to Destroy Mode via lever action
  • LED unit compatible (LED unit sold separately in most releases)
  • Detailed armor panels with realistic beam saber and gatling gun accessories
  • Extensive marking/waterslide decal sheet for authentic Gundam Universal Century detailing

βš–οΈPros & cons

+What works

  • Iconic transformation gimmick feels smooth and satisfying
  • Incredible detail level rivaling smaller MG kits at larger scale
  • Inner frame articulation allows dynamic action poses
  • High-quality ABS/PS plastic with minimal need for painting
  • Great display centerpiece for any Gundam collection

What doesn't

  • Expensive compared to HG or MG grade kits
  • LED unit often sold separately, adding to total cost
  • Time-consuming build, not ideal for beginners
  • Large footprint requires significant display shelf space
  • Small polycap joints can wear loosely over time

πŸ“‹Specifications

Scale1/60
Assembled Height~26 cm
MaterialABS, PS plastic, PVC
Number of RunnersOver 40 sprues
Release GradePerfect Grade (PG)

πŸ“ŠScore breakdown

Five weighted pillars β€” see the rubric. They weight out to exactly 4.8.

SculptWeighted at 30% of the final score. 4.9
Paint & QCWeighted at 25% of the final score. 4.7
ArticulationWeighted at 15% of the final score. 4.9
PackagingWeighted at 10% of the final score. 4.4
ValueWeighted at 20% of the final score. 4.9

πŸ’¬What owners say

GunplaMaster872023-11-14 Verified

Best kit I've ever built

The transformation from Unicorn to Destroy mode is pure magic. Every panel line and gimmick feels premium. Took me two weekends but worth every minute.

MechaCollectorJane2024-01-22 Verified

Stunning but pricey

Absolutely gorgeous kit with insane detail, but the LED unit being sold separately stings a bit. Still, display quality is unmatched.

RickTheBuilder2023-08-30 Verified

Centerpiece of my collection

This is the Gunpla equivalent of a luxury car. The psycho-frame details under the armor are insane. Highly recommend for experienced builders.

AnimeAtticReviews2024-03-05 Verified

Great kit, watch the small parts

Some of the polycap joints felt a little loose after repeated posing, but overall the engineering is phenomenal. A must-have for UC fans.

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