The final word on "WHICH MG RX-78-2 SHOULD I GET"

This question pops up a lot. Every gunpla builder has probably asked this at least once. Let's answer this dilemma once and for all. And maybe people can just share this post, instead of wasting time repeating themselves over and over again.

Okay, so how many of them are there?

Counting the normal releases that can be easily found in hobby stores or online, there have been seven so far. They are, in order of release:

The list links to the information page for each kit on dalong.net. (It's a fantastic resource.) The earlier kits--1.0, 1.5, and Ver. Ka--have several shortcomings, and newer builders may find them significantly less satisfying to build. (Expert builders may enjoy the extra challenge, but they've probably already build one of the better ones.) For this reason, this article will focus on kits released in 2005 or later. These kits are guaranteed to look good with minimal work beyond assembly. Their builds are similarly complex with comparable levels of detail and articulation. (It's easy to see where the confusion begins.)

MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. OYW (Amazon link)

As the cheapest kit in this comparison (3200 JPY), this is the simplest build, although it's interesting in its own way. The legs use a multi-injection frame, similar to RG frames and some PG joints. Tiny moving parts in the leg frame facilitate the open-hatch gimmick and joint pistons. The rest of the body features a full skeleton, with lots of sculpted mechanical detail. (The Ver. 1.5 uses the same leg frame as the Ver. OYW, but its upper body does not feature a skeleton and is much less articulated.) The Ver. OYW includes all the correct weapons, but they're only cast in one color, so some masking is required to paint them in the correct colors.

In general, buy this kit if you like:

  • Chunky proportions
  • Heavy surface details
  • Open-hatch gimmicks
Avoid this kit if you don't like:
  • Missing core fighter
  • Single-color bazooka

MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 (Amazon link)

This kit costs 4200 JPY and improves upon the Ver. OYW with even more mechanical detail in its skeleton, which goes from head to toe. Every body part includes at least one moving mechanism, like pistons or sliding parts. The hands feature articulation at the knuckles(a la MG Dom, 1999). The included core fighter comes with its own display stand. And all of its weapons are cast in the correct colors. The Ver. 2.0 is also the only version compatible with the MG G-Fighter without any modification.

In general, buy this kit if you like:

  • Anime aesthetics
  • Fine mechanical detail
  • Matches with other One-Year War MGs
Avoide this kit if you don't like:
  • Lack of surface detail
  • Flimsy waist construction

MG RX-78-3 Gundam Ver. 3.0 (Amazon link)

This kit costs 4500 JPY and offers even finer parts separation over the Ver. 2.0 to achieve the "Real Grade" look. The skeleton retains roughly the same number of moving mechanisms as the Ver. 2.0, but is much less detailed in its sculpt (it's not really display-worthy on its own, even fully painted). The Ver. 3.0 skeleton does improve upon waist rigidity without sacrificing articulation by including an optional core block to use in place of a core fighter. (The core fighter itself is identical between Ver. 2.0 and 3.0.) It also features multi-injection "Emotive Manipulators", which--while dynamic--are quite fragile. The chest features a cavity for a Bandai LED unit to light up the eyes, but no LED is included. Also missing is the Gundam hammer accessory. (All of these, along with the beam javelin, can be had with an web-exclusive accessory pack.)

In general, buy this kit if you like:

  • Slender proportions
  • "Real Grade" aesthetics
  • Light-up eyes (at additional cost)
Avoid this kit if you don't like:
  • Missing accessories
  • Flimsy hands and armor

MG RX-78-02 Gundam The Origin (Amazon link)

This kit also costs 4500 JPY. Its skeleton resuses the arms from the Ver. 2.0, while the rest of the body is unique. Although flexible and loaded with moving mechanisms, the is not very detailed. Specific gimmicks include hidden chest gatling, hidden calf thrusters, and "Emotive Manipulator" from the Ver. 3.0. Like the Ver. OYW, this kit also excludes the core fighter for the sake of strength and flexibility in the waist. But in lieu of a core fighter, this kit includes extra weapons and colored effect parts. The head can light up as well, but no LED is included in the standard release. (The special edition includes yellow and pink LED units, along with an optional yellow V-fin and RX-78-02 schematic diagram.) An additional ellow eye piece is included to substitute the clear piece for display without LEDs.

In general, buy this kit if you like:

  • Chunky proportions
  • Strong articulation (especially ankles)
  • Light-up eyes (at additional cost)
Avoid this kit if you don't like:
  • Missing core fighter
  • Flimsy hands

Based on what looks the best and what's most important to you, this short comparison should help you narrow down on which kit to purchase. In any case, let me point out that you probably won't regret getting more than one version of the MG RX-78-2. Despite their similarities, each build is different enough to create a unique experience. Each kit is also designed to a different aesthetic with multiple (more expensive) color variations, so a shelf full of MG RX-78-2's doesn't need to look monotonous.

If you found this article helpful, please consider making your purchase through one of the Amazon links above. I will earn a small commission from the sale that will help me make more useful content like this. I personally own all of the kits examined here, and I plan on updating this list with video reviews once I complete them in the future.

Thank you for reading!

- Citrus

Reference photos courtesy of Bandai and dalong.net.
Support me by shopping with my Amazon Affiliate link.

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