The legendary Gundam franchise continues to expand its vast universe with bold reinterpretations of its most iconic elements. In this exciting context, the long-awaited METAL ROBOT魂 RX-78-02 Gundam figure has been announced, based on its memorable appearance in the Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX series. This coveted collectible, with an initial release scheduled for September 2025 and a price of 19,800 yen (tax included), followed by a second batch in October 2025 due to high demand, captures a crucial narrative moment: the iconic RX-78-02 Gundam after its capture by the infamous Char Aznable, still bearing the original colors of the Earth Federation.
This unique aspect, the "White Gundam" in enemy hands, notably distinguishes it, underscoring a strong dramatic irony that will resonate with fans. As part of the prestigious Metal Robot Spirits line by Bandai Tamashii Nations, renowned for its exceptional quality and attention to detail, this action figure incorporates die-cast metal and advanced articulation, allowing scenes from the series to be recreated with astonishing fidelity. This product is not just another Gundam figure; it represents a decisive moment in an alternate Gundam timeline, offering a collector's piece that materializes this bold and fascinating revision of classic Mobile Suit Gundam history.
The RX-78-02 Gundam in Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
In the intriguing narrative of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, the RX-78-02 Gundam is the same experimental prototype Mobile Suit secretly developed by the Earth Federation as a crucial part of its ambitious "Project V." Originally conceived as one of the Federation's most formidable and advanced military assets, its destiny takes a drastic and unexpected turn when it is captured by the cunning Char Aznable during his daring assault on a key space colony.
Still bearing the Federation's distinctive white, blue, and red colors, this captured "White Gundam" symbolizes the subversion of power and technological vulnerability, as the Federation's main weapon falls into the hands of its most celebrated and feared adversary before any modification or repainting. Although Char Aznable later adapts it to his characteristic red color scheme, transforming it into the fearsome "GMS-α Red Gundam," this specific version of the METAL ROBOT魂 figure immortalizes the crucial moment before this alteration—a true "what if" for Gundam figure collectors.
The Mobile Suit design for GQuuuuuuX, by the renowned Ikuto Yamashita, aims for a representation of Mobile Suits as "advanced heavy machinery," emphasizing their warlike nature. This is reflected in details such as a redesigned head with a Vulcan cannon mechanism that appears to protrude, accentuating its nature as a fearsome tool of war.
A standout feature of its engineering is the innovative "Core Block System," which allows the cockpit to operate independently as an escape and data recovery module, offering unprecedented tactical flexibility on the battlefield. This METAL ROBOT魂 RX-78-02 Gundam figure captures all these details with astonishing precision, making it a must-have for any serious collector of Gundam figures and the Mobile Suit universe.
Sources:
- METAL ROBOT魂 <SIDE MS> 白いガンダム【2次:2025年10月発送分】 | Premium Bandai. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://p-bandai.jp/item/item-1000228463/
- METAL ROBOT魂 <SIDE MS> 白いガンダム【2次:2025年10月発送分】 | Tamashii Web. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://tamashiiweb.com/item/15379/
- METAL ROBOT SPIRITS (SIDE MS) RX-78-02 White Gundam - Release Info | Gundam Kits Collection. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://www.gundamkitscollection.com/2025/02/metal-robot-spirits-side-ms-rx-78-02.html
- 【2次受注】TAMASHII NATIONS METAL ROBOT魂 機動戦士Gundam GQuuuuuuX GQuuuuuuX 約155mm PVC&ABS&ダイキャスト製 塗装済み可動フィギュア | Amazon.co.jp. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://www.amazon.co.jp/.../dp/B0DXNXXRWM
- GQuuuuuuX “Materials” CROSSTALK I - Zeonic|Scanlations. Accessed May 31, 2025. URL: https://zeonic-republic.net/?page_id=12300