The series Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX introduces the iconic robot (or "mobile suit") RX-78-02 "White Gundam". This designation is a crucial detail, as it differentiates it from the better-known RX-78-2 Gundam, the protagonist of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series from 1979 (MSG '79). Understanding this distinction is key to understanding the temporal and narrative divergences in the Gundam universe.
Promotional image for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.
The Legacy of the RX-78-2 Gundam in MSG '79
The RX-78-2 Gundam from MSG '79 was a prototype close-quarters combat mobile suit, secretly developed by the Earth Federation under "Project V". Piloted by the legendary Amuro Ray, its appearance drastically changed the course of the One Year War against the Principality of Zeon. Its standard armament included 60mm Vulcan cannons in the head, two beam sabers, a beam rifle, a shield, and optionally, a hyper bazooka or the Gundam Hammer. The "RX" designation indicates an experimental prototype from the Federation (Renpou eXperimental), "78" refers to the design line's establishment year, UC 0078 (though its final construction was completed in UC 0079), and "-2" means it was the second unit produced. This mobile suit is a cornerstone in the history of mecha anime.
The Origin and the Introduction of the RX-78-02
On the other hand, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, a detailed reimagining of MSG '79 in both manga and animated adaptations (OVAs), features its protagonist Gundam with the designation RX-78-02. This version, while retaining the original's identity, introduces specific design changes and additional weaponry. New features include the option of a shoulder cannon, chest-mounted Vulcan machine guns/cannons, and forearm weapons, especially in its "Early Type" configuration. The "0" in "-02" is recognized by fans and in merchandise as the marker for The Origin version, differentiating it from the RX-78-2.
GQuuuuuuX: A New Timeline and the RX-78-02
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is officially set in an alternate version of the Universal Century (UC) timeline. The choice of the "RX-78-02" designation for the pivotal Gundam in GQuuuuuuX indicates that the new series' divergence point is based on the Gundam iteration detailed in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. The plot of GQuuuuuuX is triggered when Char Aznable seizes the RX-78-02 White Gundam during an assault on Side 7. This event is the genesis of the GQuuuuuuX timeline, drastically altering the outcome of the One Year War, which culminates in Zeon's victory.
Design and Armament of the White Gundam in GQuuuuuuX
The visual design of the "White Gundam" in GQuuuuuuX (and its derivative, the "Red Gundam") is by Ikuto Yamashita, known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion. Although narratively linked to The Origin's RX-78-02, Yamashita's design is his own interpretation, using the "-02" base for an aesthetic described as more "skeletal" or "busy" and "industrial". Yamashita worked on the designs for the RX-78-02 Gundam and GQuuuuuuX concurrently. The White Gundam's armament in GQuuuuuuX includes Vulcans, beam saber, beam rifle, hyper bazooka, and shield, and it is presented in "Earth Federation Force colors, right after its capture."
The White Gundam preparing for combat.
Detail of the imposing head of the White Gundam.
The Transformation: From White Gundam to gMS-α Red Gundam
After its capture, Char Aznable modifies and repaints the RX-78-02 White Gundam, turning it into his personal mobile suit: the "gMS-α Red Gundam". This Gundam was upgraded with "bits" (a type of remote weapon psychically controlled) and an "alpha psycommu" system. The prefix change from "RX" (Federation Experimental) to "gMS-α" (possibly Gundam Mobile Suit - Alpha) in the Red Gundam is significant. The "gMS" prefix seems to indicate a new Zeonic classification for captured or subsequently developed Gundam technology, reflecting Zeon's victory and its subsequent dominance in MS development in this alternate timeline. Other mobile suits in GQuuuuuuX, such as the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX (piloted by protagonist Amate "Machu" Yuzuriha) and the gMS-κ GFreD, also bear this prefix. The Greek letter "α" (Alpha) in "gMS-α Red Gundam" likely refers to its type of Psycommu system (Alpha Type Psycommu System), in contrast to the gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX, equipped with an Omega Type Psycommu System.
The White Gundam in a space battle against the RX-78-01 Gundam.
New Horizons in GQuuuuuuX: Characters and Mechas
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX not only redefines known history but also introduces new characters like Amate "Machu" Yuzuriha, Nyaan, and Shuji Ito, as well as new mobile suits like the titular gMS-Ω GQuuuuuuX. The series features creative direction from Studio Khara talents such as Kazuya Tsurumaki (director) and Ikuto Yamashita (mechanical designer).
Sources Used:
- Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX - Wikipedia. [Accessed: May 31, 2025]
- RX-78-2 vs RX-78-02? : r/Gundam - Reddit. [Accessed: May 31, 2025]
- RX-78-2 Gundam - MechaBay. [Accessed: May 31, 2025]
- RX-78-02 White Gundam – MAHQ. [Accessed: May 31, 2025]
- Everything We Know About Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX's Main Characters - CBR. [Accessed: May 31, 2025]