This kit is presented as the centerpiece of the "Phoenix Hunt" operation. Image via Gundam Fandom.
In the Mobile Suit Gundam universe, few units have achieved the mythical status of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex. Introduced as the enigmatic third unit in the Unicorn series, the Phenex is the centerpiece of the film Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative, where its reappearance triggers a large-scale operation known as the "Phoenix Hunt." This rich backstory is reflected in its plastic model (Gunpla) incarnation: the PG 1/60 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex (Narrative Ver.). This release represents a convergence of Universal Century lore and the pinnacle of Gunpla collecting, being a Premium Bandai exclusive item aimed at the most dedicated collectors.
Product Information
- Price: The launch price at the P-Bandai Japan store was ¥48,000 (excluding tax), while the P-Bandai USA store listed it at $609.00 USD.
- Release Date: January 2021 (P-Bandai JP).
- Reissue Date: September 2025 (P-Bandai USA).
- Scale: 1/60.
- Size: The model's height varies by mode. In Unicorn Mode, it measures approximately 32.8 cm (12.9 in), while in Destroy Mode, it reaches 36.1 cm (14.2 in).
- Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative.
- Line: Perfect Grade (PG).
- Available at: Premium Bandai. Accessing the P-Bandai Japan store may require a VPN, and international buyers may need a proxy shipping service.
- Product Type: P-Bandai Exclusive.
Two large Armed Armor DE units are mounted on the backpack with new connectors. Image via P-Bandai.
Key Features
The kit's most distinctive feature is its exterior armor, treated with a deep gold coating designed to evoke a sense of weight and depth. This finish is juxtaposed with the Psycho-Frame parts, molded in translucent blue plastic, creating a stunning visual effect, especially when the optional LED unit (sold separately) is installed.
In Unicorn Mode, the model stands 32.8 cm, concealing the internal Psycho-Frame. Image via P-Bandai.
The armor expands to reveal the blue Psycho-Frame, reaching a height of 36.1 cm. Image via P-Bandai.
Inheriting the engineering from the PG RX-0 Unicorn Gundam mold, the Phenex features a complex transformation mechanism between Unicorn Mode and Destroy Mode, where multiple armor panels slide to expose the Psycho-Frame. What distinguishes this "Narrative" version are the tail-like stabilizers attached to the two Armed Armor DE units mounted on the backpack. These structures, resembling a phoenix's tail, incorporate lead wires and soft materials, allowing them to be posed flexibly and expressively. Additionally, new backpack connection parts allow the entire Armed Armor DE assembly to move vertically on a rail.
These Narrative-exclusive tail stabilizers incorporate wires, allowing for flexible and expressive posing. Image via P-Bandai.
However, the assembly presents technical challenges. The gold-plated surface is susceptible to fingerprints, so wearing gloves is recommended. Furthermore, most parts are not "undergated," meaning that cutting the piece leaves an uncoated mark that requires careful touch-up with gold paint. The combined weight of the Armed Armor DE units and their tails makes the model extremely back-heavy, so using the included display base or a sturdy action base (sold separately) is essential for stability.
The model's engineering allows for expressive poses that highlight its majestic golden coating. Image via P-Bandai.
Kit Contents
To deliver this definitive experience, the Perfect Grade kit comes with everything modelers need:
- Parts to assemble the PG 1/60 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex (Narrative Ver.).
- Armed Armor DE (x2).
- Beam Magnum.
- Hyper Bazooka.
- Beam Sabers.
- Set of hand parts.
- Dedicated display stand.
- Waterslide decal sheet with new and specific designs for this version.
- Joint parts to display the Armed Armor DE units independently.
The kit includes multiple accessories, including beam sabers for combat-ready display options. Image via P-Bandai.
The Armed Armor DE units can be displayed independently using special joint parts. Image via P-Bandai.
RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex
The Phenex is the clandestine third unit of the Earth Federation's "UC Project," secretly built using data from units 1 and 2. Its design is inspired by the phoenix, symbolized by its gold color and its V-fin shaped like extended wings. Its name derives from the Marquis Phenex, a demon from the grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon, foreshadowing the transhuman nature of its Psycho-Frame technology.
The optional LED unit makes the translucent blue Psycho-Frame parts glow brightly. Image via P-Bandai.
After an initial clash in the event known as the "Échalote Incident," the unit and its pilot, Rita Bernal, disappeared. Rita, a victim of the Titans' Cyber-Newtype experiments, merged her consciousness with the Phenex's Psycho-Frame, becoming a "ghost in the machine." Two years later, in Gundam Narrative, the Phenex reappears, acting on its own will, which triggers the "Phoenix Hunt" operation to capture it. Its behavior is driven by the Newtype-Destroyer (NT-D) System, which in this unit is directly controlled by Rita's consciousness, taking the symbiosis between pilot and machine to its ultimate expression.
The included display base is essential for stability due to the model's back-heavy design. Image via P-Bandai.
This Perfect Grade Phenex is a true centerpiece for any collection. What are your thoughts on this legendary golden Gundam? Let us know in the comments below!
Where to Buy
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For this specific kit: The PG 1/60 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex (Narrative Ver.) is a P-Bandai exclusive. Check for its availability or reissues on Premium Bandai USA.
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Sources
- RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex | Gundam Fandom. (Link) (Accessed August 4, 2025)
- PG 1/60 UNICORN GUNDAM 03 PHENEX (NARRATIVE Ver.) | Premium Bandai USA. (Link) (Accessed August 4, 2025)
- Perfect Grade Gundam Kits Collection | The Gundam Place Store. (Link) (Accessed August 4, 2025)
- WHAT IS PREMIUM BANDAI? | Premium Bandai USA. (Link) (Accessed August 4, 2025)
- Bandai MG Unicorn Gundam Unit 03 Phenex | Newtype. (Link) (Accessed August 4, 2025)
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