45 Years of Gunpla — And the Anniversary Releases Are Worth Every Rupee
In 1980, Bandai released the first Gundam plastic model kit — a 1/144 scale RX-78-2 that cost ¥300 and launched what would become the world's most enduring model kit franchise. Forty-five years later, Gunpla generates over ¥100 billion in annual revenue, has sold over 800 million kits worldwide, and commands a global community of builders ranging from casual snap-fit enthusiasts to professional-grade customizers who turn plastic into art.
The Gunpla 45th Anniversary celebration spanning 2025–2026 has brought some of the most ambitious releases in the hobby's history. For Indian builders, this is a landmark moment — the kits dropping now will define collections for the next decade. Here's everything you need to know.
The Centrepiece: PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-93 Nu Gundam
If there's one kit that defines the 45th anniversary, it's this one. The Perfect Grade Unleashed Nu Gundam from Char's Counterattack is Bandai Spirits' most ambitious model kit project to date — and arguably the most impressive model kit ever produced by anyone, anywhere.
What Makes It Special
- Inner frame with two layers of gold plating — not painted, not stickered, actually plated.
- Metallic decals and waterslide decals included for maximum detail without painting.
- Separately sold LED unit featuring sequential lighting that makes the entire kit illuminate in sequence.
- PG Unleashed engineering — the highest tier of Gunpla construction, with precision that makes even experienced builders pause in admiration.
India Pricing Reality
The PG Unleashed Nu Gundam retails at approximately $690 USD in Japan. For Indian builders, after customs (HSN 9503, approximately 1.95× CIF multiplier) and international shipping:
- Estimated India landed cost: ₹55,000–₹65,000
- With the optional LED unit: Add approximately ₹8,000–₹12,000
- Total investment for the complete experience: ₹63,000–₹77,000
Is it worth it? We wrote a deep dive on exactly this question. The short answer: for committed Gunpla enthusiasts, this is the Mona Lisa of model kits.
Limited Edition: RX-78FRGMT Gundam (Fragment × Gundam)
The collaboration between Gundam and fragment design — the legendary design project led by Hiroshi Fujiwara — is the kind of crossover that makes both streetwear collectors and Gunpla builders lose their minds. The MG 1/100 RX-78FRGMT Gundam reimagines the classic RX-78-2 through Fujiwara's minimalist aesthetic — sleek, modern, and instantly recognizable as both a Gundam and a fragment piece.
- Availability: Lottery sales only through Premium Bandai Japan. Winners were notified in March 2025.
- Aftermarket: Already trading at significant premiums. If you find one at retail, buy it immediately.
- India accessibility: Extremely limited. Your best bet is aftermarket through Japanese resellers or proxy buying services. Expect ₹15,000–₹30,000+ depending on market conditions.
This kit sits at the intersection of designer toy culture and Gunpla — making it relevant to Bearbrick collectors as much as model builders. If you collect Bearbrick, you understand the fragment premium.
Gundam × Hatsune Miku 45th Anniversary Figure
Bandai's 45th anniversary cross-franchise celebrations include a stunning Banpresto figure combining Gundam and Hatsune Miku — two of Japan's most iconic pop culture properties in a single collectible. This crossover piece is designed for display rather than building, making it accessible to collectors who don't build kits but want to celebrate the anniversary.
India estimated price: ₹2,500–₹5,000 (Banpresto prize figure range).
Regular Release Highlights (2025–2026 Anniversary Period)
Beyond the marquee pieces, the 45th anniversary period has seen an exceptional lineup of regular releases:
April–June 2026 Releases
- HG Sandrock Custom EW — Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz continues to get love. A welcome addition for Wing fans.
- GQuuuuuuX HG lineup expansion — The Hambrabi (GQ) and 01 Gundam (GQ) arrive. See our full GQuuuuuuX guide for details.
- Multiple MGSD (Master Grade Super Deformed) releases — The MGSD line continues to expand, offering Master Grade engineering in a cute SD format. Great for desk display.
January 2026 Releases
- PG Unleashed Nu Gundam (the centrepiece)
- Various HG kits spanning multiple Gundam timelines
The Sustainability Initiative: Green Gunpla
As part of the 45th anniversary, Bandai Spirits announced a chemically recycled resin initiative — used polystyrene is chemically decomposed and transformed back into high-quality styrene monomer for new kits. This is significant for the hobby's long-term sustainability and represents Bandai's commitment to the next 45 years of Gunpla. While not directly affecting Indian pricing or availability, it signals that Gunpla is built to endure as both a hobby and an industry.
Indian Builder's Guide to Anniversary Collecting
Budget Tier: Under ₹10,000
Focus on anniversary-period HG releases. The kits releasing during 2025–2026 benefit from Bandai's latest engineering — even budget HG kits from this era have better colour separation, articulation, and detail than kits from just five years ago. Pick up 2–3 HG kits (₹1,500–₹4,000 each) from series you enjoy.
Enthusiast Tier: ₹10,000–₹30,000
This is where MG and Real Grade kits shine. An MG kit from the anniversary period (₹6,000–₹14,000) paired with a couple of HG builds creates a diverse display. If you can find the RX-78FRGMT at anywhere near retail, that's your grail piece for this tier.
Premium Tier: ₹30,000+
The PG Unleashed Nu Gundam is the undeniable centrepiece. Save for it, budget for it, and treat the build as an event — clear a weekend, set up proper lighting, and document the process. This kit justifies its price through the sheer quality of the building experience.
Where Indian Builders Can Buy Anniversary Kits
- OneFigures (onefigures.in) — Authenticated Bandai Gunpla including anniversary releases.
- HobbyLink Japan (hlj.com) — Widest selection, including P-Bandai exclusives when available.
- Amazon Japan (amazon.co.jp) — Good for catching restocks of popular kits. Ships internationally.
- Premium Bandai — For lottery-exclusive and limited releases. Requires Japanese address (use a proxy service like Tenso or Buyee).
- The Vault / Gundam Galaxy, Bangalore — One of India's few physical Gunpla retail locations.
Why the 45th Anniversary Matters
Anniversary periods in Gunpla history have consistently produced the hobby's most iconic kits. The 20th anniversary gave us the Perfect Grade RX-78-2. The 30th anniversary introduced the Real Grade line. The 40th brought PG Unleashed RX-78-2. Now the 45th delivers the PG Unleashed Nu Gundam and a wave of limited editions that will define collections for years to come.
For Indian builders entering the hobby in 2026, you're arriving at a moment when the engineering is at its peak, the selection is at its widest, and the community is more connected than ever. Build something today that you'll still be proud of in 2035.
For new kit announcements, India pricing updates, and building guides, follow our Spotlight blog.
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