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The RX-78-2 is Mobile Suit Gundam’s original mech, and Bandai’s High Grade (1/144) line has only released a handful of distinct kits of it over the decades — this is a genuinely narrow field, not a padded one, because a single mobile suit design only gets so many official HG releases. Below are the seven currently obtainable HG RX-78-2 kits: the standard current-production release, the 40th-anniversary line and its color variants, and the Gundam The Origin version and its variant. Note that several of these are Premium Bandai exclusives, sold direct from Bandai rather than at general retail.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive Ver.) #191 | $12.99–$14.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global) | $28.95 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global) [Clear Color] | $26.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | HGGTO RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Ver.) #026 | $29.99–$31.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | HG RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Ver.) [Clear Color] | $30.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | HG RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Color Ver.] | $20–$35 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | HG Gundam Base Limited RX-78-2 [Beyond Global] [Gundam Base Color] | $27.00 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (Revive Ver.) #191
The current standard-production HG kit — a 2015 re-tool of the original 2001 mold with modern joints and proportions. This is the one to buy if you just want “the” HG RX-78-2, not a special edition.
- 1/144 scale
- Revised 2015 mold with improved articulation over the 2001 original
- Standard general retail availability
- Widely stocked, easiest to find of any kit on this list
- Best value entry point
- No special coloring or accessories beyond the standard weapon loadout
HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global)
Released for Gunpla’s 40th anniversary with reworked articulation — bending hips, a swinging groin axis, and more chest movement than the Revive kit.
- 1/144 scale
- 40th-anniversary retool with expanded articulation
- Standard general retail availability
- More poseable than the Revive kit thanks to the newer joint engineering
- Costs roughly double the Revive kit for the added articulation
![HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global) [Clear Color]](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vRcAAeSwiuJqgNks/s-l640.jpg)
HG RX-78-2 Gundam (Beyond Global) [Clear Color]
A Premium Bandai-exclusive clear-plastic version of the Beyond Global kit — a display/collector variant rather than a screen-accurate build.
- Same Beyond Global articulation upgrades
- Clear/translucent plastic runners
- Distinct display piece for collectors who already own a standard-color kit
- Premium Bandai exclusive — ordered direct from Bandai with import shipping for US buyers
HGGTO RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Ver.) #026
A different in-universe design based on the Gundam: The Origin anime, with interchangeable parts to build either the Early or Middle Type variant.
- 1/144 scale
- Interchangeable parts for two Origin-specific variants
- Standard general retail availability
- A genuinely different sculpt from the Universal Century kits above, not a recolor
- Represents a different continuity’s design, not the classic RX-78-2 look
![HG RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Ver.) [Clear Color]](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Cp8AAOSwTfVoB83d/s-l640.jpg)
HG RX-78-02 Gundam (Gundam The Origin Ver.) [Clear Color]
The Premium Bandai clear-plastic variant of the Origin-version kit.
- Same Origin-specific sculpt and interchangeable parts
- Clear/translucent plastic runners
- Distinct collector’s variant of the Origin sculpt
- Premium Bandai exclusive — import shipping applies for US buyers
![HG RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Color Ver.]](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TfwAAeSwwzRqZn-h/s-l640.jpg)
HG RX-78-2 Gundam [Earth Color Ver.]
A Gundam 45th-anniversary Premium Bandai release built on the Revive mold with earth-tone coloring and a commemorative sticker sheet.
- Based on the 2015 Revive mold
- 45th-anniversary earth-tone color scheme
- Includes beam rifle, beam saber, hyper bazooka, and shield
- Same solid Revive-kit engineering in a limited commemorative colorway
- Premium Bandai exclusive with import pricing
![HG Gundam Base Limited RX-78-2 [Beyond Global] [Gundam Base Color]](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/gM0AAeSw~8JqgZCe/s-l640.jpg)
HG Gundam Base Limited RX-78-2 [Beyond Global] [Gundam Base Color]
A Gundam Base-exclusive colorway of the Beyond Global kit, sold only through Bandai’s official Gundam Base retail/online channel.
- Beyond Global’s articulation upgrades
- Gundam Base-exclusive color scheme
- A distinct limited colorway for completionist collectors
- Most limited availability of any kit on this list
Buying tips
- If you just want one HG RX-78-2, get the Revive Ver. #191 — it’s the current standard release and the best value.
- The Beyond Global kit is the pick if articulation matters more to you than price — the joint upgrades are a real functional difference, not just marketing.
- Premium Bandai exclusives (Clear Color, Earth Color, Gundam Base Limited) ship direct from Japan/Bandai’s online store and carry import shipping for US buyers — factor that into the price before ordering.
- The original 2001 HGUC RX-78-2 kit has been superseded by the 2015 Revive version and isn’t included here — the Revive kit is the current standard, not the vintage original.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.