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Can’t decide which Nu Gundam Gunpla to buy? Here’s the bottom line up front. The overall No. 1 pick is the “RG 1/144 ν Gundam” at $32 (tax included). If you want the absolute best, go for the “PG UNLEASHED 1/60 ν Gundam” that just launched on January 31, 2026 ($431, tax included). If you’re just getting started, the $19 (tax included) “HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam” is a safe bet.
The RX-93 ν Gundam is the hero mobile suit of Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. As Amuro Ray’s final machine, with a one-of-a-kind silhouette defined by its fin funnels, it has always held a special place in the world of Gunpla.
Then, in 2026, the PG UNLEASHED version arrived as a massive flagship kit celebrating Gunpla’s 45th anniversary, and picking a Nu Gundam kit entered a whole new era. Prices now run from $12 all the way to $431, a spread of a whopping 35x. So which one should you choose?
In this article, the SpotGeeks editorial team scores six major Nu Gundam kits on four criteria (Sculpt Quality, Color Separation, Ease of Build, and Value) and presents them as a ranking. Every price and release date has been verified against the official product pages on the Bandai Hobby Site and BANDAI SPIRITS (as of August 2026). Note that the Hi-ν Gundam kits are excluded from this ranking because the mobile suit’s design is different.
*Prices in this article are converted from Japanese yen at ¥153 = US$1 (September 2026 rate).
All 6 Major Nu Gundam Kits: Score Comparison Table
We scored each kit out of 100 in four categories. “Sculpt” covers proportions and detail fidelity, “Color Separation” covers how accurately the kit reproduces the official colors without paint, “Ease of Build” reflects part count and difficulty, and “Value” reflects how satisfying the kit is for the price. Don’t just look at the totals; pick based on the categories that matter most to you.
| Kit | Sculpt | Color Separation | Ease of Build | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG 1/144 | 93 | 94 | 82 | 92 |
| PG UNLEASHED 1/60 | 100 | 98 | 70 | 78 |
| MG 1/100 Ver.Ka | 90 | 86 | 80 | 88 |
| HGUC 1/144 RX-93 | 80 | 78 | 94 | 90 |
| HGUC HWS Type | 82 | 76 | 88 | 84 |
| BB Senshi RX-93ff | 68 | 60 | 96 | 86 |
The RG takes first place overall, but in Sculpt and Color Separation, the PG UNLEASHED leaves everything else in the dust. It really comes down to budget and how serious you are. If ease of build is your priority, the HGUC kits and BB Senshi are strong picks, so be honest with yourself about your skill level and your shelf space.
No. 1: RG 1/144 ν Gundam | Astonishing Density for Just $32
| Sculpt | Color Separation | Ease of Build | Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | 94 | 82 | 92 | 361 |
The overall No. 1 is the “RG 1/144 ν Gundam,” released on August 10, 2019. It’s priced at $32 (tax included, as of August 2026). It features a multi-link gimmick where the armor slides in sync with joint movement, balancing a level of detail and articulation you’d never expect at 1/144 scale.
The included weapons are generous too: a beam rifle, six fin funnels, the New Hyper Bazooka, and a shield with a beam cannon, covering basically the entire on-screen loadout. Standing there with all six fin funnels on its back, it has an almost unfair amount of presence for a kit under $33.
Nearly seven years after release, it still gets named as an “RG masterpiece.” I bought one in Akihabara back when it came out and built it myself, and the moment I got the funnels deployed, I’ll admit I let out a little yelp. If you’re only going to pick one Nu Gundam, this is where I’d tell you to start.
- Top-tier density and articulation for $32 (tax included)
- Multi-link gimmick linked to joint movement
- Full on-screen loadout, including six fin funnels
- Tiny RG-style parts make for a fairly challenging build
- Tends to be unstable standing on its own with the funnels equipped
No. 2: PG UNLEASHED 1/60 ν Gundam | The Pinnacle of Gunpla’s 45th Anniversary
| Sculpt | Color Separation | Ease of Build | Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 98 | 70 | 78 | 346 |
No. 2 is the “PG UNLEASHED 1/60 ν Gundam,” released on January 31, 2026. It’s priced at $431 (tax included, as of August 2026). This is the first-ever 1/60 scale Nu Gundam, and with its internal structure reproduced to the extreme, it stands at the very top of today’s Gunpla lineup.
For Gunpla’s 45th anniversary, the “ν Gundam” manifests through the latest and greatest technology of “PERFECT GRADE UNLEASHED.”
Source: Bandai Hobby Site
Bandai isn’t exaggerating. The ULTIMATE UNIT SYSTEM has you assemble each part as an actual structural element, so the kit is designed to give you the experience of “constructing” a mobile suit. The suit itself stands about 380mm tall, and about 560mm including the fin funnels. Etching stickers, metal parts, a post-processed psycho-frame in the cockpit: no expense was spared, right down to the materials. When I saw the real thing on display in Akihabara, honestly, I got a little shaky.
That said, keep a cool head. On top of the $431 kit, you’ll need the dedicated LED unit released the same day ($101, tax included) to fully enjoy the lighting gimmick. That’s over $520 total. You’ll also need to commit serious build time and shelf space. Still, if you want the “definitive Nu Gundam,” there is simply no better option.
- First-ever 1/60 scale Nu Gundam, with internal structure reproduced to the extreme
- Overwhelming presence at about 380mm tall (about 560mm with funnels)
- Luxurious spec with etching stickers and metal parts
- $431 kit + $101 LED unit (sold separately) comes to over $520 total
- As a large kit, you’ll need to set aside build time and display space
No. 3: MG 1/100 ν Gundam Ver.Ka | Ver.Ka’s Definitive Take at 1/100
| Sculpt | Color Separation | Ease of Build | Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 86 | 80 | 88 | 344 |
No. 3 is the “MG 1/100 ν Gundam Ver.Ka,” released on December 15, 2012. It’s priced at $53 (tax included, as of August 2026). Under the Ver.Ka brand, it’s a thorough reinterpretation of the Nu Gundam at 1/100 scale.
More than 10 years after release, it remains an essential staple whenever 1/100 scale Nu Gundams come up. Take your time finishing it, water-slide decals and all, and the result hasn’t lost any of its luster even after the PG UNLEASHED showed up. At $53, the price is more than reasonable for what’s in the box.
On the other hand, since it was designed in 2012, the joint engineering and color separation do show their age next to the latest kits. This one is for people who enjoy really putting work into a build. If you just want to snap it together and call it done, you’ll be happier with the RG.
- The go-to Ver.Ka kit for a 1/100 scale Nu Gundam
- Great balance of volume and satisfaction for $53 (tax included)
- One of the most rewarding kits in the series to really dig into
- 2012 design shows its age in places compared to the latest kits
- High part count means a long time to completion
No. 4: HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam | Start With Amuro’s Final Machine for $19
| Sculpt | Color Separation | Ease of Build | Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 78 | 94 | 90 | 342 |
No. 4 is the “HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam,” released in March 2008. It’s priced at $19 (tax included, as of August 2026). For under $20, you get the Nu Gundam silhouette with zero hassle, which makes it the classic entry-level kit.
The part count is kept low and it’s easy to build, making it perfect as your first Nu Gundam. Back when I worked at a manga cafe in Kabukicho, this was the kit I’d recommend first to regulars who had just watched Char’s Counterattack. Being able to finish one over the weekend while the movie is still fresh in your head is an experience only this price range can offer.
That said, with its 2008 design, the range of motion and color separation feel pretty basic by today’s standards. When it stops scratching the itch, move up to the RG. I think picking it with that step-up in mind is the right way to approach this kit.
- An ideal beginner price of $19 (tax included)
- Modest part count makes it easy for beginners to finish
- A staple kit that’s restocked often and easy to find
- 2008 design lags behind current kits in articulation and color separation
- May leave detail-focused builders wanting more
No. 5: HGUC 1/144 ν Gundam (Heavy Weapon System Type) | The Romance of a Heavily Armed Nu
| Sculpt | Color Separation | Ease of Build | Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 76 | 88 | 84 | 330 |
No. 5 is the “HGUC 1/144 ν Gundam (Heavy Weapon System Type),” released on April 25, 2009. It’s priced at $20 (tax included, as of August 2026). This kit brings the “HWS” configuration, which adds heavy equipment to the Nu Gundam, to life at 1/144 scale.
Its biggest draw is a bulky, imposing silhouette wrapped in extra armor that sets it apart from the standard Nu Gundam. It’s a perfect fit for contrarian fans who think “the same Nu Gundam everyone else has is boring,” and it really stands out when lined up on a shelf.
Since it’s based on the 2008-designed HGUC, its base articulation is modest. The heavy gear also limits posing, so accept that this is more of a “display and admire” kit than a “pose and play” one.
- The romance of a heavily armed Nu for $20 (tax included)
- One-of-a-kind bulky silhouette thanks to the add-on armor
- Fun to display side by side with the standard version
- Heavy equipment limits posing freedom
- Older base design means modest range of motion
No. 6: BB Senshi RX-93ff ν Gundam | The Life-Size Statue in the Palm of Your Hand
| Sculpt | Color Separation | Ease of Build | Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 60 | 96 | 86 | 310 |
No. 6 is the “BB Senshi RX-93ff ν Gundam,” released in April 2022. It’s priced at $12 (tax included, as of August 2026). It’s a unique kit that renders the life-size “RX-93ff ν Gundam” statue in BB Senshi’s super-deformed style.
What makes this kit special is getting the statue’s color scheme and silhouette in a palm-sized package. Whether as a stand-in for people who can’t make it to see the real thing, or as a souvenir after seeing the statue in person, I think $12 is money well spent.
Being a super-deformed kit, it’s not for people who want a realistic Nu Gundam. But if you just want “one more Nu Gundam without overthinking it,” this one fits the bill perfectly.
- Easy to pick up at just $12 (tax included)
- Rare life-size statue RX-93ff specification
- Builds quickly, making it a great first Gunpla for kids
- Super-deformed styling isn’t for fans of realistic kits
- Color separation relies on stickers to fill in the gaps
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Summary | Nu Gundam Isn’t Just for Show. Here’s the Kit for You
Let’s recap the key info. The overall No. 1 is the “RG 1/144 ν Gundam” ($32, tax included, released August 10, 2019). The top-end pick is the “PG UNLEASHED 1/60 ν Gundam” ($431, tax included, released January 31, 2026, with the $101 LED unit sold separately), and the beginner pick is the “HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam” ($19, tax included, released March 2008). For 1/100 fans there’s the “MG ν Gundam Ver.Ka” ($53, tax included), and if you want something different, the “HGUC HWS Type” ($20, tax included) and “BB Senshi RX-93ff” ($12, tax included) are waiting for you.
All prices and specs are based on official information from the Bandai Hobby Site and BANDAI SPIRITS as of August 2026. Gunpla restock availability changes frequently, so check the official product page for the latest info before you buy.
Here’s the SpotGeeks editorial team’s verdict. If you’re choosing on the balance of value and finished quality, the RG is the only answer. That said, the PG UNLEASHED is the crystallized technology of Gunpla’s 45th anniversary, and it can’t be fully measured by the “78 for Value” on our score sheet. If you’re ready to commit $520+, there’s no need to hesitate. And if you’re still on the fence, the RG will make you plenty happy. The Nu Gundam is a rare mobile suit with a “right answer” at every price point.
The ν Gundam isn’t just for show. Only those who’ve built one know the weight of that line. So, which one will you start with?
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