The term Gunpla refers to model kits of motorized characters or plastic vehicles from the Japanese franchise Gundam, distributed by Bandai. It originated from the contraction of the words "Gundam plastic model" and appeared in 1980.

The philosophy of Gunpla: A model for everyone!

Gundam models are characterized by two main features:

• Parts are assembled.
• They are built in color.

Gunpla are categorized into grades based on quality and/or size. The main categories are:

• NG No Grade (1980): Retroactively refers to the first models released in 1980.
• HG High Grade (1990): The first high-quality category in 1/144 scale.
• MG Master Grade (1995): Higher quality than HG High Grade, with fully modeled internal mechanics in 1/100 scale.
• PG Perfect Grade (1998): The most technically advanced category in 1/60 scale.
• FG First Grade (1999): The economical clip-on category.
• HGUC High Grade Universal Century (1999): Popular re-release of Universal Century robots.
• EX-model (2001): Range dedicated not to robots but to vehicles and related aerial machines.
• MS Mega Size (2009): Range in 1/48 scale.
• RG Real Grade (2010): Similar to MG Master Grade, with more advanced internal skeleton, but in 1/144 size, like HG High Grade.
• RE/100 Reborn One Hundred (2014): New Gunpla range in 1/100 scale.
• Super Deformed Gundam or SD Gundam: Japanese franchise that combines variations of the Gundam saga with super deformed graphics.

The full classification is more complex, as it depends on scale (ranging from 1/550 to 1/35), enhancements (the master grade category exists in 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 versions), and special events (e.g., the Ver.G 30th edition released for the franchise's thirtieth anniversary).