The term Gunpla refers to model kits of machines, characters, or plastic vehicles from the Japanese franchise Gundam and is available from Bandai. It originated from the combination of the words "Gundam plastic model," and appeared in 1980.

The philosophy of Gunpla: The model for everyone! Gundam models are characterized by two main features:

• The parts are stacked.
• They are molded in color.

Gunpla are classified into categories (known as "grades") based on their quality and/or size. The main categories include:

• NG No Grade (1980): Although the term appears much later, it retroactively refers to the first models released in 1980.
• HG High Grade (1990): The first series of higher quality in 1/144 scale.
• MG Master Grade (1995): Higher quality than HG High Grade, with, for example, fully modeled internal mechanical parts in 1/100 scale.
• PG Perfect Grade (1998): The most technically advanced series in 1/60 scale.
• FG First Grade (1999): An affordable clip-on series.
• HGUC High Grade Universal Century (1999): A popular reissue of Universal Century robots.
• EX-model (2001): Series dedicated not to robots but to vehicles and related flights.
• MS Mega Size (2009): Series in 1/48 scale.
• RG Real Grade (2010): Similar to MG Master Grade with advanced internal skeleton but in 1/144 size like HG High Grade.
• RE/100 Reborn One Hundred (2014): New Gunpla series in 1/100 scale.
• Super Deformed Gundam or SD Gundam: Japanese anime franchise with works that parody the Gundam saga, adopting the graphic style of super deformed.

The extensive classification is much more complex, as it depends on scale (from 1/550 to 1/35), improvements (the master grade series exists in 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 versions), and special editions (for example, a Ver.G 30th series was released for the franchise's thirtieth anniversary).