The term Gunpla refers to mecha models, characters, or plastic vehicles from the Japanese Gundam franchise, available from Bandai. Gunpla brands first appeared in 1980.

The philosophy of Gunpla: the model for everyone!

All Gundam models are characterized by two main features:

• the parts are snap-fit
• they are molded in color

Gunpla are classified by series (known as "grade") depending on quality and/or size. The main series are:

• NG No Grade (1980), retroactively refers to the first models released in 1980.
• HG High Grade (1990), the first higher quality series in 1/144 scale.
• MG Master Grade (1995), higher quality than HG, with fully modeled internal mechanical systems in 1/100 scale.
• PG Perfect Grade (1998), the most technically advanced series in 1/60 scale.
• FG First Grade (1999), the economical series with clips.
• HGUC High Grade Universal Century (1999), popular reissue of robots from the Universal Century.
• EX-model (2001), series dedicated not to robots but to vehicles and related flying machines.
• MS Mega Size (2009), 1/48 scale series.
• RG Real Grade (2010), similar to MG, with advanced internal skeleton at 1/144 size.
• RE/100 Reborn One Hundred (2014), new 1/100 scale Gunpla series.
• Super Deformed Gundam or SD Gundam, Japanese animation franchise that parodies the Gundam saga with super deformed style graphics.

The extensive classification is 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 (e.g., Ver.G 30th series released for the franchise’s 30th anniversary).