Gundam Narrative’s Exclusive Gold-Plated RG Phenex Gunpla Kit Set for 2027 US Re-Release
Image by Charlotte DavisThe golden Phenex from Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative is officially returning to the US, giving American builders another chance to pick up one of the Real Grade line’s most elaborate plated releases.
The “RG 1/144 UNICORN GUNDAM 03 PHENEX (NARRATIVE Ver.)” recreates the third RX-0 Unicorn unit with its gold armor, blue Psycho-Frame, and enormous pair of Armed Armor DE units mounted across its back.
Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative takes place one year after the events of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, with the story centered around the mysterious reappearance of the Phenex after it vanished during an earlier test flight.
Unlike the Unicorn Gundam and Banshee, the Phenex uses a brilliant gold exterior inspired by the image of a phoenix, while its Narrative version adds long tail-like stabilizers to the two Armed Armor DE units.
The Real Grade kit first launched through Premium Bandai in February 2020 and uses three different types of gold plating across its exterior armor to create subtle variations in the finish rather than covering the entire model in a single shade of gold.
Clear blue parts are used for the Psycho-Frame beneath the armor, creating a strong contrast with the reflective exterior once the model is transformed into Destroy Mode.
Like other RG Unicorn-family kits, the Phenex can transform between Unicorn Mode and Destroy Mode at 1/144 scale, with interchangeable head antenna parts used as part of the transformation.
Its two Armed Armor DE units are fitted with the extended stabilizers introduced for Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative, with internal lead wires allowing the long tail sections to be curved and repositioned for different poses.
The kit also includes a Beam Magnum, Beam Sabers, and realistic decals for adding additional markings across the plated armor.
This latest US release follows another Japanese reissue during 2026, where the Phenex returned through Premium Bandai with its first batch shipping in August and a second scheduled for November.
Pre-orders for the “RG 1/144 UNICORN GUNDAM 03 PHENEX (NARRATIVE Ver.),” priced at $153, are now open exclusively through Premium Bandai US and are scheduled to remain available until December 16, 2026, at 2:59 AM EST, although reservations may close earlier if the available allocation sells out.
Shipping for the new US re-release is currently scheduled for January 2027.
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