Build one of the most distinctive Federation Gundams of the One Year War with the Bandai Spirits MG 1/100 RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 “Alex” Ver. 2.0 from Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket.
The RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex Ver. 2.0 MG 1/100 is Bandai’s modern Master Grade interpretation of the prototype Gundam developed with Newtype use in mind. Better known simply as the Gundam Alex, the NT-1 is one of the most recognisable Mobile Suits from Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket and is closely associated with Federation test pilot Christina Mackenzie.
Released on 29 June 2019, the Ver. 2.0 completely revisits the Gundam NT-1 in Master Grade form with updated proportions, articulation, mechanical detailing, weapons and its famous Chobham Armor.
MG Gundam NT-1 Alex Ver. 2.0
The RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 was developed using combat data from the RX-78-2 Gundam, with the machine intended to provide the greatly improved responsiveness required by a Newtype pilot.
Unlike Zeon’s Newtype machines, the Alex wasn’t designed around Psycommu-controlled remote weapons. Instead, development focused heavily on improving the Mobile Suit’s responsiveness and mobility.
The result was a Gundam with increased manoeuvrability, numerous additional attitude-control thrusters and a distinctive spherical cockpit incorporating a panoramic monitor and linear seat.
It was a machine designed to react faster.
Unfortunately, War in the Pocket fans know things didn’t exactly go according to plan.
Full Chobham Armor
One of the defining features of the Gundam NT-1 Alex is its removable Chobham Armor.
Designed as additional protection for the NT-1, the armour works by absorbing damage as its external sections are destroyed, helping reduce the impact transferred to the Gundam underneath. The Chobham-equipped configuration carries the designation RX-78NT-1FA.
On the MG Ver. 2.0, the additional armour dramatically changes the appearance of the model, giving you two very different ways to display the Alex.
Keep the clean white-and-blue Gundam exposed for its familiar NT-1 appearance or install the Chobham Armor for the heavier armoured configuration.
Hidden 90mm Arm Gatling Guns
The Alex isn’t all defensive armour.
Hidden inside its forearms are a pair of distinctive 90mm Gatling Guns, one of the Mobile Suit’s signature weapons.
These close-range ballistic weapons are stored within the arms when not required, preserving the clean appearance of the Gundam’s forearms until they’re deployed for combat.
They’re also one of those features that make the Alex immediately recognisable to Gundam fans.
Because sometimes a Beam Rifle isn’t enough.
Beam Rifle, Beam Sabers & Shield
The MG Gundam Alex Ver. 2.0 also includes the NT-1’s more conventional Gundam weaponry.
Its dedicated Beam Rifle features a design developed specifically for the Alex, while the Beam Sabers are mounted around the backpack area. The Gundam’s Shield completes the classic Federation equipment loadout.
Together with the built-in Gatling Guns, these weapons provide plenty of options for both ranged and close-combat poses.
Modern Master Grade Ver. 2.0 Engineering
The MG 1/100 Gundam NT-1 Ver. 2.0 is much more than a simple update of the earlier Master Grade Alex.
Bandai Spirits redesigned the model for its 2019 release, bringing the NT-1 into a much more modern generation of Master Grade Gunpla.
The 1/100 scale gives the distinctive Alex armour considerably more presence than its smaller High Grade counterparts, while the internal mechanical construction provides the detailed building experience expected from an MG Gunpla kit.
The result is equally suited to dynamic posing or a clean standing display showing off the NT-1’s distinctive proportions.
Two Very Different Display Styles
One of the biggest attractions of the MG Alex Ver. 2.0 is how dramatically its appearance changes with the Chobham Armor installed.
Without the additional armour, you get the sleek RX-78NT-1 Gundam Alex with its familiar white, blue and red Federation colour scheme.
Install the Chobham Armor and it becomes a considerably bulkier machine, with the external armour covering much of the Gundam underneath.
That makes the building experience particularly satisfying because the completed model doesn’t have to remain in one configuration.
From Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
The Gundam NT-1 Alex plays a central role in Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, one of the most highly regarded side stories set during the Universal Century’s One Year War.
The Alex was being tested by Christina Mackenzie when Zeon forces learned of its existence, setting in motion the events that ultimately bring the NT-1 into conflict with Bernard Wiseman’s MS-06FZ Zaku II Kai.
That makes the Alex an especially important kit for builders creating a Gundam 0080 Gunpla collection.
Pair it with a Zaku II Kai and you have one of the most memorable match-ups in Universal Century Gundam.
Excellent for Painting & Detailing
The combination of traditional Gundam armour, exposed mechanical elements and removable Chobham Armor also gives the MG RX-78NT-1 Alex Ver. 2.0 plenty of potential for additional modelling.
Panel lining can bring out the armour separation, while metallic details can highlight the internal mechanical components.
The Chobham Armor is particularly well suited to weathering.
Add scratches, impact marks, soot and chipped paint for a battle-worn appearance while leaving the Gundam underneath comparatively clean.
Or build everything straight from the box and enjoy the crisp Federation colour scheme.
Both approaches work beautifully.
Product Features
- Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
- Grade: MG / Master Grade
- Scale: 1/100
- Model Number: RX-78NT-1
- Mobile Suit: Gundam NT-1 “Alex”
- Version: Ver. 2.0
- Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
- Associated pilot: Christina Mackenzie
- Earth Federation prototype Mobile Suit
- Developed using combat data from the RX-78-2 Gundam
- Includes removable Chobham Armor
- Chobham-equipped designation: RX-78NT-1FA
- Features distinctive forearm-mounted 90mm Gatling Guns
- Includes Beam Rifle
- Includes Beam Sabers
- Includes Shield
- Detailed Master Grade internal construction
- Articulated 1/100 scale model
- Snap-fit Gunpla construction
- Excellent for panel lining, painting and weathering
- Product number: 2464712
- Originally released: 29 June 2019
An Essential Gundam 0080 Master Grade
For collectors of Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, the MG Gundam NT-1 Alex Ver. 2.0 is one of the key Mobile Suits from the series.
It also offers something noticeably different from the many RX-78-2 variations available in the Master Grade range.
The Alex retains enough of the classic Gundam appearance to make its heritage obvious, but the redesigned armour, backpack, hidden Gatling Guns and Chobham Armor give the RX-78NT-1 an identity entirely of its own.
Why Add the RX-78NT-1 Gundam Alex Ver. 2.0 MG 1/100 to Your Collection?
The Bandai Spirits MG 1/100 RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex Ver. 2.0 combines an important Universal Century Mobile Suit with the detail and engineering expected from a modern Master Grade Gunpla.
With its removable Chobham Armor, hidden 90mm Gatling Guns, Beam Rifle, Beam Sabers and Shield, the kit offers plenty to build, customise and display.
For anyone searching for an MG Gundam Alex, RX-78NT-1 model kit, Gundam NT-1 Ver. 2.0, Gundam 0080 Gunpla or 1/100 Master Grade Gundam, this is a standout addition to a Universal Century collection.
Add the RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 “Alex” Ver. 2.0 MG 1/100 to your Gunpla collection and recreate one of the most memorable Federation Gundams from Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket.
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