Gundam (concept)

Synonyms:	mobile suit
See also:	Gundam, mecha
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This is the article about the fictional technology known as "Gundam." You may be looking for Gundam, the page about the franchise.

Gundam are large, highly advanced robotic suits in the Gundam franchise, intended to be piloted by one or more human-sized persons. While usually a form of "mobile suit" within the Gundam universe, the fandom and the franchise itself refers to all of the special mobile suits from the franchise as "Gundam" after RX-78-2 Gundam, the titular mech in Mobile Suit Gundam.

Within the fiction of the various Gundam continuities, there is often a distinction between proper Gundam and other types of mechs or "mobile suits;" typically each Gundam is unique, while other mobile suits are likely to be mass-produced. Gundam are also frequently equipped with experimental technology that makes them much more powerful than other mobile suits. The exact definition of a Gundam can vary from one timeline of the franchise to another, but the protagonist's mobile suit is usually a Gundam.

The "main" suit in each series follows the distinctive design of the original RX-78-2 Gundam with a mainly white and blue color scheme that features yellow and red accents. This Gundam also usually has at least one pair of yellow or white V-fins on its head, which are a trademark of mech designs in the Gundam franchise.

Model kits that allow fans to build highly accurate miniature Gundam from the franchise, usually in 1/144 scale, are commonly sold at conventions and hobby stores. These are known as Gunpla, a portmanteau of "Gundam" and "plastic," the material most of the kits are made of.