Mobile Suits

00 Gundam Complete Guide— The Twin Drive Revolution Fully Explained [Gundam 00]

00 Gundam Complete Guide — The Twin Drive Revolution Fully Explained [Gundam 00]
Contents
  1. 01What Is 00 Gundam — The Revolution Born from Two GN Drives
  2. 02GN-0000 Basic Specifications
  3. 03Development History — The Road to Twin Drive
  4. 04Weapons and Special Equipment
  5. 05Pilot Profile — Setsuna F. Seiei
  6. 06Combat Record — Complete Second Season Timeline
  7. 07Variants — The 00 Gundam Lineage
  8. 08Mechanical Design Secrets — Kanetake Ebikawa's Challenge
  9. 0900 Gundam — Iconic Scenes and Memorable Lines
  10. 10Comparison with Gundam Exia — Predecessor vs. Successor, Analyzed
  11. 11Cultural Impact and Fan Community Reception
  12. 12Gunpla and Merchandise Guide
  13. 1300 Gundam FAQ
  14. 14Related Articles
  15. 15Sources

What Is 00 Gundam — The Revolution Born from Two GN Drives

"GN particles become squared." This single phrase cuts to the heart of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season.

00 Gundam (GN-0000) is the next-generation Gundam deployed by Celestial Being in AD 2312. While the previous four Gundams each carried a single GN Drive, 00 became the first unit in human history to simultaneously operate two GN Drives — the Twin Drive System.

Why does doubling the drives produce not double, but squared output? That is the core of the Twin Drive System. When two GN Drives resonate and synchronize with each other, particle production exceeds simple multiplication, generating an explosive output that theoretically far surpasses a single drive.

This mobile suit is more than a high-performance Gundam. The sheer volume of GN particles produced by the Twin Drive eventually triggers a phenomenon called "Trans-Am Burst" — an event that temporarily connects the consciousness of all humanity — fundamentally altering the story's conclusion. Pilot Setsuna F. Seiei, too, awakens as an Innovator alongside this machine, becoming the living embodiment of Gundam 00's central theme: the evolution of humanity.

This article comprehensively covers 00 Gundam's specs, weapons, and development history, as well as Setsuna's story, variant units, and the full Gunpla lineup across all grades.

GN-0000 Basic Specifications

Item Details
Model Number GN-0000
Name 00 Gundam (Double O Gundam)
Head Height 18.3 m
Base Weight 54.9 t
Full Combat Weight 83.1 t
Power Source GN Drive × 2 (Twin Drive System)
Armor Material E-Carbon, GN Composite Armor
Developer Celestial Being (based on Aeolia Schenberg's design plans)
Pilot Setsuna F. Seiei
First Appearance Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season, Episode 1 (AD 2312)

00 Raiser (Combined Form) Specifications

Item Details
Model Number GN-0000+GNR-010
Name 00 Raiser
Head Height 18.3 m (same as base unit)
Full Combat Weight 109.3 t
Maximum GN Particle Output "Squared" theoretical output at full Twin Drive synchronization
Trans-Am Output Over 7 times the theoretical baseline

Development History — The Road to Twin Drive

Evolution from Exia

00 Gundam's predecessor is GN-001 Gundam Exia. Exia was heavily damaged in the final battle four years before the start of Second Season (AD 2308), after which Setsuna continued fighting alone for four years while gradually repairing it.

Exia's close-combat philosophy — wrapping GN particles around a blade to cut — was inherited by 00. If Exia was a swordsman-type Gundam wielding "seven swords," then 00 can be described as a warrior-type Gundam that "wields the infinite GN particles born from the Twin Drive with two blades."

Relationship with 0 Gundam

The Twin Drive required two "genuine GN Drives." Celestial Being's supply of genuine GN Drives was limited, and critically important among them was the solar furnace carried by GN-000 0 Gundam.

0 Gundam was the first Gundam designed by Aeolia Schenberg, and its solar furnace possessed exceptional stability from years of continuous operation. That furnace, paired with Exia's solar furnace — a unit deeply attuned to Setsuna through years of shared combat — formed "the most compatible pair" and was incorporated into 00.

The Twin Drive Problem: The Synchronization Barrier

Simply fitting two GN Drives side by side does not produce squared output. "GN Drives are alive" — the units were described this way because subtle differences between the two drives caused mutual interference, making stable output difficult to achieve.

  • Synchronization rate 70–80%: Even the ideal combination of Exia and 0 Gundam's drives failed to achieve stable synchronization
  • Symptoms: When the sync rate fell below a threshold, output became unstable; in the worst case, both drives could go out of control and explode
  • Stopgap solution: Temporarily triggering Trans-Am to force synchronization served as a workaround, but was not a fundamental fix

The root solution to this problem came from docking with the support unit "O Raiser," described later.

Weapons and Special Equipment

GN Sword II (× 2)

The defining primary weapons of 00. Two GN Sword IIs are carried at the waist and used across three modes.

Sword Mode

The "solid blade" form that defines GN Sword II. By enveloping the E-Carbon blade with GN particles, it delivers powerful slashing attacks. Though shorter than Exia's GN Sword, the improved handling allows Setsuna to wield both blades simultaneously in a dual-sword style that delivers overwhelming close-range combat capability.

Rifle Mode

The rifle form, in which the GN Sword II's blade is folded back and GN particles are fired as a beam. Its versatility allows engagement at medium and long range in addition to close combat. Dual-fire with both rifles simultaneously is also possible.

Beam Saber Mode

A GN beam saber deploys from the grip, usable as a pure beam blade independent of Sword Mode or Rifle Mode.

GN Sword III

A large solid sword carried after the 00 Raiser combination. Larger than the standard GN Sword II and featuring enhanced output in rifle mode as well.

In the early battles of Second Season, 00 Raiser wielding this GN Sword III produced many of the series' most memorable combat scenes.

GN Beam Saber

A general-purpose beam saber integrated into GN Sword II. Commonly paired with the GN Shield, which uses a GN field to deflect beam weapons.

GN Shield

A defensive shield mountable on both forearms. Charged with GN particles, it blocks a variety of attacks including beam weaponry.

Trans-Am System

A system that releases GN particles compressed and stored inside the GN Drive all at once. When activated, the unit glows red and achieves ultra-high-speed maneuverability capable of leaving afterimages.

For 00, the Twin Drive's Trans-Am is particularly potent:

  • Single Gundam Trans-Am: approximately 3× output
  • 00 Raiser Trans-Am (Trans-Am Raiser): over 7 times the theoretical baseline

The "over 7 times" figure results from the Twin Drive's squared effect being further amplified by Trans-Am, placing it in an entirely different category from standard Gundams.

Trans-Am Burst (Ultimate Technique)

A unique phenomenon activated by 00 Raiser in the final arc of Second Season. With the Twin Drive in full synchronization, triggering Trans-Am causes GN particles to expand explosively outward from 00 Raiser. Humans touched by these particles temporarily share consciousness with one another.

Triggered in response to Setsuna's awakening as an Innovator, this phenomenon connected the minds of people across a radius of several hundred kilometers, opening a door toward "dialogue" — humanity's next step.

Pilot Profile — Setsuna F. Seiei

Background and Origin

Setsuna F. Seiei (real name: Soran Ibrahim) was born in AD 2291 in a Middle Eastern conflict zone. Raised on the battlefield from childhood, he spent his early years fighting as a child soldier.

First Season (AD 2307–2308): As the pilot of Gundam Exia, he intervened in armed conflicts across international society. His combat abilities were exceptional, but he was psychologically unstable, defining his entire identity solely around "being Gundam."

Four years of solitary activity (2308–2312): After the final battle, he operated alone while repairing the badly damaged Exia. Through years of solitary combat, he gradually began questioning "who am I?" and "what is peace?" These four years laid the foundation for Setsuna's growth in Second Season.

Awakening as an Innovator

An "Innovator" is the next evolutionary form of humanity in the Gundam 00 universe — an individual equipped with sensory organs capable of sharing emotions and thoughts with others through GN particles, and possessing quantum-level intuition to read the flow of battle.

Setsuna's Innovator awakening progressed in stages:

Stage 1 (early Second Season): Combat intuition sharpens; he begins perceiving information that should be imperceptible by normal humans (e.g., transparent wire traps).

Stage 2 (mid-season): His resonance with 00 Raiser's Twin Drive deepens, making the machine's movements feel like extensions of his own senses. His piloting ability begins to transcend human limits.

Full awakening (Second Season Episode 24): Around the decisive battle with Ribbons Almark, he awakens as a complete Innovator, intentionally triggering Trans-Am Burst and unleashing the power to connect human consciousness.

Film era (AD 2314): Established as a Pure-Type Innovator, Setsuna challenges dialogue with the unknown extraterrestrial life form ELS aboard 00 Qan[T].

His Relationship with "Gundam"

One of Setsuna's signature lines is: "I am Gundam." This is not mere dialogue — it is the core of his philosophy. As a child soldier who was "saved" by a Gundam, he sought to fuse himself with Gundam (the symbol of change). That obsession is sublimated throughout Second Season into a forward-looking resolve: "Gundam must become a tool that guides humanity toward dialogue."

The mobile suit 00 itself is inseparably bound to Setsuna's spiritual growth.

History of Piloted Units

Period Unit
First Season (2307–2308) GN-001 Gundam Exia
End of First Season ~ four years GN-001RE Gundam Exia Repair
Second Season (2312–) GN-0000 00 Gundam
Second Season mid-arc onwards GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Raiser
Late Second Season GN-0000/7S 00 Gundam Seven Sword (temporary)
Film (2314) GNT-0000 00 Qan[T]

Combat Record — Complete Second Season Timeline

Episodes 1–4: Relaunch and Stunning Debut

AD 2312. The Earth Federation's independent peacekeeping force "A-Laws" was brutally suppressing anti-government factions. Celestial Being was preparing to relaunch.

When 00 first appeared in Episode 1, many Gundam fans were struck by the sheer impact. Carrying two GN Drives on its shoulders and two GN Sword IIs at its hips, its silhouette possessed a symmetrical beauty utterly unlike any Gundam before it.

At this point, however, the Twin Drive has not yet achieved full synchronization. Setsuna opens hostilities against A-Laws while fighting with unstable output.

Episodes 5–13: O Raiser Deployment and Twin Drive Stabilization

The support unit "O Raiser" (piloted by Saji Crossroad) is delivered to Celestial Being. The combined form "00 Raiser" dramatically improves the synchronization rate that had been the Twin Drive's critical weakness.

Stabilization mechanism: O Raiser is equipped with a "GN Controller" device that adjusts and balances the particle flow from both GN Drives. This keeps the synchronization rate, previously unstable at 70–80%, reliably high.

In Episode 13, "Trans-Am Raiser," 00 Raiser activates Trans-Am. The overwhelming spectacle — 00 Raiser blazing with output over seven times the theoretical baseline — stunned viewers, and "Trans-Am Raiser" remains one of the most iconic scenes in the entire series.

Episodes 14–21: Full-Scale Confrontation with A-Laws

00 Raiser faces A-Laws' trump cards: the Alvaaron, the Brave, and numerous other powerful adversaries.

Particularly significant are the mission to rescue Allelujah Haptism (Episode 17) and the battle against Tieria Erde and Regene Regetta (Episode 20). Through these fights, Setsuna's Innovator-like intuition becomes increasingly pronounced.

Episodes 22–24: Trans-Am Burst and Awakening

Episode 22, "The Mechanics of Life," marks the beginning of the direct confrontation with Ribbons Almark.

Ribbons' Reborns Gundam (RG-0) is equipped with a copy of the Twin Drive system. The clash of two Twin Drive units — 00 and Reborns — transcends the realm of conventional weaponry.

Episode 24, "Rebirth": Setsuna, responding to his comrades' crisis, awakens as a complete Innovator. 00 Raiser activates Trans-Am Burst, and GN particles spread across space. Those touched by the particles momentarily share each other's emotions and will, opening the door to dialogue.

The visual of 00 Raiser enveloped in light, accompanied by the BGM "TRANS-AM ~The Trailblazer~," stands as one of the most moving scenes in all of Gundam 00.

Episode 25 (Finale): "Rebirth"

Having defeated Ribbons in the final battle, Setsuna transfers 00's battered GN Drives to the restored Exia Repair II, taking on the last fight as Exia R2. With this, 00 Gundam's role effectively comes to an end.

Film Opening (AD 2314)

Two years after the final battle, Setsuna waits near Jupiter, developing the new unit "00 Qan[T]." 00 Gundam's direct appearances in the film are limited, but it is clear that 00 Qan[T] — the film's protagonist machine — is the spiritual successor to 00 Gundam.

Variants — The 00 Gundam Lineage

GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Raiser

The greatest enhancement form of 00 Gundam. The state in which GNR-010 O Raiser has docked with 00 is known as "00 Raiser."

Docking Method

O Raiser connects from the rear, and its wings deploy behind 00. This achieves Twin Drive stabilization via the GN Controller and increased particle supply through the large GN Condensers.

Additional Capabilities

  • Full Twin Drive synchronization becomes achievable
  • The deployment range of the "GN Field" using GN particles expands
  • Trans-Am output reaches "over 7 times the theoretical value"

GN Sword III Carry Configuration

A combat style carrying the GN Sword III mounted on O Raiser. The combination of a large solid sword and high-output rifle addresses both close and long-range engagements.

GN-0000+GNR-010/XN 00 Raiser XN Raiser

A special equipment configuration with an XN Unit added to O Raiser's backpack. An experimental loadout used for special operations missions.

GN-0000/7S 00 Gundam Seven Sword

A reconfigured variant equipped with seven close-combat weapons, applied to the battle-damaged 00 after Setsuna's Innovator awakening in preparation for the final showdown with Reborns Gundam.

The seven weapons: 1. GN Sword II × 2 (dual swords) 2. GN Sword II Short Type × 2 3. GN Buster Sword × 1 4. GN Katar × 1 5. GN Beam Saber × 1

One GN Drive is replaced by a GN Condenser on one side, making this a pure close-combat specialist configuration from an energy-supply standpoint.

GN-0000/7S+GNR-010 00 Gundam Seven Sword/G

An advanced form combining Seven Sword with O Raiser and adding the GN Sword II Blaster (a new ranged weapon). Also known as the "G Type," it was designed as a "complete close-combat Gundam" capable of engaging at any range.

An MG (Master Grade) Gunpla kit has been released, and this variant enjoys high popularity among fans.

From 00 to Qan[T]: Evolution of Design Philosophy

The mobile suit developed as 00's successor is GNT-0000 00 Qan[T] (the film's protagonist unit).

Where 00 pursued "overwhelming firepower and mobility through the Twin Drive" as a combat machine, 00 Qan[T] was redesigned as "a unit for dialogue."

Comparison 00 Gundam 00 Qan[T]
Appearance TV Series, Second Season Film
Concept Force for revolution Power for dialogue
Special System Trans-Am Burst Quantum Burst
Number of Drives 2 (Twin Drive) 1 (GN Drive II)
Pilot Requirements Pre-awakening Innovator Exclusive to fully awakened Innovator

Quantum Burst is an evolution of Trans-Am Burst, enabling a more active and directional "transmission of consciousness." In the film's ELS dialogue sequence, Setsuna achieves mutual understanding with the ELS through Quantum Burst.

Mechanical Design Secrets — Kanetake Ebikawa's Challenge

Designer: Kanetake Ebikawa

00 Gundam was designed by mechanical designer Kanetake Ebikawa. In the Gundam 00 series, he designed all four protagonist Gundams and numerous mass-production units, establishing the series' visual identity.

Ebikawa has spoken about his design philosophy: "My top priority is fulfilling the ordered conditions without over-asserting my own preferences," and "I first focus on silhouette and character personality — I don't worry too much about detailed settings in the early stages."

00 Gundam's Design Concept

The most challenging aspect of designing 00 was how to sculpt the shoulder-mounted GN Drives (two disc-shaped units).

The design grammar of the Gundam series — twin eyes, V-fin antenna, chest cockpit — had to be preserved while incorporating the entirely new element of large shoulder-mounted GN Drives into the silhouette.

The result was a "bilateral symmetry" silhouette with equal shoulders. While most previous Gundams featured asymmetric designs with heavier right shoulders, 00 is perfectly symmetrical — a visual expression of the "Twin Drive" concept.

Connection to Gundam Exia

Ebikawa consciously designed 00 as a "bloodline continuation" of Exia:

  • Face design: Inherits Exia's sharp angular jaw line while refining the overall proportions
  • Weapons philosophy: A shift from Exia's "seven swords" to "two high-quality blades" — not choosing from many weapons, but mastering two perfected ones
  • Color scheme: Inherits Exia's blue-white-red tricolor while emphasizing the green GN Drive glow

Sculpting the GN Drives

The shoulder GN Drives are described in-setting as "solar furnaces" in which something akin to nuclear fusion occurs internally. In design terms, they are expressed as "rotating ring-shaped luminous bodies." In Gunpla (particularly PG and RG grades), this is recreated as a gimmick featuring an actual spinning internal wheel.

The GN Drive design is said to have influenced the visual expression of "energy visualization" in subsequent Gundam works, including the Psycho-Frame of Gundam UC and the energy aesthetics of later series.

00 Gundam — Iconic Scenes and Memorable Lines

"I Am Gundam" (Second Season, Episode 1)

Setsuna's signature line, carried over from First Season. Yet hearing it again in Second Season carries an entirely different weight. When Setsuna — having endured four years of solitary combat — says "I am Gundam," the words no longer express simple self-identification, but rather a resolve: "the will to continue existing as Gundam."

Trans-Am Raiser Activation (Episode 13)

Celestial Being, cornered by A-Laws' overwhelming forces, completes the docking with O Raiser at a critical moment, triggering Trans-Am Raiser for the first time. The image of crimson 00 Raiser blazing across the battlefield at high speed and neutralizing enemies one after another is remembered as the most exhilarating single moment of the TV series.

The Flow of Comrades' Emotions (Episode 24)

The moment Setsuna, awakened as an Innovator, triggers Trans-Am Burst aboard 00 Raiser. Lockon Stratos, Allelujah Haptism, Tieria Erde — the emotions and memories of his comrades pour into Setsuna, and 00 becomes a pillar of light blazing through space. It is one of the most emotionally powerful scenes across all of Gundam 00.

Paired with the BGM "TRANS-AM ~The Trailblazer~," this scene has been featured in countless fan-made and official tribute videos, official and unofficial alike.

The "Hand-Off" to Exia (Finale)

The final episode scene in which the worn-out 00's GN Drives are "passed on" to the restored Exia R2. This symbolizes 00 Gundam completing its mission and Setsuna's return to his origin — Exia. The staging of "returning to the beginning" represents the completion of Setsuna's journey.

Comparison with Gundam Exia — Predecessor vs. Successor, Analyzed

To fully understand 00, a comparison with its predecessor Gundam Exia is essential.

Comparison Gundam Exia (GN-001) 00 Gundam (GN-0000)
Number of GN Drives 1 2 (Twin Drive)
Primary Weapons 7 types (seven swords) 2 types (GN Sword II × 2)
Combat Style Close-range specialist; situational use of diverse weapons High-output; overwhelming opponents with two blades
Appearance Season First Season Second Season
Unit Concept Adaptability through weapon variety Overwhelming output via Twin Drive
Pilot Evolution Child soldier → Gundam Meister Gundam Meister → Innovator

If Exia is "a skilled swordsman who adapts by choosing from many weapons," then 00 is "a powerhouse who wields two blades with overwhelming force." This shift mirrors Setsuna's own spiritual growth — less deliberation, more moving forward with conviction.

One crucial fact connecting Exia and 00: one of the Twin Drive's two GN Drives was inherited from Exia. The solar furnace that fought alongside Setsuna for four years passed its "bloodline" to 00 — a detail that represents not merely the passing of machinery, but the passing of a story.

Cultural Impact and Fan Community Reception

The Influence of the "Twin Drive" Concept

The concept of "squared output from two drives" established by 00 Gundam became a new benchmark for "expressing power levels" within the Gundam franchise.

In subsequent series, "squared" rather than "simply doubled" became a powerful descriptor that leaves a strong impression on audiences. It can be argued that 00's influence helped popularize the trend of emphasizing "multiplicative output" in robot anime more broadly.

Trans-Am's Cultural Penetration

The word "Trans-Am" became established slang among Gundam 00 fans to mean "full release of power." On Twitter and Niconico Douga, the "Trans-Am" tag is used widely to express "giving everything at a critical moment," and has spread beyond the fandom as a general phrase meaning "going all out."

"Trans-Am Burst," in particular, is spoken of as a symbol of "a miracle that reaches everyone," and remains one of the most deeply moving scenes for Gundam 00 fans.

Reception of Setsuna's Innovator Awakening

Within the Second Season narrative, Setsuna's journey from "a mere Gundam pilot" to "the embodiment of humanity's evolution" is highly regarded as one of the best depictions of protagonist growth in the entire Gundam franchise.

In particular, the philosophical transformation from "I am Gundam (First Season)" to "Gundam should become a tool to guide humanity toward dialogue (Second Season)" is supported by many fans as evidence of ideological maturity, not simple power escalation.

Overseas Reception

In English-speaking Gundam fan communities (Gundam Wiki Fandom and others), 00 Gundam consistently ranks among the most popular mobile suits. "The Twin Drive System" is a frequently debated topic among fans, with "why does output become squared?" sparking repeated technical discussions in forums.

As in Japan, "Trans-Am" is a fixture in fan discourse, recognized even by those unfamiliar with Gundam 00 as a synonym for "impossibly powerful."

Musical Synergy

The Gundam 00 series' music — opening themes by L'Arc~en~Ciel and UVERworld, among others — combined with 00 Gundam's standout combat scenes, left an indelible impression on viewers. "TRANS-AM ~The Trailblazer~" is especially inseparable from 00 Gundam's legacy as the track accompanying the Trans-Am Burst sequence.

Niconico Douga and YouTube host countless fan-made MAD videos set to this BGM, and the unified combination of music, visuals, and machine continues to convey the series' emotional impact. This represents one of the most active areas of fan activity in the entire Gundam franchise, a testament to 00 Gundam's enduring popularity.

Gunpla and Merchandise Guide

00 Gundam's popularity has resulted in kit releases across all grades — HG, MG, RG, and PG. There are particularly many releases in "00 Raiser" combined form, offering first-time buyers a variety of options.

HG (High Grade) 1/144 Scale

Kit Name Price (tax incl.) Features
HG GN-0000 00 Gundam Approx. ¥1,100 Solo unit. Released 2008. Entry-level
HG GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Raiser Approx. ¥1,760 O Raiser combination. Standard kit
HG 00 Raiser + GN Sword III Approx. ¥2,200 Enhanced version with GN Sword III
HG GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Trans-Am Raiser Approx. ¥2,420 Clear parts in Trans-Am activation state
HG GN-0000+GNR-010 Designer's Color Ver. Approx. ¥2,420 Color scheme supervised by Ebikawa

Recommendation: For beginners and newcomers, the HG 00 Raiser is the best starting point. It offers excellent value for the price and includes the docking gimmick.

MG (Master Grade) 1/100 Scale

Kit Name Price (tax incl.) Features
MG GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Raiser Approx. ¥5,500 Internal frame. LED-compatible. Standard
MG GN-0000/7S 00 Gundam Seven Sword/G Approx. ¥4,950 Full loadout with all 7 weapons

MG highlights: The MG 00 Raiser features an internal frame extended into parts of O Raiser as well, delivering the density expected of 1/100 scale. With an optional LED unit (sold separately), the GN Drives illuminate, recreating the "Trans-Am" visual at home.

The MG Seven Sword/G excels with all seven weapons on display simultaneously, making it particularly recommended for display-focused builders.

RG (Real Grade) 1/144 Scale

Kit Name Price (tax incl.) Features
RG GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Raiser Approx. ¥3,630 Released 2015. Maximum density at 1/144
RG GN-0000/7S+GNR-010 00 Raiser Seven Sword/G Approx. ¥4,400 Red-colored Seven Sword RG version

RG features: The RG 00 Raiser is characterized by an astonishing level of fine detail for 1/144 scale. Its sliding mechanism in O Raiser's wing sections and the movable GN Drive gimmicks produce a highly accurate recreation of the combined transformation. The clear GN Condenser parts add visual beauty, and the completed model's display impact is exceptional.

PG (Perfect Grade) 1/60 Scale

Kit Name Price (tax incl.) Features
PG GN-0000+GNR-010 00 Raiser Approx. ¥22,000 Pinnacle of Gunpla. LED-integrated GN Drives

PG highlights: The PG 00 Raiser stands at the peak of all Gunpla. At approximately 30 cm tall, it features an internal flywheel in the GN Drives that spins while illuminated — a gimmick unique to PG grade that conveys a genuine mechanical sensation. The experience of inserting batteries after completion and watching the GN Drives rotate is unavailable in any other grade.

Its built-in LEDs also recreate the GN particle emission state in vivid light, making this the definitive piece for displaying "Trans-Am Raiser" at home.

How to Choose

Your Type Recommended Kit
First-time Gunpla builder HG 00 Raiser (approx. ¥1,760)
Best balance of cost and quality MG 00 Raiser (approx. ¥5,500)
Maximum detail at 1/144 RG 00 Raiser (approx. ¥3,630)
Want to display all 7 weapons MG or RG Seven Sword/G
The ultimate Gundam 00 centerpiece PG 00 Raiser (approx. ¥22,000)
Prioritizing display impact HG Trans-Am Raiser (clear parts version)

Build Tips

For first-time HG builders: The HG 00 Gundam and 00 Raiser feature excellent pre-applied color separation, delivering an appearance close to the anime without painting. The green clear parts of the GN Drives stand out beautifully, making for a highly satisfying completed model.

MG challenges and solutions: The MG 00 Raiser features a docking/separation gimmick in O Raiser's wing sections, which can make posing in combined form tricky. The 00 body joints are on the stiff side; loosening them slightly before posing will make the process smoother.

RG parts-dropping prevention: As with the RG line in general, parts can detach easily. The same applies to RG 00 Raiser — consider reinforcing the GN Sword II joint sections and the shoulder GN Drive connection points with adhesive or rubber parts before display. The density of the completed model, however, is in a different league from HG.

PG build time: PG builds can take 20–40 hours. The wiring process for the light-up gimmick is unique; read the instructions carefully as you proceed. The sense of achievement upon completion and the finished model's quality are second to none.

ROBOT Spirits, HCM-Pro, and Other Merchandise

Beyond Gunpla, numerous high-quality figures and collectibles have been released:

  • ROBOT Spirits 00 Gundam: A high-precision figure with sculpt supervised by Kanetake Ebikawa. Combines playability with visual accuracy
  • MG Figure-Rise Setsuna F. Seiei: A pilot figure; also available in a set with Exia
  • GUNDAM UNIVERSE 00 Gundam: Featured in the budget-friendly figure lineup as well

The ROBOT Spirits series in particular is regarded as the most faithful three-dimensional representation of "the silhouette as the designer intended," owing to Ebikawa's direct involvement in the sculpt supervision.

00 Gundam FAQ

Q. What's the difference between 00 Gundam and 00 Raiser? A. 00 Gundam (GN-0000) refers to the base unit alone. When docked with O Raiser (GNR-010), the combined form is called "00 Raiser (GN-0000+GNR-010)." Docking with O Raiser stabilizes the Twin Drive and enables Trans-Am Raiser. Both configurations have been released as Gunpla kits.

Q. Why can Trans-Am Burst only be used once? A. Trans-Am Burst consumes an enormous amount of GN Drive particles, leaving the unit inoperable for some time afterward. In the story as well, 00 Raiser is rendered immobile after Trans-Am Burst activates, and Setsuna enters the final battle aboard Exia R2. The story's treatment of this as a "one-shot decisive technique" heightens the technique's sense of gravity and specialness.

Q. Which is stronger — 00 Qan[T] or 00 Gundam? A. In terms of raw combat power, 00 Qan[T] ranks higher — but the two units are fundamentally different in concept. 00 was designed as "force for revolution," while Qan[T] was designed as "power for dialogue." Rather than a straightforward comparison of strength, these are two units built for entirely different purposes, making direct comparison difficult.

Sources


Information in this article is current as of March 2026. Prices are subject to change. Please check the official Bandai website for the latest accurate information.