The Mobile Suit Variations, simply known as MSV to fans, are variations on the mechanical designs of the Gundam franchise, particularly those of Mobile Suit Gundam. Most of them never appeared in animated form. They were first published in 1983 and most were created by Gundam mechanical designer Ookawara Kunio.
These mobile suitmecha variations are official designs, including their own histories and in many cases their own pilots with detailed backstories. Some were cancelled or alternative designs originally created for an animated production, while others are promotional variations used as the basis for unique model kits.
While never seen in their own animation series, most of the MSV machines (as well as the backstories and pilots created for them) are considered canonical, and a feature in other side-stories, manga, or (mostly) in video games.
