Lego`s highly anticipated Nintendo Game Boy replica has seen quick sell-outs since preorders began last month during San Diego Comic-Con. As of August 20, the 421-piece Game Boy Lego set, priced at $60 and releasing on October 1, is available for preorder at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Amazon has been the most consistent retailer for availability, while Target and the Lego Store are currently sold out.
This brick-built Game Boy is nearly identical in size to the original handheld that captivated the world in 1989. It serves as an impressive display piece for retro Nintendo enthusiasts, featuring nostalgic interactive elements. Unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con after being teased in January, it`s part of Lego`s adult builder and collector series. Priced at $60, it shares the title of most affordable display model in the Lego Nintendo collection with the Super Mario Piranha Plant. This marks the eighth Nintendo-themed kit designed for adults since the partnership began with the Nintendo Entertainment System replica.
The Lego Game Boy is an authentic tribute to the original Game Boy DMG, meticulously replicating details such as the “Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound” font on the screen, the colors of the A/B buttons and D-pad, and the precise placement of switches and dials. It includes replica Game Paks for Super Mario Land (1989) and The Legend of Zelda: Link`s Awakening (1993), which can be inserted just like real cartridges. A second buildable stand is provided for displaying the other cartridge.
While lacking electronics, it creates the illusion of a functioning Game Boy with three swappable lenticular screens. Tilting the model brings the screens to life: the Nintendo logo slides down, Mario moves across a level, and a memorable Link`s Awakening cutscene appears to animate. The completed model measures 5.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches, closely mirroring the original`s 5.8 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches.
Lego Nintendo Display Models for Adults
The interactive nature of the Lego Game Boy, particularly its cartridge loading and screen effects, echoes the Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in August 2020 as the inaugural set of the Lego-Nintendo collaboration, the 2,646-piece NES included a functional console, a Super Mario Bros. cartridge, a wired controller, and a CRT TV with a crank for scrolling through a Mario level. Though retired late last year and now sold out everywhere, the NES remains a highly sought-after gaming-related Lego set, often fetching significantly inflated prices from resellers.
Other Notable Nintendo Builds:
- Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi: Still available at $128 (originally $130), this 1,215-piece set from October features pixel art versions of Mario and Yoshi. It includes a crank that makes Yoshi walk and a dial that simulates his tongue animation.
- Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart: The most recent addition, this 1,972-piece set, priced at $170, launched in May on the Lego Store and arrived at major retailers in July.
- Super Mario: Piranha Plant: The 540-piece Piranha Plant is currently the only Lego Nintendo display model with a discount, available for $48 (down from $60). Most sets in this collection rarely see price reductions.
Lego Retro Gaming Hardware (Non-Nintendo)
Lego has also ventured into other retro gaming hardware. The Lego Icons: Atari 2600, a wonderful 2,532-piece build authentically capturing Atari`s legendary home console, was unfortunately discontinued last year and is now difficult to find. The Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade is still available at major retailers for $270. This impressive 2,651-piece set offers interactive features, making it a stellar collectible for Pac-Man fans. For a more budget-friendly option reminiscent of the Game Boy, the adorable 468-piece Lego Arcade Machine costs only $40 and includes a gamer-themed minifigure, despite not being based on a real arcade cabinet.
Beyond Lego, Mega Bloks offers an official 1,342-piece Xbox 360 building set, exclusively available at Target for $150.
Summary of Key Lego Gaming Sets:
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces): $60 | Releases October 1
- Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart (1,972 pieces): $170
- Super Mario: Piranha Plant (540 pieces): $48 (was $60)
- Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (1,215 pieces): $128 (was $130)
- Super Mario: Mighty Bowser (2,807 pieces): $270
- The Legend of Zelda: The Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 (2,500 pieces): $300
- Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (2,646 pieces): Retired, original MSRP $270
- Super Mario 64: Question Block (2,064 pieces): Retired, original MSRP $200
- Lego Arcade Machine (468 pieces): $40
- Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade (2,651 pieces): $270
- Lego Icons: Atari 2600 (2,532 pieces): Retired, original MSRP $240