Following a period of anticipation, Lego has officially revealed its brick-built rendition of the Nintendo Game Boy. This highly anticipated set is scheduled for release on October 1st, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Priced at $60, the 421-piece replica closely mirrors the original handheld`s dimensions, which took the world by storm upon its 1989 debut. The Lego Game Boy not only looks impressive but also boasts several interactive features designed to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia among Nintendo enthusiasts.
Part of Lego`s display model collection, specifically aimed at adult builders and collectors, the Game Boy construction kit was initially hinted at in January. Its full reveal occurred as part of Lego`s San Diego Comic-Con announcements. This Game Boy set is notable for being one of the most affordably priced display models within the Lego Nintendo range, on par with the Super Mario Piranha Plant. It marks the eighth Nintendo-themed adult building kit since the collaboration began with a replica of the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Lego`s Game Boy is an authentic tribute to the original Game Boy DMG, featuring accurate details down to the `Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound` font on the screen lens, and the precise colors of the A/B buttons, D-pad, and Start/Select controls. Key switches and dials are precisely positioned: the power switch on the top-left, the contrast wheel on the left side near the battery indicator, the volume dial on the right, and the 3.5mm audio jack at the bottom.
In addition to the Game Boy console itself and a buildable display stand, the set includes replica Game Paks (cartridges) of two beloved classics: Super Mario Land (1989) and The Legend of Zelda: Link`s Awakening (1993). These cartridges can be inserted into the Game Pak slot, just like on a real Game Boy. The second cartridge can be showcased on an accompanying buildable stand.
While the Lego Game Boy lacks electronic components and therefore won`t interact with Lego Super Mario figures, it incorporates a clever mechanism that simulates a functioning console. The set comes with three interchangeable lenticular screens. These depict the classic boot screen, a still image from World 1-1 of Super Mario Land, and a memorable cutscene from Link`s Awakening where Link sits with Marin on a log. By tilting the Lego Game Boy, a subtle illusion of movement is created: the Nintendo logo appears to slide down, Mario seems to move across the side-scrolling level, and the Link`s Awakening scene briefly comes to life. The finished model measures approximately 5.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches, closely matching the original Game Boy`s dimensions of 5.8 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches.
Lego Nintendo Display Models for Adult Builders
The interactive elements of the Lego Game Boy, such as cartridge loading and animated screen displays, are reminiscent of the highly popular Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Launched in August 2020 to inaugurate Lego’s collaboration with Nintendo, the 2,646-piece NES set included a console with a working top-loader, a Super Mario Bros. cartridge, a wired NES controller, and a buildable CRT television with a stand. A unique crank on the side of the TV allowed for Mario to move through a side-scrolling level. Even years later, the NES set remains one of the most impressive gaming-themed Lego creations.
Regrettably, the Lego NES was officially discontinued late last year and is now largely sold out at most major retailers. Although Amazon recently restocked the set, it did so at an elevated price. Currently, Amazon is offering the Lego NES for $330, a significant increase from its original MSRP of $270. Despite this higher price, it`s expected to sell quickly, especially with the Game Boy set’s upcoming release, as both models would complement each other perfectly when displayed together.
Here is a comprehensive list of Lego Nintendo display models currently available or previously released:
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) – $60 | Releases October 1
- Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (2,646 pieces) – $330 | Retired (Original MSRP: $270)
- Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart (1,972 pieces) – $170
- Super Mario: Piranha Plant (540 pieces) – $48 (Previously
$60) - Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (1,215 pieces) – $130
- Super Mario: Mighty Bowser (2,807 pieces) – $270
- The Legend of Zelda: The Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 (2,500 pieces) – $300
- Super Mario 64: Question Block (2,064 pieces) – $259 | Retired (Original MSRP: $200)
While awaiting the Lego Game Boy`s arrival, collectors might consider building the 540-piece Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros. This is currently the only Lego Nintendo display model available at a discount. Most sets in this collection rarely see price reductions, making the Piranha Plant an exception.
The Lego Game Boy is just one of several exciting announcements from San Diego Comic-Con. Batman enthusiasts will soon have the opportunity to construct a massive model of the infamous Arkham Asylum. This 2,953-piece Batman: Arkham Asylum set, designed for adults, will be released on September 12th and retail for $300. It includes 16 minifigures and 65 lore-inspired stickers. Lego is also celebrating the upcoming final season of Stranger Things with a BrickHeadz collection featuring buildable figures of Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will, launching October 1st for $40. Fans of the musical Wicked will be delighted as Lego`s Wicked building sets collection is set to more than double in size with six new sets arriving on September 1st.