The highly anticipated Lego Game Boy, originally slated for an October 1 release, has begun shipping ahead of schedule, with Amazon customers receiving their units as early as September 26. This 421-piece set had been out of stock on Amazon for approximately a month, suggesting that available units may quickly sell out again. Currently, Walmart is the only other major online retailer with the $60 Game Boy replica in stock, though their shipments are expected to commence next week. As of September 26, pre-orders are no longer available at Target, Best Buy, GameStop, or the official Lego Store.
This brick-built Game Boy meticulously replicates the dimensions of the iconic handheld console that achieved global sensation status upon its debut in Japan and North America in 1989. Beyond being an excellent display piece, its interactive and nostalgic elements are sure to resonate deeply with retro Nintendo aficionados.
As part of Lego`s series of display models designed for adult builders and collectors, the Game Boy construction kit was first teased in January and fully unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con in July. At $60, it stands as one of the most affordable display models within Lego`s Nintendo lineup, matching the price of the Super Mario Piranha Plant. This model represents the eighth Nintendo-themed kit catering to adults since Lego and Nintendo initiated their partnership with a replica of the Nintendo Entertainment System.
The Lego Game Boy is an authentic tribute to the original Game Boy DMG, featuring precise details such as the “Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound” font on the screen lens and the exact colors of the A/B buttons, D-pad, and Start/Select buttons. All switches and dials are faithfully reproduced and correctly positioned: the power switch on the top-left, the contrast wheel on the left side alongside the battery indicator light, the volume dial on the right, and the 3.5mm audio jack at the bottom.
Measuring 5.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches, the Lego Game Boy is remarkably close in size to the real Game Boy DMG (5.8 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches). It can be proudly displayed at an upright angle by connecting it to the included buildable black stand.
In addition to the Game Boy console and its stand, the set includes replica Game Paks (cartridges) of two timeless classics: Super Mario Land (1989) and The Legend of Zelda: Link`s Awakening (1993). These cartridges can be loaded into the Game Pak slot, just like on an actual Game Boy, and the second cartridge can be showcased on a separate buildable stand.
While the Lego Game Boy does not feature electronics and thus won`t interact with Lego Super Mario figures, it incorporates a clever interactive feature that simulates a functioning Game Boy. The set comes with three interchangeable lenticular screens: the iconic boot-up screen, a still from World 1-1 of Super Mario Land, and a cutscene from Link`s Awakening depicting Link and Marin on a log. By tilting the Lego Game Boy, an illusion of movement is created, mimicking the Nintendo logo sliding down the screen, Mario navigating the side-scrolling level, and the memorable Link`s Awakening cutscene briefly coming to life.
Lego Nintendo Display Models for Adults
The Lego Game Boy`s interactive features, such as loading cartridges and displaying scenes from classic games, echo those found in the Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in August 2020 to inaugurate Lego`s partnership with Nintendo, this substantial 2,646-piece set included a console with a functional top-loader, a Super Mario Bros. cartridge, a wired NES controller, and a CRT television with a stand. The TV featured a crank that allowed Mario to move through a side-scrolling level. Even after five years, the Lego NES remains arguably the most impressive gaming-related Lego set.
Unfortunately, the Lego NES was officially retired late last year and is now sold out at all major retailers. A few months ago, Amazon briefly restocked the discontinued set but at an inflated price of $330 (an additional $60 over MSRP). It quickly sold out. Currently, the Lego NES is exclusively available through resellers, with some prices making the $330 tag seem quite reasonable.
Speaking of deals, the Lego Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi set is currently available at a significant discount on Amazon and Walmart. Released last October, this 1,215-piece build features pixel-art versions of Mario and Yoshi, inspired by their 16-bit sprites. Turning a crank on the side makes Yoshi walk, while twisting a dial on the back animates Yoshi extending his tongue.
The most recent addition to Lego`s “for adults” Nintendo lineup is the 1,972-piece Mario Kart set, featuring a large buildable Mario and his iconic red kart. It launched on the Lego Store in May for $170 and became available at other major retailers in July.
While you await the arrival of your Lego Game Boy, you might consider building the 540-piece Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros. as a fun warm-up project.
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) — $60 | Releases October 1
- Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (1,215 pieces) — $104 (was $130)
- Super Mario: Mighty Bowser (2,807 pieces) — $250 (was $270)
- Super Mario: Piranha Plant (540 pieces) — $48 (was $60)
- Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart (1,972 pieces) — $170
- The Legend of Zelda: The Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 (2,500 pieces) — $300
- Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (2,646 pieces) — Retired, $270 MSRP
- Super Mario 64: Question Block (2,064 pieces) — $260 | Retired, $200 MSRP
Lego Retro Gaming Hardware
Lego has also crafted several other display model sets based on retro gaming hardware. A prominent example is the Lego Icons: Atari 2600, a magnificent 2,532-piece build that faithfully captures Atari`s legendary home console. Although Lego discontinued the Atari 2600 last year, Amazon recently restocked it at its original retail price, presenting a valuable opportunity to acquire one.
The impressive 2,651-piece Pac-Man Arcade set is currently available on Amazon for $259.60 (down from $270). It features numerous cool interactive elements, making it an outstanding collectible for Pac-Man enthusiasts. However, if you`re seeking a more budget-friendly set akin to the Game Boy, consider the charming 468-piece Lego Arcade Machine. As depicted in the image above, this model, while not based on a specific real arcade machine, is visually striking. Moreover, the Lego Arcade Machine costs only $40 and includes a gamer-themed minifigure.
- Lego Arcade Machine (468 pieces) — $40
- Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade (2,651 pieces) — $259.60 (was $270)
- Lego Icons: Atari 2600 (2,532 pieces) — $240 | Retired
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) — $60 | Releases October 1
- Lego NES (2,646 pieces) — Sold out | Retired, $270 MSRP