Following extensive rumors, Lego has officially revealed its brick-built replica of the iconic Nintendo Game Boy. This 421-piece set, priced at $60, is scheduled for release on October 1st, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Pre-orders are open. The model mirrors the original 1989 handheld`s dimensions, promising a wave of nostalgia for Nintendo enthusiasts with its awesome design and interactive elements.
Designed for adult collectors, this Game Boy building kit is part of Lego`s display model series. Although initially announced in January, its official unveiling took place at Lego`s San Diego Comic-Con event. At $60, it`s one of the most budget-friendly display models in the Lego Nintendo collection, matching the Super Mario Piranha Plant. This marks the eighth adult-oriented Nintendo-themed kit released since Lego and Nintendo began their collaboration with the Nintendo Entertainment System replica.
The Lego Game Boy meticulously recreates the original Game Boy DMG, featuring accurate details like the `Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound` font on the screen lens, and faithfully colored A/B, D-pad, and Start/Select buttons. All switches and dials—the top-left power switch, left-side contrast wheel, right-side volume dial, and bottom 3.5mm audio jack—are positioned precisely as they were on the original handheld.
The set also includes a buildable stand and two replica Game Paks (cartridges) for timeless 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 with a real Game Boy. The second cartridge can be displayed on an additional buildable stand.
While lacking electronics and unable to interact with Lego Super Mario figures, the model offers a clever visual trick to simulate functionality. It comes with three interchangeable lenticular screens: the classic boot-up sequence, a scene from Super Mario Land`s World 1-1, and a memorable cutscene from Link`s Awakening. Tilting the Lego Game Boy creates an illusion of movement, bringing the Nintendo logo`s slide, Mario`s scrolling adventure, and the Link`s Awakening scene to life.
Once assembled, the 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 Adults
The interactive elements of the Lego Game Boy, like cartridge loading and game scene displays, evoke memories of the Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Launched in August 2020 to mark Lego`s collaboration with Nintendo, the 2,646-piece NES set featured a console with a working top loader, a Super Mario Bros. cartridge, a wired NES controller, and a CRT television with a stand. A side crank on the TV allows Mario to move through a side-scrolling level. Even years later, many consider the NES set to be one of the most impressive gaming-themed Lego creations.
Regrettably, the Lego NES was officially discontinued late last year and is largely out of stock at most major retailers, with the exception of Amazon. A few months ago, Amazon restocked the retired set, albeit at an elevated price. Currently, the Lego NES is retailing for $330, an increase of $60 from its original MSRP of $270. Despite the higher cost, its impending sell-out is anticipated, especially with the Game Boy set`s release drawing near, as both models would complement each other perfectly when displayed.
Below is a comprehensive list of Lego Nintendo display models. The latest addition to this collection is the 1,972-piece Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart set, featuring a large buildable Mario and his iconic red kart. This set debuted on the Lego Store in May for $170 and became available at major retailers recently.
While awaiting the Lego Game Boy`s release, consider building the 540-piece Super Mario Piranha Plant. This model stands out as the only Lego Nintendo display set currently available with a discount, as most other sets in the collection rarely see price reductions.
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) — $60 | Release: 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 (
$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
- $270 with Frustration-Free Packaging
The Lego Game Boy was among several exciting announcements made at San Diego Comic-Con. For Batman enthusiasts, a substantial Arkham Asylum model, comprising 2,953 pieces, will be available on September 12th for $300. This adult-oriented set features 16 minifigures and 65 Batman-themed stickers. In anticipation of the final season of Stranger Things, Lego is releasing a BrickHeadz collection with buildable figures of Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will, launching October 1st for $40. Additionally, fans of Wicked can look forward to a significant expansion of Lego`s Wicked building set collection with six new sets arriving on September 1st.