The highly anticipated Lego Nintendo Game Boy replica, a 421-piece set priced at $60, is scheduled for release on October 1. Since its pre-order launch last month during San Diego Comic-Con, the set has frequently sold out. As of August 20, Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy currently have stock available for pre-order, though Target and the Lego Store have already exhausted their allocations.
This brick-built Game Boy meticulously replicates the original 1989 handheld console, matching its dimensions almost perfectly. Serving as an excellent display piece, it incorporates interactive elements that are sure to evoke nostalgia and delight retro Nintendo enthusiasts.
The Game Boy building kit, first hinted at in January and fully unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, is part of Lego`s special display model series designed for adult builders and collectors. Priced similarly to the Super Mario Piranha Plant, it stands as one of the most affordable options within the Lego Nintendo collection. This set marks the eighth adult-oriented Nintendo-themed kit since the partnership between Lego and Nintendo began with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System replica.
Lego`s Game Boy faithfully captures the authentic details of the classic Game Boy DMG model. This includes the distinctive `Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound` font on the screen lens, the precise colors of the A/B buttons, D-pad, and Start/Select buttons, and the accurate placement of switches and dials. The power switch is on the top left, the contrast wheel on the left side (next to the battery indicator light), the volume dial on the right, and the 3.5mm audio jack at the bottom, all positioned as expected on the original device.
In addition to the Game Boy console itself and a buildable stand, the set includes replica Game Paks (cartridges) for two 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 real ones, and the second cartridge can be showcased on an additional buildable stand.
While the Lego Game Boy does not contain electronics that interact with Lego Super Mario figures, it features a clever trick to simulate a functioning console. The set comes with three interchangeable lenticular screens: the boot-up screen, a still from World 1-1 of Super Mario Land, and a cutscene from Link`s Awakening where you sit beside Marin on a log. By tilting the Lego Game Boy, an illusion of movement is created, allowing the Nintendo logo to slide down, Mario to move across the side-scrolling level, and the memorable Link`s Awakening scene to briefly come to life.
The completed model measures 5.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches, which is remarkably close to the actual 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, such as cartridge loading and animated screen scenes, draw parallels to the Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Launched in August 2020 as the inaugural set of the Lego-Nintendo collaboration, the 2,646-piece NES set included a console with a functional top-loader, a Super Mario Bros. cartridge, a wired NES controller, and a CRT TV with a crank that moves Mario through a side-scrolling level. Even after five years, the NES set is widely considered one of the most impressive gaming-related Lego creations.
Unfortunately, the Lego NES was officially retired late last year and is now sold out from most major retailers. A recent, brief restock on Amazon saw the discontinued set appear with an additional $60 markup, selling out quickly at $330. Currently, the Lego NES is primarily available via resellers, with some prices making the $330 Amazon price seem like a steal.
Another nostalgic Lego Nintendo build that remains available is the Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi set, priced at $128 (originally $130). Released last October, this 1,215-piece set features pixel art versions of Mario and Yoshi based on their 16-bit sprites, complete with interactive cranks that simulate Yoshi walking and sticking out his tongue. The most recent addition to Lego`s adult-oriented Nintendo lineup is the 1,972-piece Mario Kart set, featuring a large buildable Mario and his iconic red kart, which launched in May for $170.
For those eager to build while waiting for the Lego Game Boy, the 540-piece Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros. is currently available at a discounted price of $48 (down from $60) – a rare discount for these typically full-priced collectible sets.
Available Lego Nintendo Sets for Adults:
- 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, MSRP $270
- Super Mario 64: Question Block (2,064 pieces) — Retired, MSRP $200 (also seen at $255 or $270 with Frustration-Free Packaging)
Lego Retro Gaming Hardware
Lego has also introduced several other display models based on classic gaming hardware. The Lego Icons: Atari 2600, a detailed 2,532-piece set that authentically recreated Atari`s legendary home console, was unfortunately discontinued last year. Despite a brief restock on Amazon at its original price, it quickly sold out, similar to the NES.
The Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade, an impressive 2,651-piece set featuring interactive elements that delight Pac-Man fans, remains available at major retailers for $270. For a more budget-friendly retro gaming build reminiscent of the Game Boy, consider the adorable 468-piece Lego Arcade Machine. While not modeled after a specific real-world arcade cabinet, it makes for an appealing display piece and is priced at just $40, including a gamer-themed minifigure.
Available Lego Retro Gaming Hardware Sets:
- Lego Arcade Machine (468 pieces) — $40
- Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade (2,651 pieces) — $270
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) — $60 | Releases October 1
- Lego Icons: Atari 2600 (2,532 pieces) — Retired, MSRP $240 (also seen at $260)
- Lego NES (2,646 pieces) — Sold out, Retired, MSRP $270
Beyond Lego, collectors might be interested in the official brick-built Xbox 360 set by Mega Bloks. Part of their Collector Series for adults, this 1,342-piece building set is exclusively available at Target for $150.