Enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the official launch of the LEGO Game Boy on October 1st have a reason to celebrate, as Amazon has commenced shipping orders a full week ahead of schedule, with some deliveries arriving as early as September 26th. Given that the retailer was sold out of pre-orders for approximately a month, it is highly probable that this 421-piece set will once again become quickly unavailable. Beyond Amazon, Walmart currently stands as the sole other online vendor with available stock, though their shipments for the $60 Game Boy replica are not expected until the following week. As of September 26th, pre-orders had already been exhausted at Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and the official LEGO Store.
This brick-built Game Boy faithfully recreates the dimensions of the original handheld console, which achieved global sensation status upon its release in Japan and North America in 1989. It serves as an impressive display piece, featuring nostalgic interactive elements that are sure to resonate with retro Nintendo fans.
Part of LEGO’s display model series aimed at adult builders and collectors, the Game Boy building kit was first hinted at in January and officially unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con in July. It is considered one of the most affordable display models in the LEGO Nintendo lineup, matching the Super Mario Piranha Plant in price. This set represents the eighth Nintendo-themed kit designed for adults since the collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo began with a replica of the Nintendo Entertainment System.
LEGO’s Game Boy is an authentic homage to the original Game Boy DMG, meticulously replicating details down to the `Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound` font on the screen lens and the distinctive colors of the A/B buttons, D-pad, and Start/Select controls. The various switches and dials are precisely located where one would expect them: the power switch on the top left, the contrast wheel on the left side adjacent to 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 brick-built LEGO Game Boy closely matches the dimensions of the real Game Boy DMG (5.8 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches). It can be proudly displayed at an upright angle using the included buildable black stand.
In addition to the Game Boy console and its display stand, the set features replica Game Paks (cartridges) of two iconic 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 genuine Game Boy. The second cartridge can be showcased on an accompanying buildable stand.
Although the LEGO Game Boy contains no electronic components and therefore cannot interact with LEGO Super Mario figures, it incorporates a clever trick that simulates a working Game Boy. The set includes three interchangeable lenticular screens: the boot-up screen that appears upon flipping the power switch, a still image from World 1-1 of Super Mario Land, and a cutscene from Link`s Awakening depicting Link sitting alongside Marin on a log. Tilting the LEGO Game Boy creates the illusion of movement, causing the Nintendo logo to slide down the screen, Mario to move across the side-scrolling level, and the memorable Link`s Awakening cutscene to briefly come to life.
More LEGO Nintendo Display Models for Adults
The LEGO Game Boy`s interactive features, such as loading cartridges and displaying game scenes, evoke the design of the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in August 2020 to inaugurate LEGO`s partnership with Nintendo, 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 television with a stand. A crank on the side of the TV allowed Mario to traverse a side-scrolling level. Even years later, the NES is widely considered among the most impressive gaming-related LEGO sets.
Unfortunately, the LEGO NES was officially retired late last year and is now out of stock with all major retailers. Although Amazon briefly restocked the discontinued set a few months ago, albeit at an inflated price of $330 (an additional $60), these units quickly sold out. Currently, the LEGO NES is exclusively available through resellers, with many prices making the $330 mark appear modest in comparison.
For those interested in current deals, the LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi set is presently available at a notable discount through Amazon and Walmart. Released last October, this 1,215-piece construction features pixel art renditions of Mario and Yoshi, inspired by their 16-bit sprites. A side crank activates Yoshi`s walking motion, while a dial on the back replicates the animation of Yoshi extending his tongue.
The most recent addition to the adult-focused LEGO Nintendo lineup is the 1,972-piece Mario Kart set, showcasing a sizable buildable Mario and his signature red kart. It debuted in May on the LEGO Store for $170 and became available at major retailers in July. Further details on this charming display piece are accessible through various reviews.
As you anticipate the arrival of your LEGO Game Boy, the 540-piece Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros. offers an enjoyable warm-up building experience.
- LEGO Game Boy (421 pieces)
- Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (1,215 pieces)
- Super Mario: Mighty Bowser (2,807 pieces)
- Super Mario: Piranha Plant (540 pieces)
- Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart (1,972 pieces)
- The Legend of Zelda: The Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 (2,500 pieces)
- LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (2,646 pieces)
- Super Mario 64: Question Block (2,064 pieces)
LEGO Retro Gaming Hardware
LEGO has also developed several other display model sets inspired by classic gaming hardware. A prominent example is the LEGO Icons: Atari 2600, a magnificent 2,532-piece construction that authentically captures Atari`s legendary home console. Although the LEGO Atari 2600 was discontinued last year, Amazon recently restocked it at its original retail price, presenting a rare opportunity for collectors.
The impressive 2,651-piece Pac-Man Arcade is currently available from Amazon. This set boasts numerous interactive features, making it an exceptional collectible for Pac-Man enthusiasts. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option reminiscent of the Game Boy set, the charming 468-piece LEGO Arcade Machine is an excellent alternative. As illustrated in the image above, while not based on a specific real arcade, it features an appealing design. Priced at $40, the LEGO Arcade Machine also includes a gamer-themed minifigure.
- LEGO Arcade Machine (468 pieces)
- LEGO Icons: Pac-Man Arcade (2,651 pieces)
- LEGO Icons: Atari 2600 (2,532 pieces)
- LEGO Game Boy (421 pieces)
- LEGO NES (2,646 pieces)