After much anticipation, Lego has officially revealed its brick-built rendition of the iconic Nintendo Game Boy. Scheduled for an October 1 release, this 421-piece replica is available for preorder at $60. Sized almost identically to the original handheld console that captivated the world in 1989, the Lego Game Boy is designed to evoke nostalgia with its impressive appearance and interactive elements.
Joining Lego`s display model series for adult collectors, the Game Boy building kit, first announced in January, made its official debut at San Diego Comic-Con. Priced similarly to the Super Mario Piranha Plant, it stands as one of the most budget-friendly options in Lego`s Nintendo collection. This marks the eighth Nintendo-themed set created for adults since Lego and Nintendo began their collaboration with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System replica.
Detailed Recreation and Clever Features
The Lego Game Boy meticulously recreates the original Game Boy DMG, featuring authentic details such as the `Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound` font on the screen, correctly colored A/B buttons, D-pad, and Start/Select buttons. All switches and dials—including the power switch, contrast wheel, volume dial, and 3.5mm audio jack—are positioned precisely as they were on the classic handheld.
Beyond the console and its buildable stand, the set comes with replica game cartridges for two beloved titles: Super Mario Land (1989) and The Legend of Zelda: Link`s Awakening (1993). These cartridges can be inserted into the Game Pak slot, mimicking the real Game Boy experience, with an additional stand for displaying the second cartridge.
While devoid of electronics, this Lego model includes a clever feature: three interchangeable lenticular screens. These depict the classic boot-up sequence, a scene from Super Mario Land`s World 1-1, and a memorable cutscene from Link`s Awakening. By tilting the Lego Game Boy, users can create an illusion of movement, making the Nintendo logo scroll, Mario traverse a level, and the Link`s Awakening scene come to life. The finished model measures 5.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches, closely mirroring the actual Game Boy`s dimensions of 5.8 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches.
Lego Nintendo Display Models for Adult Collectors
The interactive elements of the Lego Game Boy, like cartridge loading and scene display, echo those found in the Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Released in August 2020 as the inaugural set of the Lego-Nintendo collaboration, the 2,646-piece NES kit featured a console with a working top loader, a Super Mario Bros. cartridge, a wired NES controller, and a CRT TV with a stand. A crank on the TV allowed Mario to move across a side-scrolling level. The NES set remains a standout among gaming-themed Lego creations.
The Lego NES was retired late last year and is largely sold out, though Amazon recently restocked it at an increased price of $330 (up from its original $270 MSRP). Despite the higher cost, it`s expected to sell out quickly, especially with the Lego Game Boy`s release, as the two sets are ideal for display together.
The collection of Lego Nintendo display models also includes:
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) — $60 | Releases October 1
- Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (2,646 pieces) — $330 | Retired, originally $270 MSRP
- 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) — $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, originally $200 MSRP
While waiting for the Lego Game Boy, the 540-piece Super Mario: Piranha Plant set is currently available at a discount, a rare occurrence for these popular Nintendo display models.
Other Exciting Lego Reveals from SDCC
The Lego Game Boy was just one of many exciting announcements at SDCC. Also revealed was a substantial 2,953-piece Lego Batman: Arkham Asylum model, launching September 12 for $300, aimed at adult builders and including 16 minifigures. For Stranger Things fans, a new BrickHeadz collection featuring Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will will arrive on October 1 for $40, coinciding with the show`s final season. Additionally, Lego`s Wicked building set collection is set to expand significantly with six new sets releasing on September 1.