Finally, LEGO is tackling another piece of gaming history. It’s been five years since the brick brand absolutely killed it with the interactive Nintendo Entertainment System, and retro gamers have been clamoring for another take on a Nintendo console ever since (Atari and Pac-Man sets have been released in the meantime). Now, the Danish brand is turning its attention to the device that popularized the portable gaming revolution.
Brick-Built Nostalgia
Released in 1989, the Game Boy wasn’t the most technically advanced handheld on the market; Sega’s Game Gear had color and Atari’s Lynx had better graphics. But Nintendo understood something their competitors didn’t. Battery life and build quality trumped flashy specs every single time. That chunky, almost industrial design was engineered to survive being stuffed into backpacks, dropped on playgrounds, and passed between siblings for hours on end.
LEGO’s 421-piece interpretation captures that deliberately robust aesthetic perfectly. At near 1:1 scale, the set measures 5.5” tall and 3.5” wide, but LEGO didn’t just stop there. Every button can physically press down and the volume and contrast dials actually turn. There’s even a functional Game Pak slot that accepts the included brick-built cartridges and a link cable port cover — you know, that little plastic flap that everyone lost within the first week of ownership.
For the build, LEGO opted for printed tiles instead of stickers for the various labels and details, which is good news for anyone who knows the struggle of trying to perfectly peel and press those pesky stickers.
Analog Animation
Speaking of those cartridges, LEGO included two classics: The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Super Mario Land. Best of all, each comes with its own lenticular screen that shows animated scenes when you shift your viewing angle. Similar to how the NES set allowed Mario to scroll across a retro TV screen, this is the brand’s way of making things animated without needing to include actual power.
Spec Sheet
Model: LEGO Game Boy
Pieces: 421
Age Rating: 18+
Dimensions: 5.5″ x 3.5″ x 1″
Includes: Link’s Awakening and Super Mario Land cartridges, 3 lenticular screens, display stand
Features: Pressable buttons, functional dials, Game Pak slot
Price: $60
Pricing & Availability
At $60, the LEGO Game Boy will be significantly more affordable than the $200+ price tags of past retro gaming sets. It goes up for pre-order today with an expected release of October 1.
Recap
LEGO Nintendo Game Boy Set
LEGO finally made an interactive set for the original Nintendo Game Boy, featuring two faux cartridges, each with its own lenticular effect that mimics gameplay.
