LEGO® and Nintendo: Building fun and Gaming

LEGO® has been a beloved brand producing high-quality building toys for decades, and Nintendo has captured millions of hearts with its iconic video games and characters. When these two giants in the world of toys and entertainment came together, something magical was created: the LEGO® Nintendo sets. These sets combine the creative freedom of LEGO with the nostalgia and adventure of Nintendo's popular franchises, attracting both builders and gamers of all ages.

In this article, we dive into the world of LEGO® Nintendo sets, exploring the different sets available, their unique features and their influence on both LEGO and Nintendo fandom.

The History of LEGO® and Nintendo

LEGO and Nintendo both have a rich history going back decades. LEGO, founded in 1932, had an undeniable impact on the toy industry with its buildable, interlocking plastic blocks. Nintendo, founded in 1889 as a card game company, evolved into a dominant force in the video game industry in the 1980s with icons such as Mario, Zelda and Donkey Kong.

The collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo was officially launched in 2020, much to the delight of fans worldwide. This collaboration brought forth unique playsets that combine both the building experience of LEGO and the interactive elements of Nintendo's games.

Overview of LEGO® Nintendo Sets

The LEGO® Nintendo line includes a wide range of sets, each with its own charm and playful elements. Below, we discuss some of the most popular sets.

1. LEGO® Super Mario™ Starter Set (71360)

The LEGO® Super Mario™ Starter Set is one of the most groundbreaking sets in this line. Instead of a traditional building set, with this set LEGO introduced an interactive Mario figure that responds to different actions, sounds and colours. The set also includes obstacles and characters you might encounter in a typical Mario game, such as Goombas and Bowser Jr.

This starter set is designed to let children (and adults) play in a real Mario world they can build themselves. Using sensors and LCD screens on the Mario figure, players can collect coins, defeat enemies and overcome obstacles, just like in the video games. A starter set featuring Mario's brother Luigi is also available, as is a starter set featuring Princess Peach.

2. LEGO® Nintendo Entertainment System™ (71374)

For adult fans of both LEGO and Nintendo, the LEGO® Nintendo Entertainment System™ is an absolute must-have. A tribute to the classic NES console, this set comes with a buildable controller and a cartridge of the original Super Mario Bros. game. But the set goes beyond just recreating the console; it also includes a retro TV with a rotating screen that displays a scene from Super Mario Bros. Turning a lever on the side of the TV lets Mario move through the level, complete with obstacles and enemies.

This set especially appeals to older fans who grew up with the NES and is a perfect example of how LEGO and Nintendo can evoke nostalgia in a unique way.

3. LEGO® Super Mario™ Piranha Plant (71426)

Recreate a Piranha Plant from the world of Super Mario™ in LEGO® style! Build the dangerous plant that 'grows' out of a tube and move the head, beak, stem and leaves to create different poses. This fun model will look cool in your home or office. Oh, and note the coin elements included. "What are those for?" we hear you ask. Build the Piranha Plant and find out!

The Influence on the Fan Community

The collaboration between LEGO® and Nintendo has had a strong impact on both fan bases. For LEGO fans, the sets introduced a new way of playing and building, while Nintendo fans could experience their beloved characters and worlds in a whole new way. The sets also triggered a wave of creativity, with fans sharing their own custom levels and creations on social media and in online communities.

In addition, the sets have allowed LEGO to reach a wider audience, especially among gamers. This has increased the demand for similar collaborations with other franchises, allowing LEGO to continue to innovate and explore new avenues.

New LEGO® nintendo sets

Given the success of the LEGO® Nintendo collaboration, it is not surprising that more sets based on other popular Nintendo franchises are arriving. For example, LEGO has announced no less than six sets based on Mario Kart. The addition of Mario Kart adds a whole new dimension to the LEGO Super Mario experience, where digital and physical play come together in the most spectacular way. In addition, the new sets feature some of Super Mario's best-known characters, including Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Toad, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi and Baby Peach. The LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart sets were originally previewed as part of the LEGO Group's MAR10 Day celebration in March, and today's unveiling offers Mario Kart fans and LEGO builders their first full look at the new, much-anticipated products, which will launch on 1 January 2025. Each set is designed to ensure the LEGO brick version offers a fun way to experience the Mario Kart universe. With vibrant characters, customisable karts and unique track parts paving the way for endless fun, these sets will get fans' creative engines going as they can transform unexpected surfaces into the ultimate Mario Kart track.

To add an extra layer of digital gameplay, fans can also add a LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™ or LEGO® Peach™ (figurines not included) to the new Mario Kart sets, boosting the interactive experience when they put one of the figurines in the driver's seat. This includes the iconic Mario Kart audio and visual effects for race-starting, horn-blowing, kart-driving and sliding sounds from the game. Players can also use these characters to scan Item Boxes, allowing them to collect extra coins and increase their score as they finish the race!

Three new LEGO Animal Crossing sets are also in the works! LEGO® Animal Crossing™ Stargazing with Celeste (77053), LEGO® Animal Crossing™ Leif's Caravan & Garden Store (77054) and LEGO® Animal Crossing™ Able Sisters Clothing Store (77055). With this charming expansion, fans can continue to create and explore their own Animal Crossing villages in LEGO® bricks, bringing even more characters from the video game series into LEGO play.

And especially for adult builders, LEGO has also announced the Mario & Yoshi Set (71438). The LEGO® Super Mario™ Super Mario World™: Mario & Yoshi (71438) pays homage to Nintendo's classic video game Super Mario World™ and is constructed from multiple layers to allow for striking animation effects. The nostalgic imagery of the earlier generation of Super Mario™ games also features in the new set, with pixelated Mario and Yoshi characters.

All Super Mario Sets

The LEGO® Nintendo sets have created a unique niche within the world of toys and games, where building fun and gaming come together in an innovative way. Whether you are a seasoned LEGO builder, a passionate gamer, or just looking for a nostalgic trip into the world of Mario, these sets offer something for everyone. The collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo has not only resulted in a range of fantastic products, but has also redefined the boundaries of what toys can be. Want to know which Super Mario sets are available now? Then take a look at our dedicated LEGO® Super Mario Page