LEGO's Nintendo Collaboration: A Retrospective and Look Ahead
For several years, LEGO and Nintendo have enjoyed a fruitful partnership, yielding some of LEGO's most creative and accessible sets. Initially, a clear distinction existed between offerings for children (Super Mario playsets, integrating digital and physical play) and adults (iconic, nostalgic replicas).
However, LEGO has strategically blurred this line. Children's sets have become more complex, while adult sets embrace a more whimsical, cartoonish aesthetic. This reflects Nintendo's family-friendly image and the cross-generational appeal of their characters.
Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario
6 - Available at Target
Mario Kart – Standard Kart
2 - Available at Amazon
The Bowser Express Train
1 - Available at Amazon
LEGO Piranha Plant
2 - Available at Amazon
Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone LEGO Set
1 - Available at Amazon
LEGO Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House
1 - Available at Amazon
Fly With Dodo Airlines
0 - Available at Amazon
LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi
0 - Available at Amazon
LEGO Great Deku Tree Set
0 - Available at LEGO Store
Mighty Bowser
0 - Available at Amazon
The LEGO Nintendo universe has expanded beyond Super Mario, encompassing Sonic the Hedgehog, Animal Crossing, and now, Zelda. Below are some standout sets from 2025:
Detailed Set Descriptions (with revised wording):
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Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario (#71439): This starter set includes the essential LED Mario figure, a starting pipe, Yoshi, a flagpole, and Bowser Jr. in his Clown Car. The interactive elements enhance the building experience. Price: $49.99
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Mario Kart – Standard Kart (#72032): Compatible with the interactive Mario figure, this set features a classic kart, glider, Toad, and launching mechanisms for shells. A budget-friendly option. Price: $19.99
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The Bowser Express Train (#71437): A whimsical train with a giant Bowser head, accompanied by several iconic enemies. Price: $119.99
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LEGO Piranha Plant (#71426): A charming and surprisingly affordable build of a classic Super Mario enemy. Price: $47.95 (20% off $59.99)
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Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone (#21331): A delightful diorama of the iconic Green Hill Zone, perfect for adult beginner builders. Price: $79.99
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Nook's Cranny & Rosie's House (#77050): Featuring Tom Nook's shop and Rosie's cottage, this is a great starting point for Animal Crossing LEGO enthusiasts. Price: $59.95 (20% off $74.99)
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Fly With Dodo Airlines (#77051): This set includes a seaplane, dock, and Wilbur and Tangy minifigures for imaginative play. Price: $37.99
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Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (#71438): A highly detailed and nostalgic set featuring moving elements. Price: $129.99
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Great Deku Tree (#77092): A 2-in-1 set allowing builders to construct the Great Deku Tree from either Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild. Price: $299.99
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The Mighty Bowser (#71411): A large-scale, impressive Bowser figure with a fire-breathing mechanism. Price: $269.99
Market Analysis and Future Outlook:
As of January 2025, the LEGO Nintendo line includes 34 Super Mario, 18 Sonic, 10 Animal Crossing, and 1 Zelda set. The Mighty Bowser, marketed as a standalone set despite being an expansion, showcases a shift towards designs that appeal to both children and adults. This move away from overly simplistic children's sets and towards more substantial builds reflects a return to LEGO's core strengths. The future of LEGO Nintendo collaborations appears promising.
Poll:
Which Nintendo franchise deserves a LEGO set the most? (Image of poll options remains)
The article concludes with recommendations for other LEGO themed sets (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel).
