LEGO's Nintendo Collaboration: A Winning Formula
LEGO's partnership with Nintendo has yielded some of their most creative and popular sets. Initially, a clear distinction existed between sets targeted at children (Super Mario playsets) and adults (iconic replicas). However, LEGO has cleverly blurred this line, creating more complex sets for children and more whimsical ones for adults, reflecting Nintendo's family-friendly brand. This cross-generational appeal is a key to their success.
Top LEGO Nintendo Sets of 2025:
The LEGO Nintendo line has expanded beyond Super Mario to include Sonic the Hedgehog, Animal Crossing, and now, Zelda. Here are some standout sets:
Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario (#71439): This starter set includes the essential LED Mario figure, interacting with barcodes for audio and gameplay via an app. It's a great introduction to the Super Mario line. (218 pieces, $49.99)
Mario Kart – Standard Kart (#72032): Compatible with the interactive Mario figure, this classic kart build offers a budget-friendly entry point to building race courses. (174 pieces, $19.99)
The Bowser Express Train (#71437): A whimsical and large-scale Bowser-themed train set with multiple characters. (1392 pieces, $119.99)
LEGO Piranha Plant (#71426): A charming and well-designed Piranha Plant build, surprisingly affordable for its quality. (540 pieces, $59.99)
LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone (#21331): A delightful diorama of the iconic Green Hill Zone, perfect for adult beginner builders. (1125 pieces, $79.99)
Nook's Cranny & Rosie's House (#77050): One of the larger Animal Crossing sets, featuring Tom Nook's shop and Rosie's cottage. (535 pieces, $74.99)
Fly With Dodo Airlines (#77051): A charming Animal Crossing set featuring Dodo Airlines and key characters. (292 pieces, $37.99)
LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (#71438): A nostalgic and highly detailed build with moving parts. (1215 pieces, $129.99)
LEGO Great Deku Tree Set (#77092): A 2-in-1 set allowing you to build the Great Deku Tree in either Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild style. (2500 pieces, $299.99)
Mighty Bowser (#71411): A massive and impressive Bowser build, considered one of LEGO's best Nintendo sets to date. (2807 pieces, $269.99)
The Future of LEGO Nintendo:
The Mighty Bowser, marketed as a standalone set despite being an expansion playset, signifies a shift in LEGO Nintendo's approach. The focus is now on the build itself, rather than solely on the interactive gameplay element. This shift towards more substantial and detailed builds, regardless of age target, promises a bright future for the collaboration.
Poll: Which Nintendo franchise deserves a LEGO set next?
