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 aimed at children (Super Mario playsets) and adults (iconic replicas). However, LEGO has cleverly blurred this line, creating more complex kid's sets and whimsical adult sets, perfectly reflecting Nintendo's family-friendly brand.
The LEGO Nintendo range has expanded beyond Super Mario to include Sonic the Hedgehog, Animal Crossing, and now, Zelda. Here are some standout 2025 sets:
Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario (#71439): This starter set includes the essential LED Mario figure, Yoshi, a flagpole, and Bowser Jr. in his Clown Car. It's the foundation for other expansion sets. ($49.99, 218 pieces, 6+)
Mario Kart – Standard Kart (#72032): Compatible with the interactive Mario figure, this set features a classic kart, glider, Toad, and shell launchers. A budget-friendly option. ($19.99, 174 pieces, 7+)
The Bowser Express Train (#71437): A large, whimsical set featuring Bowser's train and several henchmen. ($119.99, 1392 pieces, 9+)
LEGO Piranha Plant (#71426): A charming and surprisingly affordable build. ($59.99, 540 pieces, 18+)
Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone (#21331): A delightful diorama of Green Hill Zone 1, perfect for adult beginners. ($79.99, 1125 pieces, 18+)
Nook's Cranny & Rosie's House (#77050): One of the larger Animal Crossing sets, featuring Tom Nook's shop and Rosie's cottage. ($74.99, 535 pieces, 7+)
Fly With Dodo Airlines (#77051): This set includes Dodo Airlines' seaplane, dock, and minifigures. ($37.99, 292 pieces, 7+)
LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (#71438): A highly detailed, nostalgic set with moving parts. ($129.99, 1215 pieces, 18+)
Great Deku Tree (#77092): A 2-in-1 set allowing you to build the Great Deku Tree from either Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild. ($299.99, 2500 pieces, 18+)
The Mighty Bowser (#71411): A massive, impressive Bowser figure with a fire-breathing mechanism. ($269.99, 2807 pieces, 18+)
The Future of LEGO Nintendo:
The Mighty Bowser signifies a shift towards sets that appeal to both children and adults, prioritizing build quality and display value. LEGO's return to its core strengths—engaging builds—indicates a promising future for this collaboration.
