LEGO's Nintendo Collaboration: A Winning Formula for Builders of All Ages

For several years, LEGO and Nintendo's creative partnership has yielded some of LEGO's most imaginative and accessible sets. Initially, a clear distinction existed between sets aimed at children (Super Mario playsets, integrating digital and physical gameplay) and adults (iconic, nostalgic replicas).

However, LEGO has strategically blurred this line. Newer children's sets offer increased complexity, while adult sets embrace a more playful, whimsical aesthetic. This approach aligns perfectly with Nintendo's family-friendly brand, resulting in sets with broad appeal across generations.

Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario

6See it at Target

Mario Kart – Standard Kart

2See it at Amazon

The Bowser Express Train

1See it at Amazon

LEGO Piranha Plant

2See it at Amazon

Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone LEGO Set

1See it at Amazon

LEGO Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House

1See it at Amazon

Fly With Dodo Airlines

0See it at Amazon

LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi

0See it at Amazon

LEGO Great Deku Tree Set

0See it at LEGO Store

Mighty Bowser

0See it at Amazon

LEGO Nintendo's sub-themes have expanded beyond Super Mario to include Sonic the Hedgehog, Animal Crossing, and now, Zelda. Below are some of the best LEGO Nintendo sets available in 2025:

Detailed Set Reviews:

• Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario (#71439): This starter set includes the essential LED Mario figure, enabling interactive gameplay through barcode scanning. It also features Yoshi, a flagpole, and Bowser Jr. ($49.99)

• Mario Kart – Standard Kart (#72032): Compatible with the interactive Mario figure, this set includes a classic kart, glider, Toad, and shell-launching mechanisms. ($19.99)

• The Bowser Express Train (#71437): A large, whimsical set featuring Bowser's train and several villain minifigures. ($119.99)

• LEGO Piranha Plant (#71426): A charming and well-priced build of a Piranha Plant in a pipe. ($59.99)

• Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone (#21331): A delightful diorama of Green Hill Zone 1, perfect for adult beginner builders. ($79.99)

• Nook's Cranny & Rosie's House (#77050): The largest Animal Crossing set at launch, featuring Tom Nook's shop and Rosie's cottage. ($74.99)

• Fly With Dodo Airlines (#77051): A set featuring Dodo Airlines' seaplane, dock, and minifigures. ($37.99)

• Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (#71438): A nostalgic, highly detailed set with moving parts. ($129.99)

• Great Deku Tree (#77092): A 2-in-1 set allowing builders to choose between Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild styles. ($299.99)

• The Mighty Bowser (#71411): A massive, impressive Bowser build with a fire-breathing mechanism. ($269.99)

LEGO Nintendo Set Count (as of January 2025): 34 Super Mario, 18 Sonic the Hedgehog, 10 Animal Crossing, and 1 Legend of Zelda.

The Future of LEGO Nintendo:

The Mighty Bowser, while technically an expansion set, is marketed as a standalone piece, showcasing a shift towards sets that appeal to both children and adults. This marks a departure from the earlier, more simplistic Super Mario sets, which prioritized gameplay over the building experience itself. The focus is now shifting back to the core joy of LEGO construction.

Which Nintendo franchise deserves a LEGO set the most?

MetroidKirbyPokémonLuigi's MansionSplatoonSuper Smash Bros.PikminOther (Tell us in the comments!)

This renewed focus on the building process, coupled with the continued success of the Nintendo collaboration, points to a bright future for LEGO Nintendo sets.