LEGO's Nintendo Collaboration: A Winning Formula
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, blending digital and physical play) and adults (iconic, nostalgic replicas).
However, LEGO has cleverly blurred this line. Newer children's sets offer increased complexity, while adult sets embrace a more playful, whimsical aesthetic. This cross-generational appeal perfectly aligns with Nintendo's family-friendly brand.
Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario
6 - See it at Target!
Mario Kart – Standard Kart
2 - See it at Amazon!
The Bowser Express Train
1 - See it at Amazon!
LEGO Piranha Plant
2 - See it at Amazon!
Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone LEGO Set
1 - See it at Amazon!
LEGO Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House
1 - See it at Amazon!
Fly With Dodo Airlines
0 - See it at Amazon!
LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi
0 - See it at Amazon!
LEGO Great Deku Tree Set
0 - See it at LEGO Store!
Mighty Bowser
0 - See it at Amazon!
LEGO Nintendo's sub-themes have expanded beyond Super Mario to include Sonic the Hedgehog, Animal Crossing, and now, Zelda. Here are some of the best sets available in 2025:
Detailed Set Reviews:
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Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario (#71439): This starter set includes the essential LED Mario figure, Yoshi, a flagpole, and Bowser Jr. It's the foundation for other expansion sets. ($49.99)
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Mario Kart – Standard Kart (#72032): Compatible with the Interactive Mario figure, this affordable set features a classic kart, glider, Toad, and shell-launching mechanisms. ($19.99)
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The Bowser Express Train (#71437): A large, whimsical set featuring Bowser's train and several iconic enemies. ($119.99)
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LEGO Piranha Plant (#71426): A charming and surprisingly affordable build with excellent detail. ($59.99)
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Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone (#21331): A delightful diorama perfect for adult beginners. ($79.99)
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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)
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Fly With Dodo Airlines (#77051): Features a seaplane, dock, and Wilbur and Tangy minifigures. ($37.99)
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Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (#71438): A nostalgic, highly detailed set with moving parts. ($129.99)
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Great Deku Tree (#77092): A 2-in-1 build allowing for either Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild styles. ($299.99)
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The Mighty Bowser (#71411): A massive, impressive Bowser build with a fire-breathing mechanism. ($269.99)
LEGO Nintendo's Future:
The Mighty Bowser, while technically an expansion set, is marketed as standalone, signifying a shift away from strictly defined age categories. Early Super Mario sets prioritized play over build quality. The current trend towards more substantial, detailed sets, with the build experience as the core focus, points towards a bright future for LEGO Nintendo collaborations.
As of January 2025, there are 34 LEGO Super Mario, 18 LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog, 10 LEGO Animal Crossing, and 1 LEGO Legend of Zelda sets available. The focus on high-quality builds promises continued success.
