LEGO's Nintendo Collaboration: A Winning Formula

For several years, LEGO and Nintendo's creative partnership has yielded some of LEGO's most innovative 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 whimsical, cartoonish aesthetic. This approach perfectly aligns with Nintendo's family-friendly brand, creating cross-generational appeal.

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

LEGO Nintendo's sub-themes have expanded beyond Super Mario to include Sonic the Hedgehog, Animal Crossing, and now, Zelda. Here's a closer look at some top sets available in 2025:

Detailed Set Descriptions (Selected):

• Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario (#71439): The latest starter set, including the essential LED Mario figure, Yoshi, a flagpole, and Bowser Jr. Creates interactive gameplay through barcode scanning. Price: $49.99.

• Mario Kart – Standard Kart (#72032): A classic kart build compatible with the interactive Mario figure. Includes Toad and shell-launching mechanisms. Price: $19.99.

• The Bowser Express Train (#71437): A large, whimsical train featuring Bowser and various enemies. Price: $119.99.

• LEGO Piranha Plant (#71426): A charming and surprisingly affordable Piranha Plant build. Price: $59.99.

• Mighty Bowser (#71411): A massive, impressive Bowser build with a fire-breathing mechanism. Considered one of LEGO's finest Nintendo sets. Price: $269.99.

Market Analysis:

As of January 2025, the LEGO Nintendo lineup includes 34 Super Mario, 18 Sonic the Hedgehog, 10 Animal Crossing, and 1 Legend of Zelda set. The Mighty Bowser highlights a shift towards sets that appeal to both children and adults, prioritizing build quality and display value.

Future Outlook:

The initial Super Mario sets, while innovative, prioritized gameplay over build quality. The current trend towards more substantial, detailed builds suggests a brighter future for LEGO Nintendo collaborations, focusing on the inherent joy of the building process itself.

Which Nintendo franchise deserves a LEGO set the most?

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

This revised approach, emphasizing the building experience, positions LEGO Nintendo for continued success. The company's return to its core strengths—high-quality, engaging builds—is a recipe for future triumphs.