The LEGO-Nintendo partnership, established several years ago, has blossomed into a series of innovative and engaging sets that appeal to both children and adults. Initially, in 2020, LEGO clearly distinguished between sets designed for kids, featuring Super Mario playsets that combine digital and physical elements, and those for adults, which included detailed replicas that evoked nostalgic memories of classic games. However, LEGO has since evolved its approach, creating sets that increasingly cater to a cross-generational audience. The newer children's sets are more intricate, while the adult sets have embraced a more whimsical and playful aesthetic, aligning well with Nintendo's family-friendly brand ethos.
Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario
6 $49.99 at Target Set: #71439 Age Range: 6+ Piece Count: 218 Dimensions: 1.5 inches high, 4 inches wide, 3 inches deep Price: $49.99 The LEGO Super Mario playsets let you construct your own Mario courses. An LED Mario figurine scans barcodes on enemies and obstacles, producing audio feedback like music and iconic Mario sounds. The coins you collect are tracked in an app, which syncs with Mario and records your progress. This starter set includes the essential Mario LED figure, a starting pipe, a Yoshi figure, a flagpole, and a Bowser Jr. figure in a Junior Clown Car.
Mario Kart – Standard Kart
3 $19.99 at Amazon Set: #72032 Age Range: 7+ Piece Count: 174 Dimensions: 1.5 inches high, 5.5 inches long, 3 inches wide Price: $19.99 The Mario Kart sets are compatible with the Interactive Mario LED figure from the Adventures starter set. This classic Kart build includes a Glider, a Toad pit crew member, and a launching mechanism for Green and Red Shells, making it an ideal starting point for designing race courses. Priced at just $19.99, it's an excellent budget-friendly LEGO set for Mario Kart enthusiasts.
The Bowser Express Train
1 See it at Amazon Set: #71437 Age Range: 9+ Piece Count: 1392 Dimensions: 8.5 inches high, 26.5 inches long, 4.5 inches wide Price: $119.99 The Bowser Express Train is a vibrant and quirky set featuring a massive Bowser head on its engine. It includes six baddies: a Hammer Bro, a Boom Boom, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds, making it a fun and engaging set for all ages.
LEGO Piranha Plant
10 $59.99 save 20% $47.95 at Amazon Set: #71426 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 540 Dimensions: 9 inches high, 4.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep Price: $59.99 This LEGO Piranha Plant set exceeds expectations with its charm and quality. It's a delightful build that offers great value, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone LEGO Set
3 $69.99 at Amazon Set: #21331 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 1125 Dimensions: 7 inches high, 14 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep Price: $79.99 While not strictly Nintendo, the Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone set is included due to the collaboration between Sega and Nintendo. It's a beautiful diorama perfect for adult beginners, featuring a loop and a smirking Sonic minifigure.
LEGO Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House
3 $74.99 save 20% $59.95 at Amazon Set: #77050 Age Range: 7+ Piece Count: 535 Dimensions: 6 inches high, 15 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep Price: $74.99 Nintendo's expansion into Animal Crossing sets began in March 2024, with this set featuring Tom Nook's shop and Rosie the Cat's cottage. It's a great start for fans looking to build their own village.
Fly With Dodo Airlines
1 $37.99 See it at Amazon Set: #77051 Age Range: 7+ Piece Count: 292 Dimensions: 5 inches high, 10.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches deep Price: $37.99 This set recreates Dodo Airlines from Animal Crossing, complete with a seaplane, a dock, and minifigures of Wilbur and Tangy, allowing for creative roleplay scenarios.
LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi
5 Set #71438, includes 1,215 pieces. $129.99 at Amazon Set: #71438 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 1215 Dimensions: 15.5 inches high, 10 inches wide, 4 inches deep Price: $129.99 This nostalgic set features Mario and Yoshi in a dynamic build that moves with a crank, showcasing Yoshi's feet, head, and arm, as well as Mario's cape. Its vibrant colors make it a standout display piece.
LEGO Great Deku Tree Set
9 Set #77092, includes 2,500 pieces. This 2-in-1 set lets you build the Great Deku Tree in the style of Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild with the same pieces. $299.99 at LEGO Store Set: #77092 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 2500 Dimensions: 13 inches tall Price: $299.99 A versatile 2-in-1 set, the Great Deku Tree can be built in two different styles, complete with multiple versions of Link, Princess Zelda, and iconic accessories. It's a premium set that offers a rewarding build experience.
LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser
5 See it at Amazon Set: #71411 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 2807 Dimensions: 12.5 inches high, 16 inches wide, 11 inches deep Price: $269.99 The Mighty Bowser is a standout LEGO set, capturing the essence of Mario's iconic villain in a large, playful build. Its spring-loaded fire-breathing mechanism adds an interactive element, making it a highlight in LEGO's Nintendo collection.
How Many LEGO Nintendo Sets Are There?
As of January 2025, there are 34 LEGO Super Mario sets, 18 LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog sets, ten LEGO Animal Crossing sets, and 1 LEGO The Legend of Zelda set available for purchase on the official LEGO store.
What's Does the Future of LEGO Nintendo Look Like?
The Mighty Bowser exemplifies LEGO's evolving approach to Nintendo sets, blurring the lines between children's and adults' sets. The initial Super Mario playsets were simple and focused on play, but recent sets emphasize detailed builds and display quality, aligning with LEGO's core strengths. This shift suggests a promising future for LEGO Nintendo collaborations, focusing on the joy of building and the aesthetic appeal of the final product.
For a deeper dive into LEGO's history and its attempts to innovate, consider watching the LEGO documentary on Netflix, part of the "The Toys That Made Us" series. It highlights LEGO's return to what fans love most: the classic building experience.
Be sure to explore our lists of the best Star Wars LEGO sets, best Harry Potter LEGO sets, and best Marvel LEGO sets for more LEGO fun.
