Good news, retro gaming enthusiasts! The eagerly awaited Lego Game Boy, a 421-piece set, has been restocked at Amazon and is already shipping out to eager fans as early as today, September 26th! While its official launch date is October 1st, several retailers are getting a head start. Be quick, though, as this popular item sold out quickly during previous pre-order windows.
Currently, aside from Amazon, Walmart is the only other major retailer showing stock, though they still list the original October 1st release date for the $60 display model. Unfortunately, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and the official Lego Store are all sold out of preorders as of September 26th.
This meticulously crafted brick-built Game Boy is designed to be almost identical in size to the original handheld console that took the world by storm in 1989. It’s a fantastic display piece, packed with nostalgic interactive elements that will delight any retro Nintendo fan.
As part of Lego’s special “display model series” aimed at adult builders and collectors, the Game Boy kit was first hinted at in January and officially unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con in July. Priced at $60, it stands alongside the Super Mario Piranha Plant as one of the most affordable display models in the Lego Nintendo collection. This set marks the eighth Nintendo-themed kit for adults since Lego and Nintendo began their collaboration with a replica of the Nintendo Entertainment System.
The Lego Game Boy features authentic details, from the “Dot Matrix with Stereo Sound” font on the screen lens to the classic colors of the A/B buttons, D-pad, and Start/Select buttons. All the familiar switches and dials—power switch, contrast wheel, volume dial, and 3.5mm audio jack—are faithfully recreated in their original positions.
Measuring 5.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches, the Lego Game Boy is incredibly close to the real Game Boy DMG’s dimensions (5.8 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches). It comes with a buildable black stand for elegant display.
What makes this set truly special are its interactive features. It includes replica Game Paks for two timeless classics: Super Mario Land (1989) and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993). These cartridges can be loaded into the Game Pak slot just like on a real Game Boy, and you can even display the extra cartridge on a second stand.
While it doesn’t have electronics or interact with Lego Super Mario figures, it boasts a clever visual trick: three swappable lenticular screens. These include the iconic boot screen, a still from World 1-1 of Super Mario Land, and the memorable cutscene from Link’s Awakening. Tilting the Lego Game Boy creates an illusion of movement, making the Nintendo logo slide, Mario traverse his level, and the Link’s Awakening cutscene briefly animate, bringing the console to life.
Explore More Lego Nintendo Display Models for Adults
The interactive elements of the Lego Game Boy, like loading cartridges and displaying game scenes, are reminiscent of the magnificent Lego Nintendo Entertainment System. Launched in August 2020, this 2,646-piece set featured a functional NES console, a Super Mario Bros. cartridge, a wired controller, and a CRT TV with a crank to move Mario through a side-scrolling level. Even five years on, many consider the Lego NES to be the ultimate gaming-themed Lego set.
Sadly, the Lego NES was retired last year and is now sold out at all major retailers. We previously saw Amazon briefly restock the discontinued set with a significant price increase, and it quickly sold out. Currently, the Lego NES is only available from resellers, often at prices that make its original $330 price tag seem like a bargain.
On a brighter note, the Lego Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi set is currently available at a steep discount at Amazon and Walmart. Released last October, this 1,215-piece build recreates pixel art versions of Mario and Yoshi from their 16-bit days. Turn the side crank to make Yoshi walk, or twist the back dial to see him stick out his tongue.
The newest addition to the adult-focused Lego Nintendo lineup is the 1,972-piece Mario Kart set, featuring a buildable Mario and his iconic red kart. It debuted in May at the Lego Store and arrived at other major retailers in July. For more details on this charming display piece, check out our Mario & Standard Kart review.
While you eagerly await your Lego Game Boy, why not get started with the 540-piece Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros.?
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) — $60 | Releases October 1
- Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (1,215 pieces) — $104 (was $130)
- Super Mario: Mighty Bowser (2,807 pieces) — $270
- Super Mario: Piranha Plant (540 pieces) — $48 (was $60)
- Mario Kart: Mario & Standard Kart (1,972 pieces) — $170
- The Legend of Zelda: The Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 (2,500 pieces) — $300
- Lego Nintendo Entertainment System (2,646 pieces) — Retired, originally $270
- Super Mario 64: Question Block (2,064 pieces) — $260 | Retired, originally $200
Lego Retro Gaming Hardware for Your Collection
Lego also offers other impressive display models inspired by retro gaming hardware. A notable example is the Lego Icons: Atari 2600, a magnificent 2,532-piece set that beautifully captures the essence of Atari’s legendary console. Though discontinued last year, Amazon recently restocked it at its original retail price, so now’s your chance to grab one!
For Pac-Man fans, the Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade is still widely available for $270. This remarkable 2,651-piece set is packed with interactive features, making it a stellar collector’s item.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly retro gaming build similar to the Game Boy, consider the charming 468-piece Lego Arcade Machine. While not based on a specific real-world arcade, its unique design makes it a fantastic addition to any collection. Best of all, it’s only $40 and comes with a gamer-themed minifigure!
- Lego Arcade Machine (468 pieces) — $40
- Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade (2,651 pieces) — $261.66 (was $270)
- Lego Icons: Atari 2600 (2,532 pieces) — $240 | Retired
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces) — $60 | Releases October 1
- Lego NES (2,646 pieces) — Sold out | Retired, originally $270