Ready Player LEGO - The Best Brick-Built Gaming Consoles
THREE FUN BRICK GAMING CONSOLES TO DISPLAY AT HOME – AND WHICH CONSOLES SHOULD LEGO REPLICATE NEXT?
LEGO have created almost everything in brick form over the years, from spaceships to cars and architectural buildings to helmet busts. So, it was only a matter of time before they started bringing us classic gaming consoles and cabinets.
Adult fans of LEGO are an important demographic for the Danish toy manufacturer, and nostalgia for the toys and devices this age group grew up with is a strong pull – who wouldn’t want to make their home décor more exciting by displaying their favourite childhood possessions and the fictional ships, cars and locations that shaped their imaginations? The added element of these cherished collectibles being made from LEGO bricks only adds to the fun.
The first LEGO gaming console model came out on 1st August 2023, and there have been several more since then. Join us as we take a look at all the gaming machines you can buy in LEGO brick form – we’ll also be considering what other classic consoles we’d like to see released in future.
Nintendo Entertainment System – 71374
£229.99
This authentic 2,646-brick reproduction of the original NES console, controller and iconic game pack cartridge makes a fantastic gaming-themed addition to any LEGO collection, bedroom or living room. The cute, mini 1980s TV is also a fun addition, showing a level of Super Mario in play. Turning the side lever on the TV will also turn the screen into an interactive element, cycling through the game level.
This 8-bit-inspired LEGO set has so many details to enjoy, from the Nintendo logo on the console to the realistic buttons on the controller and the artwork on the gaming cartridge. We’ve paired our set with the above acrylic display case, which also includes an access door to allow access to the TV controls.
Atari 2600 – 10306
£290.99
This LEGO Atari 2600 comes with even more game cartridges than the last model – three, in fact: Asteroids, Adventure and Centipede, all 1980s gaming classics. The vintage-style console has a stunning black and orange colour scheme with plenty of knobs and text options we’d almost forgotten – who remembers having to select between a colour and a black and white TV? Each game also includes its own 3D scene that can be built and displayed alongside the rest of the set.
The attention to detail in this model is exquisite. The artwork on the game cartridges has a true sense of authenticity, and including a secret surprise hidden inside the model is a fun addition. On opening the console, collectors will find a hidden vignette that reveals a child minifigure playing Asteroids in a 1980s-decorated room. We showcase our set inside this display case to keep the dust away.
PAC-MAN Arcade – 10323
£229.99
Waka waka waka! While this one is not technically a console, few arcade cabinets are more iconic than the 1980s PAC-MAN yellow computer game that used to frequent arcades once upon a time. With authentic decals and attention to detail, such as the on-screen maze, joystick, and control buttons, the 2,651-piece LEGO 10323 set is a faithful gaming console replica that offers an exciting addition to any collector’s home décor.
Like the NES model, the LEGO PAC-MAN Arcade features a turning lever on the side, which operates the clever interactive elements inside the model to give the effect of the game screen in action. Opening the rear of the brick arcade cabinet also reveals a mini-scene with LEGO minifigures playing their own smaller-scale version of the gaming unit. If you want to display all the elements of this fun LEGO set together, check out this display case.
Which Gaming Consoles Should LEGO Release Next?
We’ve seen three great gaming consoles from the 1980s released in LEGO form, so perhaps it is time for the collectable toys manufacturer to visit the 1990s, a popular time period among its collector fanbase.
The 90s kicked off with legendary consoles such as the PlayStation PS1, accompanied by rivals such as the Nintendo 64 and the ahead-of-its-time Dreamcast. All these machines had a distinctive look and instantly recognisable controls, game discs and jewel cases, which would all translate well to a LEGO brick build.
Moving into the 2000s, LEGO might also consider releasing the X-Box and later versions of the above consoles, such as the PS2 and GameCube…
