Several years have passed since LEGO and Nintendo solidified their creative partnership, resulting in some of the most innovative and engaging LEGO sets on the market. Initially, in 2020, LEGO clearly distinguished between sets targeted at children and those aimed at adults. The children's sets, featuring Super Mario, were digital/physical hybrids that allowed kids to construct their own Super Mario courses. Meanwhile, the adult sets were iconic replicas that evoked waves of nostalgia among Generation X.
However, LEGO has since intentionally blurred the lines between these demographics. The newer sets for kids are more complex and engaging, while those for adults have become more whimsical and cartoonish. This shift aligns well with Nintendo's family-friendly ethos, making these sets appealing across generations.
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 allow you to build your own Mario courses. Using an LED Mario figurine, you can scan barcodes on enemies and obstacles, triggering audio feedback like classic Mario sounds and music. Coins collected are tracked in an app that syncs with Mario, documenting your progress. This latest starter set includes the essential Mario LED figure, necessary for all expansion sets. It also comes with a starting pipe, a Yoshi figure, a flagpole, and a Bowser Jr. figure riding inside 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 designed to work with the Interactive Mario LED figure from the Adventures starter set. This classic Kart build comes with a Glider, a Toad pit crew member, and a launching mechanism for Green and Red Shells, making it an ideal starting point for creating race courses. At just $19.99, it's an excellent budget-friendly LEGO set, perfect 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 colorful and quirky set featuring a large Bowser head on the front of its engine. It includes six baddies: a Hammer Bro, a Boom Boom, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds. This set is perfect for those who love the whimsical side of LEGO and Nintendo.
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
The LEGO Piranha Plant set exceeded expectations upon its launch. It's charming and well-priced, offering great value for its quality. This set is highly recommended for its delightful design and affordability.
Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone
3 $69.99 at Amazon Set: #21331 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 1125 Dimensions: 7 inches high, 14 inches wide, 2.5 inches deep Price: $79.99
Although not strictly Nintendo, the Sonic the Hedgehog set is included due to its close association with Nintendo's ecosystem. This set captures the essence of Green Hill Zone 1, complete with a loop and a confident Sonic minifigure. It's an excellent choice for adult beginners looking to explore LEGO building.
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 expands its LEGO offerings with Animal Crossing sets. Launched in March 2024, this set includes Tom Nook's shop and Rosie the Cat's cottage, allowing fans to recreate their favorite game elements. More sets like these will enable fans to build their own customized 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
Another iconic location from Animal Crossing, Dodo Airlines, comes to life with this set. It includes a seaplane, a dock/jetty, and minifigures for Wilbur and Tangy, perfect for roleplay scenarios.
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 brings Mario and Yoshi to life with a crank mechanism that animates their movements. The set's vibrant 16-bit colors make it a standout display piece.
Great Deku Tree
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
This versatile set allows you to construct the Great Deku Tree in two different styles, featuring three versions of Link, Princess Zelda, and iconic accessories like the Master Sword and Hylian Shield. While it's a high-end set, it offers a rewarding building experience.
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 one of the finest LEGO sets to date, combining impressive size with a playful, cartoonish design. Its spring-loaded fire-breathing mechanism adds an interactive element that enhances its appeal.
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, though an expansion playset, is marketed as a standalone set, reflecting LEGO's new approach to blending child and adult-oriented designs. Earlier Super Mario sets were overly simplistic, but the newer sets focus more on detailed builds and display quality, prioritizing the joy of building over mere play. This shift promises a bright future for LEGO Nintendo sets.
For LEGO enthusiasts, don't miss out on our lists of the best Star Wars LEGO sets, best Harry Potter LEGO sets, and the best Marvel LEGO sets for more building fun.
