LEGO and Nintendo's creative partnership has evolved significantly since its formalization, resulting in a diverse range of sets that appeal to both children and adults. Initially, in 2020, LEGO introduced a clear distinction between its target demographics: children were given the interactive Super Mario playsets, while adults were offered detailed, nostalgic replicas. However, LEGO has since shifted its approach, blurring the lines between these audiences by introducing more complex sets for kids and more whimsical, cartoonish sets for adults. This strategy aligns well with Nintendo's family-friendly ethos, creating LEGO sets that resonate across generations.
Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario
### Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario
6$49.99 at TargetSet: #71439Age Range: 6+Piece Count: 218Dimensions: 1.5 inches high, 4 inches wide, 3 inches deepPrice: $49.99The LEGO Super Mario playsets offer a unique experience, allowing you to construct your own Mario courses. With an LED Mario figurine, you can scan barcodes on enemies and obstacles, triggering classic Mario sounds and music. The coins you collect are tracked in an app that syncs with Mario, documenting your progress. This starter set includes the essential Mario LED figure, along with a starting pipe, Yoshi, a flagpole, and a Bowser, Jr. figure in a Junior Clown Car. It's a must-have for beginning your LEGO Mario adventure.
Mario Kart – Standard Kart
### Mario Kart – Standard Kart
3$19.99 at AmazonSet: #72032Age Range: 7+Piece Count: 174Dimensions: 1.5 inches high, 5.5 inches long, 3 inches widePrice: $19.99The Mario Kart sets are designed to work seamlessly with the Interactive Mario LED figure from the 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 perfect for fans looking to recreate the excitement of the Mario Kart games. At just $19.99, it's an affordable and fun addition to any LEGO collection.
The Bowser Express Train
### The Bowser Express Train
1See it at AmazonSet: #71437Age Range: 9+Piece Count: 1392Dimensions: 8.5 inches high, 26.5 inches long, 4.5 inches widePrice: $119.99The Bowser Express Train is a quirky and colorful set, featuring a massive Bowser head on its engine. With six baddies including a Hammer Bro, Boom Boom, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds, this set is a delightful addition to any Super Mario collection.
Piranha Plant
### LEGO Piranha Plant
10$59.99 save 20%$47.95 at AmazonSet: #71426Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 540Dimensions: 9 inches high, 4.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches deepPrice: $59.99The LEGO Piranha Plant set is a standout with its charm and quality. We reviewed it at launch and were impressed by its personality and value. At a discounted $47.95, it's a steal for any LEGO enthusiast looking for a fun and rewarding build.
Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone
### LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone LEGO Set
3$69.99 at AmazonSet: #21331Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 1125Dimensions: 7 inches high, 14 inches wide, 2.5 inches deepPrice: $79.99Though not strictly Nintendo, the Sonic the Hedgehog set is included due to the collaboration between Sonic and Mario. This set recreates the iconic Green Hill Zone 1 with a loop and a smirking Sonic minifigure, making it an ideal choice for adult beginners interested in exploring the world of LEGO.
Nook's Cranny & Rosie's House
### LEGO Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House
3$74.99 save 20%$59.95 at AmazonSet: #77050Age Range: 7+Piece Count: 535Dimensions: 6 inches high, 15 inches wide, 5.5 inches deepPrice: $74.99Nintendo's expansion into Animal Crossing LEGO sets brings a new dimension to the franchise. This set, launched in March 2024, features Tom Nook's shop and Rosie the Cat's cottage, providing fans with the opportunity to build their own Animal Crossing village.
Fly With Dodo Airlines
### Fly With Dodo Airlines
1$37.99 See it at AmazonSet: #77051Age Range: 7+Piece Count: 292Dimensions: 5 inches high, 10.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches deepPrice: $37.99Another beloved location from Animal Crossing, the Dodo Airlines set includes a seaplane, dock, and minifigures for Wilbur and Tangy, allowing for creative roleplay scenarios.
Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi
### LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi
55Set #71438, includes 1,215 pieces.$129.99 at AmazonSet: #71438Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 1215Dimensions: 15.5 inches high, 10 inches wide, 4 inches deepPrice: $129.99This nostalgic set brings Mario and Yoshi to life with a crank mechanism that animates Yoshi's movements, including his feet, head, arm, and Mario's cape. A separate mechanism allows Yoshi to open his mouth and stick out his tongue, making this set both fun to build and display.
Great Deku Tree
### LEGO Great Deku Tree Set
94Set #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 StoreSet: #77092Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 2500Dimensions: 13 inches tallPrice: $299.99This set offers a versatile build experience, allowing you to recreate the Great Deku Tree from either "Ocarina of Time" or "Breath of the Wild." It includes three versions of Link, Princess Zelda, and accessories like the Master Sword and Hylian Shield, making it a comprehensive and engaging build for Zelda fans.
The Mighty Bowser
### LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser
51See it at AmazonSet: #71411Age Range: 18+Piece Count: 2807Dimensions: 12.5 inches high, 16 inches wide, 11 inches deepPrice: $269.99The Mighty Bowser set stands out as one of the finest LEGO Nintendo sets, featuring a large, cartoonish, and endearing build of Mario's nemesis. With a spring-loaded mechanism that allows Bowser to "breathe fire," this set is both a fun build and an impressive display piece.
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 the Future of LEGO Nintendo Look Like?
The Mighty Bowser set exemplifies LEGO's evolving approach to Nintendo sets, focusing on designs that appeal to both children and adults without strict delineation. Early Super Mario playsets were simple and focused on play, but the newer sets emphasize the joy of building and the aesthetic appeal of the finished product. This shift aligns with LEGO's core strengths and promises an exciting future for LEGO Nintendo sets.
LEGO's journey, as documented in the Netflix series "The Toys That Made Us," highlights the company's efforts to innovate while returning to its beloved brick-building roots. The initial Mario playsets may have overemphasized play, but the current direction, focusing on engaging builds, sets a promising path forward.
For more LEGO fun, be sure to explore our lists of the best Star Wars LEGO sets, best Harry Potter LEGO sets, and best Marvel LEGO sets.
