The LEGO and Nintendo partnership, established several years ago, has blossomed into a collection of some of LEGO's most inventive and engaging sets. Initially, in 2020, LEGO clearly distinguished between sets designed for children and those for adults. Children were treated to Super Mario playsets, which blended physical building with digital interaction, enabling them to craft their own Super Mario courses. Meanwhile, adults were catered to with detailed, nostalgia-inducing replicas of iconic scenes and characters.
Over the years, however, LEGO has intentionally begun to blur these lines, creating sets that appeal across generations. The newer sets for children are more intricate, while those for adults have embraced a more playful and whimsical aesthetic. This approach aligns perfectly with Nintendo's family-friendly ethos, resulting in LEGO sets that captivate both young and old.
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 music and classic Mario sounds. The coins you collect are tracked in an app, syncing with Mario to document your progress. This starter set comes with the essential Mario LED figure, a starting pipe, a Yoshi figure, a flagpole, and a Bowser, Jr. figure riding in a Junior Clown Car. Other expansion sets require this starter set to function fully.
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 seamlessly with the Interactive Mario LED figure from the Adventures starter set. This set features a classic kart build complete with a Glider, a Toad pit crew member, and a launching mechanism for Green and Red Shells. It's an ideal starting point for crafting race courses and is a must-have for Mario Kart enthusiasts, offering great value at just $19.99.
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 the front of the engine. It includes six baddies: a Hammer Bro, a Boom Boom, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds. This set is perfect for fans looking for a fun and colorful addition to their collection.
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 is a delightful build that exceeds expectations. Its charming design and reasonable price make it a standout, offering great value and enjoyment for adult builders.
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, 2.5 inches deep Price: $79.99 Although not strictly a Nintendo franchise, Sonic's inclusion is justified by the close ties between Sega and Nintendo. This set recreates the iconic Green Hill Zone with a loop and a confident Sonic minifigure, making it an excellent choice for adult beginners or Sonic fans looking to expand their LEGO collection.
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 LEGO offerings have expanded to include Animal Crossing sets, with this set featuring Tom Nook's shop and Rosie the Cat's cottage. It's a great start for fans looking to recreate their favorite Animal Crossing scenes.
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 from the Animal Crossing franchise includes a seaplane, a dock, and minifigures for 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 brings Mario and Yoshi to life with a crank mechanism that animates Yoshi's movements and Mario's cape. Its vibrant colors and interactive elements make it a standout in the LEGO Super Mario series.
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 This versatile set allows builders to choose between two iconic versions of the Great Deku Tree, complete with multiple Link figures, Princess Zelda, and essential 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 set is a highlight of the LEGO Nintendo collaboration, offering a detailed and engaging build of Mario's arch-nemesis. Its large scale and interactive elements, such as the fire-breathing mechanism, make it a must-have for collectors and builders alike.
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 set exemplifies LEGO's evolving approach to Nintendo-themed sets, blending elements that appeal to both children and adults. The initial Super Mario playsets were simplistic, focusing more on play than build. Today, LEGO Nintendo sets are more detailed and engaging, emphasizing the joy of building and the aesthetic appeal of the finished product. This shift suggests a bright future for LEGO Nintendo collaborations, focusing on sets that resonate with a wide audience.
For a deeper understanding of LEGO's history and design philosophy, consider watching the LEGO documentary on Netflix, part of the "The Toys That Made Us" series. It highlights LEGO's repeated attempts to expand beyond its core product and the realization that their strength lies in the beloved 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 building inspiration.