Lego has officially revealed its highly anticipated Donkey Kong arcade machine set, priced at $200, after weeks of leaks and teasers. The set, numbered 72051, brings the iconic 1981 arcade cabinet to life in brick form, complete with a fully functional game that has earned the approval of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto himself.
A Labor of Nostalgia
Designed by Carl Merriam, who previously worked on beloved Lego sets like the Nintendo Game Boy, Piranha Plant, and the Lion Knights' Castle, the Donkey Kong Arcade set is a love letter to gaming history. According to Merriam, Miyamoto was shown the set and was reportedly pleased with the result. “He gave it his stamp of approval,” Merriam told The Verge, though he admitted he was told this secondhand.
The set comprises 2,615 pieces and stands as a detailed replica of the original arcade cabinet, featuring a working joystick and a mechanical scoring mechanism. Unlike the actual game, Jumpman (the character later renamed Mario) cannot reach the top of the screen under his own power, but the set includes a playable element that lets users simulate the endless barrel-jumping action.
Playable Features and Design
The Lego Donkey Kong Arcade is more than just a static model. It includes a functional joystick that interacts with a built-in game, similar to Lego's earlier $230 pinball machine. The set also features a miniature Donkey Kong figure, a Mario minifigure (in his classic Jumpman outfit), and a Pauline figure, referencing the damsel in distress. The cabinet's back is open to reveal the internal brick-built mechanisms, adding to the display appeal.
“It’s a brilliant blend of nostalgia and engineering,” noted Jay Ong from Jay's Brick Blog. “The set captures the essence of the original arcade while offering a building experience that Lego fans will love.”
Reception and Pre-orders
The set was first spotted in the wild at Target stores, with leaked box art confirming its playability. Pre-orders went live shortly after the official reveal, and the set is expected to be a hot item for the holiday season. Nintendo Life reported that the set is part of a broader trend of Lego collaborations with Nintendo, following the success of the Lego Super Mario line.
However, not all coverage has been focused solely on the set. Some outlets, like Vooks and Eurogamer, used the announcement to highlight other Donkey Kong-related news, such as Black Friday deals on Nintendo Switch games and tips for the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza. This suggests that the Lego set is part of a larger resurgence of interest in the franchise.
Historical Context
The original Donkey Kong arcade game, released by Nintendo in 1981, was a landmark title that introduced the world to Mario (then called Jumpman) and Donkey Kong. The game's simple yet addictive gameplay—where players must climb a construction site while avoiding barrels—became a cultural phenomenon. Lego's decision to recreate the arcade cabinet taps into both retro gaming nostalgia and the enduring popularity of the Mario franchise.
“This set is a testament to the lasting impact of Donkey Kong,” said gaming historian Kate Higgins, who voiced Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey. “It’s wonderful to see these characters being celebrated in new ways.”
Implications for the Future
The Donkey Kong Arcade set could signal more retro gaming collaborations from Lego. With the success of the Nintendo Game Boy set and the upcoming Super Mario line expansions, fans are eager to see what other classic games might get the brick treatment. The set also highlights the growing trend of interactive Lego builds, where models double as playable games.
As one fan on social media put it: “This is the set I never knew I needed. It’s a perfect blend of two of my favorite things: Lego and classic arcade games.”
The Lego Donkey Kong Arcade set is available for pre-order now and will ship in early 2025. Whether you're a collector, a gamer, or simply a fan of clever design, this set promises to be a standout addition to any shelf.
