‘LEGO Mario’ range expands to include classic console

The Lego Nintendo Entertainment System, controller and replica television (R) next to its inspiration, the original NES (L). Image: Courtesy of Lego Group/Nintendo via AFP Relaxnews

The partnership between toy brick company LEGO and video game icon Nintendo now includes a $229 (about P11,300) reconstruction of the 1983 Nintendo Entertainment System console.

Launching Aug. 1, 2020, the 2,464 piece LEGO NES comprises a self-assembly Nintendo Entertainment System, a wired, brick-based controller, a recreation of the “Super Mario Bros.” game cartridge, and the parts required to make an imitation early 1980s television set containing a looping, hand-cranked video game level and a rod puppet Mario.

That the scrolling “Super Mario Bros.” panorama is slotted into the LEGO television set leaves room for the two toy companies to collaborate on other background inserts.

The replica TV can be combined with a special Mario figurine from the Lego Super Mario Starter Course.

The figurine’s built-in loudspeaker will play the “Super Mario Bros.” motif and provide sound effects as the LEGO level scrolls by.

Recommended for those age 18 or older due to its complexity, the Lego Nintendo Entertainment System launches on Aug. 1 along with the rest of the Lego Super Mario line: the $59 (P2,900) Lego Super Mario Starter Course and a range of expansions that are priced from $3.99 (P190) for a blind-box non-Mario character and $9.99 (P490) for alternate costumes for the Mario figurine to $99.99 (P4,900) for a Bowser’s Castle set. RGA

RELATED STORIES:

LEGO halts digital marketing of police sets, pledges $4M for black charities

LEGO pauses social media ad spending