A LEGO set recreating the iconic Donkey Kong arcade machine is heading to store shelves, according to leaked images shared on Reddit this week. The set will retail for $200 and launch on August 1.
The buildable arcade cabinet features 1,367 pieces and includes minifigures of Donkey Kong, Jumpman (the original name for Mario), and Princess Peach positioned as they appear in the classic 1981 arcade game. The machine's marquee displays the red "DONKEY KONG" lettering familiar to anyone who has played the original.
The leaked images suggest the set includes interactive elements at its base, though exact details remain unclear. The design hints at functional buttons and an arcade stick, possibly enabling players to recreate classic gameplay mechanics. This follows LEGO's approach with its Super Mario NES set, which featured a crank mechanism that scrolled through a Mario Bros. level when turned.
The set is targeted at ages 18 and up, positioning it as a collectible for nostalgic gamers and LEGO enthusiasts rather than children. This adult-focused tier has become increasingly popular for LEGO, allowing the company to create more detailed and elaborate builds for fans of retro gaming culture.
The Donkey Kong arcade set arrives as LEGO and Nintendo continue expanding their collaboration. Pokémon-themed sets debut in October, featuring builds of Munchlax, Arcanine, and Rayquaza, along with a Poké Ball set that includes minifigures of Red and Professor Oak. Additionally, LEGO appears poised to release a video game crossover with Cities: Skylines, though the company has yet to make that project official following a recent ratings board filing.
Author Emily Chen: "A $200 arcade cabinet that actually lets you build and interact with a gaming legend is exactly the kind of nostalgic cash grab that works."
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