LEGO Nintendo Game Boy Set Reviewed Alongside The Real Thing

The slate of new LEGO releases for October 2025 is dominated by the launch of the $1000 LEGO Star Wars UCS Death Star (#75419), but the Nintendo Game Boy (#72046) replica set will likely be the hottest seller. The combination of warm and fuzzy gaming nostalgia combined with a fairly reasonable $60 price tag make it a pretty irresistible set. In fact, it has sold out in pre-order multiple times ahead of its October 1st release date, but it is back in stock here on Amazon and here at Walmart currently. It is also expected to return here at LEGO on the launch date. But is it worth it? Moreover, how does it compare to an actual Game Boy? Let’s find out.

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LEGO Nintendo Game Boy: The Build

At only 421 pieces, the LEGO Game Boy set is a breezy build that can be completed in 3 hours or less. It starts with the build for the Super Mario Land cartridge and lenticular screen stand / storage, then continues through the rear of the console, the PCB, the front of the console and the buttons, the screen, the stand for the console, and finally with the The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening cartridge complete with a representation of the internal battery.

The entire build isn’t revealed here so as to not to completely spoil the experience, but suffice to say it’s a fun way to spend a few hours. The LEGO Game Boy was cleverly constructed at every turn, especially with regard to the buttons that can be pressed and adjusted. For example, the D-pad actually floats in space with a rubber damper underneath, offering a satisfying tactical experience. While the B and A buttons on the LEGO model are lighter and don’t quite offer the same crisp response as the buttons on a real Game Boy, it’s an impressive feat of LEGO engineering nonetheless.

LEGO Game Boy vs a Real Game Boy

In terms of scale, the LEGO Game Boy isn’t exactly 1:1 with a real Nintendo console, being slightly smaller in some dimensions and slightly larger in others. However, it’s very, very close. Obviously, the LEGO set is much lighter as well. You’ll also notice that the colors aren’t an exact match either, with the LEGO set being a light gray and my original console being a warmer grey / yellowish color after having spent much of the last 35 years tucked away in storage.

The cartridges are very accurate with the originals, complete with stickers that are an exact match for the labels. In general, we approve of Nintendo / LEGO’s choice to include Super Mario Land and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening in this set, though I included a peek at the original Tetris cartridge in the gallery above. We’re guessing that many fans would have liked to see it included here, but licensing issues were probably the reason why it didn’t happen.

The lenticular screens depict the Nintendo start screen, a scene from level 1-1 in Super Mario Land and a cutscene from The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. These screens can be swapped out by removing the plate in the back and swinging down the arm that holds the image in place. Once positioned, the game cartridges can be inserted.

Unfortunately, my copy of Super Mario Land isn’t functional and I don’t own Link’s Awakening for some reason, so I can’t compare the screens side by side, However, I don’t need to do that to say that the lenticular screens are pretty spectacular. Given the absence of lights and sounds in this set, the inclusion of these accurate screens with moving action is a very welcome and unique addition that helps to justify the price.

LEGO Game Boy Verdict And Release Date

The LEGO Nintendo Game Boy (#72046) set is well worth the price in my opinion. It’s super fun, super nostalgic, and about as accurate as LEGO could reasonably make it. Though it only has 421 pieces, it includes a number of specialized and bespoke items that undoubtedly drove up the cost, but it’s still in reasonable territory. That said, the inclusion of sound and light effects would have been fantastic, but we like the balance they struck here.

Naturally, there are also plenty of hidden details and Easter eggs for fans if you’re paying close attention. For example, the Game Boy was released in Japan on 4/21 1989, hence the 421-piece count for the build. Bravo LEGO.

The LEGO Game Boy (#72046) will be available priced at $59.99 here at the LEGO shop starting on September 30th / October 1st at 9pm PT / 12am ET. As noted earlier, you can also pre-order a copy here on Amazon and here at Walmart. You can keep tabs on all of the new LEGO releases for October 2025 complete with info on GWP offers right here via our guide.