The LEGO NES arrives
On its social networking channels, LEGO is presenting a new kit that will appeal to retro gamers: the NES, the famous games console from 1983, made up of over 2,500 bricks.
Chinese website VJGamer has published leaked photos, but LEGO has hit back with an official teaser: the NES, the legendary 1983 games console, is being resurrected in LEGO format. The launch of the Danish firm's latest creation, under product number 71374, is scheduled for later this year. Previously introduced, the Super Mario LEGO is expected to be compatible with the NES and the Mario figure to be able to interact with the console.
Console, controllers and TV set
It's unclear how VJGamer managed to get information on the new LEGO game, beating ains to the Danish giant's marketing managers. What is certain, however, is that a new kit is coming to market. The Nintendo Entertainment System will complete the collection of retro, video game and LEGO fans. Photos from the Chinese site published ahead of time show the packaging in detail, extracts from the instructions and the first components of the latest LEGO design.
Since the release of LEGO Super Mario, there have been rumours that a Nintendo exclusive game is also coming. The official teaser for the new NES game, which LEGO published shortly after the leak on the Chinese website, dispels any doubts. The kit doesn't just consist of the Nintendo console itself. There's also a controller to plug in and a retro CRT TV in which Super Mario actually moves.
Complete, interactive and retro
The leaked photo shows a crank on the TV. It should allow Super Mario to be moved around the screen and parts of the landscape. The gaming surface would apparently be built on a sort of spinning screen inside the TV. The console would open to insert a game cartridge. The Mario character from the LEGO 71360 kit would sit on top of the retro TV to unlock more features, including the game's music perhaps.
According to our information, the kit, made up of 2,646 bricks, will be exclusively available on the LEGO online shop from 1 August 2020. Will there be a pre-order, as has been the case with some rare LEGO game boxes in the past? We don't know yet. The retail price is estimated by experts to be around 230 euros or Swiss francs. The size of the various elements of the kit is also indicated on the packaging. What's more, with this kit marked "18+", LEGO is addressing a target group of adults.
Whether you're a fan of retro consoles or a lover of bricks, I think the NES should satisfy. Will this kit be available anywhere other than the official shop? No idea. We'll go to any lengths to make it available here. I'll keep you posted, of course. Don't want to miss out on all the latest LEGO news, retro consoles and all the other nerdy stuff down here? Then click on the 'Follow the author' button!
When I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.