As excitement builds ahead of LEGO’s official Game Boy set launch this October, a new rumor has captured the attention of fans. According to a well-known LEGO leaker, the upcoming retro-style set might pay tribute not to Tetris or Pokémon — the expected front-runners — but instead to The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
The speculation came via Instagram user lego_minecraft_goat, who has a reliable track record when it comes to early LEGO leaks. Their post hinted strongly that Link’s Awakening will be the featured title represented in the LEGO Game Boy set, while explicitly ruling out any Pokémon references.
Why Not Pokémon or Tetris?
Fans have long associated the original Game Boy with three massive games — Tetris, Pokémon Red and Blue, and The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening. Many expected Pokémon to headline this LEGO release, especially since LEGO and The Pokémon Company recently announced a broader collaboration. Tetris, another early favorite, helped define handheld gaming and was often bundled with the original Game Boy units.
So why would LEGO and Nintendo skip those two monumental titles?
The answer may lie in licensing. While Pokémon is partly owned by Nintendo, it’s also co-owned by Game Freak and Creatures Inc. Tetris, on the other hand, is owned by The Tetris Company — a completely separate entity. That means extra legal hurdles and licensing fees. In contrast, The Legend of Zelda franchise is fully developed and owned by Nintendo, making it a simpler and more strategic fit for a nostalgic, first-party-branded LEGO product.
A Tribute to a Cult Classic
Choosing Link’s Awakening makes sense on more than just a licensing level. First released in 1993 for the original Game Boy, the title marked a bold new direction for the Zelda series. It was the first Zelda game made for a handheld console and brought a deep, story-driven experience to the small screen — something rarely seen at the time. Its unique characters, dreamlike setting, and puzzle-filled dungeons gave it a special place in gaming history.
The game’s continued relevance was confirmed when Nintendo remade it for the Switch in 2019, introducing its timeless charm to a new generation. Featuring it in LEGO form would cement its legacy further and give fans a physical collectible worthy of its impact.
What We Know So Far
While LEGO has yet to officially confirm the contents of the upcoming set beyond the model itself, fans already know that it will include swappable cartridges and lenticular screens for added display flair. Leaked images suggest a high level of detail, down to Game Boy’s original ports, buttons, and even battery indicators.
The rumored inclusion of a Link’s Awakening cartridge, alongside Super Mario Land, aligns well with the nostalgic theme. Both are first-party Nintendo games with loyal fanbases and iconic imagery, making them perfect candidates for a LEGO tribute.
Still Just a Rumor… For Now
It’s important to keep in mind that none of this has been officially confirmed. While the leaker in question has a good reputation, plans can always change or be misinterpreted during the development process. LEGO and Nintendo are known for their secrecy, and fans likely won’t get full confirmation until closer to the October 1 release date.
For now, though, it looks like Link may be our hero once again — this time, in miniature LEGO form.
If the rumors are true, this choice reflects not just smart licensing but a real appreciation for Nintendo’s legacy. The inclusion of Link’s Awakening would highlight one of the most creative and influential games of its time. For fans who grew up with the original Game Boy, this would be more than just a brick-built display piece — it would be a physical reminder of long road trips, AA batteries, and late-night dungeon crawling.
Whether it’s Mario, Link, or something else entirely, one thing is certain — LEGO’s Game Boy set is shaping up to be a must-have for retro gaming lovers.
