After months of speculation and a single visual teaser, LEGO has finally revealed the highly anticipated 72046 Game Boy set. Scheduled for release on October 1, 2025, this brick-built tribute to Nintendo’s most iconic handheld console captures the spirit of retro gaming with remarkable attention to detail and a dose of childhood nostalgia.
The set consists of 421 pieces and is priced at an accessible 59.99 US dollars. With its swappable cartridges and display screens, it brings back memories of a simpler time when gaming on the go meant chunky buttons, grayscale graphics, and hours spent on Super Mario Land or The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening.
A Retro Icon Rebuilt in Bricks
The LEGO 72046 Game Boy is built at a near one to one scale, making it almost identical in size to the original device released by Nintendo in 1989. From the A and B buttons to the control pad, start and select keys, and even the volume and contrast dials, this model is faithful to the original hardware.
Additional fine touches include the speaker grill, battery light, and various input ports, all designed using standard LEGO bricks. Every feature from the original Game Boy has been thoughtfully represented in this build, making it feel authentic without needing electronic parts or lights.
Swappable Cartridges with a Twist
One of the standout features of the LEGO Game Boy set is its two buildable cartridges, also called Game Paks in Nintendo’s early days. The set includes brick versions of two beloved titles Super Mario Land and The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening. These cartridges are not just for show. They physically slide into the back of the model just like the real thing, creating a tactile and interactive display piece.
To elevate the experience, LEGO has added three lenticular screen tiles that can be swapped in and out of the Game Boy’s display window. These include an iconic Nintendo startup screen as well as animated-style graphics from the two featured games. The lenticular design gives each screen a sense of depth and motion, enhancing the illusion of a powered-on handheld without needing any electronics.
Part of a Growing Line of Retro LEGO Sets
This Game Boy release is part of a larger trend by LEGO to engage with adult collectors who grew up in the eighties and nineties. Sets like the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System and the pixelated Mario and Yoshi kits have paved the way for more nostalgic collaborations. This new Game Boy set continues that tradition, offering a fun and detailed build for those who remember the joy of handheld gaming before the era of smartphones.
Regional Pricing and Where to Buy
LEGO has confirmed that the 72046 Game Boy set will be sold exclusively through its official online store beginning October 1, 2025. Pricing varies by region, with the set retailing for 59.99 USD in the United States, 99.99 AUD in Australia, 54.99 GBP in the UK, 59.99 EUR in the EU, and 79.99 CAD in Canada.
Given the strong demand for previous nostalgic releases, preordering is recommended for fans who don’t want to miss out. With its affordable price and impressive design, this set is expected to become a favorite among LEGO and Nintendo fans alike.
Designed for Display, Not for Play
While the LEGO Game Boy cannot actually play games, its primary purpose is to serve as a display model. The set includes a stand for showcasing the console as well as a separate holder for the extra cartridge not currently in use. This thoughtful inclusion allows collectors to present the set in different configurations.
For fans of retro games, the set is more than just a toy. It is a physical representation of a cultural icon that changed the way people interacted with video games. It is also a piece of gaming history that can now sit proudly on a desk, shelf, or collector’s wall.
Final Thoughts
The LEGO 72046 Game Boy set blends nostalgia with creativity in a way that only LEGO can. With buildable cartridges, lenticular screens, and authentic design features, it pays tribute to one of the most influential gaming devices of all time. Whether you are a long-time LEGO collector or simply someone who grew up playing Pokémon or Tetris on the go, this set offers a satisfying and sentimental build experience.
With its release just around the corner, now is the perfect time to secure your preorder and relive a beloved piece of gaming history one brick at a time.
M
