Ultimate Guide: Top LEGO Nintendo Sets for Ages Young and Old

LEGO's successful Nintendo collaboration has yielded some of their most creative and accessible sets. Initially, LEGO targeted children with interactive Super Mario playsets and adults with nostalgic replicas. However, this distinction has blurred, with newer sets appealing across generations. This reflects Nintendo's family-friendly image and LEGO's broadened approach.

LEGO Nintendo's sub-themes have expanded beyond Super Mario to include Sonic, Animal Crossing, and now Zelda. Here are some top LEGO Nintendo sets for 2025:

Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario (#71439): This starter set includes an LED Mario figure, essential elements, and figures like Yoshi and Bowser Jr. It's crucial for using other expansion sets. ($49.99 at Target)

Mario Kart – Standard Kart (#72032): Compatible with the interactive Mario figure, this set features a classic kart, glider, Toad, and shell-launching mechanisms. ($19.99 at Amazon)

The Bowser Express Train (#71437): A large, whimsical set featuring Bowser's train and various enemies. ($119.99 at Amazon)

LEGO Piranha Plant (#71426): A charming and well-priced Piranha Plant build. ($47.95 at Amazon)

Sonic the Hedgehog – Green Hill Zone (#21331): A delightful diorama of Green Hill Zone 1, perfect for beginner adult builders. ($79.99 at Amazon)

Nook's Cranny & Rosie's House (#77050): One of the larger Animal Crossing sets, featuring Tom Nook's shop and Rosie's cottage. ($59.95 at Amazon)

Fly With Dodo Airlines (#77051): Features a seaplane, dock, and Wilbur and Tangy minifigures. ($37.99 at Amazon)

Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (#71438): A nostalgic, highly detailed set with moving parts. ($129.99 at Amazon)

Great Deku Tree (#77092): A 2-in-1 build allowing for either Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild styles. ($299.99 at LEGO Store)

The Mighty Bowser (#71411): A massive, impressive Bowser build with a fire-breathing mechanism. ($269.99 at Amazon)

LEGO Nintendo Set Count (January 2025): 34 Super Mario, 18 Sonic, 10 Animal Crossing, and 1 Zelda set.

The Future of LEGO Nintendo: The Mighty Bowser signals a shift towards sets that blend child and adult appeal, focusing on build quality and display value. This marks a return to LEGO's core strengths, emphasizing the joy of the building process itself.

Which Nintendo franchise deserves a LEGO set the most?

MetroidKirbyPokémonLuigi's MansionSplatoonSuper Smash Bros.PikminOther (Tell us in the comments!)

The improved LEGO Super Mario sets prioritize build quality and visual appeal, making the gameplay a secondary consideration. This focus on the core building experience bodes well for the future of LEGO Nintendo collaborations. Consider checking out the "The Toys That Made Us" LEGO documentary on Netflix for further insight. Also, explore our lists of the best Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel LEGO sets.