Nintendo and Lego have revealed official details for their latest collaboration: a Donkey Kong-themed Lego set inspired by the 1981 arcade classic. The set features buildable figures of Jumpman (Mario), Donkey Kong, and Lady (Pauline), along with a recreation of the game's iconic first level. This new offering, dubbed the Lego Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade set (72051), includes interactive elements designed to mimic gameplay.
A key feature is a lever that, when activated, releases rolling barrels. Players can use a joystick to maneuver Jumpman and a button to make him leap over these barrels, mirroring the original game's challenges. The set comprises 1,367 pieces, including 21 rolling barrels, and is priced at $199.99. It measures 15.5 inches high, 10.5 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep when fully assembled.
The Lego Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade set is slated for release on August 1 and is available for pre-order now. To support the launch, Lego and Nintendo released a teaser video featuring Donkey Kong arcade champion Steve Wiebe, whose quest for high scores was documented in "The King of Kong."
This set continues the successful partnership between Lego and Nintendo, which has yielded a variety of products ranging from interactive Lego Super Mario sets with electronic figures to more traditional display models. Previous collaborations include a Nintendo Entertainment System replica, a large Bowser figure, Animal Crossing sets, and a Lego Game Boy, which proved particularly popular. Many Nintendo-themed Lego sets have become best-sellers, suggesting that further collaborations between the two companies are likely.