A planned Lego set based on Nintendo's seminal 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong has reportedly leaked, offering a first look at the anticipated collaboration. The "Donkey Kong Arcade Set" is expected to recreate the entirety of the game's first level, a move that distinguishes it from previous Lego interpretations of Nintendo properties.
The leak, which appeared on Reddit on July 10, suggests the set will comprise 1,367 pieces and be priced at $200, with a potential release in August. The design appears to be targeted towards adult collectors, focusing on the authentic arcade experience rather than incorporating minifigures or destructible environments seen in other Lego themes.
This approach marks a departure from the Lego Super Mario line, which has previously released Donkey Kong expansion sets. Those sets integrated brick-built characters and interactive elements with existing Super Mario figures. The apparent shift to a more display-focused arcade cabinet replica indicates a desire by Nintendo and Lego to explore different facets of the Donkey Kong legacy.
Despite the potential absence of beloved characters like DK, Diddy, Dixie, or Pauline in minifigure form, the focus on the arcade version of Donkey Kong holds historical significance. The original arcade game was instrumental in establishing Nintendo as a major player in the video game industry. Recreating its iconic first level in Lego form is seen as a fitting tribute to that foundational success.