Nintendo and LEGO's ongoing collaboration may soon add a Donkey Kong arcade machine to its lineup of popular building sets. Leaks from the r/Legoleak subreddit suggest the set could be released in August with a price point of $200 USD. While not yet officially announced, the subreddit has a history of accurately revealing upcoming LEGO products.
This potential release aligns with the 45th anniversary of the original Donkey Kong arcade game, which debuted on July 9, 1981. The classic game introduced players to the titular ape atop a New York City building, throwing barrels at the original hero, Jumpman, who would later become known as Mario. The game's launch marked a significant moment in arcade history and the introduction of enduring characters.
Further details from the leak hint at an interactive design for the LEGO set. The reported inclusion of a joystick and buttons, along with internal "layers" for different elements, suggests the possibility of surprise mechanisms or playable sequences within the model. Past LEGO Nintendo sets have offered customization options, and the forthcoming Smart Play Pokémon builds indicate LEGO's increasing interest in incorporating interactive features into its themed collections.
Nintendo has shown renewed attention to the Donkey Kong franchise recently. Last year saw the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for the Nintendo Switch, and an animated film based on the character is reportedly in development. The critical reception for recent Donkey Kong titles has been strong, with Eurogamer awarding Donkey Kong Country Returns HD four stars and calling it "the new best Donkey Kong adventure that doesn't have the word 'Country' in its title."