LEGO has officially revealed its latest Nintendo-themed building set: the LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade.
Scheduled for release on August 1 with a retail price of $199.99, the set is comprised of 1,367 pieces and is designed for adult builders aged 18 and up due to its complexity and retro subject matter. The completed model aims to be an interactive replica of the original 1981 arcade cabinet. It features the Donkey Kong logo at the top and character imagery on the sides of the "display." Below the screen are a barrel-release lever, a joystick, and a jump button. The integrated screen displays a simplified rendition of the game's first level, featuring Donkey Kong, Lady (an early version of Pauline), and Jumpman (an early version of Mario).
The set includes interactive functionality. A lever can be pulled to release a barrel, which then rolls down the built level. Players can use the joystick to move Jumpman and the button to make him jump. A mechanism built into the back of the set allows barrels to be moved from the bottom back to the top, mirroring gameplay.
The original Donkey Kong arcade game, released in 1981, was a significant hit and is recognized as a precursor to the modern Mario series. The appearance of Jumpman and Lady in this LEGO set highlights the game's historical place in Nintendo's evolution.