LEGO has unveiled a new set that allows fans to build a near 1:1 scale replica of the original PlayStation console. The LEGO PlayStation set comprises 1,911 bricks and is designed to be completed in approximately six hours. This release taps into nostalgia for the groundbreaking console that launched in Japan in 1994 and North America in 1995, a time when many electronics companies had previously struggled to succeed in the video game market.
The build process begins with the console's base, progressing to the top. Internally, the set incorporates colorful representations of electronic components and the iconic red, yellow, and blue PlayStation logo. While many of these internal details are ultimately covered, the set's design allows for some of these "electronics" to be visible upon lifting the lid.
A notable feature of the LEGO PlayStation set is the inclusion of two hidden dioramas that slide out from the console's interior. These micro-scale scenes depict worlds from the popular games Ape Escape and Gran Turismo. While these specific game selections may not appeal to every fan, they offer a fun, unexpected addition.
Stickers are used sparingly in the set, primarily applied to the hidden dioramas, minimizing potential frustration for builders. Crucially, essential and visible details such as the PlayStation and Sony logos, as well as the controller's face button shapes, are pre-printed on the pieces, a welcome feature for those who struggle with precise sticker application.
The finished model closely resembles the original PlayStation hardware in terms of scale and appearance, with the likeness being particularly strong from most angles. Functional elements include "Power" and "Open" buttons. Pressing the "Power" button reveals a translucent green rod mimicking the console's power light, while the "Open" button activates a spring-loaded mechanism that raises the disc lid.
Minor drawbacks noted include occasional sticking issues with the "Open" button, which can impede closing the disc lid, and a slightly "janky" appearance of the replica controller due to the challenges of recreating its curves with LEGO bricks.
The LEGO PlayStation set is available for purchase at the LEGO Store and PlayStation Direct for $179.99.