It's been several years since LEGO formalized its creative partnership with Nintendo, leading to some of the most inspired and accessible sets in LEGO's lineup. Back in 2020, LEGO clearly distinguished between sets designed for children and those for adults. Children were treated to Super Mario playsets, which are digital/physical hybrids allowing kids to build their own Super Mario courses. Meanwhile, adults received iconic replicas that evoke waves of Gen-X nostalgia with their massive and detailed designs.

However, in the years following, LEGO has intentionally blurred the lines between these two audiences. The newer LEGO sets for kids have become more complex and engaging, while the adult sets have taken on a more whimsical and cartoonish flair. This shift aligns perfectly with Nintendo's family-friendly ethos, resulting in LEGO sets that appeal to multiple generations.

Adventures with Interactive LEGO Mario

6 $49.99 at Target Set: #71439 Age Range: 6+ Piece Count: 218 Dimensions: 1.5 inches high, 4 inches wide, 3 inches deep Price: $49.99 The LEGO Super Mario playsets let you craft your own Mario courses. An LED Mario figurine scans barcodes on enemies and obstacles, triggering audio feedback such as music and classic Mario sounds. The coins you gather are tracked in an app that syncs with Mario and records your progress. This starter set includes the essential Mario LED figure, necessary for other expansion sets, along with a starting pipe, a Yoshi figure, a flagpole, and a Bowser, Jr. figure in a Junior Clown Car.

Mario Kart – Standard Kart

3 $19.99 at Amazon Set: #72032 Age Range: 7+ Piece Count: 174 Dimensions: 1.5 inches high, 5.5 inches long, 3 inches wide Price: $19.99 The Mario Kart sets are designed to be compatible with the Interactive Mario LED figure from the Adventures starter set. This classic Kart build comes with a Glider, a Toad pit crew member, and a launching mechanism for Green and Red Shells, making it perfect for designing race courses. It's an affordable entry into LEGO sets at just $19.99, ideal for Mario Kart enthusiasts.

The Bowser Express Train

1 See it at Amazon Set: #71437 Age Range: 9+ Piece Count: 1392 Dimensions: 8.5 inches high, 26.5 inches long, 4.5 inches wide Price: $119.99 The Bowser Express Train is a quirky and colorful set featuring a massive Bowser head on the engine. It includes six baddies: a Hammer Bro, a Boom Boom, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds. This set is perfect for fans looking for a fun and unique LEGO experience.

LEGO Piranha Plant

10 $59.99 save 20% $47.95 at Amazon Set: #71426 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 540 Dimensions: 9 inches high, 4.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep Price: $59.99 We built this set for its launch and were pleasantly surprised by its quality and charm. The LEGO Piranha Plant is both adorable and full of personality, and its price offers excellent value. It's a must-buy for LEGO fans looking for a delightful addition to their collection.

LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone LEGO Set

3 $69.99 at Amazon Set: #21331 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 1125 Dimensions: 7 inches high, 14 inches wide, 2.5 inches deep Price: $79.99 Though not strictly Nintendo, we include this set due to Sonic's close ties with Nintendo. The Green Hill Zone diorama captures the essence of the classic Sonic game, featuring a loop and a confident Sonic minifigure. It's an excellent choice for adult beginners looking to explore LEGO building.

LEGO Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House

3 $74.99 save 20% $59.95 at Amazon Set: #77050 Age Range: 7+ Piece Count: 535 Dimensions: 6 inches high, 15 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep Price: $74.99 Nintendo's LEGO offerings expanded to include Animal Crossing sets, with this set being the largest at launch. It features Tom Nook's shop and Rosie the Cat's cottage, allowing fans to recreate their favorite game elements.

Fly With Dodo Airlines

1 $37.99 See it at Amazon Set: #77051 Age Range: 7+ Piece Count: 292 Dimensions: 5 inches high, 10.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches deep Price: $37.99 Another iconic Animal Crossing location, Dodo Airlines lets you recreate the thrill of island-hopping. The set includes a seaplane, a dock/jetty, and minifigures of Wilbur and Tangy for engaging roleplay scenarios.

LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi

5 Set #71438, includes 1,215 pieces. $129.99 at Amazon Set: #71438 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 1215 Dimensions: 15.5 inches high, 10 inches wide, 4 inches deep Price: $129.99 This nostalgic set features Mario and Yoshi in a dynamic display that moves with the turn of a crank. Yoshi's feet, head, and arm, along with Mario's cape, animate, and a separate mechanism triggers Yoshi's mouth to open and his tongue to stick out. It's a visually striking set with bright, 16-bit colors.

LEGO Great Deku Tree Set

9 Set #77092, includes 2,500 pieces. This 2-in-1 set lets you build the Great Deku Tree in the style of Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild with the same pieces. $299.99 at LEGO Store Set: #77092 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 2500 Dimensions: 13 inches tall Price: $299.99 This set offers a versatile build, allowing you to choose between the Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild versions of the Great Deku Tree. It comes with three versions of Link, Princess Zelda, and accessories like the Master Sword and a Hylian Shield. Though pricey, it's a rewarding build.

LEGO Super Mario The Mighty Bowser

5 See it at Amazon Set: #71411 Age Range: 18+ Piece Count: 2807 Dimensions: 12.5 inches high, 16 inches wide, 11 inches deep Price: $269.99 The Mighty Bowser is one of the finest LEGO sets designed by LEGO and Nintendo, featuring a massive, cartoonish, yet adorable build of Mario's arch-nemesis. It's larger than expected and includes a spring-loaded mechanism to simulate fire-breathing.

How Many LEGO Nintendo Sets Are There?

As of January 2025, there are 34 LEGO Super Mario sets, 18 LEGO Sonic the Hedgehog sets, ten LEGO Animal Crossing sets, and 1 LEGO The Legend of Zelda set available for purchase on the official LEGO store.

What's Does the Future of LEGO Nintendo Look Like?

The Mighty Bowser exemplifies a new direction for LEGO Nintendo sets, moving away from strict delineations between children's and adult sets. Early Super Mario playsets were simple and focused on play rather than build quality. Today's sets, however, offer more substance and detail, emphasizing the joy of construction over mere play. Sets like The Mighty Bowser prioritize display appeal and building engagement, aligning with LEGO's core strengths.

For a deeper dive into the world of LEGO, consider watching the "The Toys That Made Us" documentary on Netflix. It highlights LEGO's various attempts to innovate and expand its appeal, but ultimately, it's the timeless joy of building that keeps fans coming back.

Be sure to explore our other LEGO set recommendations, including the best Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel LEGO sets, for more building inspiration.