Lego and Nintendo release playable Donkey Kong arcade set

Lego and Nintendo have unveiled a new collaborative building set that faithfully recreates the classic 1981 Donkey Kong arcade cabinet, complete with interactive gameplay features. The Lego Donkey Kong Arcade set, designated 72051, is scheduled for release on August 1, 2026, and is currently available for pre-order.

Designed primarily for adult builders, the set consists of approximately 1,367 pieces and assembles into a detailed model measuring 15.5 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep. It recreates the cabinet's iconic artwork and the game's first level, featuring the characters Jumpman, who later became Mario; Donkey Kong; and Lady, the character now known as Pauline.

A key selling point is the set's interactive mechanics, which allow builders to simulate playing the original game. A lever on the cabinet releases one of the 21 included barrels down the scaffolding. Users can then operate a joystick to move the Jumpman figure and press a button to make him jump, attempting to avoid the rolling barrels. A mechanism behind the model returns the barrels to the top for repeated play.

The set is priced at $199.99 in the United States. International pricing varies, with...