Several years ago, LEGO and Nintendo embarked on a creative partnership that has since produced some of LEGO's most innovative and accessible sets. Initially, in 2020, LEGO clearly distinguished between sets designed for children and those for adults. Children were introduced to Super Mario playsets, which combined digital and physical elements to let them construct their own Super Mario courses. Meanwhile, adults were treated to detailed, nostalgic replicas of iconic elements from the franchise.

However, in recent years, LEGO has intentionally blurred the lines between these two demographics. The newer sets for children are more complex and engaging, while the adult sets have taken on a more whimsical and cartoonish flair. This shift aligns well with Nintendo's family-friendly ethos, making the LEGO sets appealing across 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 allow you to build your own Mario courses. Using an LED Mario figurine, you can scan barcodes on enemies and obstacles, triggering audio feedback like music and classic Mario sounds. The coins you collect are tracked in an app that syncs with Mario and records your progress.

This starter set includes the essential Mario LED figure, which is necessary for all other expansion sets. It also comes with a starting pipe, a Yoshi figure, a flagpole, and a Bowser Jr. figure that rides inside 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 work with the Interactive Mario LED figure from the Adventures starter set. This classic Kart build includes a Glider, a Toad pit crew member, and a launching mechanism for Green and Red Shells, making it an excellent starting point for designing race courses. At just $19.99, it's a budget-friendly option for LEGO enthusiasts and Mario Kart fans alike.

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 colorful and quirky set featuring a massive Bowser head on the front of its 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 engaging build.

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

The LEGO Piranha Plant set is a delightful build that exceeds expectations. It's both adorable and full of personality, offering great value for its price. This set is highly recommended for adult LEGO enthusiasts looking for a fun and rewarding project.

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

While not strictly a Nintendo franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog has become closely associated with Nintendo through collaborations and Sega's presence on Nintendo's online service. This set recreates the iconic Green Hill Zone 1, complete with 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 expansion into Animal Crossing LEGO sets began in March 2024 with this set, which includes Tom Nook's shop and Rosie the Cat's cottage. It's a great starting point for fans looking to build their own Animal Crossing village.

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 set from the Animal Crossing series, Dodo Airlines includes a seaplane, a dock/jetty, and minifigures for Wilbur and Tangy, allowing for creative 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 build that moves with the turn of a crank. Yoshi's feet, head, and arm, as well as Mario's cape, all move, and a separate mechanism allows Yoshi to open his mouth and stick out his tongue. The vibrant 16-bit colors make this set a standout display piece.

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 2-in-1 set allows you to build the Great Deku Tree from either Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild. It includes three versions of Link, one Princess Zelda, and accessories like the Master Sword and a Hylian Shield. While it's a fun build, it's on the pricier side.

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 Nintendo sets to date. This large, cartoonish build of Mario's ultimate adversary is both imposing and adorable, featuring a spring-loaded mechanism that allows Bowser to "breathe fire."

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, while technically an expansion playset, is marketed as a standalone set, reflecting LEGO's new approach for 2024 and beyond. This approach blurs the lines between children's and adult sets, focusing on more substantial and detailed builds that prioritize the joy of building over play.

The initial Super Mario playsets were too simplistic, emphasizing play over the build experience. However, LEGO's recent sets align more closely with their core strengths, focusing on engaging builds that are enjoyable for both children and adults. This shift bodes well for the future of LEGO Nintendo sets.

For those interested in other LEGO themes, be sure to check out our lists of the best Star Wars LEGO sets, best Harry Potter LEGO sets, and best Marvel LEGO sets.