Only yesterday did we become aware of the existence of a LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System, which was first leaked and then teased by LEGO itself. Now, the set has been officially announced and we've got all the details potential buyers need to know.
The set new partnership between the LEGO Group and Nintendo, which began with the LEGO Super Mario set that was announced earlier in the year.
A short trailer which was released today and hosted by lead LEGO designer Jonathan Bennik goes into detail about what is included with the set and it's far more ambitious than one may expect and doesn't just consist of a LEGO recreation of the NES console.
For starters, it comes with a LEGO NES controller as well, which can be connected to the console, and a LEGO game cartridge for the original Super Mario Bros., with the NES designed in such a way that the cartridge can actually be inserted inside it, as demonstrated in the video.
While it obviously can't be hooked up to a TV and played, the set does provide the next best thing - a 1980's style LEGO television set which features a flat 8-bit Mario on the screen. By cranking the lever connected to the TV, Mario will run and jump throughout a level, hitting blocks and stomping on Goombas.
It doesn't end either. The LEGO Mario figure that comes with the Starter Set is compatible with the TV too. By using its Bluetooth functionality, it can be attached to the TV and will play music and sound effects to match up with the Mario on the screen's actions.
Between this and the multiple LEGO Mario sets, fans of both LEGO and Nintendo are going to be seriously emptying their wallets. The NES set is available to pre-order now, with a release date of August 1st, and is priced at $229.99.
As exciting news as this is, Nintendo has been extremely quiet in in terms of its upcoming game releases. It was reported earlier in the year that the publisher is planning to release remasters of multiple Super Mario titles for the Switch to celebrate the Super Mario series' 35th anniversary, which the new LEGO sets are part of too.
However, Nintendo has yet to formally confirm this and, so far, has no official plans to hold a new Nintendo Direct anytime soon.
The LEGO NES Set will release on August 1st.