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LEGO Brings Donkey Kong’s Arcade Legacy to Life in Stunning New Retro Set

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Retro gaming and LEGO fans, prepare your wallets.

A brand-new LEGO x Nintendo collaboration has surfaced, and this time it celebrates one of gaming’s most iconic arcade machines – Donkey Kong. While LEGO has yet to make an official announcement, leaked images and reports have revealed what appears to be an impressive brick-built recreation of the legendary 1981 arcade cabinet

A Retro Gaming Icon Reimagined

The leaked set recreates the classic Donkey Kong arcade cabinet, complete with the instantly recognisable red-and-blue cabinet design, large marquee branding, pixel-inspired artwork and familiar gameplay elements. The build pays tribute to the game that introduced the world to Jumpman, the character who would later become Nintendo’s famous mascot, Mario.

According to the packaging visible in the leaked images, the set carries the name Donkey Kong Arcade and is targeted at adult builders aged 18+. The set reportedly contains 1,367 pieces, making it one of the larger Nintendo-themed LEGO releases to date.

More Than Just a Display Piece

The Donkey Kong Arcade appears to be more than a static display model. Promotional images suggest interactive features may be built into the cabinet, including a movable joystick and jump button that appear to control Jumpman as he navigates platforms and dodges barrels. Leaked images also hint at a mechanism that allows barrels to move through the playfield, recreating the famous challenge from the original arcade game.

If these features make it into the final retail version, the set could become one of the most interactive retro gaming LEGO builds released so far.

A Perfect Match for Retro Gaming Fans

Nintendo and LEGO have enjoyed a successful partnership over the last few years, delivering sets based on Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and other beloved franchises. The addition of a dedicated Donkey Kong arcade cabinet feels like a natural next step, especially given the character’s importance in gaming history.

For retro gamers, this set represents more than just another licensed collectible. The original Donkey Kong arcade machine helped define the golden age of arcades and remains one of the most influential video games ever created. Seeing it recreated brick-by-brick is sure to trigger plenty of nostalgia for players who spent countless hours dodging barrels and climbing ladders in search of a high score.

image source: r/Legoleak via reddit

Release Date and Price Still Unknown

At the time of writing, LEGO has not officially announced the Donkey Kong Arcade set, meaning there is currently no confirmed release date or pricing information. However, given the size and piece count, early speculation suggests the set could retail around the US$199.99 mark.

With leaked images now widely circulating online and reports of some shoppers allegedly spotting the set on retail shelves ahead of schedule, an official reveal from LEGO may not be far away.

Ausretrogamer Thoughts

As lifelong fans of retro gaming, we absolutely love this reveal. The LEGO designers appear to have captured the look and spirit of the original arcade cabinet beautifully, right down to the pixel-art style details and colourful cabinet artwork. If the interactive features live up to expectations, this could become one of the most desirable gaming-themed LEGO sets ever released.

For now, we’ll be keeping a close eye on LEGO and Nintendo for the official announcement.

Story Source: VICE Gaming [vice.com]

Lobos Collectables: Where Self-Control Goes to Die

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A Time Warp to the 80s: Our Visit to Lobos Collectables

We dropped into Lobos Collectables over the weekend and were immediately confronted with a very real problem: we are not as strong as we thought we were.

Within seconds of walking through the door, we were hit by a nostalgia blast powerful enough to send us straight back to the mid-80s – a time of carpeted lounge rooms, CRT TVs, and arguments over which Transformer was actually the best (it was Optimus Prime, obviously).

One Store. All the Universes.

Lobos Collectables is less a shop and more a carefully curated pop-culture time capsule. Everywhere you look, there’s something ready to trigger a memory you didn’t even realise you’d filed away.

Star Wars figures stare back at you like old friends. Aliens merch reminds you that the franchise used to be genuinely terrifying. Masters of the Universe is present in glorious force, instantly resurrecting Saturday morning cartoon rituals and backyard He-Man vs everyone crossovers.

Add in Star Trek, Transformers, The A-Team, classic wrestling gear, stacks of vintage comics, and a whole lot of “wait… I used to own that” moments, and you’ve got a store that’s basically weaponised nostalgia.

The Danger Zone

The biggest risk at Lobos isn’t tripping over boxes – it’s convincing yourself that buying just one thing is completely reasonable. Every shelf feels like it’s quietly whispering: “You’re an adult now. You deserve this.”

Resisting a purchase took genuine willpower. One wrong move and we’d have walked out with a bag full of plastic dreams and a sudden urge to watch cartoons before dinner.

More Than a Shop

What makes Lobos Collectables special is the vibe. This isn’t a sterile collectibles store – it’s a place to browse, reminisce, talk nonsense, and relive the days when toys were built to survive backyard warfare.

Whether you’re a serious collector or just chasing a hit of retro dopamine, Lobos absolutely delivers.

Final Verdict

If you love retro gaming, 80s pop culture, sci-fi, cartoons, comics, or simply remembering when life peaked at age 10, Lobos Collectables is a must-visit.

Just be warned: You’ll walk in “just to look” – and walk out questioning all of your life choices.

(Lots of photos below – scroll slowly! Wallet damage not shown.)

All images © ausretrogamer.com

PSA: A Star Wars LEGO Exhibition is coming to Melbourne in 2025

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Another PSA for those of you that are into the dark (and/or light) side of the FORCE!

A huge Star Wars LEGO exhibition is coming to Melbourne next year!

Launching on May the Fourth, the galaxy-first exhibition at Melbourne Museum will feature more than 8 million LEGO bricks.

✨ WHAT: LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition
💕 TICKETS: Tickets on sale early 2025
📍 WHERE: Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens (11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053)

Keep an eye out on the What’s On – City of Melbourne site for further details.

image source: What’s On Melbourne Facebook page

 

Lego Ideas – MONACO F1 GP

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Experience the Thrill of the Monaco F1 GP with LEGO!

Hey, LEGO fans and racing enthusiasts! Get ready to rev your engines and build your way to the most glamorous event in motorsport history: the Monaco Grand Prix, now in LEGO form!

A Legendary Race in Your Hands

The Monaco Grand Prix is the crown jewel of Formula 1 racing (and one of three races in the Triple Crown of Motorsport), known for its challenging circuit and breathtaking scenery. Now, thanks to passionate LEGO builder, Peter_Designs, you could recreate this iconic race track right at home (if it garners enough votes!). This LEGO project brings the excitement and elegance of Monaco’s streets to life with stunning detail and creativity.

Feel the Adrenaline

Imagine assembling the tight corners, the famous tunnel, and the harbor lined with luxurious yachts—all with LEGO bricks! This project isn’t just a model; it’s a tribute to the legendary race where drivers navigate one of the toughest circuits in the world. You’ll feel the adrenaline rush as you build and relive the high-speed action.

What Makes This Set Special?

This LEGO set is a marvel of design, capturing the essence of the Monaco GP with precision and flair. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Iconic Circuit Details: From the start/finish line to the Casino Square and the hairpin turns, every element of the Monaco track is meticulously crafted.
  • Dynamic Features: Pit stops, grandstands, and the bustling paddock area make this set come alive, offering endless play and display possibilities.

Support the Project

To turn this amazing LEGO Monaco GP set into reality, it needs your vote! By supporting this project on the LEGO Ideas platform, you can help bring this dream set to LEGO fans and racing aficionados around the globe.

Why You’ll Love It

Whether you’re a LEGO enthusiast, a Formula 1 fanatic, or someone who loves intricate and dynamic builds, this set is for you. It’s not just about building a model; it’s about celebrating the heritage and thrill of one of the most prestigious races in the world. The Monaco F1 GP LEGO set captures the spirit of competition, innovation, and luxury that defines the Grand Prix.

So, race over to the LEGO Ideas website and cast your vote for the Monaco GP set. Let’s make this extraordinary project a reality and bring the excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix from the track to your living room! Start your engines, and let the building begin!


source: Lego Ideas

LEGO Ideas: ’80s-Themed Sets Winners To Be Announced This September

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LEGO Fans Rejoice: It’s A Second 80s-Themed Fan Vote!

Get ready to turn back the clock with LEGO Ideas’ latest fan vote! From May 20th to May 27th, 2024, LEGO enthusiasts were able to cast their votes for one of five nostalgic ’80s-inspired submissions. The winning design will become an official LEGO Ideas set in collaboration with Target (US).

This exciting lineup includes:

  1. Gizmo by terauma
  2. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial by Jimmi-DK
  3. Golden Girls by Martin_Studio
  4. Beetlejuice: Sandworm House by Jupe71345
  5. Big by Julientheclownofthebrick

Since voting has concluded, the results will be announced by September 1st, 2024!

PS: More info and pics here!

Beetlejuice: Sandworm House

Golden Girls
image source: Lego Ideas

 

LEGO Ideas: METROID – E.M.M.I.

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Ah LEGO Ideas, you do get some pretty darn awesome product ideas, just like this METROID – E.M.M.I. entry by DirectorInfamousCockroach100!

What’s there not to love here, there is Samus Aran (based on her Metroid Dread appearance) and the E.M.M.I. robot enemies  featured in Metroid Dread!

DirectorInfamousCockroach100 states that:

Originally I was going to build Samus’ ship but I couldn’t crack the design :/ so here is the E.M.M.I! The Robot enemies featured in Metroid Dread.

The design here is a bit bulky but I wanted to try and make it as posable as possible! Of course it comes with a transparent stand just in-case, the build is not the most stable!

So if you are yearning for a Lego Metroid set of some kind, then you better get voting on this one!



Level Up Your Collectibles Game with Macca’s Makers

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Macca’s is dropping a limited-edition building set for McHappy Day 

Build your own Macca’s restaurant and support McHappy Day with the launch of Macca’s Makers

Ahead of McHappy Day taking place on Saturday 18 November, Macca’s is offering Aussie’s another way to help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) with the launch of its new and exclusive collector’s item, Macca’s Makers, a 56-piece limited-edition brick building set.

Launching on Wednesday, 8 November for a limited time only, Macca’s Makers gives fans an exclusive, behind the scenes view into the world of the Golden Arches by allowing them to build their very own mini-Macca’s restaurant.

The building set is a replica of a Macca’s restaurant and features an iconic glow-in-the-dark Golden Arches pylon, crew and manager figurines, McCafé, Playland, front counter and drive-thru.

Aussies can purchase Macca’s Makers for $36.95 from their nearest McDonald’s restaurant or via McDelivery from Wednesday, 8 November, with 100% of profits being donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities in celebration of McHappy Day.

Amanda Nakad, Director of Marketing for McDonald’s Australia said: “McHappy Day has been part of our customers’ lives for the past 31 years and we continue to be blown away by their support for the fundraiser and Ronald McDonald House Charities. This year, we are excited to give fans, who love to express their passion for the brand, the opportunity to collect an iconic Macca’s item while helping to raise funds for a cause very close to our hearts. So, get ready to build your own Macca’s restaurant with Macca’s Makers, but make sure you are quick, as they are sure to sell out fast!”.

Organised by McDonald’s, McHappy Day is the largest annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which raises vital funds to help seriously ill and injured children and their families.

In addition to purchasing a Macca’s Makers set, Aussies can support this year’s McHappy Day fundraiser by:

  • During McHappy Time (from 18 October) – Picking up a pair of Silly Socks for $5.95, or Helping Hands for $2, $10 or $50, from their local Macca’s or via McDelivery.
  • On McHappy Day (Saturday, 18 November) – Buying a Big Mac from their local Macca’s or via McDelivery, with $2 from every Big Mac sold going directly to RMHC.
  • Making a donation online by visiting www.rmhc.org.au/give

Compatible with other brands of building bricks, Macca’s Makers is available for $36.95 from Wednesday 8 November 2023 across McDonald’s restaurants nationwide and via McDelivery, for a limited time only. All profits raised will go directly to Ronald McDonald House Charities, as part of McHappy Day 2023.

For more information visit: www.mcdonalds.com.au



Press release supplied

LEGO Halloween: Brick Or Treat!

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What better way to celebrate Halloween than to build some spooky Lego sets!

To help us all celebrate Halloween, LEGO have been kind enough to provide build instructions on creating spooky stuff, like vampires, pumpkins and even your own shadow puppets!

To get you started, here are a few:

  • Build a ghost and/or a bat (instructions)
  • Build a pumpkin (instructions)
  • Build a vampire (instructions)

Grab the rest from the LEGO site right now, then grab all your spare bricks and get constructing! What a treat, thanks LEGO.

image / story source: LEGO



Lego Ideas: Retro Arcade

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Now this Lego Ideas entry we really really like! What’s there not to like about a Lego set that tugs on the ole nostalgic heartstrings.

The Retro Arcade Lego Ideas entry by If You Build It received the magical 10K votes, so right now, it is officially in the review (by Lego) stage! If you voted for the Retro Arcade, we thank you from the bottom of our 8-bit heart.

With the Retro Arcade project qualifying for the Second 2023 Review, we all have our fingers crossed that the powers at Lego vote with a resounding YES!

It goes without saying, we’ll keep you posted on the outcome!

source: Lego Ideas – Retro Arcade



The Incredible LEGO Mario Kart Roller Coaster

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Let’s-a-go! Wahoo!

What do you do if your name is Scott Makes MOCs and you love Lego, Mario Kart and coasters? Well, you make an insanely amazing LEGO Mario Kart Roller Coaster!

3 years in the making, this incredible build by Scott just needs to be seen to be believed. The intricate details and care taken in making this Mario Kart themed LEGO roller coaster is beyond our wildest imagination.


source: scottmakesmocs

Instead of just throwing in just one video of this incredible LEGO roller coaster, we thought we’d also share the time-lapse one which compresses 3 years into 5 minutes! Totally mind-blowing!

We may need to be shrunk down to size so we can ride this coaster too! Wahoo!


source: scottmakesmocs



[story source: borninspace]