It is truly a wonderful era for anyone who enjoys both video games and Lego bricks. The connection between digital gaming worlds and the classic Danish building blocks has become incredibly strong. It almost seems obvious that these two hobbies would overlap so much, since the people who love one often love the other too. It is actually a bit surprising that it took so long for them to come together so completely. Lego first started making licensed sets back in 1999 with Star Wars. By that timeline, it took about twenty-five years for video game themes to really become a major part of the Lego universe.
The growth has been steady but slow. The very first time video games crossed over into Lego is a bit hard to define, depending on how you look at it. A figure from the computer game Lego Island was made very early, even before the Star Wars deal. Then, within the Star Wars line, there was a set in 2007 based on the game The Force Unleashed. However, the first real breakthrough happened in 2012. A Minecraft set was released through the Lego Ideas fan program. The blocky style of Minecraft matched Lego perfectly, proving that video game sets could be a huge success.
Lego has not slowed down since that moment. In the last few years, we have seen an explosion of gaming sets. There are sets for Minecraft, Mario, Sonic, Overwatch, Horizon, Fortnite, Animal Crossing, Pac-Man, Zelda, and even hardware like the Game Boy. The latest addition is, of course, Pokémon. In February, several massive, adult-focused sets are launching. These are huge builds with high price tags, aimed squarely at thirty-something fans feeling a wave of nostalgia.
Basically, all of this proves that Lego’s dedication to gaming is now complete. It feels like a match made in heaven. The one-sided relationship where Lego made successful video games is now balanced by equally successful video game Lego sets. However, Lego does face some challenges as it continues to grow in the gaming space.
The biggest topic this week is the price. This conversation was sparked by a Pokémon set that will sell for a staggering £580. This places it comfortably among the top ten most expensive and largest Lego sets ever made. To be fair, the price is shocking. But I am hopeful about how the rest of the Pokémon collection will turn out. Leaks from retailers suggest there is much more coming. I expect the sets that have not been revealed yet will be more sensible and definitely more kid-friendly.
If you look at Star Wars, which appeals to different generations just like Pokémon, the sets cover a wide range of prices. Historically, you could get a simple X-Wing playset for as little as £25, while others have cost hundreds of pounds. The same is true for sets like the Millennium Falcon. Over time, Pokémon will likely follow this pattern. The extremely expensive sets are for the most dedicated collectors. For a franchise like Pokémon, where rare trading cards sell for five figures, it is clear that this audience exists.
Some of Lego’s best work in gaming actually exists in the lower price ranges. Two recent sets really show this off. The £55 Game Boy replica, which comes with a couple of game cartridges, looks incredibly accurate. It is a fun build that hits all the right nostalgic notes. There are even unofficial kits coming out that let you turn the brick-built Game Boy into a working console.
In a similar style, there is the Arcade Machine. This set is branded generally rather than using a specific game license. It is a clever way to show the cost of licensing. This cute machine does not copy a specific classic arcade game but captures the general look of 1980s cabinets. Without the cost of a specific license, it actually has more pieces than the Game Boy but sells for £20 less.
I also think the Lego Sonic sets have been delightful. They are simple play sets at kid-friendly prices, ranging from £9 to £60. They do not rely on complicated tech gimmicks. This is not to say Lego Mario is bad. I see the value in its interactive tech, especially for modern kids who want toys that respond to them. But there is a purity to the Sonic sets. They are not tied to one specific era of the Sonic games. Each set is just a broad celebration of the series and its characters, which is exactly how it should be.
So, despite the chatter about high prices or the need for tech gimmicks, it is clear that video games are now a permanent part of Lego’s collection. Just like Star Wars or Harry Potter, gaming is a mainstay. It reminds me of gaming’s comeback in Hollywood. It is a sign of the times. We are the kids of the eighties and nineties, growing up with our own disposable income and children. Gaming has moved from a fringe hobby to a core part of culture. It is great to see.
As someone who truly loves Lego and video games, I am excited. Even if that big Pokémon set is too expensive for me, I see a bright future. We are only a few weeks into 2026, and we have already had the Pokémon announcement and leaks about a new Lego Zelda set. The year will surely bring more reveals. As that happens, I expect we will be talking a lot more about Lego here. I honestly could not be happier about it.
