A new leak claims that Nintendo and LEGO are preparing a Donkey Kong arcade set to celebrate the iconic 1981 game’s 45th anniversary
Nintendo has collaborated with LEGO on various sets, including those based on the Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda franchises. Now, a new leak suggests that the next major set will be a 1,367-piece set based on the arcade success that made the Kyoto company a household name worldwide
- More Nintendo News:All Donkey Kong Bananza Amiibo Unlocks
Leaked LEGO Donkey Kong Set Honors Nintendo’s Arcade Classic
According to a leak from user CarterBricks04 on the LEGOleak subreddit, a LEGO set based on the original Donkey Kong game is in development. The completed set, as shown on the box, resembles a tabletop arcade machine inspired by the first level of the 1981 arcade game. It’s claimed to be priced at $200
In this scene, Mario, originally known as Jumpman and a carpenter, is navigating up the girders while preparing to jump over a barrel, as Donkey Kong keeps Pauline trapped at the top of the stage. The set also includes a mini arcade joystick featuring icons related to the original Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pauline
Mario: 72051 Donkey Kong Arcade Set Image (via u/Gupytex) byu/CarterBricks04 inLegoleak
The Growth of Mario, DK, and Pauline Over the Years
2026 marks the 45th anniversary of the original Donkey Kong game, which first appeared in arcades in July of 1981. Since that day, all the featured characters have changed drastically. Jumpman became Mario, who went from being a plumber to an all-around athlete, appearing in every type of video game imaginable for Nintendo as their mascot for nearly five decades
The original Donkey Kong would go on to become Cranky Kong, and the modern Donkey Kong is seen as Cranky’s son or grandson, depending on the game you’re playing. Pauline disappeared for many years, and Princess Peach replaced her as the resident “Damsel in Distress”. She would return in the Mario vs. Donkey Konggames on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. She would later appear in Super Mario Odyssey as the mayor of New Donk City
In the latest Donkey Kong game, Donkey Kong Bananza, there’s a young Pauline. It’s not explicitly stated how she’s related to the original, but there are hints throughout the game that let players piece the puzzle together for themselves
What do you think of this potential LEGO set? How else do you think Nintendo will celebrate Donkey Kong’s 45th anniversary? Sound off about this story and all others in our official Discord server
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Written by
Robert DeFelice
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