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Lego Donkey Kong Arcade #72051 review: “I’d go as far to call it one of the best Nintendo sets”
Lego’s Donkey Kong Arcade set recreates the classic arcade machine as an interactive display model, letting players send a barrel down ramps while moving Jumpman to avoid it. The reviewer praises its playful mechanism and appearance, calling it one of Lego’s best Nintendo sets, though its appeal depends on nostalgia for the game.
The set measures 39 by 27 by 15 centimetres and costs $200 or £150. Its build is mostly straightforward, but the reviewer criticises the nine stickers, the fiddly lettering at the top and the price; they particularly wanted printed pieces for Donkey Kong and Pauline. It may suit fans with space to display it, while budget-conscious buyers or those less interested in the game may prefer alternatives.
In short
- Interactive Lego model recreates the Donkey Kong arcade game.
- It costs £150 and measures 39 centimetres tall.
- The reviewer praises the display and play features, but faults its price and stickers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The set turns a familiar arcade game into a playable display piece, and its moving barrel mechanism gives it more character than a static model. For fans of Donkey Kong, the nostalgic design, interactive build and display presence may make the price worthwhile, despite some fiddly details.
The case against
At $200 or £150, the set may be poor value for buyers who are not strongly attached to the game, especially when its play is limited to a simple mechanism. The stickers, fiddly lettering and lack of printed pieces for Donkey Kong and Pauline also make the finish feel less polished than the price suggests.