LEGO Super Mario Nintendo Entertainment System Set 71374

My hubby is a big fan of puzzles and building things so he adores Legos. This was a particularly fun build since it is nostalgic and brings back memories of one of the first gaming systems. It’s amazing how this looks almost like the real thing - especially from a few yards away you would think this is actually the Nintendo system! It’s amazing how it even has an interactive component! The booklets are very thorough and helpful for the build. This was something really fun to do together!

A mario bros fan set must own!

This set will take time to build, my husband and 8 yo son built it together and took 8 hours with a few breaks. But it’s totally worth it once complete. There’s a lot of the same colors that are small and need to be pieced together correctly or a part of the set won’t work. You can put the game disc in the gaming system and turn the knob to have the back ground rotate around while Mario is on the clear stick to interact with the game. I have it three stars for ease because it is a difficult build but can be done with time and dedication. I have only 3 stars for play because it’s not a set we leave out to play with. It’s easy to play with once built but it just isn’t a set to let kids have at unsupervised. Made that mistake with the $300 mine raft mountain set, once ... MoreThis set will take time to build, my husband and 8 yo son built it together and took 8 hours with a few breaks. But it’s totally worth it once complete. There’s a lot of the same colors that are small and need to be pieced together correctly or a part of the set won’t work. You can put the game disc in the gaming system and turn the knob to have the back ground rotate around while Mario is on the clear stick to interact with the game. I have it three stars for ease because it is a difficult build but can be done with time and dedication. I have only 3 stars for play because it’s not a set we leave out to play with. It’s easy to play with once built but it just isn’t a set to let kids have at unsupervised. Made that mistake with the $300 mine raft mountain set, once the kids started rearranging parts it was impossible to put it back together correctly. This is definitely a collectors set to be admired, planning to place it in a clear case for us or guest to see and interact with it but no way is it a set us parents are leaving out to let the kids continually play with, I grew up with Mario bros, I’ll never forget the day I finally rescued peach, so this set is nostalgic in many ways, the detail is beyond anything we’ve built on a big scale. Get it!!!!

A must-buy for Nintendo fans!

I received this set as a gift for my 20th birthday, and it's the most fun set I've ever built!There are so many hidden details and Easter eggs that can be found in this set; I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was building it. I started with the NES and was surprised by how many pieces were actually inside the console. I like how a variety of bright colours are used during the build, as this makes it easier to see how the pieces fit together. Don't worry, though, as the colourful internal parts aren't visible once the build is complete, so it doesn't take away from the final look.This set also features a lot of intelligent design; I found the use of upside-down window pieces to make the ports for the AV cables particularly clever! The scrolling screen of ... MoreI received this set as a gift for my 20th birthday, and it's the most fun set I've ever built!There are so many hidden details and Easter eggs that can be found in this set; I couldn't stop smiling the whole time I was building it. I started with the NES and was surprised by how many pieces were actually inside the console. I like how a variety of bright colours are used during the build, as this makes it easier to see how the pieces fit together. Don't worry, though, as the colourful internal parts aren't visible once the build is complete, so it doesn't take away from the final look.This set also features a lot of intelligent design; I found the use of upside-down window pieces to make the ports for the AV cables particularly clever! The scrolling screen of the TV and the spring-loaded mechanism inside the NES itself are also very nice touches.This set features mostly printed pieces, and only uses three stickers; two of these are the labels for the Game Pak itself, with the other being an information sticker that goes on the back of the television. There are some very nerdy and cool Easter eggs on this sticker, but I won't spoil them!There has been so much love and attention to detail poured into this set, and I would love to see expansion sets made for it featuring different level designs, or perhaps different games! Excitebike would work particularly well with the mechanism used to control Mario. A second controller would be a nice addition, too!Overall, if you're even vaguely interested in purchasing this set, go for it! The build itself is such a fun and enjoyable process, and the final product is absolutely stunning. Plus, if you have the electronic Mario figure from the LEGO Super Mario starter course, you can slot him into the top of the television and he will react to what's happening on the screen, which is a fun play experience for Nintendo fans of all ages.

As Fun as Actually Playing Mario Bros

I’ve built a lot of sets in the Star Wars, Marvel, Hidden Side, NASA, and MindStorms series, but I have to say this blows them all away - and I’m not even a huge Nintendo fan!The build is so clever and fun and never repetitive. I thought for sure creating the mosaic for the game screen on the TV would be monotonous, but that was one of the best parts. The mechanisms to scroll the screen on the TV and to allow the game cartridge to insert and eject from the console are remarkably smooth and sturdy. I also appreciate the mechanism to make the channel dial on the TV click with each turn as they did on real TV’s in the past. Even the way Mario impressively moves over obstacles on the TV screen is elegant in the simplicity in which it achieved.There are so many fun ... MoreI’ve built a lot of sets in the Star Wars, Marvel, Hidden Side, NASA, and MindStorms series, but I have to say this blows them all away - and I’m not even a huge Nintendo fan!The build is so clever and fun and never repetitive. I thought for sure creating the mosaic for the game screen on the TV would be monotonous, but that was one of the best parts. The mechanisms to scroll the screen on the TV and to allow the game cartridge to insert and eject from the console are remarkably smooth and sturdy. I also appreciate the mechanism to make the channel dial on the TV click with each turn as they did on real TV’s in the past. Even the way Mario impressively moves over obstacles on the TV screen is elegant in the simplicity in which it achieved.There are so many fun details, some of which are hidden! If you ever had a TV of the sort depicted, you’re going to love it, especially the name of the brand. I also really loved that both instruction books came with a little history of Nintendo, the NES, and Mario. These are books you will want to keep for sure.Finally the interaction with the electronic Mario from the Starter Course is INSANE. Just like the Mario on the TV screen, the way the electronic Mario interprets what’s happening on the LEGO TV screen as you scroll it is elegant in its simplicity.I probably had more fun building and interacting with this set than playing the actual video game!

Don't Buy Legos Online from Best Buy Box Damaged

This box was completely damaged, obviously re-sealed and has virtually no re-sell value. It was given as a gift and the box wasn't given until after the fact of the return policy.DO NOT BUY LEGOS ONLINE FROM BEST BUY!This apparently after doing research is a very common practice and they don't do anything to help when the boxes come damaged or beyond repair. Honestly, I wouldn't doubt if this was a returned item its in such bad shape.Don't worry, pictures will be attached!

Holy Nostalgia

I tell you what... I have never been so dedicated to a Lego build in my entire life. After 20 years of not doing Lego then jumping right into this bad boy was wild to say the least. I guess I was fortunate as well that everything worked 100% smoothly! Like butterrrrr. I finished this in a day like a mad man and my knees were definitely weak. Palms were sweaty. My back aged three times during it but it was totally worth it. It's a blast and definitely will make you light up in joy once you see Mario move across the build. Incredible.

I’m only doing this for attention...

But I’d really love to give this set 6/5.There’s only 2 reasons that I can’t.1. I received a twisted 6x8 plate used in the game cartridge itself, 2 bowed 2x16 plates in bag 7 for the console top, resulting in a flaw in the finished product. My manuals were also badly folded on themselves inside the box and the loose antenna rod was quite bent, and even straightening it with my fingers for 20 minutes didn’t get it all that perfect.I would have thought that when a highly anticipated product sells out on the first day and we have to wait 6 weeks of checking the website every day to even be able to order one again, that the quality control would be on point and not rushed like it seems was the case for a number of people here.2. I think there could have been a ... MoreBut I’d really love to give this set 6/5.There’s only 2 reasons that I can’t.1. I received a twisted 6x8 plate used in the game cartridge itself, 2 bowed 2x16 plates in bag 7 for the console top, resulting in a flaw in the finished product. My manuals were also badly folded on themselves inside the box and the loose antenna rod was quite bent, and even straightening it with my fingers for 20 minutes didn’t get it all that perfect.I would have thought that when a highly anticipated product sells out on the first day and we have to wait 6 weeks of checking the website every day to even be able to order one again, that the quality control would be on point and not rushed like it seems was the case for a number of people here.2. I think there could have been a bit clearer of an instruction on the tv base. Since I’ve done the Ideas Treehouse, I’ve faced the no-stud-clip method before. But other than lack of clarity, I see no real reason to down rate for it, so hopefully this review helps a few people. If you struggle with the tv stand, turn it upside down to get a better look. There’s no studs, but there’s still a trademark “snap” when you get it right.I’d lastly like to give some advice for bags 17-19: if you need an efficient way to straighten your 1x1 tile decorations, my best method was to place all the 2x16s on a flat surface (Technic bits removed) and sandwich them between two long bricks. It’s not perfect, but it’s much nicer for your fingers than fiddling with single 1x1 tiles. Pro tip: wait til you’ve done both layers of decoration, i.e. bag 19, to save triple handling.All being said and done this was a fantastically entertaining build, and I would like to give my sincerest thanks to the designers, the LEGO team, and most of all Nintendo for allowing this all to be possible.I was even thankful for the Zelda and Metroid teasers in the front of the manual. ;)I will be even more thankful when we can buy new screens, second controllers, and extra game paks and stickers form that extra authentic look & feel. ;) ;) hint hint.

My favourite build thus far.

From the moment you see the box you are instantly taken back to the golden era of Nintendo.The packaging and the Nintendo logo just transport you.Opening the box you find over 20 bags, but some are very quick side builds which help construct the mechanical nature of the set.It does a fantastic job of not giving too much away, it's like a magician letting you back stage at his show but not telling you any secrets, just giving you an extra point of view from the usual spell bounded audience.The build starts with the console which very quickly you realise feels like it was created to be immortalised in lego form with its typical blocky design.Before long you are desperate to see the front tiles with Nintendo font being placed on the cartridge flap.The power ... MoreFrom the moment you see the box you are instantly taken back to the golden era of Nintendo.The packaging and the Nintendo logo just transport you.Opening the box you find over 20 bags, but some are very quick side builds which help construct the mechanical nature of the set.It does a fantastic job of not giving too much away, it's like a magician letting you back stage at his show but not telling you any secrets, just giving you an extra point of view from the usual spell bounded audience.The build starts with the console which very quickly you realise feels like it was created to be immortalised in lego form with its typical blocky design.Before long you are desperate to see the front tiles with Nintendo font being placed on the cartridge flap.The power and reset printed tiles reminding you of the amount of times you had to reset your console.After the console you are greeted with the smaller builds of the controller and the cartridge. Although these are pretty simple when you hold the cartridge for the first time you can remember taking it out to give it a blow. The green tiles inside a reminder to looking in and seeing the green data part of the cartridge.You certainly feel like you have accomplished something at this stage, to see something so prevelant from your childhood sitting in front of you that you have constructed from Lego bricks is quite a moment.The last stage of the build is the TV. Personally I would say this is the hardest build. You are dealing with some cogs and wheels. Take extra care to make sure things are in the right place, the right way around, the right size. Thankfully I made little to no errors as I was concentrating but this would be extremely frustrating if you go towards the end and something didn't quite work in the rotate system.There is a section with a lot of repitition, place 30 single bricks here, connect 30 clamp bricks together.I would recommend a break before tackling the TV because regardless of how fast you are it's a time consuming task with the single bricks.Everytime you click something jn place you find yourself turning the lever to see what's new and what's turning.Even the more decorative side of just the printed tiles for the TV that show power etc just make this set really come to life.The final bag gives you the TV scrolling Mario who attached to the magic when you turn the level he seems to play and jump over the level you have created in bricks.Its a piece of mechanical genius. Or is it magic? I'm very happy with it.I've not seen Lego come to life in this way before.If this holds a special memory for you then I recommend it. The nostalgia and the magic are palpable.My 5 year old is astounded turning the level.My only negative and mistakes do happen is a missing piece, quite a big piece that goes on the top of the TV. Unfortunately I got to the very end and couldn't finish the cosmetic top of the TV.

My most challenging set so far

I do feel like I need to clear up some other user's problems with this set. Sorry if this spoils the set for anyone.First, yes the stand does come away from the TV, but this is due to the stand being built upside-down. You're putting anti-stud to anti-stud, so there's no connection. But, the TV uses plates which stops it sliding off. I suppose if you don't like it you could display without the base, or modify it yourself.I also saw a few reviews complaining about the size. I don't understand the issue with the NES not being lifesize. The TV certainly isn't, so I don't know why people expect the NES to be. It's to scale and I think that's all we could have hoped for. We're just lucky that Lego has the right colours, slope pitches in their catalogue, and the ... MoreI do feel like I need to clear up some other user's problems with this set. Sorry if this spoils the set for anyone.First, yes the stand does come away from the TV, but this is due to the stand being built upside-down. You're putting anti-stud to anti-stud, so there's no connection. But, the TV uses plates which stops it sliding off. I suppose if you don't like it you could display without the base, or modify it yourself.I also saw a few reviews complaining about the size. I don't understand the issue with the NES not being lifesize. The TV certainly isn't, so I don't know why people expect the NES to be. It's to scale and I think that's all we could have hoped for. We're just lucky that Lego has the right colours, slope pitches in their catalogue, and the ability to create printed pieces to achieve the right look. The controller to me is pretty darn accurate, both in size and feel. Yes, the B & A buttons are a little too big compared to the original, but it's the right choice given that they've only got 1x1 and 2x2 round tiles to work with.I do agree that it would be nice to attach the TV to the console, or to have a separate controller, but Lego had to draw the line somewhere. Leaving these out does give the opportunity to make these yourself though! I'm personally quite exciting about making a second controller, extra game cartridges, the lead connecting the console to the TV and a power lead with UK plug.The 6x6 tiles have a mat finish rather than the standard Lego 'glossy' finish, so the top of the NES and TV do look a bit off, but I don't think it impacts the overall look at all. I'm sure there's a reason for this piece not being glossy and it's probably a production limitation.I've heard a lot of people say that they were disappointed that the buttons don't click. Honestly, this would be almost impossible with the controller and would severely impact the overall aesthetic. Hats off to the designers who managed to include the cartridge slot functionality. It's really impressive.I believe Lego left some space in the TV to allow for power functions to be installed, but they give no instruction on how to do this. Likewise, there is a little gap behind the 'power light' which is big enough for a light brick, but again, there's no instruction on how this is to be installed or whether there's an optimal way of installing it. Or even if there's a way to operate the light brick by pushing the cartridge down.Overall this is just a fantastic set and the designers should be really proud of themselves.

My new favorite build!

Two of my favorite iconic brands came together to make something magical. I collect old video game systems and like to build Lego sets (mostly Star Wars and Architecture sets), so a Nintendo console Lego build is perfect for me. The build itself is a fair value given the huge number of pieces. It’s not at all repetitive in the build process since the set is asymmetrical (unlike many of my Star Wars sets).If it had only included the NES console by itself, I would have been more than happy. It’s a near-perfect recreation of the real thing. Sitting next to the actual NES console, it’s about 75% of the size of the real thing, but it is remarkably accurate. All of the ports, buttons, and labels are very well executed and fully represented. Somehow, the Lego version of ... MoreTwo of my favorite iconic brands came together to make something magical. I collect old video game systems and like to build Lego sets (mostly Star Wars and Architecture sets), so a Nintendo console Lego build is perfect for me. The build itself is a fair value given the huge number of pieces. It’s not at all repetitive in the build process since the set is asymmetrical (unlike many of my Star Wars sets).If it had only included the NES console by itself, I would have been more than happy. It’s a near-perfect recreation of the real thing. Sitting next to the actual NES console, it’s about 75% of the size of the real thing, but it is remarkably accurate. All of the ports, buttons, and labels are very well executed and fully represented. Somehow, the Lego version of the Super Mario Bros cartridge inserts and drops into the system very similarly to the real thing. The buttons are a little large on the controller, but that is a very minor issue.Surprisingly, the TV that comes with it is actually my favorite part even though I initially felt it was unnecessary before building it. The interactive nature of the scrolling “scene” on the TV is outstanding. When turning the crank to move Mario through the level, it is almost uncanny how cool it looks. The highest praise I can give the TV build is that it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.If you are a Nintendo fan or just enjoy interesting builds, this is the perfect system...er...set. Highly recommended.