LEGO Game Boy vs LEGO NES: Which Retro Set Belongs in Your Display?

 

 TL;DR: 

The LEGO NES (71374) is a detailed console-and-TV display set with over 2,600 pieces, while the LEGO Game Boy (72046) is a faster, smaller 421-piece build focused on portable nostalgia. This guide compares build time, collector value, display size, and emotional appeal to help you pick the right set for your collection.

LEGO has partnered with Nintendo to bring iconic gaming consoles to life, and two standout sets — the LEGO Game Boy 72046 and LEGO NES 71374 — have captured fans’ attention. This comparison dives into build complexity, display features, nostalgia factor, and collector value to help you decide which retro LEGO set fits your space, budget, and gaming heart.

 When it comes to LEGO nostalgia, Nintendo fans are eating well. First, LEGO released the Nintendo Entertainment System set (71374), complete with a CRT TV and scrolling Mario level. Now, in 2025, we have the LEGO Game Boy (Set 72046) — a nearly 1:1 replica of the handheld that defined portable gaming. But which one should you build, collect, or display?

Let’s break it down.

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🧱 Build Experience

The LEGO NES clocks in at 2,646 pieces and includes a working crank-powered scrolling Mario screen inside a retro-style TV. It’s a detailed, complex build best suited for advanced LEGO fans or those ready for a long weekend project.

By contrast, the LEGO Game Boy is a compact 421-piece build that can be completed in one sitting. It includes thoughtful touches like:

• Lenticular screen tiles

• Two cartridge builds (Zelda and Mario)

• A Game Pak holder

• Display stand

👉 For casual builders or those with less time, the Game Boy offers a faster, still deeply satisfying experience.

 🔗 Want a closer look at the NES set? Read our full LEGO NES 71374 breakdown to explore its build challenges, collector demand, and side-by-side shots with other retro LEGO kits.

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🎮 Nostalgia Factor

• LEGO NES taps into early living-room memories — sitting in front of the TV, blowing into cartridges, and using wired controllers.

• LEGO Game Boy hits a different nerve — on-the-go adventures, playing under the covers with a flashlight, and swapping Game Paks with friends.

Both sets feel authentic, but if you grew up in the handheld era, the Game Boy might strike a stronger personal chord.

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🖼️ Display Potential

The NES, while large, commands attention. The TV and console combo make it a true centerpiece — but it also requires space. At over 8 inches tall and 9 inches wide, it’s best displayed on a large shelf or media center.

The LEGO Game Boy, however, is more versatile:

• Fits neatly on a desk or bookshelf

• Includes a compact stand

• Easy to move or reposition

• Can be enhanced with custom cartridges and screens

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🧠 Collector Value

At launch, the NES retailed for $229.99, and aftermarket prices have only gone up. It’s widely considered a “collector grail” among both LEGO and Nintendo fans.

The LEGO Game Boy is launching at a more affordable $59.99, making it accessible for newer collectors or those just starting out. And since it’s a smaller set, many fans are buying multiples to display different game cartridges or custom mods.

For an in-depth review of the Game Boy build, parts, and features, check out my full article:
👉 LEGO Game Boy Build Kit Review

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🏆 Final Verdict: Which One Wins?

• Want a big, complex build that becomes a centerpiece? → Go with the NES

• Prefer a smaller, modular set that’s easier to display and mod? → The Game Boy is your best bet

But let’s be honest — if you’re a retro gamer or LEGO fan, the real answer is… both.

Each set captures a different part of Nintendo’s legacy, and together, they tell a complete story of how we played — then and now.

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About the Author
Written by Arthurri, founder of Yoshaa Reviews, a blog exploring smart product picks and hands-on reviews for nostalgic fans, tech lovers, and creative builders.
Discover more retro LEGO insights, customization tips, and buying advice at yoshaa.com.