LEGO Game Boy presents chance to ditch the black box, again
The LEGO Game Boy set coming later this year presents a chance for the LEGO Group to ditch the black box design in a meaningful, impactful way.
The recent confirmation of a LEGO Game Boy set coming in October, with rumoured details following shortly after, presents an opportunity for the LEGO Group to venture beyond the standard black box design again, capitalising on nostalgia.
Starting in 2020, LEGO sets aimed at older enthusiasts were designed with a uniform black box design– no matter what theme they were in– instead of the more colourful varied boxes used previously. This redesign has been done, as explained by the LEGO Group, to make it easier than it was before for adults to find their next LEGO set and do so in a way that is inspired by their passion.
This uniform design works better for some sets than it does others, with the Modular Buildings Collection lacking as much urban life on the box as they have since the start and the likes of 10337 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole lending themselves well to a simple black box.
Thankfully, this black box is no longer a requirement for these sets and in rare cases, the LEGO Group can and will deviate. There’s one upcoming model that is practically begging for a unique box design. Modifications to the black box design have now been introduced, including a familiar backdrop fade-in in 10355 Blacktron Renegade, and it reminded us of the original box art Ninetndo’s Game Boy from 1989.
The LEGO Game Boy set coming in October would work wonderfully with a nostalgic box design that recreates that of the original Game Boy, perhaps replacing the neon blue Game Boy with the brick-built set to effectively advertise the build while keeping some sense of nostalgia.
No other older-targeted LEGO Nintendo set has ventured beyond the simple black box design so far, but the LEGO Game Boy would be a great place to start, making the most of this unique opportunity and capitalising on nostalgia in a way that 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System didn’t manage to.
Recent examples of 18+ LEGO sets that have expanded their product offerings in their box art include 10497 Galaxy Explorer, capitalising on the nostalgia of Classic Space fans with a recreation of the original box art. 10282 Adidas Originals Superstar opted for a different strategy, placing the standard black box inside a real shoe box for a unique experience.
When the model demands it, the LEGO Group has no problem with ditching the black box template to appeal to nostalgic fans or expand the set experience beyond the elements inside. Hopefully, something special is planned for the LEGO Game Boy to make this model stand out in what is rumoured to be a busy second half of the year.
Here’s everything currently confirmed and rumoured for LEGO Super Mario later this year, some of which is to be taken with caution.
LEGO Super Mario sets confirmed and rumoured for 2025
| LEGO set | Price | Pieces | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30702 TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC 2025 |
| 72031 Yoshi Bike | £12.99 / $14.99 / €14.99 | 133 | January 1, 2025 |
| 72032 Standard Kart | £17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99 | 174 | January 1, 2025 |
| 72033 Donkey Kong & DK Jumbo | £29.99 / $34.99 / €34.99 | 387 | January 1, 2025 |
| 72034 Baby Mario vs. Baby Luigi | £24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99 | 321 | January 1, 2025 |
| 72035 Toad’s Garage | £34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99 | 390 | January 1, 2025 |
| 72036 Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set | £69.99 / $79.99 / €79.99 | 823 | January 1, 2025 |
| 72037 [18+] | $169.99 | TBC | July 2025 |
| 72043 TBD Starter Set | $49.99 | TBC | TBC 2025 |
| 72038 TBC Starter Set | $49.99 | TBC | TBC 2025 |
| 72039 TBC | $99.99 | TBC | TBC 2025 |
| 72040 TBC | $14.99 | TBC | TBC 2025 |
| 72041 TBC | $29.99 | TBC | TBC 2025 |
| 72042 TBC | $99.99 | TBC | TBC 2025 |
| 72046 [LEGO Nintendo Game Boy 18+] TBC | $69.99 | TBC | TBC 2025 |
Featured image: pino_creations
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