After accidentally acquiring LEGO Icons 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade, it has become one of my absolute favourite sets, and its main function is not to be missed.
Despite my love for all things video games and arcades, I didn't originally intend to pick up 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade when it was launched in June 2023. Through a series of coincidences, it landed on my doorstep and became the subject of one of my biggest reviews for Brick Fanatics and a major milestone for me at the time.
For the past three years, I've never appreciated an accident more and have come to adore 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade. It's almost painful to see such an incredible creation finally retire at the end of next month. Since the release of 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade, the LEGO Group has had further experience with arcade machine recreations, including a Donkey Kong set teased for later this year.
You might think that 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade, as the original LEGO arcade machine, came before some major improvements to the formula. However, it's actually the best of the bunch. The PAC-MAN set has 2,600 pieces, and every element is put to good use. The miniature arcade machine expertly recreates the iconic shape of an arcade machine. Larger pieces also increase the set's overall size, relative to the piece count.
It all blends with some all-important stickers to create an accurate depiction of the iconic PAC-MAN arcade machine, which looks fantastic on display. I can attest to that latter fact, since my copy has drawn the attention of many guests displayed under my TV, all of whom have asked one crucial question: Does it work?
I'm always filled with excitement and joy when I can respond with an affirmation, turning a crank on the side of the arcade machine and bringing the build to life. The other LEGO arcade machine model (40805 Arcade Machine) currently on shelves is smaller and more affordable, and therefore, without any major functionality. However, 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade Machine is a different story in all aspects.
Open the back of this colossal arcade machine model, and your mind will be blown by the intricate workings of the mechanism. What looks like a grid of beams and gears is something almost deviously genius, which allows PAC-MAN to traverse a specific route around the maze as the ghosts give chase.
We could continue to describe this feature across countless paragraphs, but you really have to see it for yourself. It remains one of the LEGO Group's best features in a display set to date, and it's not even the only function in 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade Machine.
You'll also find a light around the coin slot and a turning high score display. Make no mistake, though, the maze feature is the best function in 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade Machine.
LEGO Icons 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade Machine is more than just the arcade machine, too. There's a standalone PAC-MAN and ghost display with its own functionality. That build can be placed on top of the machine or displayed separately. I've opted for the former, but love having the option for two PAC-MAN displays around the home.
The exclusive PAC-Man minifigure and miniature arcade scene are other fantastic inclusions in 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade Machine, essentially giving you a third PAC-MAN model in the set, but it can also be stored inside the machine. I'd recommend keeping it out, though, to avoid it being completely hidden from sight.
In case you hadn't caught on by now, 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade Machine is the LEGO set I never knew I needed and is well worth the price of £229.99 / $269.99 / €269.99. There's still just enough time to pick this legendary model before it retires on July 31, 2026, and you can enjoy double points on all purchases until June 29.
Whether for the functionality, the look, or just having the iconic game represented somewhere in your LEGO collection, do not miss out on 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade Machine before it retires next month. Pick it up before June 28, and you'll also qualify for a free 40902 Tribute to Leonardo da Vinci gift-with-purchase. Just imagine LEGO Leonardo da Vinci beating the high score on the minifigure-sized arcade machine, probably blowing his mind.
Head here for a complete list of LEGO sets retiring in July. You’ll also find a comprehensive list of when every single LEGO set is due to leave shelves on our regularly-updated retiring LEGO sets page.
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