If you’re a true-blue Nintendo fan, and you managed to get the latest LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (71374) building set, then you may have spotted this pretty neat easter egg that comes with the build. This is what IGN’s Brian Altano delightfully discovered as he tries his hands at LEGO’s official brick rendition of the iconic gaming console. You can watch Brian’s review right here, or you may want to skip at the 5:30 mark to see what the hidden secret is.
For the untrained eye, it is easy to dismiss this portion of the build being like a LEGO version of transistors and electronics hiding underneath its side panel. But for avid fans of the original Super Mario Bros. like Brian, the reference is clear and very cool indeed. As you may have noticed, this is a micro build of sort of the video game’s World 1-2 that allows players to have access to the hidden Warp Zone at the end of the level. This secret area, as the name suggests, allows players to immediately jump to other worlds in the game without passing through the levels before them. Brian began to realize this easter egg when he started to put the sections of the build together
Apparently, LEGO has thrown in a neat easter egg that is easily recognizable by Super Mario fans. Image courtesy of IGN.A closer inspection of what is underneath the set’s side panel reveals a kind of micro build of Super Mario Bros’ hidden Warp Zone. Image courtesy of IGN.
As you take a close look at this portion of the build, the details become more pronounced and the reference unmistakable. You have the bricks on the left side, the moving platforms recreated in orange tile pieces, and perhaps the most apparent of them all, the green warp pipes that bring you to any of your selected worlds. For the uninitiated, here’s how this particular level looks like in the actual video game.
A map of World 1-2 of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros.
Here’s a closer look at the Warp Zone from the original Nintendo Super Mario Bros. video game.
A closer look at the Super Mario Bros.’s hidden Warp Zone.
Knowing how LEGO pays close attention to details, I wouldn’t be surprised if LEGO opted to throw in an easter egg or two in such an awesome set. And the timing and intention are absolutely perfect, knowing that the set’s concept and design are practically focused on LEGO and Nintendo’s adult fan base. I just love what LEGO designers did there.
The LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (71374) has already been released over at LEGO Shop@Home and might still be available at your local LEGO brand store. But unfortunately, it is temporarily out of stock as of this posting, with just 2 days after it was officially launched. Such being the case, then we have to wait a bit longer if you wish to add this to your LEGO collection.
Thanks once again to IGN for sharing this neat, hidden secret.
There’s a new LEGO set on display at the LEGO Store in Billund that got me excited. Thanks to this report from Stone Wars, we now know that we will also be having a larger LEGO City set big enough to qualify as a LEGO Store exclusive. The LEGO City Main Square (60271) comes jam-packed with many smaller builds that give life to this bustling activity center.
The LEGO City Main Square (60271) as put on display in the LEGO Store in Billund.
Though we only have this single image taken on the shelf of the LEGO Store in Billund, it is enough for us to see what we can expect from the set. For starters, the set includes a town hall, a city diner, a concert stage, a park with string lights, a helicopter, a black limousine, and a pretty interesting monorail and train stop. It’s hard to figure out from the box art if the set comes with tracks for the monorail since the image of the monorail seems to be superimposed on the foreground. The LEGO City Main Square also comes with an impressive array of 13 minifigures, including the characters of Poppy Starr, Harl Hubbs, Mayor Fleck, Snake Rattler, Duke Detain, and Freya Mcloud as seen from LEGO’s ongoing animated series, LEGO City Adventures.
The way the LEGO City Main Square (60271) is designed is also reminiscent of LEGO’s previous offering back in 2015 in the form of the LEGO City Square (60097). This set also featured a monorail and a chopper, with a total number of 14 minifigures hustling and bustling around.
We have no further info about this latest LEGO City Main Square, except for its price point of around 199.99 Euros or $190 to $200 for that matter. This may also suggest that we can expect a piece count of around 1,700 pieces or so coming from such a large set. We don’t know for sure if and when this set will make an appearance over at LEGO Shop@Home, but I’m positive that we will officially hear from LEGO anytime soon.
Thanks again to Lukas from Stone Wars for sharing this piece of news. To know the most recent LEGO City releases, be sure to check our list right here.
Here’s another surprise from the LEGO Star Wars front. The LEGO Customer Service Portal has been updated to now include a new set of building instructions, inadvertently revealing a new Star Wars set that is still being kept under wraps. Here’s a quick look at the LEGO Star Wars Bespin Duel (75294).
To be accurate, this is just a single image of the very first brick version of this iconic scene from The Empire Strikes Back. But it’s enough for us to see what to expect from this commemorative set. As the image suggests, LEGO and Disney intend this to be a LEGO Star Wars set that will mark the 40th anniversary of the film’s release. Furthermore, as Brickset reports, LEGO has intended this to be an SDCC 2020 exclusive. But since the annual Comic-Con event as we know it has been effectively canceled, it’s still unknown how and when this commemorative set will be released.
It is also interesting to note that the building instructions have features that may suggest it is a limited edition set. It has a dedicated small space at the bottom right of its first page presumably intended for the SDCC logo. The building instruction also comes with a special message from LEGO Star Wars Creative Director, Jens Kronvold Frederiksen.
LEGO Star Wars Bespin Duel
“No. I Am Your Father.”
This Darth Vader reveal quote is probably the most poignant line from any of the Star Wars films; the defining moment when Luke Skywalker learns the devastating truth about his family heritage – and chooses his path.
Now you can build this iconic scene from the Star Wars Saga, released as an official LEGO model for the first time, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.
The set comes in at 295 pieces and includes, of course, minifig versions of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. The set does not seem to offer any significant play feature and is primarily intended to be a display set. As a commemorative set, I just hoped that LEGO opted for a unique printed piece instead of that 4×4 plate with knobs. But for what it is, LEGO opted for a sticker on this one.
For what its worth, I guess its still a good move for LEGO to come up with its first official brick rendition of this classic scene. Let’s just hope that the LEGO Star Wars Bespin Duel (75294) will eventually land on LEGO stores and LEGO Shop@Home anytime soon. And for the latest, LEGO Star Wars sets that are out now, be sure to check them out right here.
Its August 1st, and it can only mean that more LEGO sets are now put on display at your local brand LEGO store (in case they’re now open) and over at LEGO Shop@Home. And this month, it seems that LEGO has the adult fan community in mind when it launched its impressive wave of LEGO 18+ sets, catering to the more discerning LEGO hobbyist in mind.
Since LEGO began introducing its 18+ sets branding with the LEGO Star Wars Helmet Collection, the LEGO Group made it a point to offer larger, more sophisticated sets to the AFOL (Adult Fans of LEGO) community. And since then, we’ve seen a steady increase of sets representing each of LEGO’s current themes.
Just to be sure that everything is covered though, LEGO has also released other sets intended for all ages coming from its various licensed and homegrown themes. With 55 new sets offered this month (as per Brickset’s count), I’m pretty sure there is something that will catch your fancy. We have a handful of new sets coming from other LEGO themes such as Star Wars, Super Mario, Harry Potter, Technic, Friends, City, Ninjago, Hidden Side and my personal favorite, Monkie Kid. Take note that depending on your region, some of these sets might still be released on a later date.
Check out these LEGO 18+ sets now available at LEGO’s online shopping portal. And if you wish to add them to your LEGO must-have list for this month, be kind enough to click on the following affiliate links below to support our work here in The Brick Show. Read on and happy building!
A couple of months ago, we managed to share a partial listing of what to expect from the upcoming LEGO Harry Potter CMF Series 2 (71028) where we looked at an initial roster of who’s who in this anticipated Collectible Minifigure Series. And if you’re closely following the trail of virtual bread crumbs (aka leaks) on this CMF series on social media, you probably have an idea on what to expect from this follow-up licensed series. Same as before, we’re not allowed to post its images here, but if don’t mind some spoilers then just go ahead and navigate your way through Google or Instagram.
In the meantime, read on to know what you can expect from the LEGO Harry Potter CMF Series 2 (71028). For starters, what we’re sure of is the fact that LEGO already confirmed its arrival in September, and that there’s a total of 16 Harry Potter characters to collect from this series. Here’s a brief description of each of the characters included, as they appear in the series’ minifigure checklist.
Harry Potter with Advanced Potion-Making book.
Professor Albus Dumbledore as seen from the Chamber of Secrets, together with a new (and far better) LEGO version of Fawkes the phoenix.
Hermione Granger with a butterbeer glass accessory and striped clothing.
Ron Weasley with a similar butterbeer glass accessory and striped shirt.
Luna Lovegood with a new lion hat accessory (unlike that from the lion costume from TLM2 CMF 71023).
Griphook in his Gringotts outfit, and an interesting new Sword of Gryffindor piece.
James Potter holding what seems to be a 2×4 printed tile depicting the couple’s photo.
Ginny Weasley on her Slug Club dress outfit during the club’s Christmas Party. This minifigure version also has a sort of wine glass accessory.
Fred Weasley with a cap accessory and what looks to be his signature Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes case. It will surely be nice if the case comes out as a printed piece.
George Weasley with a similar cap accessory and the iconic Marauder’s Map.
Bellatrix Lestrange in her Azkaban outfit, handcuffs, and prison ID.
Kingsley Shacklebolt with broom accessory. The cap and the robe is a nice touch for this minifigure.
Moaning Myrtle with Tom Riddle’s diary.
Professor Pomona Sprout with a mandrake figure.
Neville Longbottom in school robes (unlike that from 71022) with a Book of Monsters figure.
What we can also confirm is that the LEGO Harry Potter CMF Series 2 (71028) will also come with the same angled bar with stud pieces that were first introduced in the LEGO DC Super Heroes CMF (71026). As you may know already, this particular piece allows for some dynamic posing of the minifigures when they are placed on their respective stands.
Since the LEGO Harry Potter CMF Series 2 is slated to be released next month, then we can expect some news from LEGO anytime soon. Similar to previous offerings, we can expect each blind bag to be retailed at $4.99 each. We’ll give you more updates such as box distribution and other details once they are available.
LEGO has a new surprise for its LEGO Harry Potter fans. Thanks to Hungarian online store Kockashop, we now have our first look at the upcoming LEGO BrickHeadz Hagrid and Buckbeak (40412). If you recall, we first mentioned this set back in January as part of LEGO’s repertoire of 2020 BrickHeadz offerings.
Coming in at 270 pieces, this latest BrickHeadz duo is LEGO’s 5th Harry Potter offering under this collectible theme. The set features a brick-built Hagrid with a lantern and umbrella accessory (which happens to Hagrid’s favorite umbrella by the way). Buckbeak, being the hippogrif as he is, comes in a four-legged brick version that cleverly retains all the features of a typical BrickHeadz build. I like how LEGO designers reimagined Hagrid’s look especially the way his hair was shaped in this set and the emphasis on Buckbeak’s signature white plumage and characteristic front legs.
Here’s a rough Google translation (with some editing) of Kockashop’s product description of this set.
LEGO BricHeadz Hagrid and Buckbeak (40412)
270 pieces | Expected retail price: $19.99
The LEGO BrickHeadz Hagrid and Buckbeak (40412) is a magical gift for fans of Harry Potter movies and collectors of BrickHeadz models. Hagrid is unmistakable with his big black hair, long brown coat, lantern in one hand, and his favorite pink umbrella in the other. Buckbeak has distinctive white plumage from the top of the head to the beak. Both collectible characters stand on a durable baseplate, making them perfect for both play and decoration.
This next Harry Potter themed BrickHeadz set is not yet listed at LEGO Shop@Home but I’ll update this post once they make their debut in LEGO’s online shopping portal. As I mentioned, this latest LEGO BrickHeadz Harry Potter offering follows other sets in the theme such as:
The abovementioned sets are now practically retired, and if in case you’ve still missed out on these sets, you may try clicking on these Amazon affiliate links if you still need to add them to your LEGO Harry Potter collection.
LEGO.com has released its digital version of the August 2020 LEGO Store Calendar, putting the spotlight in its upcoming LEGO Super Mario expansions sets and its next 18+ set, the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (71374).
Similar to its previous store calendars, there’s no virtually no mention of any in-store events and activities due to the current pandemic, but it doesn’t stop LEGO from giving out its offerings and freebies. Let’s take a quick look at what select local LEGO brand stores have to offer. Please note that not all LEGO stores are open in compliance with local laws and regulations.
Free LEGO Super Mario Monty Mole and Super Mushroom (40414) Expansion Set
August 1 to 8, 2020
If you recall, this expansion set was first officially unveiled by LEGO earlier in April as a pre-order gift for those who will get the LEGO Super Mario Stater Course (71360). And it’s nice to see that the offer is still up when you purchase the said base set from August 1 to 9. Needless to say, it’s a great way to expand your LEGO Super Mario adventure without paying for an extra buck.
Free LEGO Super Mario Super Mushroom Surprise (30385) Polybag Expansion Set
August 1 to 16, 2020
Here’s another incentive to get the LEGO Super Mario Starter Course – for a minimum, single-receipt purchase of any LEGO Super Mario sets worth $40 or more, you’ll have this polybag freebie thrown into your cart as well. Available from August 1 to 16, the LEGO Super Mario Super Mushroom Surprise (30385) polybag comes in at 18 pieces that adds another level of interactive fun in the Starter Course. As it seems, the LEGO version of the Super Mushroom is only found in these promotional freebies, except for the Boomer Bill Barrage (71366) set. LEGO is really making these deals more appealing.
Free LEGO Speed Champions Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo (30342) Polybag
August 17 to 31, 2020
We caught glimpse of this freebie since last November and its nice that LEGO is now adding this as a promotional offer as well. This next polybag offering is the smaller cousin of the LEGO Speed Champions Lamborghini Urus ST-X & Huracán Super Trofeo EVO (76899) which was released earlier this year. So if you’re planning to get your next LEGO Speed Champions set, then it will be better to schedule your next purchase during these dates.
For LEGO VIPs: Limited Edition LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Phoenix Minifigure Sweepstakes
August 17 to September 6, 2020
The LEGO VIP Rewards Center continues its exclusive minifigure giveaway with this next offer following its Shazam and Deadpool Duck sweepstakes. The next LEGO Marvel SDCC minifig exclusive up for grabs is the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Phoenix minifigure, given away during San Diego Comic-Con 2012. For more info and promo mechanics, be sure to visit LEGO.com/VIP.
Whether you’re a newbie in the LEGO hobby or a veteran AFOL, LEGO’s latest adult-focused theme has something to offer that will inspire the creative person in you. After officially unveiling its LEGO Art theme earlier this month, LEGO has now released an accompanying designer video that gives us an inside look at the creative inspiration behind one of its offerings. Check out the LEGO ART Marvel Studios Iron Man (31199) designer video below.
LEGO Designer Chris Stamp shares with us the inspiration and design process that goes with LEGO ART, particularly to that of MCU’s Iron Man. The LEGO Art Marvel Studios Iron Man (31199) allows you to recreate three particular versions of Iron Man as we remember him on the big screen, each of which somehow presents a particular milestone in the evolution of Tony Stark’s superhero persona. Set on a 48×48 frame, LEGO fans can choose to recreate the Mark 3 that appeared in the very first Iron Man movie. You can also opt to recreate a pixelated image of the Hulkbuster if you wish to memorialize Iron Man’s historic bout with the Hulk and their subsequent team-up as the world’s mightiest heroes in the form of the Avengers. And finally, as a fitting tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of the “genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist” we all cried for in Endgame, the LEGO Design team saw it fit to have the Mark 85 as the final representative for the LEGO Art Marvel Studios Iron Man mosaic.
You can choose to display all of the three different versions of MCU’s Iron Man as seen above. Bear in mind that you need to have three sets of the LEGO Art Marvel Studios Iron Man (31199) in order to do this.
As you may have known already, what is also cool about the LEGO Art theme is that you can combine several copies of the same set to recreate a larger, more impressive LEGO mosaic. You can combine three of these LEGO Art Marve Studios Iron Man and you can have an almost 4 feet long LEGO mosaic art that you can proudly display at home. The combined, three 15.5 inches panels recreate the ultimate Iron Man in an awesome, dynamic pose. You may also opt to display all three separate designs like a sort of a timeline that covers the significant events in MCU’s Iron Man.
Or you may opt to have a larger 4-foot panel using three same sets for that ultimate LEGO Iron Man tribute.
What builders may also find interesting about the LEGO Art theme are the new parts that come with them. There’s the new 16×16 brick that allows you to divide the LEGO Art set into 9 separate panels. Such design allows the builder to focus on one section of the set, without being overwhelmed by the rest of the details. There’s also a new and wider black brick separator (which looks cool by the way), designed specifically to remove 4 or 6 tile pieces at a time. Finally, there’s a new hanger piece which is basically a 3×5 panel with a pinhole that allows the completed set to be hung and displayed on a wall.
The new-for-August 202o pieces that were introduced with the LEGO Art series.
With the latest LEGO Art series, LEGO hopes that adult fans of the brick and those that are just starting in the hobby will be able to appreciate what this series has to offer – a sort of a creative break, especially during these trying times.
Its been a long time coming and thankfully, the LEGO Ideas Team has finally ushered in what could probably be the most sophisticated LEGO Ideas set as of to date. The LEGO Ideas Grand Piano (21323) has been finally unveiled, giving us a closer look at the intricate details and the complex designing that were involved in creating this musical brick masterpiece.
Coming in at 3,662 pieces, the official LEGO Ideas Grand Piano (21323) is the brainchild of musician and avid LEGO builder Donny Chen (aka Sleepy Cow over at the LEGO Ideas platform). Though the journey was quite long, the waiting time is definitely worth it. It took more than a year before we saw the realization of Donny’s vision for this grand masterpiece. Back in May 2019, the LEGO Ideas Team needed more time to review the Grand Piano when it was shortlisted during the LEGO Ideas Third 2018 Review Stage. It eventually had the thumbs up to become the next official LEGO Ideas set in September of last year together with another much-awaited approved set, the LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street.
The LEGO Ideas Grand Piano (21323) is one of the many 18+ LEGO sets that are intended for adult fans of LEGO due to its aesthetics, sophisticated features, and the degree of complexity required in building the set. And what is cool about this set is that the LEGO Ideas design team managed to add music to this set through the help of the LEGO Powered Up app linked to its motor. The music will come from the app itself while providing a real-time interface in controlling the motor, and vice versa. Check out the designer video below for a closer look at what to expect from this next LEGO Ideas set.
The LEGO Ideas Grand Piano is expected to retail for $349.99 once it is available on August 1. Read on for the set’s official product description and press release. You may also click on the following affiliate link below if you wish to add this to your LEGO must-haves.
US $349.99– CA $449.99– DE €349.99– UK £319.99 – FR €349.99– DK 2699.0DKK *Euro pricing varies by country. Please visit shop.LEGO.com for regional pricing.
Build the first-ever playable LEGO® Grand Piano!
Do you have a passion for music? Do you like to relax by focusing on a fun, hands-on project in your free time? If so, this incredible LEGO® Ideas Grand Piano model kit (21323) is just the creative activity for you.
Beautiful and playable Feel the pride of building a sophisticated, brick-built version of a concert grand piano that you can actually play music with! Recreate the hammer action of each piano key, the moving pedal, and authentic details such as the propped-open top lid and fallboard. Turn on the motor and then you are all set to play wonderful music – select user play on the free LEGO Powered Up app to play the notes yourself or activate autoplay and just listen.
LEGO sets for your lifestyle Take some time out and enjoy creating a LEGO musical masterpiece to display in your home or workplace. Part of a collection of LEGO building sets for adults, it makes a truly special birthday present or Christmas gift for yourself, the musician, piano player, or hobbyist in your life.
Drum roll please as we proudly introduce the first-ever, playable LEGO® Grand Piano! Experience the hands-on pleasure of creating a highly sophisticated LEGO concert piano model and then play beautiful music with it.
The LEGO® Ideas Grand Piano (21323) has a removable 25-key keyboard, authentic hammer action, moving dampers and pedal, and motor. Combined with the LEGO Powered Up app, you can play a tune yourself or automatically.
Revel in the authentic design details of this beautiful model, from the top lid that can be propped up just like a real grand piano to the opening fallboard and piano leg wheels, plus a height-adjustable bench.
If you are looking for a creative DIY project, this 3,662-piece model building kit is ideal for you. So, take some time out and click your stress away with a rewarding challenge that will leave you feeling revitalized.
The piano measures over 8.5” (22.5cm) high, 12” (30.5cm) wide, and 13.5” (35.5cm) deep when closed. A stylish item for your home or workplace, it also makes a cool gift for musicians, music-lovers, pianists, and hobbyists.
To power up the grand piano’s self-playing function, you’ll need 6 AAA batteries (not included) and the free LEGO® Powered Up app – choose user play to play the notes yourself or autoplay to listen to 1 of 4 songs.
Clear instructions to help you to build with confidence and really enjoy the process, even if you are a LEGO® newcomer. Also included is a coffee-table-style booklet about this grand piano set’s fan designer and more.
This LEGO® Ideas building set for adults is part of a collection of inspiring model kits designed for the discerning hobbyist who relishes an immersive, hands-on DIY project.
Since 1958, LEGO® building bricks have met the highest industry standards, which ensures they are consistent, compatible, and connect and pull apart easily every time.
LEGO® bricks and pieces are rigorously tested to meet exacting safety and quality standards, so you can be sure that this collectible grand piano model is as robust as it is beautiful.
This might not be something entirely new, but I don’t want to miss out on something this nice. Earlier this May, we saw the first wave of LEGO Monkie Kid sets – LEGO’s new action-packed theme inspired by the classic Chinese saga Journey to the West. And after its initial offering, LEGO has added more sets expanding the theme’s storyline and adventure. It also gives us a handful of new and interesting minifigures such as the Horn Demons and the Spider Queen. I simply love the new headgear design and accessories on these characters.
Other than these regular sets, LEGO has unveiled other similarly inspired sets to add to your LEGO Monkie Kid collection. As it turns out, the theme will also be getting the BrickHeadz treatment, particularly with the arrival of the LEGO BrickHeadz Monkey King (40381) in August. And to all polybag collectors out there, a second polybag offering has also arrived complementing its predecessor. Coming in at 24 pieces, a LEGO Monkie Kid Build Your Own Monkey King (40474) polybag features a brick-shifting Monkey King that you can build in a myriad of ways. What could probably be the selling point of this polybag is the unique 1×2 brick printed with the Monkey King’s eyes, and the golden staff handles that come with other LEGO Monkie Kid sets. The polybag has been first spotted in the LEGO Store in Billund, so we hope it will arrive in local LEGO stores soon. Just drop a comment below if you spotted this poly in any of our local LEGO brand stores.
To know more about these sets and to add them to your LEGO wishlist, you may click on the following affiliate links below over at LEGO Shop@Home. These sets are slated to be released on September 1st, with the LEGO BrickHeadz Monkey King (40381) scheduled to be released in August. Check out their official images below.
