July 20, 2026, 5:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
A leak is causing a stir among Nintendo and Lego fans. According to reports, Lego is apparently planning a set that replicates the well-known Donkey Kong arcade machine from 1981. The model, which has not yet been announced, would be released to coincide with the 45th anniversary of the video game classic. Clues come from an image that supposedly shows the packaging of the potential set.
Donkey Kong was released on July 9, 1981, in Japanese arcades and is one of the most important titles in Nintendo’s history. In the game, both the gorilla Donkey Kong and Mario made their first appearances. The latter was known as Jumpman at the time.
Packaging Offers First Insights
The image leaked on Reddit shows not the finished model, but only the packaging. Nevertheless, some details about the setup can be inferred from it.
The set is apparently modeled after a classic arcade machine. Inside, a well-known scene from the original Donkey Kong game is to be recreated. Slanted platforms, ladders, and barrels form the game environment. Mario moves through the playing field to reach Pauline, while Donkey Kong sits above the structure.
Hints of Movable Elements
The image on the box also suggests possible game functions. Various controls can be seen on the front of the machine.
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These could be used to move parts of the depicted scene. It is conceivable that barrels move across the platforms or that Mario can overcome obstacles. However, the image does not reveal how the mechanics are actually implemented.
So far, only the alleged set number 72051 and the scope of the set are known. According to the available information, it will consist of 1,367 pieces.
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Lego and Nintendo Have Been Collaborating for Years
Lego and Nintendo have been releasing joint products for several years. It began in 2020 with the interactive starter set “Adventures with Mario” (71360).
Subsequent play worlds from the manufacturer followed. In 2023, Donkey Kong received his own set with his Tree House (71424). A year later, models for “Animal Crossing” and, for the first time, “The Legend of Zelda” with the Deku Tree (77092) were added. Since October 2025, a nearly life-sized replica of the Game Boy (72046) has also been available.
Price and Release Date Not Yet Confirmed
An official announcement from Lego is still pending. Therefore, neither the final dimensions of the model nor further details are known.
According to the information currently available, the set is expected to be released in August 2026 and will cost $200 in the U.S. Whether the model will also launch simultaneously in Germany and what price will be charged there is still open.