Lego’s new retro Mario and Yoshi set is for grown-ups only

Lego ’s new Super Mario World -themed set captures the pixelated charm of the classic early-nineties platformer — but it’s only for adults.

While the SNES game has inspired the toy brand’s other brick models, this new set (with its 2D-style Mario and Yoshi) is a direct homage to the platformer.

It features Nintendo ’s heroic mascot atop his adorable dinosaur companion, just like in the original game , which was a must-have on the boxy Nintendo console.

Among the more than 1,200 pieces is a crank mechanism that moves Yoshi’s legs, tail and tongue. It’s a shame there aren’t any Koopas for him to wrap the appendage around.

Meanwhile, Mario can be seen wearing the iconic yellow cape power-up introduced in the 1992 game. This bestowed players with the ability to fly with a simple jump and flick of the control stick.

However, as inviting as it looks, the new set isn’t for kids. Like some display-only models Lego has previously released, including the Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block set, it is for builders aged 18 and over.

That means you should stick it on your mantelpiece, not get it grubby by playing with it continually. You can pre-order it online today (July 25) for £115 before its October 1 release date.

Lego has been pumping out Mario sets since partnering with Nintendo in 2020. If you want something for the kids (or more interactive), there’s plenty to choose from.

At the time of writing, the sets range from £6.29 for smaller models like the one featuring Donkey Kong’s rideable buddy, Rambi the Rhino, to £230 for the elaborate Nintendo Entertainment System set. The latter is an intricate 2,646-piece model of the SNES predecessor, complete with an old-school TV with a channel-turning knob and a cable that plugs into the system.

If the new set makes you want to revisit the glorious game it’s based on, you’ll be happy to learn you don’t need to find a dusty old SNES to play it. Super Mario World is available on the Nintendo Switch Online classic gaming library from £3.49 a month.

Super Mario isn’t the only game receiving the brick treatment. Lego recently announced a bunch of sets devoted to characters and items from the popular online game Fortnite , including the Battle Bus and Supply Llama.

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