Talha Sonmez
LEGO is bringing one of gaming's most recognisable arcade cabinets to life with the LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade (72051), a 1,367-piece display set based on the original Donkey Kong arcade game.
Released on August 1, 2026, the 18+ set recreates the classic battle between Donkey Kong and Jumpman, complete with barrels, ladders, scaffolding and interactive features inspired by the arcade game.
Priced at around £149.99 in the UK, it is designed primarily as a display model for adult LEGO and Nintendo fans, but LEGO has also included working mechanisms that recreate some of Donkey Kong's famous gameplay.
LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade (72051) details
The LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade contains 1,367 pieces and measures over 39 cm high, 27 cm wide and 15 cm deep once completed.
Key details include:
• Set number: 72051
• Pieces: 1,367
• Age rating: 18+
• Release date: August 1, 2026
• Height: Over 39 cm (15.5 in.)
• Width: 27 cm (10.5 in.)
• Depth: 15 cm (5.5 in.)
• UK price: £149.99
Its tall proportions help recreate the appearance of a traditional arcade cabinet while leaving enough space inside for a brick-built version of the original Donkey Kong level.
A LEGO tribute to the original Donkey Kong arcade game
Rather than simply placing Donkey Kong branding on an arcade cabinet model, LEGO has recreated key parts of the game itself.
Inside the cabinet are the familiar scaffolds, ladders, barrels and hammer, along with characters representing Donkey Kong, Jumpman and Lady.
The set is based on the original arcade game in which Donkey Kong throws barrels down a series of platforms. At the same time, Jumpman attempts to climb towards the top and rescue Lady.
Long-time Nintendo fans will also recognise Jumpman as the character who would later become Mario, making the set a tribute to an important piece of both Nintendo and video game history.
Interactive barrel-jumping features
One of the most interesting parts of LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade is that the model is not completely static.
A lever can be pulled to release individual barrels, recreating Donkey Kong's act of throwing them down the level.
Jumpman can then be moved with the cabinet's joystick, and pressing the button makes him jump over the barrels.
These mechanisms give the model a playful element while keeping the overall design focused on display.
LEGO describes the set as retro decor suitable for an entertainment room or home office, and its arcade cabinet shape should make it immediately recognisable even when it is not being operated.
Where to buy LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade in the UK
The LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade (72051) is available from several major UK retailers following its August 2026 release.
• LEGO UK: £149.99
• Argos: £150
• Very: £149.99
• Nintendo Store UK: £149.99
At £149.99, the set works out at roughly 11p per piece. However, the interactive mechanisms and larger structural elements mean piece count alone does not tell the full story.
With several retailers carrying the set at almost exactly the same price, availability, promotions and loyalty rewards are likely to be the main reasons to choose one store over another.
Is LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade worth considering?
The LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade is clearly aimed at a particular audience. It combines LEGO building with Nintendo history and the visual appeal of a retro arcade machine.
Its strongest feature is arguably the way LEGO has incorporated the original game into the model rather than creating a purely decorative cabinet. Being able to release barrels and control Jumpman gives the finished build a direct connection to the gameplay that inspired it.
At around £150, it is firmly positioned as a premium adult display set rather than a small gaming collectable. However, its combination of 1,367 pieces, interactive functions and an instantly recognisable design could make it especially appealing to collectors of Nintendo memorabilia, retro gaming fans and adult LEGO builders.
Official LEGO description
LEGO describes the set as follows:
Recreate the barrel-launching and leaping action of the classic arcade game with this LEGO® Donkey Kong™ Arcade (72051) building set for adults. The model pays homage to the original arcade cabinet game and makes playful retro decor for your entertainment room or home office. It features Jumpman, Donkey Kong and Lady, plus iconic scaffold, ladder and hammer details. Pull the lever to release a barrel at a time, as if thrown by Donkey Kong. Then move Jumpman with the joystick and press the button to make him leap over the barrels. This collectable set makes a great gift for adult video game fans and retro arcade cabinet enthusiasts.
LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade release date
The LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade (72051) was released on August 1, 2026.
With its working barrel mechanism, movable Jumpman and detailed recreation of the classic arcade level, it is one of LEGO's more unusual Nintendo-inspired display models and a direct celebration of the game that introduced Donkey Kong and Jumpman to arcades more than four decades ago.
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