Review: 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System
Posted by CapnRex101,The celebrated Nintendo Entertainment System was released during 1985 and exerts continuing influence upon modern consoles. Moreover, the console was accompanied by some outstanding video games, including the exalted Super Mario Bros. which remains popular.
71374 Nintendo Entertainment System appears exceptionally realistic when compared with the original console and represents an intriguing departure from earlier sets. Remarkably few studs remain exposed, thereby ensuring superb authenticity, while the substantial scale has enabled the designers to include extensive detail.
Box and Contents
71374 Nintendo Entertainment System belongs to the 18+ range and includes packaging to match. This example is reasonably attractive in my opinion, featuring a grey band across the bottom which complements the colour of the NES console. The bright screen on the television certainly stands out and I like the stars behind the Nintendo Entertainment System branding.
Two instruction manuals are found inside, along with 25 bags that are numbered between one and 21. These manuals separate construction of the television and the console, allowing two people to assemble them concurrently which is welcome. The first manual contains 212 pages while the second comprises 248 pages and building the television definitely takes longer given the quantity of small tiles.
Both instruction manuals also provide some information about the design process and the original Nintendo Entertainment System. I was quite surprised to learn that this model was not created by Chris McVeigh but instead Daire McCabe, Pablo Gonzalez and Leon Pijnenburg who appear together in the image below.
The manual for the television focuses primarily upon the video games which accompanied the Nintendo Entertainment System, showing various screenshots from the console. I think some further information about Super Mario Bros. would have been welcome here, although these screenshots are interesting for comparison with the LEGO design.
An outstanding selection of printed elements are provided, although three stickers are also required. Unusually, these stickers seem more realistic than printing would because stickers were placed on the original Game Paks and the information sticker for the television appears extremely authentic too. They are also easy to apply which is fortunate.
Construction
Despite its simple external appearance when completed, the Nintendo Entertainment System incorporates some fascinating construction techniques. Assembly begins with the base which consists primarily of standard bricks and plates, although the cartridge holder makes effective use of Technic elements and two springs which are situated beneath the holder.
Numerous colourful pieces are visible during the early stages of construction but these are gradually concealed, fortunately. 1x2x3 inverted slopes are employed extensively along either side of the model and they line up perfectly with angled 2x2 tiles, faithfully recreating the shape of the original console. The use of inverted window frames to create socket housings is equally interesting.
Cooling vents comprise several 2x2 plates with two studs which are separated by additional plates, generating an authentic texture. The surrounding black tiles line up precisely with the vents and I was interested to encounter some unusual internal detail during this phase of the construction process, especially since this section of the NES is empty in reality.
The light bluish grey casing comprises two substantial segments. One covers the colourful elements inside while the second incorporates the opening flap where the game cartridge is inserted. The flap certainly appears simple but makes ingenious use of clips and a 1x4 panel that combine to recreate the subtle lip along its edge, appearing on the original console.
While the console is deceptively elaborate in its assembly, the accompanying Game Pak is simple and consists entirely of layered plates and tiles. They include the new 2x6 tiles which have been introduced this summer. The controller is more complicated and features various components with studs on the side. Once again, the colourful parts that are visible here are completely hidden when the model is completed.
The television integrates more Technic elements than the Nintendo Entertainment System console, although the base feels somewhat fragile until the model has been fully assembled. Nevertheless, constructing the geared mechanism is enjoyable and the housing for the screen becomes visible quickly, including six wheels which ensure smooth motion.
Reddish brown panels form either side of the television, although the rear incorporates some excellent texture. These vents are reasonably similar to those on the console, albeit featuring stacked 1x2 plates with slides and jumper plates instead of 2x2 plates with two studs. Several studs remain exposed across the back, before securing the cathode-ray tube housing.
Sixty dark bluish grey tread components form the scrolling screen, assembled in two layers. Plates are then attached to each tread link using Technic pins and tiles are placed across the top. Positioning these tiles is exceptionally repetitive, although they are necessary to replicate pixels within the Super Mario Bros. video game. The colourful tiles around the top interact with the electronic Mario from 71360 Adventures with Mario, provoking different reactions.
Having completed assembly of the screen, attention shifts to its surrounding panel. Despite appearing fragile, the structure feels relatively robust and features a lime green flexible rod on the reverse. This element has only previously appeared in 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 and serves an unusual role here, nestling against a dark bluish grey gear and therefore creating a clicking sound as the gear is rotated.
Fixing this panel onto the television is rather satisfying because it lines up beautifully with the screen underneath. Reddish brown 6x6 tiles are then placed across the top and the television stand is assembled upside down, slotting into position beneath the model. The medium nougat 2x2x3 corner slopes that appear on the television stand are only otherwise available with 71044 Disney Train and Station so their return here is welcome.
The Completed Model
Several attempts have been made to recreate real objects in official LEGO models, although none have achieved this level of accuracy. The celebrated Nintendo Entertainment System is instantly recognisable here as the designers have excluded exposed studs in favour of smooth surfaces, contrasting with many other sets. In fact, the whole console only includes four visible studs!
The simple shape of the Nintendo Entertainment System has been replicated with remarkable accuracy and its colour scheme is wonderful, comprising light bluish grey and dark bluish grey sections along with black panels. This model measures almost 21cm across so is smaller than the original NES console which measured 25cm wide. However, the proportions are absolutely perfect.
Numerous printed tiles are provided, including several which form the Nintendo Entertainment System branding. They correspond precisely with the console and the font is accurate as well. Additionally, the 'power' and 'reset' switches are formed using printed 1x3 tiles while the power indicator is represented by a trans-black 1x1 tile. Admittedly, the light should be slightly smaller but I think it would be difficult to improve upon this design.
Opening the loading flap reveals the black cartridge tray inside. This resembles the original console and its motion is remarkably authentic as placing the cartridge and pushing the tray downwards will lock its position. Pressing down again will raise the cartridge tray, allowing its removal. The internal mechanism is fairly simple but the result is brilliant.
The cartridge can also be reached by removing the uppermost panel, as demonstrated below. Unfortunately, this reveals some colourful pieces which could probably have appeared in more muted shades, although these elements are not generally visible. Four rubber tyres ensure that the Game Pak slides neatly into place and cannot be accidentally ejected.
Light bluish grey bricks and tiles flank the cartridge tray. These structures are comparatively substantial and deviate from the source material, although ample room remains to insert the cartridge. I think it looks great when pressed inside, contrasting against the surrounding light bluish grey elements and reflecting the actual console.
Game cartridges for the Nintendo Entertainment System are relatively bland and this design appears accordingly accurate. The stickers which are applied here look marvellous, featuring the famed Super Mario Bros. artwork alongside appropriate logos. However, I think the texture across the cartridge could have been improved, especially beside the stickers where prominent ridges should appear.
The model lacks any significant detail across its left side, although that appears realistic and appropriate recesses are located around the base. Otherwise, the exterior is entirely smooth, except for some studs on top. These exposed studs do seem slightly strange among so many tiles and they could have been avoided, replacing 1x2 plates with 1x2 tiles.
Various connection ports are also situated around the base, including the AC adaptor socket, the channel switch and the white RF converter output. Their shapes and colours are accurate and I am particularly pleased with the light bluish grey bar at the centre of the AC adaptor port. No cables are provided to connect the console to the television, unfortunately.
Similar outputs are visible on the side of the console. These red and yellow details certainly stand out above the printed labels, identifying them as the audio and video outputs. Inverted 1x2x2 window frames recreate the curved casing around each port, matching the actual NES which features identical shapes.
Another removable panel is hidden above the outputs, covering an underground level from Super Mario Bros. The teal and orange platforms are immediately recognisable and I like the green tubes which also correspond with the video game. Furthermore, the eponymous hero is depicted by stacked medium nougat and red 1x1 round plates, standing on an orange platform.
The black stripe which decorates the console looks wonderful, featuring 2x4 tiles that closely resemble texture on the actual Nintendo Entertainment System. Moreover, I am impressed by the labelled controller ports. Their design seems realistic and two clips are located inside each port, allowing you to connect the provided controller.
An enormous pneumatic tube, measuring 40cm in length, connects the controller to the NES. This cable is considerably shorter than its real equivalent, although I think it looks suitable for display. The plug appears authentic as well, attaching to the aforementioned clips inside each socket, while the other end of the pneumatic tube passes through a Technic brick before fixing securely within the controller.
The controller is among my favourite aspects of this set. Every button has been recreated with extraordinary fidelity and the directional pad looks absolutely magnificent, making clever use of exposed studs for texturing. Black 1x1 round plates with bars form the 'select' and 'start' buttons which is relatively successful, although the buttons should be narrower. The printed designs look fantastic though and I love the light bluish grey band around the edge of the controller.
The classic Nintendo Entertainment System was launched in North America during 1985 and the accompanying television is presumably intended to recall the same period. The reddish brown casing is undoubtedly effective in that respect, although its broader design appears reminiscent of the 1970s in my opinion. Nevertheless, the model includes excellent detail, despite being scaled down and therefore measuring 24cm across.
Several controls are positioned beside the screen, including the channel dial which emits an authentic clicking sound when rotated. The printed elements here look exceptionally realistic and I appreciate the blue, red and green stripes in the corner, although this RGB colour model arrangement is unusual because they are traditionally shown as red, green and blue.
Light bluish grey 1x2 ingots form the switches underneath and three conical pieces, originally designed for BB-9E from Star Wars, depict further dials. These control the volume, the picture brightness and the contrast level. The dark bluish grey bands that surround both the television and the screen look superb, standing out beside the black panelling.
Forty black 1x1 plates are situated upside down on the opposite side of the television, forming the speaker. The resultant texture looks great, corresponding precisely with historic televisions. The fictional 'LO-TECH' branding which appears under the screen is also appealing, especially because this is exactly where television brand names would usually appear.
The television screen displays bright colours that contrast sharply with the surrounding darker tones. It therefore looks attractive and turning the crank on the side of the television will cause the screen to move towards the left, producing the illusion of Mario running towards the right. I think this function has been integrated beautifully, particularly since a Technic ratchet prevents the screen from scrolling in the wrong direction.
Mario cannot move across the screen but does move up and down, responding to changes in terrain. This mechanism is extremely simple, relying upon a trans-clear 3x3 dish behind Mario, but works perfectly. The figure compares quite favourably with the character from Super Mario Bros. and features wonderful pixelation. However, I believe the designers could have achieved sufficient accuracy without the need for a specialised element here.
Further to uneven terrain and clouds, the screen displays a Super Star, a Super Mushroom, Goombas, Red Shells, Question Mark Blocks and a coin. They decorate varied 1x1 tiles and spares are accordingly included. The dark orange ground colour looks splendid and I like the distribution of green and lime green highlights too, reflecting the Super Mario Bros. game.
Unfortunately, the Mario figure can only follow one path through the scrolling screen and the higher platforms are therefore inaccessible. The positioning of tiles could be modified though, thereby allowing you to construct various levels. The electronic figure from 71360 Adventures with Mario may be placed on top of the television and reacts to his counterpart moving below. This is facilitated by a panel for scanning inside the television and colourful tiles which move underneath the figure as the screen scrolls.
The television is displayed on a medium nougat stand with angular legs. This retro design is definitely appropriate and looks impressive, although the television only rests upon the stand instead of attaching securely. That can become frustrating when moving the model or turning the crank for the screen because the television sometimes become dislodged.
Black components dominate the reverse of the television, comparing favourably with various older televisions. I love the layered vents and the prominent housing for the cathode ray tube looks excellent. There is insufficient space for the cathode ray tube inside which is somewhat disappointing, although the screen mechanism is more important.
Technical information about the television is displayed on its reverse. Various references are hidden here, including Daire McCabe's initials and the set number. Moreover, the 15th of July, 1983 appears as the manufacturing date, referring to the release of the Famicom that preceded the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan. The model also features audio and video inputs along with the television cable socket.
The only feature which appears particularly unrealistic, throughout this whole set, is the crank which controls the moving screen. This mechanism could probably have been disguised more effectively but the simple crank is quite charming in some regards. Moreover, the folding aerial looks brilliant when extended and can also fold away, connecting to a clip above the video and audio inputs.
Overall
71374 Nintendo Entertainment System achieves extraordinary realism, potentially surpassing any previous LEGO model in that regard. The external detail is absolutely spectacular and the designers have made splendid use of existing elements to recreate distinctive shapes from the NES. I am particularly delighted with the controller and the casing around the connection ports on the console, both of which could be mistaken for their real equivalents.
The functionality is outstanding too. I love the Game Pak loading mechanism and the scrolling screen is enjoyable, featuring several essential details from the Super Mario Bros. video game. Additionally, I think the price of £209.99 or $229.99 represents reasonable value given the size and detail of each model. On that basis, I am confident that any Nintendo fan will undoubtedly appreciate this set.
This set was provided by The LEGO Group as a prize, following the LEGO Super Mario Championship, but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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96 comments on this article
Lol! Wasn't expecting a Warp Zone diorama to be hidden away like that.
Really hope to be able to get my hands on this, as a huge Nintendo fan!
Best of Decade
The lo-fi details & easter eggs are fantastic, especially that hidden level!
A thorough & enjoyable review, but this is one set that REALLY needs a video.
I think this is a fantastic set. So many retro details and it looks stunning. I might just buy this thing.
Good review! I particularly love the little underground diorama contained within the NES, which hadn't been shown in any of the official pictures of the set. It's great that they found a creative way to utilize that space that would have otherwise gone empty.
I'm eager to see what MOCists do with this set once it's out. The set seems ripe for mods ranging from something as simple as rearranging the level design on the screen to a different sort of Mario level, to more complex mods such as converting the North American/European NES console to the Japanese Famicom, or changing the aesthetic and layout of the on-screen game to represent a different franchise like Zelda, Metroid, or Kirby.
@X_Ray said:
"Best of Decade"
Not even the best of this year. We literally just got Barricuda bay.
Great review
This is currenlty outside my budget and I don't really have the space for it but is such a good set that I might have to find a way.
Can you show what the new Mario sprite piece looks like from the back?
It's cool and all that LEGO is trying to get adults into it, but they are forgetting that children are there primary target. This wave of sets was kind of bad, and last one was worse. There are plenty of cool 18+ sets, but I know many people, won't let their children get any of these new sets because they are marked for legal adults. That is why I don't have any.
Not for me, but the set looks to be a highly polished, exceptional display piece, and the fluidity of the rolling screen is commendable as well as the MOC-like attention to detail. Are we perhaps getting a Gamecube, Wii or Gameboy in the future if this set performs well?
The back of the TV is the best bit. I can almost smell the slightly-burned dust back there.
This is amazing to me in every way. I grew up on the NES and this is a definite Day 1 purchase for me. I just hope I can stay awake because if I check when I wake up it may be already on Back Order.
August 1st looks to be a very expensive day with three 18+ sets being released (Mickey and Minnie, this and the Piano).
It kills me knowing that this will probably sell out in seconds while I wait for the site to refresh.
I would have EASILY granted them a price tag of four hundred. This price is phenomenal.
@Meowzap77 said:
"It's cool and all that LEGO is trying to get adults into it, but they are forgetting that children are there primary target. This wave of sets was kind of bad, and last one was worse. There are plenty of cool 18+ sets, but I know many people, won't let their children get any of these new sets because they are marked for legal adults. That is why I don't have any."
Forgetting the children? I didn't bother checking but the percentage of "adult" sets is a fraction of what is produced for the entire market which is aimed at children.
As for the 18+ labelling I hope you were joking. It's only ever been a suggestion and many of the 18+ sets could easily be built by younger children. Now if you don't feel the content is suitable for your child I understand and that is up to each parent. But even their much of the content provided in the !8+ range could be enjoyed by many a child depending on his/her interests.
I could agree that many parents won't buy many of these sets for their child due to the price point however I am sure plenty of parent do.
Currently Brickset has a grand total of 18 sets labeled as 18+ that is out of well over 600 matches for everything they list. I am sure a child could find something interesting in that list of LEGO produced this year.
Such a splendidly bonkers set this is. Such competition for my wallet! I better level up in real life and get me some more coins ....
We had a TV very similar to this. Yes it’s more reminiscent of the 70’s look, but a lot of Nintendo systems were played in basements on people’s old TV’s. This looks perfect to me. And I had no idea about the hidden warp zone, amazing!
@X_Ray said:
"Best of Decade"
Decade's just started. Who knows what may come to challenge this set?
Great, detailed, review but like the Super Mario review from few weeks ago it's greatly missing a video. A set that movement is a key feature of should be demonstrated in video as part of the review.
That hidden warp zone inside the console is an awesome touch. Just the kind of Easter egg I was hoping for.
They went above and beyond on the details here, even to the minor details like the back of the TV which looks amazing when compared to a real tv from the time. The Mario level it self is amazingly crafted and overall quite a clever build. The NES build itself looks so close to the real thing and that remote is done remarkably well.
The fact LEGO Mario from the 71360 can play music is just an added bonus. The price of £220 is very fair for what you get even if it is more than a real NES.
I wasn't at all likely to buy the entire set before reading this review, although I was thinking about trying to buy just the TV on Bricklink, if available at a reasonably reduced price. Now I'm considering that it's less than Ninjago City, which I certainly don't regret buying, and only a little more than the Tree House, which I just grabbed with extreme eagerness. In fact, now I'm even considering buying the base Mario set as well, which I had no trouble passing on before this review!
Good job, CapnRex! Now I'm off to earn myself the money....
@Meowzap77 said:
"It's cool and all that LEGO is trying to get adults into it, but they are forgetting that children are there primary target. This wave of sets was kind of bad, and last one was worse. There are plenty of cool 18+ sets, but I know many people, won't let their children get any of these new sets because they are marked for legal adults. That is why I don't have any."
As President Business says "It's just a suggestion."
It’s undoubtedly very well executed but it simply doesn’t appeal. Have never been a video gamer, more interested in constructing
The set is very beautiful but I think with the Piano set and this one we are getting further away from toy zone...
Thank you for the review! This looks like an amazing set, even for me who started with the GB and then SNES. I'm not sure if I will get this at one point. It is cool, but it also needs space to be displayed.
This is amazing. It'll probably yellow with age too, adding to the authenticity.
Even though I'm not interested in getting this set, this set looks fantastic! Very clever mechanism for the TV and "gameplay" and being able to insert the pak is the cherry on top haha.
One concern, how often did you have to blow into the pak or console to get the set to work ;)
@tallblocktoo said:
" @Meowzap77 said:
"It's cool and all that LEGO is trying to get adults into it, but they are forgetting that children are there primary target. This wave of sets was kind of bad, and last one was worse. There are plenty of cool 18+ sets, but I know many people, won't let their children get any of these new sets because they are marked for legal adults. That is why I don't have any."
Forgetting the children? I didn't bother checking but the percentage of "adult" sets is a fraction of what is produced for the entire market which is aimed at children.
As for the 18+ labelling I hope you were joking. It's only ever been a suggestion and many of the 18+ sets could easily be built by younger children. Now if you don't feel the content is suitable for your child I understand and that is up to each parent. But even their much of the content provided in the !8+ range could be enjoyed by many a child depending on his/her interests.
I could agree that many parents won't buy many of these sets for their child due to the price point however I am sure plenty of parent do.
Currently Brickset has a grand total of 18 sets labeled as 18+ that is out of well over 600 matches for everything they list. I am sure a child could find something interesting in that list of LEGO produced this year. "
I'm not a parent. My dad just thinks that they will be "Too Difficult." I'm not trying to say that LEGO is going downhill, I'm just saying that I wish they could incorporate some of these features into everyday sets. I'm sorry for any misunderstanding it may have caused.
This set is gorgeous. Getting this asap.
An Excite Bike alt screen would work really well with that mechanism.
LEGO should follow this up with different game paks and the ability to change the TV screen to match the different games.
@Gataka said:
"It'll probably yellow with age too, adding to the authenticity."
And then we can Retr0bright it right back to new perfection too, even further adding to the authenticity!
I hate myself for reading this review and spoiling myself of some things (I looked away quick, but still knows it exist)...
Nice review and very cool set! But the technical information about the television is not very accurate, electrically speaking...
The sticker shows DC 9V | 9Hz | RMS 0.27 AMPS, probably refering to the input voltage, frequency and current consumption. DC means direct current, and in this type of power source - a battery or a power supply - the voltage is direct (its sign does not change as time passes) and is usually constant too, and so is the current if we assume a constant load. Therefore, there is no associated frequency, and the 9Hz specification that follows does not make sense. If we consider that this information refers to the frequency of the AC (alternating current) electrical power available at the outlet, prior to be rectified by the TV power supply, the value is very low - power grids operate at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the country/region.
RMS means root mean square and refers to the effective value of an AC voltage/current, i.e. the equivalent DC voltage/current that would provide the same power, so this information is also is contradiction with the 9 V DC voltage spec.
And the informed 0.27 AMPS current is very low for a CRT television... At 9 V, this current consumption corresponds to only 2.43 watts of power, approximately one third of the power consumption of a typical LED lamp. It may refer, nevertheless, to the required manual power to make the screen move, but I do not think LEGO went this far...
This looks like a truly phenomenal set. One for the wish list, though I can't see myself ever spending that much on a set.
The stars on the box are actually from the original box the NES came in—it was one of the first things I thought when I saw the art work!
@natro220 said:
"We had a TV very similar to this. Yes it’s more reminiscent of the 70’s look, but a lot of Nintendo systems were played in basements on people’s old TV’s. This looks perfect to me. And I had no idea about the hidden warp zone, amazing!"
I thought that about the tv when I read it, when I was growing up in the 1980's children's rooms often had an older tv that had been replaced as the main house tv.
@Meowzap77 said:
I'm sorry for any misunderstanding it may have caused.
No problem just a friendly discussion.
Have a lovely day.
@DFX said:
"Nice review and very cool set! But the technical information about the television is not very accurate, electrically speaking...
The sticker shows DC 9V | 9Hz | RMS 0.27 AMPS, probably refering to the input voltage, frequency and current consumption. DC means direct current, and in this type of power source - a battery or a power supply - the voltage is direct (its sign does not change as time passes) and is usually constant too, and so is the current if we assume a constant load. Therefore, there is no associated frequency, and the 9Hz specification that follows does not make sense. If we consider that this information refers to the frequency of the AC (alternating current) electrical power available at the outlet, prior to be rectified by the TV power supply, the value is very low - power grids operate at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the country/region.
RMS means root mean square and refers to the effective value of an AC voltage/current, i.e. the equivalent DC voltage/current that would provide the same power, so this information is also is contradiction with the 9 V DC voltage spec.
And the informed 0.27 AMPS current is very low for a CRT television... At 9 V, this current consumption corresponds to only 2.43 watts of power, approximately one third of the power consumption of a typical LED lamp. It may refer, nevertheless, to the required manual power to make the screen move, but I do not think LEGO went this far..."
Yes, I really wonder how they came up with that. Lego should hire some quality checkers. There are just far too many errors in this kind of thing for a company that says that only the best is good enough. Please hire me!
The set otherwise seems brilliantly executed.
@SolidState said:
" @X_Ray said:
"Best of Decade"
Not even the best of this year. We literally just got Barricuda bay."
Best Studless of Decade rather. Got sooo excited. Perfectly executed and captured.
What a truly fantastic set! I just can't get enough of looking at all the details, such as the glimpse of the green circuit board behind the audio and video inputs on the TV... And the warp zone, hidden of course...
And all the prints! So many exclusively printed parts (how many?) and the quality seems good too? Yet almost no one is mentioning this, but not long ago when we mostly got stickers people complained all the time.
Concerning the RGB stripes: Red, green, and blue dots or rectangles, in that order, were used by Sony as a logo on their "Trinitron" devices for a long time. That MIGHT be why Lego avoided using that particular order – the Trinitron name and logo are pretty much dead now, but Sony probably still has the logo design under copyright.
This is amazing, but I'm probably going to have to skip since it's over 200€ and I don't have such money
Interesting the technique with the rod used for the clicking sound. Is that the first time that's been used and they must be confident the part won't break.
Thanks for the great review. I already wanted it, but now i even want it more!
Superbly designed and great choice to make a set of. Love it!
It's expensive but it's worth it.
@DFX said:
"Nice review and very cool set! But the technical information about the television is not very accurate, electrically speaking...
The sticker shows DC 9V | 9Hz | RMS 0.27 AMPS, probably refering to the input voltage, frequency and current consumption. DC means direct current, and in this type of power source - a battery or a power supply - the voltage is direct (its sign does not change as time passes) and is usually constant too, and so is the current if we assume a constant load. Therefore, there is no associated frequency, and the 9Hz specification that follows does not make sense. If we consider that this information refers to the frequency of the AC (alternating current) electrical power available at the outlet, prior to be rectified by the TV power supply, the value is very low - power grids operate at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the country/region.
RMS means root mean square and refers to the effective value of an AC voltage/current, i.e. the equivalent DC voltage/current that would provide the same power, so this information is also is contradiction with the 9 V DC voltage spec.
And the informed 0.27 AMPS current is very low for a CRT television... At 9 V, this current consumption corresponds to only 2.43 watts of power, approximately one third of the power consumption of a typical LED lamp. It may refer, nevertheless, to the required manual power to make the screen move, but I do not think LEGO went this far..."
You're right, the 'technical specs' are a load of rubbish. The CRT would require a high voltage, 30Kv AC I believe, so you'd need quite some inverter to convert a 9v input to that, and quite some transformer to convert 240v/220v mains to provide 9v at the required power.
RMS would, I believe, be used in relation to a voltage or average electrical power, not a current.
And, aspect ratios were not a 'thing' in the TV world until the 1990s so would not be specified on the back of an old one.
It just occured to me that the hidden World 1-2 inside the NES has one inaccuracy: there should be a brick ceiling above the first pipe! How is Mario supposed to reach that Warp Zone!?
I guess they didn't want anyone pulling off a minus world glitch here
This is a very good companion for a Lego and Nintendo fan :) It’s a level of the game (with much more) in the skyline layout.
https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-36545/MOMAtteo79/super-mario-bros-skyline-architecture/info
Wonderful review and wonderful set. Reminder that Lego should credit Brandon Jones, whose MOC they copied after sending official Lego representatives to Bricks Cascade in early 2019. https://youtu.be/nz8JGww6ukY
I'm going through the Chrontendo youtube series right now (chronicling every game ever made for the Famicom and NES). Maybe I'll have one on while I build this. I was hoping for some attempt at a parts-built circuit board insdie, but I love that warp zone easter egg!
@tspike said:
"Wonderful review and wonderful set. Reminder that Lego should credit Brandon Jones, whose MOC they copied after sending official Lego representatives to Bricks Cascade in early 2019. https://youtu.be/nz8JGww6ukY"
Lego didn't copied, got the inspiration of the idea only.
Copy is when you makes the EXACT same thing from another person, the exact same design and techniques, and credit as solely yours. Lego's NES is far different in terms of build.
When you get an idea and recreates it using your own vision, then it isn't a copy. If we were to consider a copy, then both would be copying... Nintendo.
@CapnRex101 said:
"These exposed studs do seem slightly strange among so many tiles but they could not have been avoided, given the requirement for the loading flap to open."
As far as I can see the exposed studs are two 1x2 plates so they could actually have used tiles instead? Maybe the studs keep the flap from opening "too much" and that is the reason for them? Or Lego just wanted some studs on it.
Looks great but s too expensive for me
That Is So Awesome
We need to start Brick Bouts over, this set would go deep in the competition!
@Huw said:
" @DFX said:
"Nice review and very cool set! But the technical information about the television is not very accurate, electrically speaking...
The sticker shows DC 9V | 9Hz | RMS 0.27 AMPS, probably refering to the input voltage, frequency and current consumption. DC means direct current, and in this type of power source - a battery or a power supply - the voltage is direct (its sign does not change as time passes) and is usually constant too, and so is the current if we assume a constant load. Therefore, there is no associated frequency, and the 9Hz specification that follows does not make sense. If we consider that this information refers to the frequency of the AC (alternating current) electrical power available at the outlet, prior to be rectified by the TV power supply, the value is very low - power grids operate at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the country/region.
RMS means root mean square and refers to the effective value of an AC voltage/current, i.e. the equivalent DC voltage/current that would provide the same power, so this information is also is contradiction with the 9 V DC voltage spec.
And the informed 0.27 AMPS current is very low for a CRT television... At 9 V, this current consumption corresponds to only 2.43 watts of power, approximately one third of the power consumption of a typical LED lamp. It may refer, nevertheless, to the required manual power to make the screen move, but I do not think LEGO went this far..."
You're right, the 'technical specs' are a load of rubbish. The CRT would require a high voltage, 30Kv AC I believe, so you'd need quite some inverter to convert a 9v input to that, and quite some transformer to convert 240v/220v mains to provide 9v at the required power.
RMS would, I believe, be used in relation to a voltage or average electrical power, not a current.
And, aspect ratios were not a 'thing' in the TV world until the 1990s so would not be specified on the back of an old one."
Good catch regarding the aspect ratio, it is something that is unlikely to be written in a CRT television. Another error is the sticker informing an AR of 16:14 - like irreducible fractions, aspect ratios are represented by numbers that have no other common divisors than 1 (e.g. 4:3 and 16:9), so the spec should be 8:7.
And although CRTs require a high voltage (usually provided by an internal flyback transformer) in order to operate, it was feasible to convert a low input voltage to the kV range at that time. In the 90's my family had a portable 5" B&W TV/radio/cassette deck that had a 12 V DC input (so it could be powered by the car's battery) and also a slot for D batteries - I remember that these were completely depleted in minutes after turning on the TV... There was also an AC input and a switch to select between 110 V or 220 V. Today, almost every equipment can automatically recognize the grid voltage and operate within the range of 100 V - 240 V, but at that time we needed to be very careful before connecting the plug since the grid voltage was different depending on the city we were.
I'm glad to see it's as good as I was expecting! Definitely gonna try and get a copy when it comes out, or whenever the eventual restock will be after it sells out.
I know it won't be long until we've seen people modify the set so that it's playing different games like Metroid or The Legend of Zelda.
Would have been tempted with a 1st day order, but was hoping for something a little more interesting than a 'Back to School Pack' as a GWP. So I think I'll hang on, even though it will probably mean a Sep/Oct backorder!
@MrClassic said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"These exposed studs do seem slightly strange among so many tiles but they could not have been avoided, given the requirement for the loading flap to open."
As far as I can see the exposed studs are two 1x2 plates so they could actually have used tiles instead? Maybe the studs keep the flap from opening "too much" and that is the reason for them? Or Lego just wanted some studs on it."
They are element 4244627, which has no studless equivalent. https://brickset.com/parts/4244627/plate-1x2-w-stick-3-18
@DFX said:
" @Huw said:
" @DFX said:
"Nice review and very cool set! But the technical information about the television is not very accurate, electrically speaking...
..."
And, aspect ratios were not a 'thing' in the TV world until the 1990s so would not be specified on the back of an old one."
Good catch regarding the aspect ratio, it is something that is unlikely to be written in a CRT television. Another error is the sticker informing an AR of 16:14 - like irreducible fractions, aspect ratios are represented by numbers that have no other common divisors than 1 (e.g. 4:3 and 16:9), so the spec should be 8:7.
"
Reducible fractions are not entirely uncommon. Sometimes a monitor may show reference to an aspect ratio of 16:10 for instance, which makes it more clear when comparing to 16:9.
@PDelahanty said:
"I know it won't be long until we've seen people modify the set so that it's playing different games like Metroid or The Legend of Zelda."
Maybe Lego can make a cartridge set with some stickers in it (mario 2, 3, metroid, kirby’s adventure, duckhunt) and a rare golden one (zelda), just to lay around the NES
@lynels said:
" @tspike said:
"Wonderful review and wonderful set. Reminder that Lego should credit Brandon Jones, whose MOC they copied after sending official Lego representatives to Bricks Cascade in early 2019. https://youtu.be/nz8JGww6ukY"
Lego didn't copied, got the inspiration of the idea only.
Copy is when you makes the EXACT same thing from another person, the exact same design and techniques, and credit as solely yours. Lego's NES is far different in terms of build.
When you get an idea and recreates it using your own vision, then it isn't a copy. If we were to consider a copy, then both would be copying... Nintendo."
This video is from March 2019. Lego will more than likely have already been designing this set! It takes a long time to design a set like this. They said that they’ve been working on the Super Mario line for 4 yrs, so who knows when they came up with this concept during the last 4 yrs!
Great review of a great set that I'm really looking forward to.
I never owned the NES as a kid (I was from the C64 end of town) but plenty of my friends did, and this whole thing really brings home the look and feel of the era.
I'm not usually a fan of 'completely studless' either but in this case it was a great choice.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
" @MrClassic said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"These exposed studs do seem slightly strange among so many tiles but they could not have been avoided, given the requirement for the loading flap to open."
As far as I can see the exposed studs are two 1x2 plates so they could actually have used tiles instead? Maybe the studs keep the flap from opening "too much" and that is the reason for them? Or Lego just wanted some studs on it."
They are element 4244627, which has no studless equivalent. https://brickset.com/parts/4244627/plate-1x2-w-stick-3-18"
If you look carefully, they are vertically mounted. Horizontally without any other connection on top would have been way too fragile.
I grew up with a Sega and never had a NES, so I have no nostalgia for this at all and don’t care enough to buy it. But all the same, this set looks like it’s amazing to build, and the old school telly is a fantastic recreation.
@MrClassic said:
"If you look carefully, they are vertically mounted. Horizontally without any other connection on top would have been way too fragile. "
Oh, you are right (on both counts). Hmm.
Nice review!
I'd have like to have seen more detail on the mechanisms: particularly, the way the track is mounted and geared, and the way the Mario sprite is held in place.
Still a great review. I'm not a Nintendo fan, but I'll buy this set, for sure.
I will buy the NES and Grand Piano on Aug. 1st and do a weight comparison. As far as I can see from the speed builds on YT the Piano is the clear winner in terms of part size and weight. The NES has more printed parts though and a license so it's difficult to compare, but I'm sure the Piano would be the better deal in terms of price per weight. That thing is HUGE!
Guys, reviewing sets like this one, please consider adding some shots with something for scale (cat, other set, banana at least). And some short movie presenting all the moving functions, maybe?
To be honest, in my view, these +18 sets are just bad so far. 75192 was and still is +18 model and all +18 class should be like that. Not something stupid which is like any other Lego IDEAS set, but something really special for adults.
Outfabulously fascinating thing!
@DFX said:
"Nice review and very cool set! But the technical information about the television is not very accurate, electrically speaking...
The sticker shows DC 9V | 9Hz | RMS 0.27 AMPS, probably refering to the input voltage, frequency and current consumption. DC means direct current, and in this type of power source - a battery or a power supply - the voltage is direct (its sign does not change as time passes) and is usually constant too, and so is the current if we assume a constant load. Therefore, there is no associated frequency, and the 9Hz specification that follows does not make sense. If we consider that this information refers to the frequency of the AC (alternating current) electrical power available at the outlet, prior to be rectified by the TV power supply, the value is very low - power grids operate at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the country/region.
RMS means root mean square and refers to the effective value of an AC voltage/current, i.e. the equivalent DC voltage/current that would provide the same power, so this information is also is contradiction with the 9 V DC voltage spec.
And the informed 0.27 AMPS current is very low for a CRT television... At 9 V, this current consumption corresponds to only 2.43 watts of power, approximately one third of the power consumption of a typical LED lamp. It may refer, nevertheless, to the required manual power to make the screen move, but I do not think LEGO went this far..."
as it may be helpful information, these remarks are pointless and sensless.
In the fantasy world of Nintendo's Mario, I suppose, it is fully exact and true specs.
I wonder how "big" this NES system is compared to the original one from the 80s? I haven't seen any images yet comparing the two side by side.
@GHED said:
"as it may be helpful information, these remarks are pointless and sensless.
In the fantasy world of Nintendo's Mario, I suppose, it is fully exact and true specs."
The TV isn't from fantasy though. It's meant to be a replica of an actual thing that used to exist a few decades ago.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
" @GHED said:
"as it may be helpful information, these remarks are pointless and sensless.
In the fantasy world of Nintendo's Mario, I suppose, it is fully exact and true specs."
The TV isn't from fantasy though. It's meant to be a replica of an actual thing that used to exist a few decades ago."
Hehe... maybe providing exact info will be too boring, so they decide to to some alterations, so you cannot mistake sticker for LEGO console to sticker for real TV or something.
Considering the aspect ratio is in reference to the actual visible size of the screen (16 studs by 14 studs), I would not be surprised if the other specs for the TV are related more to the physical model than to what a "real", full-size TV's specs would be like. Remind me, is this set compatible with Power Functions/Powered Up? It's possible that the low voltage is in reference to one of those motors, or for that matter to the self-contained Lego Mario figure that produces the sounds and music.
Amazing thing. Absolutely amazing
@DFX said:
"Nice review...far..."
??????
@Havok211 said:
" @SolidState said:
" @X_Ray said:
"Best of Decade"
Not even the best of this year. We literally just got Barricuda bay."
Barracuda Bay is a joke compared to this. It barely even resembles the originally submitted design
"
Doesn't mean it's not great
@Lyichir said:
"Considering the aspect ratio is in reference to the actual visible size of the screen (16 studs by 14 studs), I would not be surprised if the other specs for the TV are related more to the physical model than to what a "real", full-size TV's specs would be like. Remind me, is this set compatible with Power Functions/Powered Up? It's possible that the low voltage is in reference to one of those motors, or for that matter to the self-contained Lego Mario figure that produces the sounds and music."
That may indeed be. Wonder what the 9Hz refers to then?
@Wrecknbuild said:
"Wonder what the 9Hz refers to then?"
Maybe one of the new Powered Up motors operates at 540RPM?
In the 3rd construction photo where you said some interesting build techniques. Did anyone notice that is world 1-2 where Mario has the option to warp to Zone 2 3 or 4????
Very cool EASTER EGG!!!!
Nintendo fans, hate me for my words...
but THIS is the 35th Super Mario Anniversary special thing. Not the 3D Collection for Switch unfortunately.
I still think 3D World Deluxe will be a thing though
I am so glad my birthday is in August! Yes, I preordered the Razor Crest for my birthday, but that was back in May so I’ll just call it an anniversary present.
I’ll admit my first tv looked a lot like this, but it broke shortly after getting it (it had been my great grandpa’s I believe). My replacement didn’t have dials but instead I think a dozen preprogrammed stations and that is the tv that I played on the most.
Anyways, this set is simply perfect and surprisingly well priced. I just hope when the SNES set comes out that the tv has a built in vcr!
Available to buy in the UK Online Lego store as of 23:00 on Friday 31st.
(the folding aerial looks brilliant)
No it does NOT
It should have been chromed.
For the rest
I never liked Mario, however I even own a REAL Donkey Kong arcade game the Mario game is terrible.
I played it on my Commodore 64 but left it after a few games.
Maybe we can do something with the set in a GBC, the Electronic figure may also be usefull.
I have just one problem with this set: why is the one ? Block placed in such a location that Mario could never hit it?
@Matt_Saderson said:
"To be honest, in my view, these +18 sets are just bad so far. 75192 was and still is +18 model and all +18 class should be like that. Not something stupid which is like any other Lego IDEAS set, but something really special for adults."
I imagine the price point on the Falcon was just too much to really make it a successful product. I think they're looking for a medium point where the sets are either complex or otherwise interesting enough to AFOLs but still sell enough. For me, being in the $200-$400 range is about where I look for my "adult" sets. Beyond that and it's kind of crazy.
I also wouldn't call this set "stupid" just because it doesn't appeal to YOUR interests. I'm incredibly excited for this to arrive at my front door soon.
I wonder how the Angry Video Game Nerd would react to this.
I wonder if LO-TECH will make more cameos and easter eggs in LEGO sets, like Octan has
Brilliantly executed. But another case of I'm not sure TLG knows who they are. This set competes with folks like Funk-pop, but at the same time, they're selling Trolls.
@Meowzap77 said:
" @tallblocktoo said:
" @Meowzap77 said:
"It's cool and all that LEGO is trying to get adults into it, but they are forgetting that children are there primary target. This wave of sets was kind of bad, and last one was worse. There are plenty of cool 18+ sets, but I know many people, won't let their children get any of these new sets because they are marked for legal adults. That is why I don't have any."
Forgetting the children? I didn't bother checking but the percentage of "adult" sets is a fraction of what is produced for the entire market which is aimed at children.
As for the 18+ labelling I hope you were joking. It's only ever been a suggestion and many of the 18+ sets could easily be built by younger children. Now if you don't feel the content is suitable for your child I understand and that is up to each parent. But even their much of the content provided in the !8+ range could be enjoyed by many a child depending on his/her interests.
I could agree that many parents won't buy many of these sets for their child due to the price point however I am sure plenty of parent do.
Currently Brickset has a grand total of 18 sets labeled as 18+ that is out of well over 600 matches for everything they list. I am sure a child could find something interesting in that list of LEGO produced this year. "
I'm not a parent. My dad just thinks that they will be "Too Difficult." I'm not trying to say that LEGO is going downhill, I'm just saying that I wish they could incorporate some of these features into everyday sets. I'm sorry for any misunderstanding it may have caused."
I may not have agreed with your original post, however, you are most definitely entitled to hold an opinion like anyone else.
Moreover your reply is very polite and well articulated, and 18+ on a Lego box, obviously holds different meanings for different people, so it is an interesting and valid take.
Built this last night. What a fun build it was. One thing though, the light on the NES should be trans red, since the console is on. Luckily, every AFOL has at least one extra.