LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System Review 71374

LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System Review 71374

Based on reviews from Brickset.com, The Brothers Brick, and Brick Fanatics, the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System 71374 is a highly praised set that offers a deeply nostalgic and satisfying building experience. The set’s accurate details and interactive features make it a standout for both LEGO and Nintendo fans. 

Summary of reviews

Pros:

• Impeccable details: The set’s designers went to great lengths to accurately capture the look of the original NES console, including the texture, ports, and even a hidden Easter egg inside the console itself. Reviewers praise the high level of detail, noting that very few studs are visible.
• Interactive features: A standout feature is the included retro television, which has a scrolling, brick-built level from Super Mario Bros., operated by a side crank. The NES console itself also features a realistic, spring-loaded game cartridge loading mechanism.
• Pleasant building experience: Many reviews highlight the creative and engaging build process, with the construction split into two distinct parts for the console and the TV. The clever building techniques offer many “a-ha!” moments as the pieces come together.
• Electronic compatibility: When combined with the LEGO Mario figure from the LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course (71360) set, the TV’s interactive features are enhanced. The figure can react with sounds and music by scanning a color-coded tile strip on the scrolling screen.
• Display piece: Once built, the set is considered an impressive display model for your home or office. It is recommended for adult hobbyists and collectors. 

Cons:

• Scale inconsistencies: While the console is close, the overall model isn’t a perfect 1:1 replica of the original NES. The game cartridge is slightly undersized, and some parts of the TV can feel delicate. Some builders have also found the stand for the TV to be a bit weak.
• Some repetition: Building the mosaic for the scrolling TV screen, which is made of many 1×1 tiles, can be repetitive.
• Stickers: Although most of the decorations are printed elements, a few stickers are included, such as for the game cartridge label. 

Final verdict

The LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System 71374 is a highly recommended set for adults who grew up with the NES. The level of detail and authentic interactive features, like the satisfying cartridge loader and the mesmerizing scrolling TV screen, tap into a deep sense of nostalgia. Despite being an expensive display piece, reviewers agree that the rewarding building experience and the final result make it well worth the price for enthusiasts.