Lego launches Donkey Kong arcade machine set designed by Carl Merriam

Carl Merriam, a long‑time Lego designer, has been the creative force behind several highly nostalgic Lego sets that reference classic video‑game franchises. His work includes the Lego Nintendo Game Boy, the Piranha Plant, and the popular Lion Knights’ Castle, Galaxy Explorer, and Pirates of Barracuda Bay. These sets combine Lego’s signature build‑style with recognizable gaming motifs, appealing to both collectors and fans of retro gaming.

Most recently, Merriam helped Lego produce a Donkey Kong arcade‑machine set that reportedly won the approval of Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto. While the set does not replicate the original gameplay—Jumpman, the character that would later become Mario, cannot reach the top of the screen on his own—it does feature a fully functional pinball‑style game, a working joystick, and a $230 price point that mirrors Lego’s previous high‑end releases. The machine’s design blends classic arcade aesthetics with Lego’s modular construction, offering a playful homage rather than a faithful recreation.

The Donkey Kong set underscores Lego’s ongoing strategy of partnering with iconic gaming brands to create collectible experiences that resonate with both nostalgic adults and new fans. By blending familiar gameplay elements with Lego’s distinct building experience, Merriam’s designs continue to expand the company’s portfolio of themed sets while maintaining a focus on quality and playability.