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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System 71374 if you want the most theatrical, instantly recognizable gaming display. Its separate CRT-style television, crank-operated Mario scene, console, controller and cartridge recreate a complete 1980s gaming setup. Choose the LEGO PlayStation 72036 if you need a lower-profile shelf piece, prefer PlayStation-specific nostalgia, want working console buttons and removable game dioramas, or want the lower official US price.
The decision has one major complication: Nintendo 71374 is a retired, hard-to-find product, so its current resale price may be far above LEGO’s last displayed price. PlayStation 72036 launched in 2026 with a lower official recommended price and newer retail availability.
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LEGO PlayStation vs. LEGO NES: the short answer
These are not interchangeable versions of the same idea. The PlayStation set is primarily a detailed, near-1:1-scale console-and-controller model with two removable game scenes. The NES set is a complete miniature room vignette: console, controller, cartridge and a television whose moving screen recreates Super Mario Bros.
That difference determines which one looks better on a shelf. PlayStation 72036 is wider than it is tall and reads as a compact hardware display. NES 71374 occupies a taller, more theatrical footprint and communicates “retro gaming” from across a room. If you have limited vertical clearance, the PlayStation is easier to place. If the display itself is the centerpiece, the NES has the stronger visual story.
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- ASTRO BOT BUILDING KIT – Adults ages 18 years and up can share their love of the iconic PlayStation character with this LEGO Astro Bot (40899) video game merch model BRICK-BUILT GAMING DECOR – Fans of the beloved rescue robot can enjoy a joyful creative activity as they capture the charm of the adventurous video game figure in LEGO bricks DIMENSIONS – This 276-piece model stands, with arms out, over 8 in. (20 cm) high, 4.5 in. (12 cm) wide and 2.5 in. (7 cm) deep, including the stand
At-a-glance comparison
| Category | LEGO PlayStation 72036 | LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System 71374 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary subject | Original PlayStation console and controller, near 1:1 scale | NES console, controller, Game Pak cartridge and 1980s-style TV |
| Pieces | 1,911 | 2,646 |
| Official age rating | 18+ | 18+ |
| Published dimensions | Approximately 60 mm high × 260 mm wide × 190 mm deep; 2.3 kg | TV approximately 23 cm high × 24 cm wide × 16 cm deep; LEGO also lists 23 × 24 × 16 cm |
| Interactive features | Working Power and Open buttons; controller plugs into console; two removable dioramas | Handle-operated scrolling Mario screen; locking Game Pak slot; controller cable and plug |
| Game references | Ape Escape and Gran Turismo | Super Mario Bros. |
| Official US price information | $179.99 RRP | LEGO page displays $269.99, but the product is retired and resale prices vary |
| UK price information | £139.99 on the UK product page | Not stated in the supplied official specifications |
| Availability | PlayStation direct and LEGO availability began in October 2026 | Retired product marked “Hard to find” by LEGO |
| Included extra | 276-piece LEGO Astro Bot set included at no extra cost while supplies last | No comparable bonus set stated |
What you actually build
PlayStation 72036: hardware with two changeable scenes
PlayStation 72036 recreates the original PlayStation console and its controller at close to life scale. Sony describes the console as 10.5 inches (26 cm) wide. LEGO’s product specification gives the assembled model as approximately 60 mm high, 260 mm wide and 190 mm deep, with a listed weight of 2.3 kg.
The console is not a sealed block. The Power and Open buttons are designed to work, and the controller connects to the console rather than sitting as an unrelated accessory. Those details make the model feel like a recognizable piece of hardware when viewed up close, even though the set is intended for display rather than electronic operation.
Two removable dioramas provide the set’s software references. One depicts Gran Turismo with a miniature track and cars. The other depicts Ape Escape and includes a swappable blue or red monkey-helmet light. Removing and replacing these scenes lets you change the focus of the display without rebuilding the console itself.
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Sony announced the set on September 3, 2026, describing it as the first LEGO replica of the original PlayStation console and controller. Steffi Steffen, Senior Director of Licensed Merchandise at Sony Interactive Entertainment, said: “For the first time, players and LEGO fans will be able to create a LEGO replica of the original PlayStation console and LEGO PlayStation controller.”
NES 71374: a complete retro-gaming tableau
The Nintendo set builds more than the console. The package includes an NES, its controller, a Game Pak cartridge and a retro-styled television. The television is the visual anchor: turning its handle moves a flat 8-bit Mario figure across a Super Mario Bros. scene.
LEGO lists the television as over 8 inches (22.5 cm) high, 9 inches (23.5 cm) wide and 6 inches (16 cm) deep; the dimensions section gives 23 × 24 × 16 cm. Those measurements apply to the TV, not a combined measurement for every component placed beside it. The console, controller and cartridge extend the arrangement across the shelf.
The Game Pak slot has a locking function, and the controller uses a connecting cable and plug. No batteries are required for the crank mechanism. Optional interactive reactions are available only if you add a separate LEGO Mario figure from set 71439, so the basic display does not provide electronic or sensor-driven effects by itself.
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Rank #2
- Light Accessories Only: BrickSoul LED light kit is designed for the LEGO PlayStation 72306 building set; lighting and touch-control components only are included, and the brick model is sold separately
- Layered Retro Gaming Lighting: Color-changing illumination adds depth to the gray console and original-style controller while drawing attention to the disc lid, front controls and hidden diorama areas. The shifting accent color turns the near 1:1 display into a stronger game-room centerpiece without losing the clean retro-console look.
- Touch Color-Changing Control: Use the touch area for power and color changes, then double-tap to cycle through multiple lighting effects. Press and hold to fine-tune pattern speed and brightness, from a steady retro-console glow to a more dynamic game-room scene.
- Easy Installation with Online Guides: Numbered light packs, slim wiring, and online video and PDF instructions help keep installation clear and cable placement neat around the console and controller; power with the included battery box, a compatible power bank, or a 5V USB adapter; batteries not included
- 1-Year Replacement Support: Made for retro gaming fans, collectors, and display builders who want to upgrade their 72306 console display; contact us through Amazon messages for installation help or product support
Which set makes the better shelf display?
Choose NES for a scene that reads instantly
The NES’s television gives it a clear vertical focal point. A viewer does not need to know the difference between PlayStation models or recognize a particular accessory: the square screen, console, controller and moving Mario scene communicate “classic Nintendo” immediately. This makes it the stronger choice for a living-room cabinet, office display or gaming room where people will see the model from a few feet away.
The crank also gives the display a small performance. You can move Mario across the screen when showing the set to someone, then leave the handle in a neutral position. That physical motion is more visually demonstrative than the PlayStation’s functional buttons, which are mainly tactile details for the person standing close to the model.
Choose PlayStation for a lower, cleaner hardware display
PlayStation 72036 has an approximately 6 cm height, 26 cm width and 19 cm depth. Its low profile suits a shelf beneath a monitor, a media console or a bookcase with restricted clearance. The two removable dioramas add color and game identity without forcing you to display a tall television.
Its presentation is also more modular. You can show the controller plugged into the console, change the Ape Escape helmet color, or remove a diorama when you want the gray hardware to dominate. That flexibility favors collectors who periodically rearrange a shelf rather than preserving one fixed scene.
Remember the missing combined footprint
LEGO publishes the NES television’s dimensions, but not a single assembled footprint covering the TV, console, controller and cartridge together in the supplied specifications. Plan for more width than the TV’s 24 cm measurement and leave room for the controller cable. The PlayStation dimensions are for the principal console model, so its display planning is more straightforward.
Interactivity: moving picture versus working hardware
| Feature | PlayStation 72036 | NES 71374 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary action | Pressable Power and Open buttons | Turn a handle to scroll the Mario scene |
| Controller connection | Controller plugs into the console | Controller has a connecting cable and plug |
| Changeable content | Two removable game dioramas; blue or red Ape Escape helmet light can be swapped | Game Pak fits a locking slot; screen scene remains the built-in Super Mario Bros. display |
| Power requirement | No powered function is stated in the supplied specifications | No batteries required for the crank-operated mechanism |
| Optional add-on | 276-piece LEGO Astro Bot set included while supplies last | Separate LEGO Mario figure from set 71439 enables optional interactive reactions |
These mechanisms serve different kinds of collectors. The NES gives you a visible before-and-after motion: Mario changes position as the handle turns. The PlayStation gives you authenticity in the way the controls and cable are arranged, plus the ability to change the displayed game scenes. Neither should be treated as a playable console or an electronic replica.
Nostalgia and franchise identity
Why the NES is the safer universal reference
Mario is the dominant visual cue in this comparison. Even people who never owned an NES generally recognize the character and the side-scrolling scene. The television format reinforces the 1980s setting, so the set functions as both a Nintendo collectible and a period piece.
Rank #3
- 3 IN 1 TOY FOR KIDS – LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Gaming Console (31380) building toy lets boys and girls ages 8 years old and up construct 3 gaming toys from 1 set of LEGO bricks
- BUILD & REBUILD – Kids can dream up endless stories as they create 1 of 3 brick-built gaming toys: a handheld gaming console, a desktop mini computer or an arcade game machine (models cannot be built simultaneously)
- FUN TOY GAMING FEATURES – Gaming console has 2 moving buttons and 2 moving joysticks plus a choice of 3 game cartridges to insert, computer includes a keyboard and monitor with a disk to place inside and a mouse, and the arcade game machine has iconic retro details
- GAMER ROOM DECOR – When playtime is over, the completed build doubles as fun bedroom or play room decor for display on a shelf or desk
- GIFT FOR BOYS & GIRLS – Makes a fun birthday gift or anytime treat for little builders who love gaming toys and imaginative pretend play
Select the NES when your main criterion is franchise recognition, when Mario is the game character you want on display, or when you want guests to understand the reference without an explanation.
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The original PlayStation has a different kind of nostalgia: gray hardware, a distinctive controller shape and memories tied to individual games. The included Gran Turismo and Ape Escape dioramas are more specific than a generic PlayStation logo, and they let the display acknowledge two different parts of the console’s game history.
Select PlayStation when the original Sony hardware is the object that matters to you, when those game references are meaningful, or when you prefer a display centered on a console rather than a television set.
Build size and scope
NES 71374 is the larger build by piece count: 2,646 pieces compared with PlayStation 72036’s 1,911. That 735-piece difference is substantial, but piece count alone does not tell you how demanding or long either build will feel. No verified build-time measurement is available for either set, so do not use the counts as a promise of a particular number of hours.
The higher NES count reflects its multiple components and the television mechanism. You are assembling a console, controller and cartridge as well as a detailed TV with a moving screen. PlayStation concentrates more of its pieces on the console, controller and two small scenes, producing a more compact finished object.
Both sets carry an 18+ recommendation. That label identifies them as adult-oriented display builds; it is not a claim that younger builders cannot assemble them with appropriate supervision.
Price, launch timing and availability
PlayStation’s official pricing
The official US recommended retail price for PlayStation 72036 is $179.99. The UK product page lists £139.99. Sony announced direct-PlayStation availability from October 1, 2026, LEGO Insiders early access on October 1, and general availability through LEGO.com and LEGO Stores on October 4, 2026.
Rank #4
- BUILD AN ICON – Build the ultimate retro gaming display with the LEGO Game Boy (72046) model kit for adults ages 18 and up
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- RETRO ROOM DECOR – Display this buildable model kit on any flat surface in your home or office as an eye-catching centerpiece that celebrates your love of LEGO and Game Boy
- GIFT FOR MEN & WOMEN – This unique DIY Building kit for adults is sure to thrill retro gaming fans, Nintendo collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts who remember their first Game Boy
The PlayStation product page also states that a 276-piece LEGO Astro Bot set is included at no extra cost while supplies last. Treat that as a limited-supply launch inclusion, not a permanent guarantee that every later purchase will contain the bonus set.
NES pricing requires a market check
LEGO’s US page displays $269.99 for NES 71374, but the same page marks the product “Retired Product” and “Hard to find.” That displayed figure is therefore not a reliable statement of what a buyer will pay today. Current stock, seller, condition and resale pricing must be checked separately, and a retired set can cost either more or less than its last displayed LEGO price depending on the market.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhen comparing totals, use the actual delivered price of a complete NES set—including shipping and the condition of the box and bricks—against the PlayStation’s official RRP or the live price from an authorized seller. The nominal $90 difference between $269.99 and $179.99 does not establish a real-world saving if the NES is being resold at a premium.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose by room and display plan
For a low shelf or media console
PlayStation is the practical choice. Its approximately 6 cm height leaves clearance beneath a monitor or shelf, while its 19 cm depth still requires a reasonably deep surface. Keep the controller cable arranged so it does not hang over the edge.
For a tall cabinet or dedicated gaming display
NES is better suited to a space that can accommodate a television over 22.5 cm high plus the surrounding console and controller. Leave enough clearance above the TV to reach the crank and enough surface in front or beside it for the accessories.
For a display that visitors should understand immediately
Pick NES. The moving Mario screen and television silhouette provide context without labels.
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For a display you expect to rearrange
Pick PlayStation. Its removable dioramas and swappable helmet color allow small changes without dismantling the main console.
Best Value
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Buying checklist
- Measure the shelf first. For PlayStation, allow at least the published 26 cm width, 19 cm depth and 6 cm height, with extra room for the controller. For NES, measure for the 23 × 24 × 16 cm television and then reserve additional width for the console, cartridge and controller.
- Decide whether you need a new retail purchase. PlayStation 72036 has a current 2026 launch pathway. NES 71374 is retired, so a retailer or secondary-market listing is an availability check rather than evidence of LEGO direct stock.
- Verify what is in the box. For PlayStation, confirm whether the limited-supply 276-piece Astro Bot inclusion is still offered. For NES, check that the console, TV, controller, Game Pak and all necessary parts are present, especially when buying used.
- Set a landed-price ceiling. Compare taxes, shipping, seller reputation and completeness rather than comparing only LEGO’s displayed historical NES figure with PlayStation’s RRP.
- Choose the interaction you will actually use. Buy NES for the handle-driven scrolling screen; buy PlayStation for working buttons, a plugged-in controller and interchangeable dioramas.
Display and care considerations
Both models are primarily display pieces, so place them where the moving or removable elements can be reached without repeatedly brushing the rest of the build. The NES handle needs clearance for a hand, and its controller cable should not be pulled taut. The PlayStation’s removable dioramas and controller plug are easiest to manage when the console is not pushed against a wall.
Dust is more noticeable on large, light-colored surfaces such as the PlayStation console shell and the NES television. A soft, dry brush or low-airflow cleaning method is safer than pressing a cloth into small mechanisms. Because the NES screen is designed to move, avoid placing heavy objects in front of the handle or screen assembly.
Common buying mistakes
Assuming the NES $269.99 figure is a current shelf price
It is LEGO’s displayed US figure for a product now marked retired and hard to find. A current listing may differ substantially, so check the seller, condition and completeness.
Expecting PlayStation to provide a large television scene
PlayStation 72036 is a console-focused display. Its game references are two removable dioramas, not a full TV-and-game-room tableau.
Expecting the NES to be electronically animated
The Mario scene is moved manually with a handle. No batteries are required, and optional reactions require a separate LEGO Mario figure from set 71439.
Planning around the TV measurement alone
The NES dimensions supplied by LEGO describe the television. The complete arrangement also needs room for the console, controller and cartridge.
Paying a premium without checking the set’s condition
Retired-set pricing can reward sealed packaging, but a used listing should be checked for missing pieces, discoloration, damaged printed elements and the condition of the screen mechanism before purchase.
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Final recommendation by buyer type
| If your priority is… | Choose | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The most theatrical, recognizable scene | NES 71374 | Its tall TV, moving Mario screen and complete accessory group read as a finished retro setup. |
| A compact, low-profile console display | PlayStation 72036 | The published model is approximately 6 cm high and 26 cm wide. |
| Mario and Nintendo nostalgia | NES 71374 | Super Mario Bros. is built into the moving television scene. |
| Original PlayStation hardware and game references | PlayStation 72036 | It recreates the console and controller and includes Ape Escape and Gran Turismo dioramas. |
| Lower official US launch price | PlayStation 72036 | $179.99 RRP versus LEGO’s displayed $269.99 NES figure, before any resale-market adjustment. |
| A set available through a 2026 launch window | PlayStation 72036 | Sony and LEGO announced October 2026 direct and general availability dates. |
| A moving physical display mechanism | NES 71374 | The hand-cranked screen scrolls Mario across the scene. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
