The LEGO PlayStation (72036) set is a brick-based tribute to Sony's first console, celebrating 30 years of the grey box with 1911 pieces across 14 bags. The finished build strongly recreates the look and feel of the original PS1, complete with a functional disc lid, two game dioramas, and a single mark-1 controller.
Interactive Design and Nostalgic Details
The set's core feature is the disc lid, which flips up with a press of the 'Open' button, just like the real console. Inside, two dioramas pay tribute to 1999's Ape Escape and 1997's Gran Turismo. While the reviewer noted that Gran Turismo's build is finicky due to tiny shrubs and vehicles on a small surface, the final result is described as undeniable, and the Ape Escape diorama is both effective and less hassle.
The base of the set includes a giant 'P' and 'S' in the iconic blue, red, yellow, and green tones of the classic PlayStation logo. This detail, alongside the dioramas and functional button, makes it the most interactive and lovingly made video game console LEGO set yet, according to the reviewer.
Controller and Build Experience
The set includes only one controller, a faithful recreation of the original mark-1 design before the DualShock added analogue sticks. While the LEGO Mega Drive came with two, the reviewer understands the reasoning, as a second would require identical steps and two more bags. The controller plugs into the console's port with a satisfying 'click'.
The build itself is described as incredibly fun, with callbacks and Easter Eggs from the console's history. The reviewer, who tied their memories to Tekken 2, found the set transported them back to afternoons of gaming, expressing hope for a hypothetical LEGO PS2.
The LEGO PlayStation (72036) set is available for purchase at all good retailers now.
