The new LEGO Sega Mega Drive/Genesis set is a nostalgic way to honor Nintendo's 1990s console rival. Following previous sets that placed Nintendo in the spotlight, Sega's most famous home console finally receives the LEGO treatment.
A Small but Mighty Tribute
Coming in at around 480 pieces, the LEGO Sega Mega Drive/Genesis set is mighty despite its tiny size. Whether you knew it as the Sega Mega Drive or Sega Genesis, Lego's newest video game set is a small but powerful way to celebrate the iconic 1990s console.
Of all the iconic rivalries in the gaming world, few have risen to the heights of Nintendo versus Sega in the 1990s. Sure, the latter may have ultimately conceded its platform-holder status after the commercial failure of the Dreamcast, but back then there was genuine excitement as Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog regularly competed in the platforming realm.
Sega famously attempted to prove it 'does what Nintendon't', and this exact era comes to mind when building the new LEGO Sega Mega Drive/Genesis (40926) set.
Following in the Footsteps of LEGO NES and Game Boy
The set follows hot on the heels of the LEGO NES and Game Boy as another celebration of one of gaming's most memorable home consoles. While it doesn't stand as proudly on the shelf due to its miniaturized scale at just 480 pieces, the set still offers two unique build options (Mega Drive or Genesis) and serves as a fantastic and authentic recreation of the 16-bit home console that first got many into video games.
Plus, if the price of past video game themed LEGO sets is something you tend to balk at, Sega's brick-ified console debut will scratch this particular itch without breaking the bank.
Fun Build with a Hidden Easter Egg
The build itself, despite the Mega Drive/Genesis being almost totally black, is enjoyable. Forming the body of the console is given a slight edge because a recreation of Sonic's face sits snugly inside, with the blue-and-white tableau coming together nicely and capturing the personality of Sega's iconic mascot on his snarkier side. Does this make a difference to the look and feel of the final product? No. But as a cute Easter egg that LEGO didn't need to include, it more than does the job.
Along similar lines is the actual mini-cartridge that sits in the console's game slot. It could only be one game: Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Not only is it the best 2D Sonic game, its box art is also insanely iconic.
While the version featured in the LEGO Sega Mega Drive/Genesis set may not be exactly like-for-like with the original, it more than captures the art's essence by featuring Sonic and Tails in front of a giant number '2', primed to prod the part of your brain that remembers racing through stages like Emerald Hill and Chemical Plant Zone in split-screen with a friend.
A Refreshingly Small Scale
As previously alluded to, the LEGO Sega Mega Drive/Genesis set isn't a 1:1 scale, but this decision is refreshing. Display space in many offices is at a premium, so the ability to hold the console—measuring 4cm in height, 16cm in width, and 12cm deep—in the palm of your hand is appreciated. It won't take up too much space yet still captures the spirit of the original Sega Mega Drive and/or Sega Genesis in spades. The build even includes two dedicated gamepads to set in your memories of playing Sonic the Hedgehog in co-op, complete with an authentic three face-button layout.
One Minor Gripe
If there is one gripe with this set, it is the way it handles its two build options. While specific LEGO pieces and bricks can be swapped in and out to transform the set from Mega Drive to Genesis and back again in just a few minutes, the front two 'Power' and 'On' stickers would have to be peeled on and off each time to do so.
Realistically, not many diehard Sega fans are going to be doing this anyway since they grew up calling this console either one or the other, but it is still a shame LEGO couldn't squeeze in a few more extra pieces to make the aesthetic switch easier.
Where It Counts Most
Where it counts most, however, LEGO's brick-ified take on the console that first got many into video games is a fun and surprisingly authentic way to wind the clock back to the 1990s. It might not carry the size or high level of detail found in other video game sets, yet with plenty of fun, built-in callbacks to Sonic's past and history, and numerous subtle touches that make one nostalgic for the 16-bit era of gaming, it's hard to complain too much.
The LEGO Sega Mega Drive/Genesis set is an impressive, and more importantly fairly priced, way to celebrate Sega's iconic console. No cartridge-blowing required. This is just a great little set to have sitting on anyone's shelf.
The LEGO Sega Mega Drive/Genesis console set is scheduled to release on Tuesday, July 16.
