Pac-Man has finally been given the LEGO treatment.
In the last month, LEGO has announced its all-new Sonic the Hedgehog line-up, revealed four Donkey Kong-themed LEGO Super Mario sets, and returned to its late-90s racing video game heritage with the enjoyable LEGO 2K Drive. Today, Denmark’s finest toymaker has once again raised the bar–not only creating what may be its most impressive gaming set of 2023, but one of its best of all time. Block Making Machine
In the latest addition to its Icons collection, the LEGO Pac-Man Arcade Machine Set (10323) has been created to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Pac-Man, which was first released on May 22, 1980. Measuring a whopping 12.5 inches tall and 10 inches wide, comes in at 2,650 pieces, with some truly incredible details that provide extra innovations for the 18+ audience that craves ever more interactivity.
Those who cannot wait to add LEGO Pac-Man to their collection won’t have to wait long, either; LEGO VIP members will have early access to buy it from June 1 online and in-store, while it will be available to all from June 4. It’s not exactly cheap, but it still comes in at a more or less standard 10 cents per brick, retailing at $269.99 (€269.99; £229.99).
Using similar technology to the marvelous LEGO NES from 2020, the LEGO Pac-Man Arcade Machine Set mimics the movement of Pac-Man and its ghosts with a mechanical crank, while a light brick has been used to bring life to the iconic coin slot. Pac-Man, Blinky and Clyde also receive large, colourful brick versions that rotate on their base, meaning you can turn the tables on the chase.
To top it all off, a small, scaled-down model of a female minifigure playing Pac-Man on an arcade machine is hidden inside of the cabinet.
The inner workings of the Pac-Man cabinet are impressive.
While collaborating with Bandai Namco, the brickmaker also uncovered an incredible fact: Pac-Man’s famous yellow color was inspired by the LEGO Group’s signature hue. For the team’s designers and Pac-Man’s creators, it reflected a shared passion for bringing fun to people of all ages.
Describing the process of designing the new set, LEGO designer Sven Franic said: “A cultural icon for the past 40 years, it was a delight to bring Pac-Man to brick life. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to bring classic gaming experiences to life. Our team of talented designers worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the beloved Pac-Man arcade machine in brick form, from Pac-Man himself to the colorful, maze-like environment he inhabits.
Brick Building Machine “Every detail was carefully considered and crafted, resulting in a one-of-a-kind LEGO creation that captures the magic of the original game while adding a playful new twist and a couple of Easter eggs – in true video game style. We are thrilled to share this incredible build with the world and cannot wait to see the joy it brings to fans of all ages.”