LEGO Announces $20 Retro Gaming Console 3-in-1 Set for 2026
The brick giant unveils a budget-friendly, buildable handheld that transforms into three different retro gaming designs.
LEGO has just announced a new, wallet-friendly addition to its gaming-themed sets: the LEGO Retro Gaming Console #31380. Revealed this week and first reported by RetroHandhelds, this 268-piece set is priced at a very accessible $20 USD and is slated for a New Year's Day 2026 release. It marks a more affordable entry point into LEGO's growing catalogue of gaming nostalgia, following the pricier, officially licensed Game Boy set from earlier this year.
📊 Quick Specs- Set Number: #31380- Pieces: 268- Price: $20 USD / ~£16 GBP- Release Date: 1 January 2026- Series: Creator 3-in-1
The set is part of LEGO's Creator 3-in-1 series, meaning builders aren't stuck with just one model. The primary build is a generic, brick-built handheld console with a colourful non-functional screen. Once you've had your fun with that, you can dismantle it and follow the instructions to create one of two alternate models: a miniature arcade cabinet or a charmingly chunky desktop PC setup complete with a monitor and keyboard. It's a clever way to triple the display potential on your shelf.
Credit: Lego
A Different Approach to Gaming Nostalgia
This set takes a notably different tack from LEGO's previous forays into gaming. Unlike the detailed, licensed Game Boy replica, this model is deliberately generic. It evokes the spirit of 90s handhelds without directly copying any one device, which likely helps keep the cost down and the creative possibilities open. It sits alongside other non-licensed sets like the existing LEGO Arcade Machine, offering a more imaginative, build-focused experience. The trend of creating miniature, collectible models of gaming hardware is clearly booming, much like the desk toy versions of characters we've seen from companies like My Arcade.
The announcement has been met with a generally positive reaction from the LEGO and retro communities. Many see it as a perfect, low-cost gift or a fun impulse buy for their own collections. The 3-in-1 aspect is a particular highlight, praised for offering great value and replayability. Of course, some purists might yearn for another official licence, but for twenty quid, this looks like a bit of a no-brainer for fans of both bricks and bits.
With a release date set for 1st January 2026, there's a bit of a wait, but it gives us all time to clear some shelf space. You can check out the official product page on the LEGO website for more images. It seems LEGO is firmly committed to capturing our pixelated past, one colourful brick at a time.
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