Amiibo dioramas are my favorite accessories for Nintendo's NFC collectibles. They're basically little pop-out displays that give you unique ways to show off the best toys Nintendo has to offer, besides just sticking them in a glass cabinet and calling it a day.

Originally exclusive to Japan, they occasionally appear across US retailers, though finding them in this day and age can be a rarity. Fortunately for amiibo fans both the Super Smash Bros. and Kirby series dioramas are available for $9.99 at Amazon, and if I were you, I'd grab them before they disappear for good.

The whole spread of dioramas isn't available at Amazon, but that's okay. Seeing any of these Japan-exclusive displays available at a US retailer is better than nothing, especially when they're as little as $10 each. I remember having to import one of the Splatoon releases for at least $20 / £20 a decade ago, so I'm a bit jealous of US amiibo collectors right now. Not to mention, the two dioramas up for grabs are the Super Smash Bros and Kirby series displays, which are some of the series I own the most amiibo for, and so would be pretty handy to have in my collection. Of course, you can display whatever one of the 953 amiibo in the dioramas as you see fit, so long as they fit.

These dioramas originally launched during the Wii U era, and so they likely won't accommodate some of the more intricate releases with fancy bases. For example, it's very likely the large terrain of the Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo may get in the way of the hollowed-out sections of the Kirby accessory, and the vehicles of the massive Kirby Air Riders figures likely won't fit either.

There is a solution, though. The neat thing about the amiibo dioramas is that you don't have to stick with placing your NFC toys in the exact spots as seen in the marketing images. As you can see from my Splatoon one in the image above, I just place my figures around as I please, and it still looks fantastic. The Super Smash Bros. diorama includes plenty of flat surfaces so you can do just that.

I suspect they'll disappear for good sooner rather than later, and could end up as reseller fodder. With the numerous 2026 amiibo out this year, hopefully Ninty will produce some new display add-ons but, for now, making the most of these is the best official way to spruce up your collection.

• View all Nintendo amiibo at Amazon

Check out our toy-expert Benjamin's guides to the best Nintendo gifts and the best Lego sets if you're on the hunt for more Ninty collectibles.

The Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457) isn’t just the latest Ultimate Collector Series set to leave its Billund docking bay; it’s the longest Lego Star Wars set ever produced. This 6,130-piece representation of Darth Vader’s flagship measures an imposing 53.5in (136cm) long – that’s the width of my dining table!

It’s not the first time Lego has produced a UCS Executor, though. Back in 2011, the Lego Star Wars Super Star Destroyer (#10221) launched with 3,152 pieces. Even today, long after its discontinuation, it remains a grail set for many Lego Star Wars collectors.

So, what could Lego possibly do to make this update appealing? Well, double the piece count, aim for a more accurate portrayal of the prototype, and include a full roster of bounty hunter scum. It’s impressive, all right, but is it most impressive? Let’s find out whether it can match the best Lego sets.

Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457) features

• 6,130 pieces
• 18+ age rating
• 7 minifigures

Concentrate all savings on that Super Star Destroyer! The Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457) costs £649.99 / $799.99. This hits upon the Star Wars license’s average price-per-piece ratio, but with a wealth of small pieces and a very flat profile, you could argue that the Lego Star Wars Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser (#75367) provides you with more bang for your buck.

In the current lineup, the Executor Super Star Destroyer is the third most expensive Lego Star Wars set behind the Death Star (#75419) at £899.99 / $999.99 and the Millennium Falcon (#75192) at £734.99 / $849.99.

It’s worth noting that the Executor Super Star Destroyer will launch with one of Lego’s controversial ‘Gift with Purchase’ (GWP) promotions, but I’m pleased to report that it’s a buildable Darth Vader’s Lightsaber, not something that actually adds to the set. I have no problem with GWPs, so long as they’re not considered a component of the set in question. It’s my opinion that when you spend hundreds on a Lego set, you certainly shouldn’t feel left wanting.

Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457) build

• 14-hour build
• Lots of Technic pieces
• Not the most difficult set to build

It took me an eye-watering 14 hours and 45 minutes to piece together the Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457). I painstakingly pressed, pushed and clipped all 6,130 pieces together during multiple sittings, ripping open 54 paper-bagged sections in the process. The build is split across four thick instruction booklets. As with any UCS set, you get a bit of blurb at the beginning of the first booklet with information on the ship itself, including some nice detailed imagery of the original ILM model.

You begin by building the small Imperial Star Destroyer and blast doors diorama for Vader and the bounty hunters to occupy before building up the base. This takes up a good portion of the first instruction booklet, and it’s definitely worth it. I’ve built Lego sets with suspect bases in the past, but this one is designed as a handhold in which to move around the entire model. And with plenty of Technic beams, reinforced by SNOT bricks, it’s extremely sturdy.

You then begin to build the ship directly onto the base. It’s not removable like smaller UCS sets, but you wouldn’t want to be moving anything this size on and off a base. The rest of booklet one is spent constructing the framework of the ship’s bow. In booklet two, you add to the bow and start to construct the base of the middle portion of the ship, with clever use of clips to keep things in place.

All throughout these middle sections of the build, you’re constantly flipping the model upside down and then rewriting it to build up both the top and undercarriage. Eventually you get to the most forward-facing engines, providing some much-needed respite from the monotony of constructing largely abstract frameworks.

I wouldn’t say the build techniques used blew my mind quite in the same way that the UCS Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship (#75409) did, but the sheer muddle and volume of bricks is utterly mind-boggling. I can at least visualize the design process for many sets, but putting this together is like watching Bob Ross brush random splodges of paint onto a canvas, until the landscape suddenly reveals itself at the very end. Booklet two ends with the construction of the tractor beam projector at the rear of the ship’s undercarriage.

Booklet three begins with more chassis work before moving onto some large sections of panelling. Panels are made up of two or three layers of plates and generally attached to the ship using clips. While each clip is obscured by the panelling, the shape of each panel tends to slot snugly into each space, making it easy to line up the clips. That said, it can sometimes be a little tricky to ensure that the clips are properly secured. They don’t always give you that reassuring snap sound, and if you press too hard, plates can begin to separate.

More panelling ensues before flipping the ship to rewrite it for the final time to concentrate on the top layer. Time is spent adding tens of 1x4 printed clear blue tiles to represent what is explained in instruction booklet one as 250,000 ‘light openings’ that featured on the original movie prop. These printed tiles were made for this set and are entirely unique. Lego, take note: this is exactly what I expect from a premium UCS set.

The end of the booklet is spent constructing the beginnings of the habitable cityscape portion in the centre of the ship. In booklet four, you build the rearmost thrusters and then continue with the cityscape. You then construct the top layer's panelling before finishing the entire build with the cherry on top of the cake: the main bridge/command tower.

Despite the huge size and piece count, this certainly isn’t the most difficult Lego set I’ve put together. I found the aforementioned UCS Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship to be much more challenging due to some very creative build techniques.

The Executor Super Star Destroyer is an exercise in patience more than anything. Not only does it take hours upon hours to build, but it is a perfect example of the Lego Star Wars ‘Big Grey Ship’. From AT-AT Walkers to Imperial Star Destroyers, TIE Fighters and even the Millennium Falcon, big grey ships are a Star Wars staple, and it doesn’t get much bigger (or greyer) than Executor.

And yet, I didn’t find this to be a boring build. Sure, it’s not as interesting as an intricately detailed modular building or playset, but there’s definitely an excitement regarding the immense scale and gradually watching it come together. This is an excellent set to enjoy while listening to a podcast or watching a film.

Although this is a mainline Lego set, there are a huge number of Technic pieces. You simply cannot build a model of this magnitude without using a Technic framework to keep things sturdy. However, due to the irregular shapes of many Star Wars ships, Technic is a rather common fixture in Lego Star Wars, so most fans should be used to the mixture of Technic and traditional Lego.

Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457) design

• Diorama side build
• Unique printed tiles
• No stickers!!!

This latest incarnation of the Super Star Destroyer is much flatter and wider than both the original UCS set and the recently discontinued midi-scale Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75356). As such, this has created plenty of discourse online discussing the ship’s accuracy.

However, it’s clear that the design team has modelled this version on the original model from ILM. Online imagery shows that the ship is indeed much flatter and wider than Lego’s previous efforts. The confusion may stem from the movies, where presumably the camera angle makes the ship appear more svelte.

I think the whole point of a UCS set is to deliver unrivalled accuracy, and with that in mind, replicating the shape of the original model is a definite improvement. Probably the most attractive angle is actually the ship’s rear due to the highly detailed arrangement of 13 sublight engines.

I think the cityscape is a marked improvement over the original UCS set. Some may prefer the abundance of dark grey pieces used to create contrast, but I much prefer the uniform light-grey look, which is accurate to the ILM prototype. The previous UCS set also included no representation of the blue lighting.

The printed ‘light opening’ tiles look particularly convincing as a trim that traces the sides of the ship. They don’t quite hold up to the same scrutiny on the cityscape portion, and I do wonder if a few clear-blue 1x1 square plates scattered around would have added to the aesthetic, but I really am being picky here.

I’m also pleased to see plenty of studs on the ship’s surface. I’ve never been scared of visible studs. I like my Lego sets to look like Lego sets, and I find that an overabundance of tiles can make sets look untidy due to scratches and fingerprints. But the surface of the prototype is not completely smooth, and the random assortment of studs does a good job of replicating this. On the original UCS set, the studs were more uniform, which to my eye doesn’t work. The studs on the new set feel more akin to the scattered and random texture on the ILM model.

Kudos to Lego for fully panelling the underside of the ship, too. It’s so low to the ground, they could have ignored the undercarriage, but the designers have paid almost as much attention as they did to the top. For a model of this size, the Executor generally feels surprisingly sturdy, but I do wish the panelling had a few extra supporting bricks in places. You’re not meant to lift the ship anywhere but the stand, but if you do catch the panelling, it is prone to separating or a piece or two breaking off.

I’ve noticed that the very tip of my model sags ever so slightly. I’ve tried to rectify the problem, but cannot seem to prevent it from happening. This doesn’t detract much from the overall model and may be an isolated incident, but it’s worth noting.

A casualty of the more accurate form factor is any form of interior. In the original UCS set, a small section of the cityscape could be pulled out to reveal a miniature bridge interior, and while this would have been nice to see once again, I wouldn’t have wanted it to impact the aesthetic or stability of the model.

The designers have softened the blow somewhat by including a bridge-and-blast-doors diorama to recreate the bounty hunter scene from The Empire Strikes Back. I would have loved for this to have been extended to feature a small section of the computers along with an Imperial Officer or two, but that would have pushed the piece count and price even higher.

You also get the standard UCS printed plaque, with a blueprint and information pertaining to the Super Star Destroyer. And like the original UCS set, you also get a miniature Imperial Star Destroyer build that’s roughly to scale.

This is a marked improvement over its predecessor’s miniature, but I do think the design could have been better. For one, the front triangular portion of the ship is attached by just two studs and is prone to breaking off when handled. I also think it could have been slightly more detailed given the size, and I know it’s easily rectified, but I would have loved to have seen three clear-blue studs used to represent the three sublight engines on the rear.

What I do love is a teeny tiny 1x1 circular tile with a gorgeous print of the Millennium Falcon. This confirms the Star Destroyer as Avenger, which Captain Needa commands in The Empire Strikes Back and is used as an unconventional docking surface by the Falcon as a means to avoid being tracked by the capital ship.

When you include this tile, the plaque, the roster of minifigures, the tens of ‘light opening’ tiles and the tractor beam projector, there are quite a few printed pieces and no stickers. Sure, the UCS Imperial Star Destroyer (#75252) itself was nearly stickerless, but predated printed plaques. This set has no stickers whatsoever, and it’s an absolute joy.

My problem with stickers on expensive UCS sets is twofold: they simply don’t look as good as printed pieces, and they have a habit of peeling off over time. You really don’t want a collector's edition Lego set that costs hundreds to have messy peeling stickers. Well done Lego. More of this in the future, please.

One of the biggest talking points from the release of the Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457) was the roster of seven minifigures. The last UCS capital ship Lego released (the Venator) only had only two minifigures and the Executor could have followed suit. However, I’m extremely pleased it didn’t and what a great selection we received.

This set features every single one of the bounty hunters that Darth Vader addressed on the bridge in The Empire Strikes Back, along with the Dark Lord of the Sith himself. This improves upon the five minifigures present in the 2011 incarnation, which included Admiral Piett, IG-88, Bossk, Vader, and Dengar. The new version has swapped out Piett for Boba Fett, Zuckuss, and 4-LOM.

It is a shame that Piett wasn’t included, as well as perhaps Admiral Ozzel who Vader dispatched following his botched attack on Hoth. But a full roster of bounty hunters is certainly more than I expected. This is a premium set of minifigures, too.

Dengar, IG-88, Bossk, and 4-LOM are exclusive to this set. We’ve had the Boba Fett before, but not with the soft-goods cape, which now elevates it to the definitive Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett minifigure. Vader is nothing new, but an exquisite minifigure nonetheless and the same can be said for Zuckuss, who had previously only appeared in one other set.

Each figure’s execution is near flawless. IG-88 has a beautifully moulded head (borrowed from IG-11) with its own exclusive print. Every other figure has full-body printing, with printed arms on both Darth Vader, Boba Fett, and 4-LOM. The latter’s slightly metallic printing is gorgeous, as is the updated Dengar.

But the pick of the bunch by a country mile is the all-new Bossk. Apart from his arms, Bossk is fully printed. And get this, the legs and arms are dual moulded to represent his 3/4 sleeves and trouser legs.

I’ve said it before and say it again, despite Lego Star Wars fans having extremely high standards when it comes to minifigures, the Star Wars license continues to turn out the very best minifigures Lego has to offer. And this roster reflects that.

Should you buy the Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457)?

I was a little worried that the Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457) would embody the movie ship by becoming a lesson in futility. Big, brash, but ultimately succumbing to an A-Wing in the face. Sure, the size and price will always put some people off, but strip away these variables and you’re left with a gold standard Ultimate Collector Series set.

It’s impressively faithful to the prototype, has a healthy roster of premium minifigures, and even a unique solution to a unique problem in the form of those gorgeous clear-blue printed ‘light openings’. The complete absence of any stickers and two neat side builds in the form of an Imperial Star Destroyer and a diorama for the bounty hunters is the meiloorun fruit on top of the cake.

An interior would have been nice (however impractical); the panelling could be a little sturdier, and you can always ask for more minifigures in the form of Piett, Ozzel or Needa, but on the whole, this is a premium UCS set done right. Oh, and for minifigure collectors, Bossky Bossk is one of the best Lego has ever produced.

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457)

This review sample was provided by Lego.

It took me multiple sittings over the course of a week to put together the Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (#75457), totalling over 14 hours. It sat in my conservatory (the only place I could house it!) for a few days before I tested its durability during the photo shoot.

I’m a ‘90s kid who started collecting Lego right off the bat and quickly discovered Star Wars. I was there when Lego first got the license and have been buying into the brick-built galaxy far, far away… ever since.

For more information on our procedure, take a look at how we test products.

For more collectibles, don't miss the best toys.

It's official: the Lego Astro Bot set is real, and it will be part of Lego's controversial gift with purchase (or GWP) promotion. The set looks every bit as spectacular as it did in the leaks, which only makes it more disappointing that this one won't be widely available.

The Lego Store page for the Astro Bot set appeared earlier today, offering a much better look at the little robot. The 18+ set includes 276 pieces, letting you build an 8-inch tall figure with "dynamic posing options." Astro Bot's eyes are also swappable, so you can easily change its expression.

You'd typically expect a set of this size to be around $30-$40 USD, but you'll likely have to spend a lot more than that to pick this one up. While the store page confirms that this is a GWP set, it doesn't offer any details on the promotion. Rumors have alternately suggested that it'll be tied to either a purchase of the $180 Lego PlayStation set, or available with a $150 purchase of any items from the Lego Store.

The Lego Astro Bot and PlayStation set are both set to launch on October 4 (or October 1 for members of the free Lego Insider program), so they're clearly meant as two parts of the same PlayStation nostalgia-fest.

Astro Bot itself has become something of a mascot for PlayStation nostalgia in general, as the 2024 Astro Bot game served as a celebration of all the brand's greatest games. If you're cynical, you could equally call it a graveyard for those games – certainly, we ain't getting another Ape Escape anytime soon – but it's tough to be too down on the little bot when it's this cute and the games it's in are this good.

The Lego PlayStation set itself is filled with delightful hidden secrets, including swappable dioramas of Gran Turismo and Ape Escape to put under the disc drive lid. I don't know how the final build will stand up against the best Lego sets, but the Lego Game Boy quickly became one of my favorite sets of all time, so the pedigree for console recreations is very good.

Lego Dragon Ball set officially teased, and clues suggest it could feature Shenron.

The Lego community continues to blow my mind, because someone just made Slowpoke out of a Toy Story model using no extra parts… and it isn't the first time they've built Pokemon from the most unlikely sets.

Fan creator Minute_Food_2881 is at it again; after proving that you can turn a Lego pumpkin into the Millennium Falcon, they're back with a version of Slowpoke created from Lego Lotso Huggin' Bear ($39.99 at Lego) from Toy Story 3. This isn't just a "squint and it looks a bit like them" situation, though. It's a surprisingly accurate version of the Pokemon, from its peg-like teeth to derpy, spaced-out eyes.

"How does he keep doing it," asks Powerful_Dog_6391 in the top-rated comment on the reddit thread revealing this build. Frankly, I want to know that too. Minute_Food_2881 has been turning unassuming Lego sets into something totally unexpected for years, and while they're best-known for making almost anything into a Millennium Falcon (be it Mario Kart, a 101 Dalmations puppy, or a dinosaur), they've also created a lot of Pokemon builds. They recently used a 3-in-1 Dolphin kit to make Articuno, for example, and before that it was Charmander from a pumpkin. They were even able to make numerous other Pokemon like Pinsir from Lego Eevee.

Of course, they're not the only person making cool Pokemon models out of Lego. KraftyKoopa has spent most of this year creating incredibly accurate pocket monsters, with one for each month. This includes everything from Snorlax to Bulbasaur, with upcoming builds including Mew. These are deeply impressive, and some could rival the best Lego sets in terms of accuracy.

In short, this community is way too talented. With that kind of track record, I'm excited to see what it comes up with next.

In terms of official kits, a Lego Dragon Ball set has been officially teased, and clues suggest it could feature Shenron.

• See all the latest sets at the Lego store

A Lego Dragon Ball kit is officially on the way, but this doesn't seem to be a playset for kids; judging by the teaser, it's a full-on collector display piece.

Revealed in a teaser that shows a lone Lego Dragon Ball rolling toward the other six before glowing with blinding light, the caption reads "Ready to make a wish?" The video then ends with Lego's "Adults welcome" tagline, which would strongly suggest this is a for-adults display model like Lego Pikachu and Poke Ball or the playable Donkey Kong Arcade set.

While that may seem like much to go on, it actually tells us a lot about what Lego Dragon Ball may feature. Gathering all seven of the Dragon Balls lets you make a wish, and the dragon Shenron appears when you do. With that in mind, it feels highly probable that he'll be present.

The existence of Lego Dragon Ball has been rumored for quite a while now, so it's a relief to finally see it confirmed by the toy-maker. Now we can officially get excited, like our own Hardware Editor and resident Dragon Ball fan Rosalie Newcombe. When I asked what she thought on the set, she said that "witnessing the original Dragon Ball series logo at the teaser video instantly grabbed my attention. When rumors of this collaboration first leaked, I assumed we'd see sets based on Dragon Ball Z, which is the most nostalgic for anime fans over a certain age. The original series doesn't get as much love as it should, and there's big potential for us to see mini-figs of Kid Goku, Bulma, Yamcha and even Oolong and Puar. I'm already making space in my figure cabinet."

There's no word on when Lego Dragon Ball will hit shelves, and it's hard to give an educated guess on when we'll know more; the toy-maker often teases products that are a week or so away from being shown off, but some get announced months before the initial reveal. (Just look at the Lego Super Mario minifigure range if you want an example.)

We'll have to wait and see if this is good enough to join our list of the best Lego sets, but with any luck, it'll be as good as the newly-announced Lego Downton Abbey.

• See all the latest Lego kits at Lego

Adidas's limited edition Pokémon collection has hit the wilds, and with low and mid Superstar IIs and Control 5s taking center stage. The full roster comprises six adult designs mainly concentrated around the low Superstar shape, with additional kids options throwing some good old fashioned Sambas into the mix as well. The best part? At the time of writing everything's still in stock at Adidas's own site.

There's a good selection of sneakers and apparel up for grabs here, but the highlight has to be that bold yellow set of Pikachu-toting Superstar II Mids. One of the more expensive options at $180, the chunkier shape has been taken over by a silicon electric-type perched on the mid-cut. Combine that with the tactile pony hair upper material and the included lace charms and you've got yourself a classic collector's staple.

You don't need to shell out the full $180 for a look at Adidas's Pokémon collection. Cheaper Superstar II low designs start at $110 in adults sizes, with an equally fluffy Pikachu design and a fire-breathing Charmander flourish as well.

Chunkier Control 5s are reserved for Gengar and Rayquaza, sporting a chunkier purple and green (respectively) aesthetic but still shipping with their Pokémon's lace charms as well.

Stock is holding out for now, but if the best Pokémon merch drops of the last few months have taught us anything it's that things are going to move fast here. Between resellers charging three-figures for empty donut boxes and Pokémon Polaroid pre-orders selling out in minutes, anything with that Pokéball stamp is moving hot right now.

We're also showing you where to buy the Pokemon 30th Celebration set and showing you your exclusive first look at new Delta Reign cards.

Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album feels like a lovely consolation prize. As a collector of all things gaming, my hopes were crushed when it was first unveiled that the game would be nothing more than a code in a box. Yet while my game shelf will be worse off, at least my record collection doesn't have to be, as the GTA 6 soundtrack is releasing physically on vinyl this November.

Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album is available to pre-order for $49.99 at Best Buy and is a 34-track, 2 LP gatefold set featuring a neat pink and purple splatter effect. The colors are perfectly suited for Vice City vibes of the series' upcoming installment, and are exclusive to Best Buy. While you can pre-order straight from Rockstar, the splatters are blue rather than purple. If you want to add something GTA 6-related that's actually physical, I highly recommend grabbing this Best Buy version before resellers do.

I'm genuinely surprised that any versions of the soundtrack are still available to pre-order, especially as fans seemed hungry for the official GTA 6 PS5 DualSense controllers. Exclusive record releases, particularly video game soundtracks, can be prime fodder for resellers to get their hands on and pop on the likes of eBay to make a profit, but fortunately that has yet to come to fruition.

I'd still recommend that both GTA and vinyl fans alike pick up a copy just in case that scenario becomes a reality. While the Best Buy version remains in stock, the liquid-filled copy of the record has already sold out at Rockstar's official online store. It included the same 34 tracks as the rest of them, but ditches the splatter effect for two transparent magenta discs filled with blue liquid.

That version is long gone and out of stock, and there's every chance that could happen to the rest of them, and I'm not taking any chances. As I'm based in the UK, I personally picked up the pink, blue and purple splatter version for £39.99 at Blood Records, but that's because I prefer buying from music specialists. Whenever I've ordered from generalist storefronts, my records have arrived with damage to their sleeves, but online record shops are typically better equipped to ensure that doesn't happen.

If you don't have a turntable or record player but love physical media, you can also pre-order GTA 6 The Album for $17.98 at Best Buy on CD. You'll be missing out on the exclusive poster, but you'll get the same 34-tracks as vinyl fans.

• View all video game vinyl at Best Buy

Check out our GTA 6 pre-orders page to find the best places to shop for console bundles and the game so you can be prepared for November 19.

Lego just revealed a creepy free set to go with its Fall collection, and it's the icing on one of the best Halloween ranges we've had in years.

As its name would suggest, Lego Scary Haunted Tree looks as though it'd be more at home in a graveyard than your garden; it's all claws and wicked grins, with an obligatory crow to hammer home the eeriness of it all. (Its smile even glows thanks to a light-up brick.) While you won't be able to buy the model by itself, it's slated to be a 'gift with purchase' – in other words, you get it for free if you spend a certain amount at the Lego store. Reliable source Bricktap and user itsjustajoe on reddit suggest this Halloween set will be available with purchases totalling $100+ between September 21-30.

Because there are so many good spooky kits this year, I fear that'll be all too easy. For starters, Lego's rolled out a host of dangerously cheap yet very atmospheric sets… including a Lego pumpkin someone managed to turn into the Millennium Falcon. As if these weren't dangerous enough for our wallets, Lego has also started a new 'Halloween village' range. If you aren't familiar, Lego traditionally produces Christmas-themed sets for the Holiday season so that fans can make their own winter displays – and they're all kinds of heartwarming. Now it's doing the same for Halloween with the 'Midnight Valley' collection, and the first kit is Mayor Manor. This thing is wonderfully off-kilter like a Tim Burton movie, with an ominous but crumbling facade and a tree growing through the roof. It's also staffed by ghostly, glow-in-the-dark minifigures who look as though they want to invite you inside for dinner and a side of doom.

With the new Scary Haunted Tree, this year's Lego Halloween offerings are really testing my willpower like the best Lego sets before them.

Want to check the collection out for yourself? Here's everything in the 2026 Lego Halloween range so far.

If you can't wait for spooky season, there's plenty to get you in the mood; the Pokemon Halloween merch is super-effective, and Disney Halloween merch has been resurrected early.

• See all the latest seasonal sets at Lego

Whenever I think of the fall season with its pumpkin spice lattes, orange leaves, and general cozy vibes, I think Gilmore Girls - and so must Mattel.

The name behind some of the best toys of every generation has announced an official Gilmore Girls Polly Pocket compact featuring a tiny replica of some of Stars Hollow's most iconic places, and the cozy vibes are unmatched. You've naturally got the town's gazebo, Doose's Market, and even a tiny recreation of Luke's Diner with a big mug of coffee waiting for Lorelai to snatch up. Lane, Jess, and Dean can all be found throughout the adorable plastic town replica, and if I could shrink myself and join them, I would.

I sadly can't follow Rory's pals during their tiny day-to-day business, but I can pre-order the set for $30 / £28 via the Mattel Creations when it's available on September 22, 9 AM PT later this month.

I must admit something before I blether on about this adorable Gilmore Girls toy set - I'm a recent convert of the show. For years, I put off watching Lorelai and Rory's escapades as the single mother-daughter friendship was a bit too close to home, but I've now come to binge the show, and I can't imagine my life without it.

Mere hours before I learned of this toy's existence, I ordered a set of official Gilmore Girl sheets for my bed. That's how deep my new Stars Hollow-obsession goes, and you can bet I'll be pre-ordering this as soon as I'm able, particularly for that tiny Luke Danes figure. Luke is arguably my favorite character, as he's not just a hunk, but his pessimistic rants are comedic perfection. To see him in a tiny Polly Pocket form, with even his plaid shirt and backwards cap included, is incredible. While his little smile is not very Luke, Mattel has captured his likeness perfectly in this tiny toy.

Of course, Luke is not alone, as what Gilmore Girls toy would be complete without the Gilmore Girls themselves, Lorelai and Rory? Rory is found in her Chilton uniform, meanwhile, Lorelai is featured in one of the outfits she actually wears in the show. One that's still trendy all these years later, might I add.

I'm a bit sad that there are only three figures in total, as it doesn't feel like Gilmore Girls without Emily. Not to mention, while you've got even Luke's apartment above the diner (featuring an image of Jess), some of Jackson's vegetables, and even a sign for Kim's antiques, there's no version of Emily and Richard Gilmore's Hartford house.

The show is full of iconic locations, so it would have been hard to include them all. However, it feels like a missed opportunity not to include a little recreation of the Gilmores' dining room, particularly as the Friday night dinners are a key part of the TV series. Though I have a feeling that even the tiny plastic Lorelai is happy that it's not included.

If Mattel ever decides to release a follow-up to this set, I'd be overjoyed to see versions of Hartford, Lane's apartment, Patty's School of Ballet, and naturally, the Dragonfly Inn. But even with their omission, this set is an adorable piece of merch that any fan should jump on before resellers do.

• View all Polly Pocket compacts at Amazon

Check out the best Lego sets for more incredible collectibles.

When the Ocarina of Time Remake pre-orders dropped, fans had the option to grab a bundle on the Nintendo UK online store, which included an official pin.

This wasn't a pre-order bonus but rather the chance for the retailer to bundle up an existing Ocarina of Time collectible for £61.98 (via Nintendo) in total, likely to shift some extra stock. If that was their plan, it most definitely worked as it has since sold out. Even the digital version is out of stock.

There's still weeks to go the game (and the pin) arrive at your door, but if were curious about how it looked in person and wanted a sneak peek ahead of release day, I have good news for you. I already own this very Ocarina of Time pin amongst my Zelda collection, and want to let you take a look and see what its like before it arrives on your door on November 5. That way you don't have to worry about its quality, and can instead worry about where you're going to put your little ocarina replica instead.

I own a lot of official Legend of Zelda pins thanks to friends and family, but this is definitely up there one one of my favorites. Rather than being an image stuck to a flat plastic backing (like a lot of the promotional Tears of the Kingdom pins), this is a metal and 3-dimensional accessory that lovingly recreates the 7-hole instrument that Link wields to fast travel through the the land of Hyrule.

The paint job is pretty immacuate. The royal deep blue stands out from its plain, black backing and there's not a spot of color out of place. Each of the wind instrument replica are actual crevices which you can run your fingers across and are not painted on, which helps make the pin look even more similar to its in-game model. The details are pretty fantastic, as even the Triforce motif is found just above the mouthpiece alongside the tiny, silver engraved swirls to either side.

All in all, it feels well worth the extra £2.99 cost it introduced to the bundled version of the game. However, if you were planning to wear this out on the lapel of your jacket, or on your backpack, I highly recommend you use a locking pin back to keep it secure. This pin is made from metal and therefore heavier than your average badge. While its fortunately has a rubber back (which you can see in the image gallery below), I can easily forsee it falling off if you aren't too careful.

You can pick up a set of Locking Pin Backs for £5.99 at Amazon, and I highly recommend you do to avoid it falling it getting damaged, falling off, or just falling into the wrong hands - Ganondorf included. In fact, I can't emphasis enough how much you should take extra precausions with this pin when yours arrives later this year, as it can't be easily replaced anymore.

While it was available seperately for £12.99 at Nintendo for months it has since sold out. If you lost it for one reason or another, you wouldn't be able to get another without having to resort to re-sellers online. I can already spot people trying to flog it off for £21.50 at eBay, which is almost double its MSRP and while it's a great-looking pin, it's not 'double the price' great.

Alternatively, you could just keep it as a nice display piece for your shelf, which is exactly what I've been doing over the last few months. It (along with the Navi pin) has been sitting pretty amongst the rest of my Zelda merch, awaiting the day when I can hopefully add the upcoming Hori Ocarina of Time remake to its side. Sure, it's nicer to show off your pretty pin, but this way you'll have something to pop alongside the 3D replicas of the Spiritual Stones, if you managed to snag that snazzy pre-order bonus.

• View all Legend of Zelda merch at Nintendo UK

Love the Legend of Zelda? Check out Hasbro's new electronic Master Sword, the new Lego Link and Epona set and the best Legend of Zelda merch while you're here.

This is probably the biggest spread of amiibo discounts I've ever witnessed. Nintendo's Customer Appreciation Sale is now live and is Ninty's own way of handing back the tariff refunds to its customer base. While it's disappointing that the refunds haven't gone straight into players' pockets, the sale has brought with it 30% off some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories out there, which I can still appreciate as a collector.

Some of these figures have been far cheaper in the past, like the Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom figures. Those are dropped as low as $10 at other retailers, so listing them for $20.99 at Nintendo isn't a big deal - but the other amiibo included definitely are. Kirby and the Warp Star figure from the Air Rider series is one of the newest releases part of this sale, and it has a whopping $15 off today. Even the recent Super Mario Bros Wonder trio has considerable price markdowns. I've rarely ever seen either discounted, so they're definitely some of the better ones to pick up before Nintendo's appreciation comes to an end.

I've included them, and a whole host of participating amiibo down below that I'd recommend adding to your collection. As a word of warning, I'd recommend doing so sooner rather than later, as plenty have already sold out. While you can still grab the stunning (and surprisingly large) Mario and Luma release for just $24.49 today, the Rosalina counterpart is out of stock. I suspect it won't be long before plenty of these figures I've included below follow suit. You snooze, you lose.

Check out our 2026 amiibo list if you're after the latest NFC collectibles.

The search for an official Lego Yu-Gi-Oh set is over, because the community has voted in a fan-made Exodia model to become a real kit.

Designed for the "It's time to Duel!" challenge, "The Heart of the Cards - Exodia" by Step_on_a_Brick beat four other contenders in a final fan vote to win the grand prize (as seen via the Lego Ideas announcement). That means it should theoretically be turned into an actual, real-life Lego Yu-Gi-Oh set you can buy.

Depicting franchise protagonist Yami Yugi summoning Exodia, it's a larger set with two massive brick-built figures. While these Lego versions are cool enough, the fact that Exodia is actually 'emerging' from the cards and going from 2D to 3D is a really clever effect. I can see why fans were so taken with it, as it's the kind of creativity normally reserved for the best Lego sets.

"The best choice to be honest, in terms of brand representation it has the monster, the cards, and the main character," Neither-Simple1119 writes on a reddit thread discussing the set. "This will look absolutely incredible!"

There's plenty of agreement in the thread (albeit with some concern over price), and seeing as this Exodia model won the fan vote, I'd say it's a popular choice. However, not everyone is on board. In the same thread, there's some disappointment that it's not minifigure-scale and we aren't getting Blue Eyes Dragon instead. However, I guess that goes to show how much potential there is in a Lego Yu-Gi-Oh range. Maybe we can expect to see more in the future, considering how Lego seems to have the license to make toys based on Yu-Gi-Oh?

In the here and now, it's unclear when The Heart of the Cards - Exodia would hit shelves… but considering the turnaround for the new Lego Wallace & Gromit, which took just over a year to become an official set and will be available to buy from Lego this October 1, I think we can expect it around this toward the end of 2027.

This isn't the only nostalgic kit heading our way in the not-so-distant future; a Lego Downton Abbey set has been revealed with a stately 4,711 pieces and 13 minifigures.

• See all the latest sets direct from Lego

I know it seems heretical to talk about Christmas and 2026 Lego Advent Calendars already, but I'm increasingly worried that they're going to sell out quicker than ever this year.

Typically, these kits disappear off shelves by (or, at the very latest, during) Black Friday at the end of November. It's why Prime Day at the beginning of October is such a good time to grab them; they enjoy a hearty discount and are still widely available, for the most part. However, I've just spotted that almost the entire 2026 Lego Advent Calendars range getting a major price cut at Amazon… so that schedule may be advancing faster than expected.

I'm not saying they'll definitely be gone by the end of this month, nor am I trying to claim we won't get a better offer down the line – there's a chance we will. But I've been following Lego sales for quite some time now (over seven years), and these things tend to run out well before festive season. With that in mind, I'd be tempted to dive in now while you can. Especially where the Marvel and Star Wars Lego Advent Calendars are concerned; they tend to be snapped up first.

These aren't the only nostalgic kits getting their moment in the spotlight right now; a Lego Downton Abbey set has been revealed with a stately 4,711 pieces and 13 minifigures. It's certainly ambitious enough to rival some of the best Lego sets.

• See all Lego Advent Calendars at Lego

IKEA just released something I never imagined in all my years investing in the brand's elaborate flat-packed furniture - a Skryim mod. No really, Kallax Storageborn (via YouTube) is a legitimate mod that you can download from the Bethesda Creations website that allows you to adventure throughout Tamriel with a white shelving unit as your companion.

For years now, I've been using the $79.99 (via IKEA) Kallax (and versions of it) to store and display my favorite game merch, so it feels entirely apt to see it get a Skyrim cameo. However, I'd have sooner expected the Kallax to be nothing but an in-game piece of furniture designed to declutter your homestead instead of also being a companion character fully voiced by Matt Berry.

Unfortunately for me, my real-life Kallax doesn't sound like Laszlo from What We Do in the Shadows. Regardless, the real deal is a fixture of my gaming room, and IKEA's bizarre yet hilarious new mod has reminded me just how much I cherish the versatile piece of storage.

If you stumble into any gaming nerd's room, you're likely to come across a range of IKEA furniture. My office and gaming space is so overrun with flat-packed pieces that you could mistake it for one of the example rooms on the store's showroom floor. While typing these very words, I'm sitting at a Linnmon corner desk, while a Billy bookcase and old Detolf glass cabinet are sitting behind me, displaying my ever-growing physical video game collection.

Some people may be bothered by the sterile modern aesthetic of too much IKEA furniture in one place, but I don't mind it as they're affordable and most importantly pretty versatile. But no piece of IKEA furniture is just as versatile as the Kallax. At the moment, I have the very same Kallax as featured in the Skyrim mod sitting right to my left. I use it as both a room divider and a way to display an assortment of my precious video game merch, and I adore it. The 39 cm deep squares can store plenty, as you can clearly see from my vast selection of Persona goodies in the image below. There's a wealth of items in there, from artbooks, figures, and even a little Morgana plush, all of which I'd struggle to squeeze into another brand's similar-sized unit.

My absolute favorite thing about the Kallax isn't that its shelving is deep, but that you can buy accessories for it. While these seemingly don't feature in the Skyrim mod, you can pick up $25 (IKEA) drawer units or a $30 (IKEA) insert with a glass door. The latter is my absolute favorite addition to the Kallax, as it can allow you to transform it into a perfect display piece for video game collectibles.

Glass displays help keep out dust and prevent merch from accidental damage, and they used to be IKEA's bread and butter. Just about every collector I know has had the brand's Detolf cabinet in their gaming space at one moment or another. Sadly, these were discontinued, but with these inserts, you can tailor your existing Kallax display to your liking and add more glass displays into your setup.

If you want to try out the Kallax Storageborn Skyrim mod, you can download it for the PC and Xbox version of the game via the Bethesda Creations website. According to the official FAQ as found on the official IKEA website, PlayStation players will have to wait a while longer to experience some Kallax-fueled adventures of their own.

If you're feeling impatient, there's nothing stopping you from picking up a real-life Kallax and dragging it around. Just be warned it won't sound like Matt Berry, and just as the manual recommends, you should lay down a carpet first to avoid ruining any precious hardwood flooring.

• View all display shelving at IKEA

Love video game collectibles? Check out the best Lego sets and the best Legend of Zelda merch worth adding to your Kallax shelves.

Good Smile Company is getting in on the Crash Bandicoot 30th Anniversary festivities by re-releasing his cute and chibi Nendoroid figure, and my inner '90s kid is frothing at the mouth.

The $53.99 (via Good Smile Company) toy features Crash in all his orange-colored, jeans-wearing glory, and like the rest of the Nendoroid line-up, it includes swappable parts so you can recreate your favorite scenes and poses. You've got extra arms, and even a spare eye and tongue to play around with, but most importantly, Good Smile made sure to include Crash's iconic pal, Aku Aku.

Aku Aku does not make the iconic "ooga-booga" sound when you slap him on Crash's face, but he still looks absolutely adorable in Nendoroid form. Just beware that if you want him, and a little posable Crash to keep amongst the best Crash Bandicoot merch in your collection, the pre-order window closes on October 20 next month.

I don't know about you, but as someone who remembers clutching the original gray PlayStation controller in their hand and looking longingly at the screen as Crash typhooned his way through crates and skunks, I feel like I'm turning into a pile of dust acknowledging his 30th anniversary. Yet this re-release of the incredibly detailed figure is giving me reason to stay on earth and not disappear off into the wind.

Sculpter toytec D.T.C has really outdone themselves with this toy, as Crash looks like he jumped straight out of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. While I would have preferred if they took more inspiration from the original PS1 games, the details are glorious. From the 3D tufts of hair on Crash's arms to the markings on his gloves, this is probably one of the best depictions I've seen of the iconic game mascot in toy form.

Of course, what makes any Nendoroid special is not just how adorable these chibi-inspired toys look, but what you can do with them. As I mentioned earlier, you can attach Aku Aku to Crash's face just like in the game series. While that doesn't grant this toy a short stint of invincibility, as a neat detail, the figure includes an additional stand so you can pose the sentient mask next to Crash instead.

That detail alone is what has me hammering to pre-order this Nendoroid while I still can. Aku Aku was such a prominent part of my PlayStation-playing childhood, and I love that Good Smile thought to allow you to pose him on or alongside Crash. Again, the only thing that'd make it sweeter would be if Good Smile packaged in a polygonal version of the iconic sidekick, but maybe we'll get a PS1-looking Crash toy in the future.

If you want a little articulated Crash Bandicoot for yourself, you can pre-order him now from the US or UK Good Smile Company online stores. Just be warned that while the pre-order window closes on October 20, he won't arrive at your door until between April 1 to June 30, 2027. It's a long time to wait, but the pure, nostalgia-fueled detail on display should make it worth it.

• View all Good Smile Company Nendoroid toys at Amazon

For more cool collectibles, check out the best Lego sets.

Would you believe Crash Bandicoot has left his 20s? The series celebrates its 30th birthday this week, and every mainline release is still available to play on modern consoles. While the Bandicoot starts noticing the physical effects of those tornado spins and body slams, then, we can relive the glory days with all four central releases.

Not only that, but you bet there's a whole host of gadgets and gizmos designed to accompany you on this platforming odyssey. From socks to official artbooks, that ginger face pops up a lot more than you might assume. Whether you jumped in with It's About Time or you've seen the final levels of Crash Bash, there's plenty to jump into here.

Naughty Dog's Crash Bandicoot launched in North America and Europe in 1996, hitting the original PlayStation with a flourish. Crash went on to become the brand's mascot character for the rest of the 90s and well into the 2000s. In all that time, there have only been four numbered entries in the franchise, but that's not counting some series highlights; Wrath of Cortex, Warped, and Crash Team Racing.

Crash Bandicoot games

Crash Bandicoot accessories

We're also rounding up the best Legend of Zelda merch as well as the best Mario merch and Resident Evil merch for more memories.

I hope you've been practicing your airs and graces, because a Lego Downton Abbey set is on its way.

This thing feels as grand as the actual house itself with all that stately grandeur; Lego Downton Abbey challenges some of the best Lego sets with a whopping 4,711 pieces, and you flip the facade around to reveal some of the location's best-known spaces like the dining room, servant's hall, and library. There are over 10 minifigures included as well, ranging from The Dowager Countess and Lord Grantham to Mrs. Hughes. It's a pretty comprehensive cross-section of the cast from across the show and movies, so chances are your favorites are included.

Lego Downton Abbey will be available to order from October 4, or October 1 if you're part of the free Lego Insiders program.

This ode to the beloved period drama is actually based on a fan design submitted by Sebastian Veselka, whose build gained thousands of supporters and was eventually chosen by Lego to be turned into an actual kit.

"Rebuilding Downton Abbey as a LEGO set felt like the perfect way to celebrate the series in a personal way, bringing together my love of British architecture, my memories of watching the show with my family, and the atmosphere of the 1920s," says Veselka. "Seeing the project reach 10,000 supporters in just three months was incredible. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported it and can’t wait for fans to travel back in time and step inside the Crawley family’s iconic home in LEGO brick form."

In a sweet twist, there's actually a cute Easter egg referencing Veselka in this model; the newspaper features their initials, 'SV.'

Of course, that's not the only reference hidden away there. Fans of the series will spot plenty of goodies inspired by the show like Mr. Carson's candlestick telephone and plaques below bells for each room (including a cheeky new addition, the "Lego room").

Because so much drama takes place around the dining table, the minifigures for Lego Downton Abbey feature additional clothing elements that are especially designed to let them sit.

As a massive fan of the show as well as a longtime Lego nerd, I'm pretty chuffed with how this has turned out. It really does look the part and captures the most important rooms of the house, all while filling it with most of the iconic characters (honestly, I don't know if I could deal with the emotional damage of Matthew and Sybil being included). I've seen some criticism online that it doesn't feature the house's third floor where the servants sleep, but I don't think that loss detracts much. As noted by HeisenBergeron61492 on a reddit thread discussing the model, this would also balloon the cost: "It's already a 4,700 piece set for $350, where do you think an entire third floor with furnished rooms is coming from in that parts budget without massively increasing the price?" I'm with them, and don't think we'd gain much in exchange for the uptick in MSRP.

Lego Downton Abbey can be added to your own household this October, alongside a new Lego PlayStation and Lego Wallace & Gromit.

This isn't the only cool new kit to be revealed over the last few days; as it happens, we're also getting a new Lego Link & Epona kit based on Ocarina of Time.

• See the latest Lego kits at Lego

Following a surprise announcement during a Legend of Zelda-themed Nintendo Direct, Hasbro's Master Sword prop is now up for pre-order. Usually, replicas like this are many rupees… but not in this case. The toy is much more affordable than I thought it'd be.

Announced alongside merch for the Ocarina of Time Remake, including a playable ocarina, the Hasbro Master Sword will set you back $39.99 and should arrive on your doorstep in Spring 2027 (just in time for the new movie, in other words). Pre-orders should theoretically be live at Amazon, Hasbro Pulse, Walmart, and more, but stock is currently hard to come by. I've got more details on where you might find the prop below, but the TL:DR version is to keep a close eye on Hasbro Pulse. It's already dropped back into stock there once, so watch it like a hawk in case that happens again.

While this is a smaller prop and isn't a 1:1 replica (it's very much a toy), it still looks rather handsome in product photography with plenty of detail to its name. Yes, it's clearly made of plastic, but the colors and proportions are surprisingly spot-on despite this thing being 27 inches rather than the full 40 or so.

This may be smaller than the actual Master Sword at 27 inches, but it's still packed with cool features. It uses 15+ sound effects, including the equip/un-equip audio when the toy is lifted or set down by the hilt. It also provides swiping and clashing noises when swung, or upon impact. Rather than the Ocarina remake everyone's going nuts over though, this Master Sword is based on the one seen in Tears of the Kingdom. That means it'll go nicely with Hasbro's first Legend of Zelda action figures.

The Electronic Master Sword is being made by the folks over at Hasbro Pulse, e.g. the place behind incredible replicas like the Darth Vader Force FX Elite Lightsaber or that phenomenally tempting Wolverine helmet. However, I don't think it'll be the only Master Sword produced there. I'd be downright astounded if those folks didn't make a full-size, 1:1 scale replica at some point, not unlike the Proplica version that made us weep with pure Zelda fandom joy. An absurdly detailed replica designed for adult collectors with sound effects and a cool stand to show it off on? That's absolutely within Pulse's wheelhouse. We just have to be patient, I guess.

In the meantime, will you be grabbing this new Master Sword?

This isn't the only awesome merch revealed during the Zelda direct; we also got a Lego Link and Epona kit, not to mention two new Ocarina of Time amiibo figures. They're certainly contenders for our list of the best Legend of Zelda merch...

• See all Legend of Zelda amiibo at Amazon

The brand-new Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time amiibo may feel pretty cursed to some, at least where their unlocks are concerned, but I'm absolutely smitten with these new collectibles.

The $24.99-each (GameStop) amiibo aren't just adorable little replicas of Young Link and Young Zelda as they appear in the upcoming Ocarina of Time Remake, but they also pay homage to some of my most beloved game artwork, at least for Link. The image of the little Hero of Time glancing at Navi the fairy as she's about to perch on his hand was used alongside the release of the original 1998 N64 game. Illustrated by artist Yusuke Nakano, the iconic art graced everything from Nintendo magazines of the era to the official Ocarina of Time Player's Guide by Nintendo Power (via Internet Archive), and it's incredible to see it in toy form all these years later.

Young Zelda appears to be rocking out her own unique pose, but as a pair, they're still undoubtedly detailed and adorable figures I can't wait to add to my collection. As it stands, I'll have to be a bit more patient to pre-order them myself, as both Young Link and Young Zelda have yet to appear on UK retailers. However, I've still gathered the links you'll need below once they drop, alongside which retailers you can visit to secure your new amiibo today if you're on the US side of the Lake Hylia fishing pond

I instantly clocked the classic art homage of the Young Link amiibo when it was first unveiled during the Nintendo Direct held yesterday. As a 90s kid and a hardened Zelda fan, the image of Link looking at Navi has been long etched in my brain for decades. While I'll have to get used to this new version of Link with his busy-looking tunic, I'm pretty excited to add this iconic pose to my Zelda merch collection - but I can't help but wish they chose different artwork as inspiration.

One of the most standout classic pieces of Ocarina of Time artwork features Young Link and Zelda sitting side by side. That would have been more fitting, particularly as Nintendo could have designed it so that the amiibo bases could fit together to get the pose just right. Ninty recently showed with its Splatoon Raiders amiibo that it can release figures that connect together, so it could have been a possibility for these two. But alas, I'm happy with any new Ocarina of Time amiibo, particularly as we've only had two so far - one of Young Link and one of Adult Link holding the ocarina, which is now in the Princess's hands this time around.

If you aren't an Ocarina of Time fan, the recent Nintendo Direct also included a reminder that the Mineru's Construct amiibo pre-orders are up for grabs. This figure is the first of the line-up to be articulated, which makes it one of the most unique amiibo in the Legend of Zelda line-up.

• View all Legend of Zelda amiibo at GameStop

Check out our Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake pre-order page and where to buy the Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch 2 Pro controller while you're here.

Two new amiibo are on the way for Ocarina of Time remake, and they look fantastic - but what they unlock is seriously weirding me out.

Revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct livestream, these figures depict Young Link sitting on a stump with Navi the fairy and Young Zelda as she plays what I think might be the Ocarina of Time itself. As with all amiibo (and particularly the Legend of Zelda range like the new Mineru's Construct that just went up for pre-order at Amazon), they're impressively detailed so could be sold as mini statuettes in their own right... but that's just the tip of the iceberg, because they also unlock in-game items. In this case, deeply cursed masks of their former selves.

Yes, you'll be able to wear a mask of original Link or Zelda in all their polygonal glory after using these amiibo in the Ocarina of Time remake. Judging by the stream, there won't be any other benefit - just the ability to parade around in a chilling facsimile of their faces with one hell of a dead-eyed stare.

While I understand the idea in principle, there's something unsettling about the execution; besides it feeling odd for Link to run around Hyrule wearing his old face like a pint-sized version of Michael Myers, it's jarring to see the crisp, highly detailed character model under a pixelated mug with edges so sharp they could cut someone.

Still, at least the amiibo themselves are fantastic. The attention to detail is every bit as meticulous as you'd expect from modern amiibo, and Link is a fun nod to the past. Taking a break on a log while Navi the fairy perches on his hand, this image is pulled directly from artwork for the original game. That makes it a neat ode to N64 Ocarina of Time that anyone who grew up with the game will appreciate.

This wasn't the only merch unveiled during the stream; besides the reveal of a new Lego Link and Epona kit, Nintendo just showed off an electronic Master Sword to accompany new Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake, as well as a playable ocarina. These are shaping up to be some of the best Legend of Zelda merch already...

• See all Legend of Zelda amiibo at Amazon

Nintendo has just announced a whole swathe of new The Legend of Zelda merch pieces in its 40th Anniversary Direct, but among them sits an electronic Master Sword that looks to continue a long line of gorgeous replicas. We don't yet know what electronics will be included in the Master Sword toy, but Hasbro originally teased something sword-shaped was coming back in July.

Of course, if wielding the greatest sword in Nintendo's history doesn't excite you, the brand has plenty more planned to accompany The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's remake later this year. In its direct, Ninty also showed off a collaboration with Huzzle for two Master Sword and Hylian Shield figures, available in either full color or gold, as well as its own playable ocarina and Hori's new electric ocarina.

Finally, we were once again shown the three Heroes of Hyrule figures previously announced at Comic Con. The Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganondorf poseable figures are due to release in Spring 2027.

So far, we've been championing Proplica's iteration to any Master Sword enthusiasts who ask. This is a similar "electronic" variant, with its own sound effects and rumble features powered by two AA batteries. Complete with its own sheath and stand, the Bandai version has been the gold standard for some time now, at a $199.99 (GameStop) price tag. Hasbro's equivalent is a lot cheaper at $42.99, but it's also less detailed. Rather than a true 1:1 replica, this is more of a casual shelf piece; it's only 27 inches long and features 15+ sounds activated by movement and impact. A button is hidden on the back of the hilt, presumably to activate all this. It'll be available to pre-order from Wednesday, September 9 at 10AM PT / 1PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Walmart, and Amazon, with an estimated release date of Spring 2027.

Aside from Hasbro, Hori was another name that popped up in the 40th Anniversary Legend of Zelda Direct. The "electric ocarina" had us scratching our heads at first, but now that Hori Store's official product listing is up we know a little more about what this gadget wants to do.

Compatible with Ocarina of Time's voice recognition feature, and can be used in-game to wield the power of Link's songs yourself. Don't want to do the heavy lifting? A secondary mode looks like it can also run through all the songs for you as well. Whether or not Hasbro's Electronic Master Sword has any similar in-game benefits remains to be seen.

• See all Legend of Zelda accessories at Amazon

We're also bringing you all the latest Super Mario merch and the latest details on the Lego Legend of Zelda Link and Epona set as well.

A new Lego Legend of Zelda set has been announced in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it reveal during the latest Nintendo Direct livestream.

As is only right considering the imminent release for Ninty's Ocarina of Time remake, the latest kit depicts Link and Epona striking a heroic pose on a small slice of Hyrule Field. This one isn't like the other Lego Legend of Zelda sets so far, though; rather than being a diorama with the usual minifigures (as seen in the Final Battle set that hit the Lego store earlier this year or the now-retired Lego Great Deku Tree), it's one of the company's larger 'big' figures.

There's no word yet on when this kit will be launching, though. In fact, we don't even know this model's price. However, we can make an educated guess. Lego doesn't typically show off kits too far ahead of launch, so if I had to guess, I think we'll see this one hitting shelves in early October, November, or December.

From what I can tell, this model may not have to be displayed with Epona rearing up. The bottom of her hind legs and the knees of her front legs seem to be hinged, so if I had to guess, you can probably pose her however you like. (The base certainly looks big enough to accommodate all four hooves being on the ground, if barely.)

I think it's a similar story for Link. His arms, hands, and head look as though they can be twisted, though based on the angle I can't be sure about the legs. It's possible he'll take a leaf out of Lego Luigi & Mach 8's book in that his top half is flexible, but his bottom half isn't.

Either way, this kit looks pretty manageable no matter whether you're coming back to Lego for the first time in years, have never built a set, or are a veteran of many models. While it's hard to gauge size from a screengrab, you can hazard a good guess based on the pieces used. Judging by the jagged two-stud pieces around Epona's hooves which usually weigh in at around 16mm long, I think this model will be between six and ten inches tall when reared up.

No matter what, we should find out precise details soon. Keep a close eye on Lego for more in the coming weeks.

This wasn't the only cool collectible to appear during the Nintendo Direct stream; Nintendo announces electronic Master Sword to accompany new Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake, as well as a playable ocarina.

• See all the latest sets over at Lego

The chances of us getting an official Lego GTA 6 set are slim to nil (something tells me it doesn't fit the toy-maker's family-friendly vibe), so seeing a fan-made version is such a tease for what could be.

Creator hachiroku24 has taken matters into their own hands by making a model inspired by GTA 6, and I'd go so far as to say it's a homerun. I've got no notes; whether it's the high-speed chase or a spot-on version of the logo towering over everything else, this thing is perfect. If there was going to be an official Lego GTA 6 set for Lego's 18+ range, I'd want it to look like this.

On the reddit thread showing off this model, Cherego sums up my thoughts perfectly with "If this would be an official set, I'd buy it [in] an instant." RobberySuspect agrees, adding "Oh my god I love the design you nailed this!" (As you can see for yourself below, hachiroku24 really did.)

The kit shows protagonists Lucia and Jason escaping the law on a speedboat while the cops are left high and dry against a backdrop of palm trees. It's understated, but nails a key part of the Grand Theft Auto experience without taking the easy way out; rather than resorting to a chaotic five-star shootout, it sells the franchise's blend of action, taboo luxury, and danger in a much more subtle but effective way. It's the kind of scene I could see playing out at the beginning of the game, before the logo appears against the city skyline.

Speaking of which, this set then goes one better and adds a GTA 6 logo hovering overhead. Besides the font being pitch-perfect, the gradient colors help sell those sun-kissed Miami vibes. (It's up there with the best Lego sets so far as looks go.) A lot of fans on the reddit thread seem to agree, with numerous comments praising just how accurate the font is. "Looking at this on mobile I thought the background was printed and the model was in the foreground," nocolon writes. "Absolutely mindblown after expanding the image. That’s incredible."

This level of skill won't come as a surprise to long-term Lego fans, though. User hachiroku24 is well known for making incredible homebrew builds, and they recently dreamt up an incredible Lego Final Fantasy set, not to mention a Lego Pokemon kit that's good enough to look official. I'd argue this is their finest work yet.

Unfortunately, these kits and the Lego GTA 6 set aren't official models you can buy – and in the case of Grand Theft Auto, they likely never will be. Hopefully hachiroku24 releases some instructions, so we can have a go at making it ourselves…

Lego Astro Bot leaks as a free gift for the PlayStation kit, and I kinda wish it was being sold separately.

• See all the for-adults display sets over at Lego

We've just got our first look at a leaked Lego Astro Bot set, and fans are already heartbroken that it may not be widely available.

It's been rumored for a long time that the new PlayStation kit (which already has hidden secrets I think fans are gonna love) would come with a free Lego Astro Bot model when bought direct from Lego, and it seems that hunch was on the money. The kit has been shown off early on reddit via Essential Japan, and the common consensus is that it rocks.

"This is too good to be just a GWP [gift with purchase]," TheLimeyLemmon writes. User donkeyrocket agrees; they responded that Astro Bot "Took my interest in the [PlayStation] set from 0 to 100." That's understandable; because it's a gift with purchase, you won't be able to get Lego Astro Bot separately, and it'll only be available for a limited time while stocks last. Considering how it challenges some of the best Lego sets for cute-factor alone, that's a bit of a bummer.

A really cool kit being relegated to freebie status isn't new. Indeed, a Sega Genesis controller was up for grabs last year… but as a gift with purchase, it wasn't easy to get. As jackos puts it on the reddit thread mentioned earlier, Astro Bot may be "One of the most egregious GWP hostage situations ever."

I don't know about you, but I'd certainly buy it if it was sold separately. If it's real, this kit exudes charm and personality despite being so simple (it doesn't seem to be made up of many pieces). The fact that it comes on a stand with the logo attached also makes it feel like a complete entity rather than a fun extra like some GWPs.

No matter what, it's not been confirmed that Astro Bot will be packaged alongside the PlayStation model. However, after those leaks and this first glimpse, I wouldn't be surprised. I suppose we'll just have to wait until Lego PlayStation goes live on October 4 (or October 1, if you're part of the free Lego Insider program) to find out.

In other news, fans are loving the new Lego Wallace & Gromit, but the same can't be said for Buddy the Elf.

• See the latest kits at Lego

Lego can't keep making the same sets forever, and unfortunately Lego Nightmare Before Christmas has had its number called – it'll be retiring in just a few months. That's why one of its best ever discounts has me doing a Jack Skellington impression and asking "what's this?"

You can currently pick up Lego Nightmare Before Christmas for $40 less than usual at both Amazon and Walmart, and while that may not sound jaw-dropping in itself, this is actually the cheapest it's been in a long, long time. Because it's due to retire (e.g. stop production/no longer be available) in December, the offer has arrived as an early Christmas gift for fans of the Tim Burton movie.

This model is actually three kits in one; you're getting that iconic curled hill above the graveyard Jack visits at key points in the film, Jack's house, and the town hall. These can be displayed together and connected in one continuous scene, or separately. There are also a handful of minifigures; Jack, Sally, the Mayor, Santa, and the trick or treater kids (Lock, Shock, and Barrel). There's even a little Zero the ghost dog.

I put this kit together shortly after it came out, and walked away deeply impressed at how well it manages to capture the crooked, off-kilter design of the beloved movie. At first glance, it shouldn't work; parts of it feel too top-heavy to be practical. However, Lego's designers have worked some magic to replicate that Burton-esque off-kilter look in a way that'll stand the test of time without collapsing under its own weight. Don't get me wrong, Jack's house isn't going to like being moved unless you take great care while doing so (I learned this to my detriment). But the actual structure is surprisingly sturdy, and some clever elements like off-center supports have been added to make it feel more warped than it actually is.

Yes, I'm disappointed Oogie Boogie wasn't featured here as a minifigure. But that's really my only criticism of this set. As a massive fan of Nightmare Before Christmas, I think it does a great job of honoring the source material.

While there's a chance this offer will return for Black Friday and end-of-year sales, I'm doubtful we'll see a much better bargain. This is the largest cut we've seen in at least a year, at least according to price-matching software like CamelCamelCamel. Plus, from experience, stock will start to evaporate after the retirement date of December 31 – that's certainly what happened to the Lego Great Deku Tree earlier in 2026. I don't want to sound alarmist, but I would be a little wary of waiting too long if you're keen to pick this model up. From my years writing about Lego, I'm not convinced we'll see a much better saving before it's gone.

Speaking of nostalgia, a new Lego PlayStation has been revealed with hidden secrets I think fans are gonna love.

• See the latest kits at Lego

Sony has officially revealed a Lego PlayStation set, recreating the original retro console in surprisingly interactive detail.

Shown off during the latest State of Play stream, this kit is made up of nearly 2,000 pieces and is a near-1:1 replica of the system that kicked it all off in 1994. It isn't just a display piece to look at, though; it has 'working' buttons, one for power and another that actually opens the disc tray. Rather than a disc, though, the Lego PlayStation is hiding something else under the hood: it contains two dioramas based on a couple of its most iconic games, Gran Turismo and Ape Escape.

Lego PlayStation will be available direct from Lego on October 4 (or October 1 if you're a member of the free Lego Insider program). You'll also be able to get it via PlayStation as of October 1.

Other console sets (like the recent Lego Sega Genesis kit) have been quite a lot smaller than the real thing, but Lego PlayStation bucks that trend by being close to actual size. That gives it room to fit those two tiny scenes inside. Gran Turismo's diorama is a miniature race track featuring scaled down cars, while Ape Escape is a lush island course. These mini-builds can be removed and displayed separately alongside the Lego PlayStation model; you pull away the sides to remove them from the main system.

That extra real estate allows the PlayStation controller model (which can be detached or attached via the front port) to be much more accurate too. One criticism we had for the Genesis set was its controllers being too small to do their inspiration justice, and it was an even less flattering comparison due to Lego releasing a separate, larger Genesis controller as a gift-with-purchase in 2025. This version of the PlayStation handset feels so much more accurate, though. And considering how much of a logistical nightmare it must have been to match that instantly-recognizable, curved shape with Lego bricks, hats off to the design team.

Frankly, the only thing this model's missing is that power-up sound when you turn the console on...

The one thing I've seen fans questioning is the use of Ape Escape. While it was a staple of the original PlayStation, there are arguably more iconic options. (Plus, as noted by our own retro expert Phil Hayton, having Ape Escape here without recreating the DualShock controller it required is an odd choice.) Fans on reddit have been quick to point this out, but they've also wisely noted that the lack of dioramas for IP like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, or Final Fantasy VII is likely due to licensing issues. redDKtie sums it up nicely on the same reddit thread by observing that "Crash and Spyro are owned by Microsoft now. And idk how easy it is to secure the Final Fantasy 7 license for this kind of thing. So those weren't likely."

What do you think of the kit? Will you be picking up the Lego PlayStation when it hits shelves in October? Let me know in the comments.

This isn't the only nostalgic throwback from the brick-makers next month; fans are loving new Lego Wallace & Gromit, but the same can't be said for Buddy the Elf.

• See the latest Lego kits at Lego

Fans have long suspected it, but it's now official that new Lego Harry Potter sets based on the upcoming HBO series are brewing.

Revealed via the Back to Hogwarts livestream that went up in time for September 1 (AKA the day Hogwarts students traditionally return to school in the books and movies), the toy-maker confirmed that it was indeed working on a series of Lego Harry Potter sets inspired by the HBO show. While we don't know what those will be just yet, the teaser did give us our first look at the new minifigures for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Plus, co-host Rhianna Dhillon noted that these sets would be coming "so, so soon." I guess that means we can expect them to hit the digital Lego store shelves in the not-so-distant future.

In terms of the trio, Harry's wearing the new Gryffindor Hogwarts uniform while Hermione and Ron are in their civilian getup. While Ron seems to have a new hairpiece that more accurately represents the actor playing him in the HBO series (as does Hermione, though hers is very similar to previous models), Harry seems to have exactly the same face print and hair as older minifigs.

This raises an interesting point. Even though the show has a different visual design to the movies, it's gonna retread old ground already covered by Lego by necessity. Are we going to get slightly tweaked versions of older sets as a result? Fans on reddit are certainly wary of this, with user BlueAraquanid sarcastically noting that "Oh my god guys are we gonna get another hogwarts castle? Maybe finally get a ford Anglia? If they make enough seasons we could even get a buildable dobby! This might be lego’s most creative and innovative theme yet." (We have of course got multiple Hogwarts Castles, Ford Anglias, and Dobbys already.)

I also wonder what this means for kits based on the movies. Will they take a backseat in favor of the new HBO models, or are both ranges going to be launched simultaneously? I suppose we'll have to wait and see.

There's plenty kicking off for brick-builders this week; fans are loving new Lego Wallace & Gromit, but the same can't be said for Buddy the Elf, and a host of awesome new Lego sets just launched for September.

Although she is not involved in the development of Lego Harry Potter sets, GamesRadar+ acknowledges the role of J.K. Rowling in the creation of the Wizarding World, as well as her publicly-stated views regarding the rights of transgender people. If you'd like to offer your support to the communities affected by Rowling's rhetoric, consider donating to the National Center for Transgender Equality in the US, or Mermaids in the UK.

• Check out other new sets at Lego

Even though we're only just creeping into September, this year's Disney Halloween merch is already rising from the grave. The sun may still be blazing and it feels as though Fall is way down the road, but make no mistake: spooky season is beginning to emerge from its crypt like an impatient zombie.

A lot of brands have started to summon the spirits their merch as a result, and that includes a full Disney Halloween collection. We're talking multiple pages with hundreds of items on the Disney Store, ranging from cute Mickey-themed sweaters to creepy decorations from the Haunted Mansion. (It's like that super-effective Pokemon Halloween merch drop, but on a far larger scale.) To help you sort the treats from the tricks, I've rounded up my favorite items right here.

While we're seeing some reruns of last year's goodies, I'm not sorry. I adore the Mickey Pumpkin Wreath that's been reanimated for another year, for example, and it perfectly recreates the decoration seen on Main Street USA lampposts in Disney World. However, that isn't to say there's plenty of new stuff. I particularly like the Minnie ornament that has her waiting by a lamppost and some pumpkins. It's the perfect blend of cute 'n' spooky that really works for Disney.

Without further ado, here's a curated collection of my favorites. Welcome, foolish mortals, to this year's brew of Disney Halloween merch.

Strange things are afoot this spooky season, because it turns out you can transform a Lego pumpkin set into the Millennium Falcon...

• See all the 2026 merch at the Disney Store

The community seems to unanimously agree that a new Lego Wallace & Gromit set is amazing… but that Buddy the Elf leaves something to be desired. I guess Lego giveth, and Lego taketh away.

The toy-maker has finally pulled back the curtain on Lego Wallace & Gromit after it won a fan-design challenge to become a real set, and I've yet to see a bad word said about this model online. Whether it's the clay-like figures or very reasonable price for a set of this size ($99.99 at Lego, or £89.99 in the UK), the ode to Aardman animation is hitting all the right notes. I've been very vocal about how I don't think humanoid figures work very well in Lego form, but this kit? Wow. It makes me want to eat my words.

Which brings us neatly to Lego Buddy the Elf, which you can see for yourself on the Lego store. I don't want to dogpile this model because it's already getting plenty of that online, but let's just say it hasn't received a glowing reception. Criticisms range from the fact the model "doesn't look enough like him" (via IndianaJoes on reddit) to how it seems as though he's flipping the bird.

Speaking of birds, one thing everyone can agree on is that the included puffin looks perfect. (They're right, it does.)

"Buddy vs Wallace and Gromit… The duality of buildable display figures," writes thriftstoremando on the same reddit thread. You can judge for yourself below.

Fortunately, the reception to Lego's other Christmas sets has been far more warm. The new "Santa's Holiday Countdown" kit at the Lego store is adorable, showing St. Nick climbing down a chimney which doubles as a calendar. He's joined by a scaled-up Mrs. Claus big figure, a collection of adorable ornaments, a classic stocking accompanied by a toy soldier minifig, and a "Santa's Sleigh Adventure" with the big man himself, Mrs. Claus, and a couple of reindeer. There's a lot of choice if you want to decorate your home with Lego this festive season, and it makes me excited to see what the company has cooked up for its annual addition to the winter village range.

Like the look of these models? All of them hit shelves on October 1, 2026 – including Lego Wallace & Gromit.

In the here and now, the best new Lego sets in September 2026 are cracking; there's everything from a fantastic Spongebob kit to the Enterprise bridge.

• See all the latest Lego kits at Lego

Lego produces enough kits each month that its release schedule is eclectic at the best of times, but the best new Lego sets in September 2026 are enough to give me whiplash. A pineapple house under the sea sits alongside a magical model that laughs in the face of physics, followed by a one of cinema's most iconic cars... which isn't what it seems. Captain Kirk, Gremlins, and Doctor Doom follow close behind, because of course they do. (It's like the start of a really bad "...walked into a bar" joke, isn't it?)

In short, there's a lot going on - and I'm here to break down the very best new Lego sets in September 2026 so you know what to prioritize. You'll find my top picks below, and I've selected the ones I think are most interesting based on my years covering the best Lego sets. Want the bigger picture instead? No problem. You'll find every single model releasing this month further down the page.

There's certainly a lot to take in. Besides Star Trek, Batman, and Spongebob Squarepants, Lego's also releasing its advent calendar range in September. If you want to secure one ahead of the holiday season, it's worth jumping in early; some of the most popular ones sell out long before December.

Naturally, we aren't just getting three new Lego sets in September 2026; 17 kits are hitting the shelves. I've listed each and every one below, providing a better overview of what's on the way. With the exception of the Batmobile, each kit will arrive on September 1.

BrickHeadz

DC

Editions

Harry Potter

Icons

Marvel

Minifigures

Other

It's been a busy few weeks for Lego; besides a new Lego Star Wars kit that is the longest set ever made, it revealed the first Lego Super Mario minifigures.

• See all the latest Lego sets at Lego

Despite its self-aggrandizing name, Lego The Mighty Bowser isn't overexaggerating; it really is an impressive monster of a kit. Actually, I'd go so far as to say it's one of the best Lego sets ever made.

Or at least, it was. This behemoth has now been retired, which means it's becoming harder to get hold of now that Lego has stopped producing it. In fact, it'll only be available so long as stock lasts at third-party retailers like Amazon. Because Lego The Mighty Bowser is one of my all-time favorite models, consider this a plea – if you love Super Mario, consider this set before it vanishes into the ether forever.

Lego The Mighty Bowser (#71411) features

This enormous figure is easily the most detailed and accurate Lego version of Bowser available… and that includes the new Lego Super Mario range. Although it's not to-scale with the interactive Mario figures, it should sit nicely alongside the Mario Kart set as well as the Lego Luigi and Mach 8 kit. They seem roughly the same size.

In terms of what this model can do, it isn't just a pretty face; its head, arms, hands, fingers, mouth, eyebrows, and eyes can all be moved for some quite distinct poses. Lego The Mighty Bowser also shoots a fire bolt from his mouth at the push of a button.

Build

Despite the size and apparent complexity of Lego The Mighty Bowser, I generally found it to be a straightforward project. It doesn't have many small fiddly bits, and the build develops in a very logical way. I was able to make quick progress as a result; it only took me around five hours to finish across a few evenings. I suspect it could last up to 10 hours if you're not as experienced with building Lego, but it's not a mammoth project like Lego Rivendell.

However, I do have a bone to pick with designers here. The instructions don't put the usual lines around pieces you're supposed to be adding, which makes seeing what to do next a (very frustrating) game of spot the difference. I missed certain pieces as a result, and had to go back a step when things weren't adding up.

Design

This is the most impressive figure in the Lego Super Mario range, no questions asked. Sure, the Mario Kart figures are great and the old question block is soaked in nostalgia. The Lego Piranha Plant is full of character, too. But none compare to The Mighty Bowser. It's the sort of set that'll elicit a "woah" when seen in person, and is a dead ringer for its on-screen inspiration.

The fact it's so posable gives it a real sense of life, too; it's easy to personalize how Bowser looks on the shelf, and those moving eyes (a rarity for Lego figures) really help with that expressive nature.

Because it's so sturdy, you won't have any trouble adjusting it on the fly either. Sure, it won't stand up to rigorous play from younger fans and is most definitely a display-only kit. But it's far more robust than other models of this kind, such as Lego Optimus Prime.

Finally, I adore that the themed base feels like a slice of Bowser's castle. It melts into the background compared to the King Koopa himself, but brings back memories of those boss battles if you look closer. The stone 'cracking' under Bowser's weight is a particularly nice touch.

Should you buy Lego The Mighty Bowser?

Because this kit is going to the Mushroom Kingdom in the sky and will become increasingly difficult to find, I'd recommend grabbing it sooner than later if you were at all interested. While it's possible we'll get a new and improved version down the line, that's far from guaranteed.

So long as you can find it at a reasonable price, I think it's pretty great value too. There's nothing else like it in Lego's repertoire, and even though issues with instruction clarity let it down, everything else shines.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more collectible recommendations, don't miss the best Super Mario merch or our guide to the best toys.

Pokémon is coming to your wrist, no not in the Pokemon Go wearable we've all been asking for for years, but in the form of a special edition Fitbit Air. Google announced the collaboration today, bringing a Snorlaxian blue aesthetic to its 2026 release with a launch date set for September 15 and pre-orders live right now.

The $129.99 device originally launched back in May as a lightweight health tracker built with Gemini's AI features in mind. The Pokémon Sleep version functions exactly the same as a regular Fitbit Air, just with that relaxing blue colorway and an appropriately snoozy Pikachu stamped onto the strap. Everyone's favorite electric-type stands out against the background with a yellow border design, shared by the Pokémon Sleep logo to the right.

If you already have a fitness tracker, it's worth noting that most mainstream models already support all the same Pokémon Sleep integration features. There aren't any additional sleep tracking bonuses to be found in this special edition, Pikachu's for vibes only.

Pokémon Sleep tracks your rest each night, before rewarding that slumber with new creatures for your Sleep Style Pokédex. The game side of things has you researching different Pokémon sleeping patterns, all while keeping Snorlax berried and happy. Again, most fitness trackers already integrate directly with the app via iOS or Android, the new Pokémon Sleep Fitbit Air is simply an extra statement piece.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was a hit, though. The run on Pokémon merch is relentless - in just the last few weeks we've had resellers charging ridiculous amounts for free donut boxes, and the Pokémon Polaroid camera pre-orders recently sold out in just a couple of days as well. If you're a major fan and have been meaning to pick up a fitness tracker anyway, this is one to jump on sooner rather than later.

The Fitbit Air is a lighter tracker. You won't find the in-depth metrics of more premium, screen-based devices here. However, it's positioned well as a screen-free alternative to expensive Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit Charge wearables.

Pikachu's app seems to be a good fit here as well. Many opt for the Fitbit Air specifically for its sleep tracking. Its low-weight, breathable design looks to keep it comfortable. Some reports state that it's not quite as good at automatic workout tracking, and can miss some activities. It also lacks the GPS features of more sophisticated smartwatches as well.

• See all fitness trackers at Amazon

For more pocket monsters, check out where to buy Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration cards as well as all the upcoming Pokémon Halloween merch.

There's a hidden Lego Millennium Falcon in the new Star Wars set, but you'll need to break out your magnifying glass to spot it.

The Executor Super Star Destroyer was already making headlines as the longest Lego set ever made, but it's got a fun secret: the galaxy's greatest hunk o' junk, hidden in plain sight. If you look closely at the 6,130-piece kit (which you can see at the Lego store listing), you'll spot a tiny Star Destroyer floating on a stand beside it. Zoom in on one of the lifestyle photos and you can just make out a teeny Millennium Falcon hiding on the miniature Star Wars set.

Fans quickly spotted this on reddit, and considering the thread's 9.2K upvotes, I'd say folks are keen on the idea. "Finally, a 1-piece Falcon build!" reflechir jokes. "The micro build falcon crown has been won," adds Stryker_T. Seeing as the Falcon is printed onto a clear single stud of around 5mm in this build, I think they're right.

This is obviously a reference to Empire Strikes Back, where Han Solo and co park the ship on the back of a Star Destroyer to evade pursuit. It's a really neat little Easter egg that you could absolutely miss at first glance, but should put a smile on most fans' faces when they look closer. I thought it was a representation of the Star Destroyer's shield generator at first before zooming in and clocking what it actually was. Considering how someone recently turned a Lego pumpkin into the Millennium Falcon, I feel like I'm starting to see the ship everywhere.

Will there be other hidden secrets in the Executor set? Almost certainly. Most kits of this size squirrel away fun references within the build, like Lego Rivendell putting the Eye of Sauron under its council chamber or the Lego Disney Castle featuring a literal hidden Mickey.

I don't know if we can expect as many hidden secrets with the revamped range, but there are plenty of references in the new Lego Super Mario sets (which add minifigures for the first time).

• See all the latest sets at the Lego store

The Lord of the Rings is a series packed to the gills with iconic moments and visuals throughout its 682-minute runtime. But if you ask me, the most iconic of all came from the first and best film (an opinion I'm sure nobody would disagree with), Fellowship of the Ring. Lego The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) showcases that moment, when Gandalf decides he's going to solo the mighty Balrog while the rest of the squad runs off, and utters those four iconic words that are now forever etched onto that Lego tile: "You shall not pass."

This iconic Middle-earth smackdown is the one of the latest to join Lego's 'Book Nook' series. And while others in the range feel more packed with details, the star of the show this time comes courtesy of the titular Balrog, which is a very in-depth posable figure. In fact, three of the nine bags of bricks included in this Lego Balrog Book Nook set are dedicated solely to the construction of the creature.

However, the trade off is that the majority of the set just simply isn't quite as exciting, and you'll be spending the majority of your time constructing the frame that holds the scene together.

Lego Balrog Book Nook (#10367) features & design

The main draw of The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367), is naturally, its form factor. The showdown between Gandalf and the Balrog can be displayed nestled within your books on a shelf, or, if you fancy, you can let the Balrog spread its wings and make the arena a bit more open. Although in doing so the fact that this isn't exactly a set that's filled with detail may be more apparent.

You have a new Gandalf The Grey minifig (it's different to the one featured in Lego Rivendell AKA one of the best Lego sets around) which comes with a staff and sword combo, with a grey set of pillars adorned with flames around the side. The Balrog's wings slot into this frame allowing it to display its might in both configurations, plus it has a fiery whip to even the odds somewhat.

Build

Ultimately, given its symmetrical design, the book portion of the build is the least interesting. While the final product looks good, it does become a bit of a drag as the build goes on. Plus, I found some of the smaller pieces and the flames to be a bit fiddly.

The building of the Balrog took me about 2 hours by itself, and while there are some awkward bits on some of the smaller details, such as the 1x1 slope tiles on its head and some of the mechanics of the legs' tube pieces, it proved a far more satisfying build, and makes for the highlight of this set.

Design

The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) build can be siloed into two parts. First is the 'book' which takes the form of some detailed pillars of grey bricks, and the second is the Balrog itself, which is the undeniable highlight. The figure naturally towers over Gandalf and has pretty fantastic articulation across its limbs, wings, mouth, and claws. My only real nitpick is the plastic sheet included for the wings as opposed to built wings, but even then I can't say it bothered me too much, although exercise caution while putting it together, as it's that same flimsy material that feels like it'll rip if you blow on it.

The Balrog however is a bit awkward in the book. It has no room for studs on its feet and so it's held in by the pipe pieces on its wings, which allow it to fold them in when the book is closed.

Should you buy the Lego Balrog Book Nook (#10367)?

I really like The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) set. But there's some major caveats. First of all, for the $130 / £110 price point, it is a bit bare. It's the same price as the far more detailed Sherlock Holmes and Dumbledore's Office Book Nook sets, and while Lord of the Rings is the far better series of the three in my opinion, you are basically paying for a big Balrog figure.

If you'll be using it for its intended Book Nook purpose? It looks great nestled in a book case, but the bare look does make it a bit less of a must have if you'll be displaying it open.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Lego Balrog Book Nook

This review sample was gifted to me for my personal collection.

I built The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) over the course of two nights in two two-hour sittings. I've had it displayed both in a bookcase and among other places in the house, always checking on the opening and closing mechanisms.

I've been a big Lego guy over the last few years, and this is my first non-Super Mario set I've built (well, aside from Sonic Green Hill Zone and the Game Boy, but still). While I'm not the biggest Tolkien die-hard, I've watched the Peter Jackson trilogy a number of times, and have a soft spot for those old school animated movies, because where there's a whip… there's a way.

For more collectibles, why not check out the best toys?

A new Lego Star Wars model has been crowed as the longest set the toy company has ever made.

At more than 53.5 inches/136cm long, the Executor Super Star Destroyer kit outstrips other famously huge models like the Lego Titanic (which is a 'mere' 53 inches). Considering how it's 6,130 pieces in total, this is also one of the biggest Lego Star Wars sets around.

To hammer home that monstrous size, this version of the Executor features a to-scale Star Destroyer as well. Considering how big that ship is supposed to be (as demonstrated by models like the Lego Imperial Star Destroyer), it gives a sense of just how bloody massive its big brother is. Fans have even spotted a hidden Millennium Falcon within the kit, underlining the Super Star Destroyer's staggering length.

This isn't just an enormous scale figure like the Lego UCS Venator, though; it also comes with a mini diorama scene recreating the bounty hunter lineup Darth Vader recruits in Empire Strikes Back. This is actually the first time all six of those bounty hunters (including Boba Fett and IG-88) have been included in one Lego set. We've seen their minifigures separately, but never together.

While this isn't the first Lego Executor (we had a colossal Ultimate Collector Series version back in 2011 and a smaller, mid-scale alternative a couple of years ago), it's by far the most impressive. It's certainly up there with the Lego UCS Millennium Falcon and the equally humungous Lego Death Star that launched late last year. Much like the latter (which was one of the biggest and most expensive sets ever made), it also holds a record of its own as the new longest-ever Lego set. I guess Star Wars kits are trendsetters now?

You'll be able to get the kit direct from Lego as of October 4, 2026. However, members of the free Insiders program can grab it early from October 1. Until then, perhaps it's worth making room for this enormous model...

It's a busy day for the brick-maker from Billund, because it just showed off the new Lego Super Mario range as well – and proved it's more than just minifigures. In other Star Wars news, someone turned a Lego pumpkin into the Millennium Falcon.

• Check the current Lego Star Wars range at Amazon

We just got our first look at the new Lego Super Mario range, and it turns out that the toy-maker isn't just adding minifigures to the lineup in early 2027; this appears to be a top-to-bottom overhaul.

Unveiled via the Lego store and GamesCom 2026's show floor after being teased back in March, these kits range from small models featuring just a few characters to massive sets that are several hundred pieces strong. Besides nodding to iconic pieces of Mario history (including a Mario Kart selection, Bowser's Castle, and the obligatory warp pipes), all kits include the stars of this new Lego Super Mario range – minifigures. Before now, you could only get larger interactive toys and display pieces like Lego Luigi & Mach 8. By contrast, the new kits are classic minifigures and feature in playsets using standard Lego bricks.

This new range is set to launch on January 1, 2027. Here's a full rundown on what's going to be available next year:

Honestly, I'm impressed with what we have so far. These kits pack a lot of charm, and crucially, they can be mixed with other Lego playsets due to their standard size. (This wasn't possible before due to how big the interactive figures were.)

The question is, what does this mean for those interactive figures going forward? Lego hasn't elaborated on whether the new minifigure sets will run alongside or replace them entirely. However, I think it's interesting to note how the new Lego Super Mario sets recreate some existing models – namely the Mario Kart range and Bowser's Castle. Because these seem a lot less expensive, don't require the fuss of batteries, and match the size of other Lego kits, they're certainly appealing as an alternative.

I would be sad to see the back of the interactive Mario range because it allows kids to create elaborate courses their figures actually react to (in terms of pure interactivity, they're some of the best Lego sets). But I also think these 'traditional' minifigure playsets are long overdue.

If this is the future of the Super Mario line, I'm not mad about it.

It'll be interesting to see what the community does with this new range – it's incredibly creative, as demonstrated by one builder using a Lego pumpkin set to make a Millennium Falcon.

• Check the current Lego Super Mario range at Amazon

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Monster High dolls exist.

That's a sentence I never thought I'd get to utter. Yet as someone who grew up wishing they were a chosen one and who spent every Halloween dressed as every Sunnydale local under the sun, it's a phrase I'm glad I can say. It's not even just a Buffy who has got the Monster High makeover, but a two-pack featuring both the Slayer herself and Angel. It's set to drop on September 4 at 9 AM PT.

The $98 / £89 set will be exclusive to Fang Club members next month and available only from the Mattel Creations website. However, Mattel states that they "may also be available at other retailers." Personally, I'd not take the risk of waiting, as there's no certainty they'll appear elsewhere. As a self-identifying member of the Scooby Gang, I'll be sitting by my phone the day they drop, and if you don't want to have to fork out your cash to the real-life vampires that are resellers, I highly recommend you do the same to avoid any balderdash and chicanery.

Over the past year, there's been new Buffy merchandise, from official Loungefly bags to multiple pairs of pyjamas, but a set of Monster High Buffy and Angel Dolls feels best suited to represent the iconic '90s TV show. Think about it: Buffy the Vampire Slayer practically championed the 'monster of the week' TV formula, so there's nothing more 'Monster'-adjacent than Buffy.

Not only does the meshing together of the Monster High and Buffy worlds make so much sense, but the end result is fantastic. Mattel has captured Sarah Michelle Gellar's likeness pretty well, and there's no mistaking those green-gray eyes and blonde hair for anyone else. Buffy's outfit design, too, seems to capture not just the early era of the series, but also later seasons of the show.

Her black jacket and red leather trousers combo harkens back to 'Graduation Day Part One' episode from Season 3. Over the years, it became synonymous with the Slayer and was pretty much my friend and I's go-to choice for depicting her when Halloween came around. Yet, her doll's heels include parts of her iconic scythr/m? weapon, which you didn't see until the final seventh season.

I can see Mattel's choice to reference different Buffy eras being a deal breaker for many fans, but I personally don't mind it. I would have preferred to see Summers in her white prom dress and jacket combo as seen in the last episode of the first season. However, I imagine her updo may have been a bit more difficult to style on a doll, though it would have felt more fitting alongside Angel.

Talking of which, a lot of fans are not happy that he's included. The comments under Bloody Disgusting's X (Twitter) post of the reveal are filled with disgust that Buffy's OG beau is part of this two pack set, with user's like @Mayara__1D exclaiming, "The Angel turned out super ugly, dude! Where's the Spike? Lmaoooo."

I am more of a Spike girl myself, and would have loved to see his iconic beaten-up leather jacket in doll form. However, I'm not mad to see Angel in his stead. Particularly as I was a fan of the Angel TV show spin-off, and as Mattel went so far as to include his Claddagh ring.

The Moore Action Collectibles Buffy the Vampire Slayer figures from back in the late '90s included a replica of that exact ring with the Vampire Angel doll, and I used to wear it every day to school. Catching a glimpse of the tiny versions on these dolls filled me with a wave of nostalgia that will never put me in the Team Angel camp, but has made me eager to add his doll to my collection.

Who knows, the popularity of this set could result in more Buffy dolls down the line. I don't know about you, but I'd adore a Monster High release of Willow. It would feel super fitting as the brand's new Moonspell Magic range is all about witches, and there's no cooler and more iconic witch than Willow. Not to mention, she sported plenty of iconic outfits during the TV show's seven-season run.

If you're okay settling for Buffy and Angel for now, remember that you'll need to be a Fang Club member to order the two-pack come September. You can grab an annual membership for $9.99 at Mattel Creations, which will give you access to these dolls and allow you to vote on new creations.

• View all Skullector Monster High dolls at Mattel Creations

Want more Monster High? Check out the Monster High Skullector Ghostbusters Gozer Doll, which is still available through Mattel Creations.

The Good Smile Company seems to be hoping that love is in the air, because a Love and Deepspace Nendoroid figure is on the way.

Although it's not a full range (yet), we are getting a Sylus figure for our trouble. The leader of the Onychinus criminal organization has been transformed into an adorable Nendoroid figure with a handful of accessories like his mechanical crow Mephisto, and even though this version is pint-sized, it still captures the Love and Deepspace love interest's personality rather well. Just look at that sly smile.

The figure is available to pre-order now from Good Smile Company ahead of a mid-2027 shipping date, estimated to be between April and June. Prefer to shop elsewhere? You should also be able to pick it up from Entertainment Earth in the US or via Forbidden Planet in the UK, though the option to pre-order there isn't available yet.

As with most Nendoroid figures, this one is highly posable thanks to extensive articulation and a stand that lets you show the toy off however you choose. It also has a couple of different expressions (sly, smiling, or neutral), and features a few accessories to pose with – Mephisto, battle effect parts, and a ruby gem.

We'll have to wait and see whether more Love and Deepspace figures are inbound; as of right now, it looks as though Sylus is the only one. But considering the game's popularity, not to mention the, er, enthusiastic following for each love interest, I'd be surprised if we didn't see more down the line. After all, fans were passionate enough that the game canceled a character recently.

No matter what, I'm sure they'd be great. We'd argue that Nendoroids are some of the best toys around, and the fantastic Wind Waker Link is still my white whale…

Steamy lover boys aside, it's been a spooky week in the world of toys; someone turned a Lego pumpkin set into the Millennium Falcon, and the new Pokemon Halloween collection is super effective.

• See all Nendoroid figures at Amazon

Pokemon Polaroid pre-orders are hitting the shelves, and you can now claim your own Pikachu, Sylveon, or Pokeball instant camera. Not only that, but if you're not keen on the $99.99 cameras themselves, there's a whole host of accessories to snap up, starting from just $14.99. Wondering where to buy these adorable snappers? You're heading straight to the Polaroid Store.

This is where we're seeing stock landing en masse right now, and there's still time to scoop up your Pokemon Polaroid pre-order. As evidenced by the fact that empty Pokemon donut boxes are being flogged online by resellers, it's a jungle out there where Poke-merch is concerned.

That's why I've rounded up the first spots you should hit when pre-ordering Pokemon Polaroid cameras and accessories ahead of their full October 5 release date. This should allow you to beat any potential rush and stay ahead of the curve.

No matter what's caught your eye, I'd recommend moving quickly. Polaroid itself promises that you'll only be able to pre-order them "while supplies last." Once they're gone, it looks as though they may be gone for good.

Polaroid Go Gen 3 (Pikachu Edition)

Polaroid Go Gen 3 (Sylveon Edition)

Polaroid Now Gen 3 (Poke Ball Edition)

Polaroid x Pokemon accessories

Pokemon Polaroid FAQ

Looking for more cool Poke-gear? Here's where to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration. The new Pokemon Halloween merch also seems to be super-effective, because it's already starting to sell out.

• See all camera offers at Polaroid

The Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) is the fourth mainline set based around Gotham’s notorious psychiatric hospital, and by far the largest. Next to Wayne Manor and the Bat Cave, Arkham Asylum is arguably the most famous location in Batman lore. And yet, it didn’t appear until Batman #258 in 1974. Since then, it’s featured in numerous DC comic books and movies, starred in Grant Morrison’s acclaimed Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth, served as the inspiration behind Rocksteady’s legendary Arkham Trilogy of Batman video games and is, of course, a playable location in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

Part of what makes Arkham Asylum so enduring is the link the location has with Batman’s extensive rogues gallery. And indeed, Lego has used this release as an excuse to include a whopping 16 minifigures: nine villains, four members of the Bat-Family, two guards, and Catwoman. In fact, there’s technically 17 minifigures, if you include a defaced statue.

While Lego’s previous renditions of Arkham Asylum have been facades, this latest incarnation is a Lego modular building. This means it features a 360-degree exterior, a full interior, and can be attached to other modular buildings to create a seamless diorama or incorporated into a wider Lego city. At a whopping 2,953 pieces, it’s easily the best Lego Arkham Asylum to date. But is it capable of holding Gotham’s most wanted? Or will a subpar design allow them to run riot?

Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) features

• 2,953 pieces
• 18+ age rating
• 16 minifigures

The Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) costs £269.99 / $299.99 and comprises 2,953 pieces, yielding a satisfactory price-per-piece ratio, especially when compared to many Lego Star Wars sets. Just don’t expect it to compare to non-licensed modular buildings like the Lego Icons Natural History Museum (#10326) and Tudor Corner (#10350).

The set can arguably be compared most closely to the Lego Marvel X-Men: The X-Mansion (#76294), which retails for £289.99 / $329.99 and features 3,093 pieces and 10 minifigures. However, price-per-piece ratios aren’t everything. Taking into consideration rising prices and the fact that Lego sets tend to get heavily discounted nowadays, I think Arkham Asylum is an expensive set, but it feels like an expensive set. It stands tall, looks good, and features a huge roster of minifigures.

Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) build

• Seven-to-eight-hour build
• Familiar modular construction
• Lots of fine details

This set comprises 3,093 pieces, split across 24 bagged sections and two instruction manuals. You get a neat bit of blurb at the beginning of the first manual, which not only explains Arkham’s history but also the 14 heroes and villains found within the set. It took me roughly seven hours and 40 minutes to build at a leisurely pace, and bar a few fiddly sections, it’s relatively easy to put together. The biggest challenge is patience, due to the large size of the set and abundance of small pieces.

You begin by putting together the prison van, which is a tidy, if unambitious, little vehicle. The rest of the build is fixed to Lego’s standard 32x32 modular building baseplate, with the structure being built from the ground up. The foundations and exterior tiling come first, followed by the front steps and main entrance. You slot a plate 1x1 round with bar (#6227897) into a brick 1x1 with stud on side (#6062574) and position the latter diagonally to achieve the necessary angle to attach the entrance (and what will later be built upon to create the central tower). This is fiddly, but a neat solution to a difficult problem.

Some interior details are then added, before building up the secure vault, some walls and then the main cell block on the ground floor. The cell doors are operated via a very simple sliding mechanism that features no elastic bands or gears. Once the top of the first floor is tiled off, you move onto the exterior fencing and the front gates.

The gates are the first section that present something of a challenge. I found it a little fiddly to ensure all of the posts were slotted in evenly and when adding the Technic beam at the top, it’s very easy for it to skew or slide too far down the gate. There aren’t many printed pieces in this set, but I do really like the pair of printed 1x1 tiles that represent locks, clipped onto the front of each gate.

With the prison van, ground floor and exterior finished, you then move onto the second instruction manual to tackle the first floor and roof. The first floor comes together much the same as the lower floor. You also build up the central tower above the main entrance, which continues to prove fiddly but ultimately looks the part. Interior details follow to kit out Dr Quinzel’s (Harley Quinn's) office. The walls are built up and the upper cells are constructed, featuring a similar mechanism to open/shut the sliding doors.

The guard tower, which sits atop the vault, comes next and then it’s time to build up the roof. Once that’s done, the final bag contains the statue that sits above the main entrance and the ‘Arkham Asylum’ arch that sits atop the front gate. This rather cleverly uses a piece of curved rollercoaster track, with six clip-on square 2x2 tiles (#6323189) attached to the track and used to accommodate stickers with the ‘Arkham’ lettering.

Overall, this is a fun build that’s challenging in places, but time is largely spent simply laying down Lego bricks. It’s a fun set to put together while watching a film or listening to a podcast because it only occasionally requires your full concentration. But it’s not just the size and piece count that justifies the 18+ age rating.

There’s lots of fun to be had by posing the various minifigures in and around the set, but the structure itself has limited playability. Accessing the interiors by removing the room and first floor can also be a bit fiddly, and younger Lego fans could easily drop or break sections of the structure.

Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) design

• Compatible with other modular buildings
• Full interior over two floors
• 70 stickers!!!

Despite being one of the most iconic locations in Batman lore, Arkham Asylum changes dramatically depending on the comic book run, film, or video game in which it’s depicted. As such, the designers kind of had carte blanche to build a functional representation of the location in Lego form.

This is a fine-looking set from the front. Photographs really don’t do it justice – I think it looks even better in person. That said, it doesn’t really feel like Arkham Asylum around the back and the right-hand side. Personally, I wish the designers had leaned a little harder into the gothic architecture.

Arguably the most famous incarnations of the asylum are Grant Morrison and Dave McKean’s Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth graphic novel and the first entry in Rocksteady’s incredible Arkham trilogy. In both instances, the main building looks more archaic, and I do wish that had been represented a bit more here.

It’s also a shame there’s no upper-floor roof interior. I own the now-retired Lego Marvel Sanctum Sanctorum (76218), which remains my favourite licensed modular building. Its gorgeous interior is split across three floors (including the roof) and I feel that was a missed opportunity here. Still, there was a lot for the designers to cram into Arkham Asylum and two holding cells, an admission room, office space, maximum security vault, control tower, foyer, and corridors is a lot considering the available space.

I’m also a fan of the large gated entrance and courtyard. This isn’t wasted space; it really adds to the aesthetic. Would I have preferred a few hundred more bricks dedicated to a larger roof space and a possible roof interior in place of the prison van? Possibly, but this is still a great-looking set that’s bursting with character.

And even if the gothic aesthetic isn't as consistent as I'd like, I was still impressed by the sheer level of detail. There's a hole being dug out from the bottom-right cell, climbing ivy spilling out onto the building’s exterior from Poison Ivy’s window, Joker graffiti sprayed over the Arkham statue above the main entrance, and a bent section of fencing that's been smashed through.

As you’d expect from a licensed modular building, there’s a lot of stickers (I counted 70 in total!). And many of them boast neat little Easter eggs or references for hardcore DC fans, such as the ambulance's number plate, which reads B258, referencing Arkham Asylum’s first appearance back in Batman #258. There's also a “Spoon missing?” note on a pin-up board, referencing a utensil which is actually being used to dig out of a ground-floor cell. Oh, and don't forget the newspaper on a desk that reads “The Batman Returns,” complete with a tiny image of the front cover of Frank Miller’s legendary miniseries The Dark Knight Returns.

I’m not a fan of stickers, but I have no problem with this. There aren’t as many printed pieces as I’d like, but Lego can’t print everything. What I’m not a fan of is unnecessary stickers, and there are several of those on the exterior of the building. The roof is the most egregious example, with three stickers themed around Harley Quinn, Penguin, and Riddler. They’re supposed to be graffiti, but they just stick out like a sore thumb and kind of cheapen the aesthetic.

The roof also features two stickers representing boarded-over holes and cobwebs. This could have been represented by physical pieces and really doesn’t do the set justice. It’s not as if this is a boring-looking set that needed to be jazzed up. It’s got plenty of character and detail, not to mention the huge roster of 16 minifigures to pose in and around the building. There’s enough vibrant comic book fare to satisfy anyone without resorting to unnecessary stickers.

I’ve also noticed more of my Lego stickers have been prone to peeling lately. After only a few days, the sticker on the water tank on the roof has peeled off. This isn’t an isolated incident, because a few stickers on my Lego Star Wars UCS Jango Fett’s Starship started to peel off within days, too.

Kudos to Lego for supplying a truly monster selection of minifigures. The Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) features 16 minifigures, which is seven more than the aforementioned Sanctum Sanctorum, three more than the more expensive Lego Harry Potter Gringotts Wizarding Bank (#76417), and it even beats the Lego Lord of the Rings Rivendell (#10316) by a single figure. And it’s a great lineup, too. The Bat-Family is the highlight, with lovely representations of Batman, Robin, Batwoman, and Batwing. Hardcore DC fans will likely recognise the fifth Robin, Bruce’s son, Damian Wayne, fan favourite Batwoman Kate Kane, and the second Batwing, Luke Fox.

Some of the villains are naturally a little less impressive, with Penguin, Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, Bane, Killer Croc, and Joker in their prison fatigues. Every figure is technically exclusive to this set, apart from Mr Freeze. Exclusive figures aren’t always entirely exclusive. Sometimes they simply have a different headpiece or torso print, making them exclusive by technicality, but a lot of the minifigures here are unique enough to be considered proper exclusives, which is great.

We have seen Joker, Penguin, and Harley in (albeit different) orange jumpsuits before, but not the other villains. Joker’s face print isn’t new, either, but the other villains are all sufficiently unique. I’m a fan of the new Poison Ivy with a great headpiece and lovely printing. And although Harley’s donned an orange jumpsuit before, this variant has bags of character thanks to a face print with a pink bubblegum bubble, as well as her trademark carnival mallet and roller skates.

Riddler is another nice representation in full villainous garb, but Bane, Killer Croc, and Scarecrow are a little more disappointing. I do think it’s a missed opportunity that either an oversized Bane or Killer Croc wasn’t included, especially as a giant hole has been punched through a wall on the ground floor. Bane even sports a backpack with his Venom serum. The two guards are standard fare, but with nice torso prints. But it’s a shame we didn’t get a Mr Freeze update, because I really don’t think this is Lego’s definitive Freeze offering.

When it comes to the Bat-Family, Batwoman has a new torso print and a lovely new red cape. Robin also gets a really nice yellow cape and for the first time ever, we get a Batman with an asymmetric cape. I have to say, while this might not be the best cape for play, it’s perfect for display. It looks really dynamic and super cool – straight from a million Batman comic book covers. Bruce’s torso isn’t an exclusive and neither is his cowl, but he’s a solid-looking Keaton-esque figure that’s a shoo-in for one of the costumes in the recently released Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

Selina Kyle’s Catwoman is my pick of the bunch. She’s another all-new figure with some great printing, and in my mind, is a little bit of an Easter egg for fans of the Arkham Trilogy, closely resembling her appearances in Arkham City and Arkham Knight. She also comes with a little printed tile of kitty snacks, which is a neat touch.

What would have been my pick of the bunch is Batwing. Not only is this the first time he’s been represented in minifigure form, but he’s a true premium figure with exquisite torso, hip, leg, and foot printing, as well as a lovely grey cowl with blue eyes. However, his backpack requires a sticker and I firmly believe that minifigures should remain entirely printed.

You'll also find two little buildable penguin figures, as well as a hidden 17th minifigure in the form of the Arkham Statue. This is a great touch, with two face prints: a normal one and one with Joker graffiti sprayed all over it, which is a great touch.

Should you buy the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300)?

Lego has set the bar very high indeed with past modular buildings and while I don’t think the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) quite makes the pantheon of all-time-great modulars, it’s still an incredible Lego Batman set. I do wish that it leaned a little more into the gothic aesthetic, had fewer stickers and a roof interior, but this build still looks fantastic in person, and is bristling with detail and character.

What really makes it stand out is the huge selection of minifigures, comprising some of Batman’s most notorious villains and foils. This allows you to dress the set for display, showing the inmates taking control of the asylum as the Bat-Family fights back. For a licensed set with this number of minifigures, it’s competitively priced, and if you can eventually find it on sale, it’ll become even more enticing. Ultimately, as a first modular building for the Lego Batman theme, this is an excellent start. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a modular Wayne Manor in the future.

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300)

This review sample was provided by Lego.

It took me multiple sittings to build the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) over a period of seven hours and 40 minutes. It sat in my study for a couple of weeks and was ‘played with’ during the photo shoot, where I moved the set around, accessed the interiors and posed the various minifigures.

Not only have I been collecting Lego since the ‘90s, but I’m an avid fan of the caped crusader and collector of DC graphic novels. Billund and Batman are a match made in heaven for me!

For more information on our procedure, take a look at how we test products.

For more collectibles, don't miss the best toys.

It's getting to the point where I'm convinced you can turn any Lego set into a Millennium Falcon if you try hard enough, because someone has used a pumpkin kit to create Han Solo's iconic ship.

Created by Minute_Food_2881 on reddit, this alternate build takes the new Lego Halloween Pumpkin Lantern set (which costs around $29.99 via the Lego store) and uses it to make a festive version of the galaxy's most recognizable freighter. Sure, it looks a little squishier than usual and that is definitely a ghost instead of a cockpit. But this Lego set is unmistakably the Millennium Falcon, spooky or not – and it joins a long line of kits people have managed to turn into the ship, to the point it's become a meme amongst the community.

The creator hasn't left instructions for us to copy their homework, but it doesn't look as though they've used any extra pieces beyond what comes in the box. The photo clearly shows individual studs and bricks too, so I suspect you could replicate the design if you had this image up as a reference. Seeing as it's smaller than many of the best Lego sets, it shouldn't be too much of a headache to figure out either.

I shouldn't be surprised that Minute_Food_2881 was able to do this. They're famous for creating alt-builds using existing Lego sets, from Pokemon like Charmander (using the same pumpkin set, actually) to a Warhammer 40K battleship. However, they're best known for turning things into Millennium Falcons. They've used Back to the Future models, Technic sets, and more to recreate the fastest hunk o' junk in the galaxy, so I guess it tracks that they could use a pumpkin as well.

It's shaping up to a big couple of months for Lego; the Lego Star Trek Enterprise Bridge set boldly goes back to the original series with shields up and tribbles ready, and fans agree new Lego Batman Returns Batmobile looks great.

• See all new sets at the Lego store

Fortnite now features Sonic the Hedgehog and friends, which is a surefire way of dragging me back to spending weekends in pursuit of that shiny Victory Crown. Yet, unless I'm playing duos, I don't have a good track record of actually becoming victorious.

Being able to show off a winning streak is a bit of a rarity, but with Toy Sapien and Hot Toys Japan's upcoming Victory Crown (1/1 Scale) replica, at least I can pretend I'm a winner. The $199.99 (BigBadToyStore) collectible is exactly what it says on the tin: a recreation of the in-game crown, which is set to drop in the US and UK in November later this year. While adding it amongst the best toys in my collection won't help me get good at Fortnite any time soon, I can make believe I've claimed that Victory Royale, which is the next best thing.

Toy Sapiens and Hot Toys Japan could have easily gone down the route of just recreating the shiny, golden crown and called it a day, yet a lot of thought has been put into this Fortnite collectible. The 13 cm wide by 20 cm high gold-colored crown with its piñata centerpiece is there and looks fantastic. However, the brand also went the extra mile to include a red velvet pillow for it to sit on, just as it appears in the game.

For those who have not managed to be sucked into the world of Fortnite and may be unaware, this pillow is found in the Crowning Achievement emote. You can earn said emote by winning a match twice in a row (while wearing the crown), and it's fun to use and show off to strangers. The emote displays the number of times you've won, though it will stick to zero if you haven't won anything - the scenario I'm more than familiar with.

By including the pillow, you can grab this collectible and recreate the emote, which is a really neat inclusion for a replica toy. Of course, no number emits from the crown, so it's not exactly like the real thing. But that's probably for the best if you're eager not to annoy your real-life friends as much as strangers online.

As an extra neat detail, the toy includes a custom-designed stand to make it easier to prop up amongst the rest of your merch collection. The official Toy Sapiens website states that the stand features a "golden llama symbol in the center of its clear acrylic plate" which you're unlikely to see once the pillow is in place, but it's an appreciated addition nonetheless.

Talking of appreciated detail, the toy includes access to an in-game outfit. Each Victory Crown, no matter where you buy it from, includes a redeemable code for the "Deadeye" skin to use in-game, which used to be accessible all the way back during Chapter 2, Season 1, according to FortniteGG. The skin isn't the coolest I've seen after years of playing Fortnite, but I'll take a free ghostly cowboy-looking outfit over nothing at all.

Unfortunately, neither the crown nor the pillow makes the same sound as the emote or produces any music or sound, period, like the Bandai Tamashii Nations Master Sword replica from The Legend of Zelda, which is a bit of a bummer. When it comes to replicas, I personally prefer ones that emit audio, and it's an extra I would have expected for a $199.99 collectible. However, sounds or not, I'll take what I can get. I'm just thankful the Victory Crown replica exists at all, especially when Fortnite toys are often aimed towards younger fans rather than adult collectors.

• View all Fortnite toys at Amazon

Check out Hasbro's upcoming Rumi Sain-Geom Premium Electronic Sword if you love replicas.