I don’t think I’ve ever needed a LEGO set quite like this.
If you grew up in the 90s like I did, the SEGA Mega Drive wasn’t just a console, it was the console. Now there was those ‘others’ who owned a Super Nintendo, but I was a SEGA child through and through. Getting home from school, I couldn’t wait to jump onto Sonic 2 to save mobius once more before pouring out my tub of LEGO for some creative play.
Well today LEGO has combined by two childhood passions and announced the LEGO Genesis. Now I can hear the collective groan of everyone outside of North America, we know that it’s not the Genesis. Thankfully so does LEGO, as they include parts to convert the system from the Genesis into the Mega Drive the rest of the world loved. Whilst this is only a few additional pieces, the thought is greatly appreciated. Especially on a kit that only costs $39.99/£34.99/€39.99.
THE DESIGN
All is not well though with this unveiling. The new LEGO Genesis is a relatively budget set containing 479 pieces. Now compare that to the two LEGO Nintendo offerings which are both close to a 1:1 reproduction, with the NES being a 2,646 piece monster!
Understandably many SEGA fans feel a little hard done by. You do need to remember that this LEGO Genesis kit is cheaper than even the LEGO Game Boy kit, but many fans have been vocal that they would have been willing to pay a little more for a more accurate build. Especially when LEGO have previously released a more detailed LEGO Genesis controller.
Whilst it is a shame that this kit doesn’t stand up to the offerings from their rivals, it is also nice to not worry about space for displaying such a quirky build. It is also worth mentioning that this budget kit does still come with:
- Two three button Genesis controllers.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 cartridge.
- Parts to transform the LEGO Genesis into the Mega Drive variant.
- Replacement power light indicators.
- 16-Bit badge to replace the Genesis logo.
- Black and red switches.
SONIC IS HERE TOO
Let’s be honest, it wouldn’t really be SEGA without the blue blur making a cameo. Now you will have already noticed that the kit comes with its own diminutive Sonic 2 cartridge. However, there’s another Sonic easter egg hidden inside.
By taking off the top dome, the little blue speedster can be seen hiding inside. This is a fun way to add some character to what could have otherwise been a fairly bland build. It also encompasses what this build is about. It’s not about accuracy or thousands of pieces. Its about fun and memories of your childhood.
Whilst part of me had hoped for something a little more accurate, I also know that if it was a perfect reproduction of the Genesis console – I wouldn’t have anywhere to put it. I mean my real SEGA Mega Drive already spends much of it’s time boxed away.
Sonic Was Always Going to Be There
Of course, you can’t talk Mega Drive without talking Sonic.
There’s something really satisfying about seeing even a small nod to Sonic included in the set. It doesn’t need to be over the top—it just needs to be there. Because for a lot of us, the Mega Drive was Sonic. Green Hill Zone music still lives rent-free in my head decades later.
For those looking to pick on up, you’ll be able to from 1st June 2026 for $39.99/£34.99/€39.99.
