LEGO Arcade Machine (40805): Worth ₹4,549?

LEGO has built a working crank-operated arcade cabinet out of plastic bricks, and the 80s-kid in me is obligated to take that personally. The LEGO Arcade Machine (40805) swaps three printed "games" via a hand crank — the question is whether the novelty survives contact with the price tag.

This set is essentially a miniature, playable arcade cabinet. You build the outer shell, complete with colourful graphics reminiscent of 80s arcade games. Inside, it’s a clever mechanism. A crank on the side allows you to spin a series of printed tiles, simulating a scrolling game screen. You get three different "games" to choose from: a space shooter, a racing game, and a maze game. Each one is represented by a different set of printed tiles that you can swap out. The detail on the cabinet itself is pretty neat, with little touches like the coin slot and the joystick area adding to the authenticity.

The build process itself is fairly straightforward. It’s not an overly complex set, which is probably for the best given its size. The real joy comes from interacting with the finished model. Spinning the crank and seeing the different game screens appear is surprisingly satisfying. It's one of those sets that you can just fiddle with while you're thinking or chatting. The printed tiles are a definite plus, avoiding stickers which can be a pain, especially on a model designed for repeated interaction. The artwork on these tiles is vibrant and captures that classic arcade feel perfectly.

However, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. At ₹4,549, this isn't exactly a budget impulse buy. You're getting 1,190 pieces, which sounds like a lot, but many of them are small plates and tiles to create the detailed exterior and the internal mechanism. The play feature is cool, but it's essentially a mechanical screen changer. Is that enough to warrant the cost? It’s a tough question. For comparison, you can get much larger, more complex sets with minifigures and elaborate builds for a similar price or even less.

The appeal here is primarily nostalgia and the novelty of the playable feature. If you grew up in the era of arcade machines, this set will likely tug at your heartstrings. It’s a display piece that also happens to be interactive. The size is also a consideration. It’s not huge, so it won’t dominate your display shelf, but it’s substantial enough to make an impact. The colours are bright and eye-catching, making it a good conversation starter.

But here’s the thing: after the initial novelty wears off, how much will you actually play with it? The "games" are very basic, as expected for a LEGO interpretation. It’s more about the aesthetic and the clever engineering of the spinning tiles. If you’re someone who loves intricate mechanical LEGO builds and appreciates the retro theme, you might find the value. If you’re looking for deep playability or a set packed with minifigures and extensive features, this might not be it.

The decision to buy hinges heavily on your personal connection to the theme and your willingness to pay a premium for that nostalgia and unique mechanism. It's a well-executed concept, no doubt, but the price point pushes it into the "consider carefully" category. It feels like a set that might see discounts down the line.

MyBrickHouse has the LEGO Arcade Machine (40805) for ₹4,549. That's 20 months of Spotify Premium or enough for a decent weekend trip to Goa. Toycra will likely have it soon, so check their site for availability. Use code ABHINAV12 for 12% off on orders above ₹500 at Toycra.

Ultimately, the LEGO Arcade Machine (40805) is a fun, unique set that taps into a powerful sense of nostalgia. The printed tiles and the spinning game mechanism are clever. However, the price is a significant hurdle. It’s a set that demands a certain appreciation for its specific appeal. If you’re a die-hard arcade fan or a collector of unique LEGO mechanisms, you might find it worth the investment. For most others, waiting for a sale or a price drop seems like the sensible approach. It's a cool gadget, but at ₹4,549, it’s a luxury item.

On that bombshell, it's time to say goodbye. I'll see you on the next one. Bubyee.

Verdict: WAIT. Good set, but the price will drop

Standard disclaimer: rich readers can skip the verdict and just buy it. We'll be over here checking if MyBrickHouse has an EMI option..