(Written by William)
When I was browsing new LEGO sets last month, I was a little surprised to find the #40805 LEGO Arcade Machine. I think this set slipped passed me, despite it being something I’d find really interesting. I had a friend who built small arcade machines on this scale, which inspired me to build my own little claw machine in a similar scale. So when I saw this new arcade machine from LEGO, I just had to have it. Sure, I loved the #10323 LEGO Pac-Man Arcade Machine LEGO released a couple of years ago (see link to my review at the end of this article), but it was very large. This new Arcade Machine, on the other hand, is the perfect size, and at only $39.99, it is also quite affordable. So, let’s take a look at what you get.
This #40805 LEGO Arcade Machine is a two-part model. One part is the larger-scale arcade that is the main attraction. The second part is a smaller scene hidden away inside the larger piece. Hiding smaller scenes inside bigger models is a common feature LEGO designers have been using as of late.
Accommodating a smaller model inside a larger one can sometimes make the larger model a tad unstable structurally. However, the upside is that you get a much more interesting creation. For this model in particular, you get the main space-themed arcade machine along with a gamer’s hidden game room in the back.
For the larger machine, there is not too much in the way of play features. The coin slots do allow you to feed coins into the machine, which immediately shoot out of the coin return slots. Beyond that, you can’t activate any controls. However, you do get some excellent shaping and some large prints on the side of the cabinet and the monitor screen. The rest of the decorations are, unfortunately, stickers.
Moving to the back of the model, it hinges open to display what is probably meant to be a basement apartment. However, much of the piping around the back makes it feel like LEGO designers were going for a steampunk-ish look.
The inner scene contains a lot of stickers. The pictures behind the couch, the boxes on display, the blinds on the windows, the interior of a couple of large panels, the screen on the tiny arcade machine, and the TV screen are all stickers.
There are also some cute mini-models built at the back. The couch is nicely shaped, the shelves are smartly placed, the mini arcade looks right, and you get a disc coming out of a console next to a TV – just to name some of these neat details. But it is safe to say that the stickers do much of the heavy lifting in order to bring this particular section of the model to life. In the video below, I talk a bout the set in a bit more detail.
Price and scale-wise, this is probably the nostalgia piece for the gamer in your household. It is a much more manageable design than the larger PAC-MAN set, and it even comes with a minifigure. The building experience wasn’t bad either, especially the interesting angles. Its only detraction is the number of stickers needed to add the finishing touches.
Frankly, I see this model as a good example for fans to use as a way to build out their own arcade gallery. The detailing is fantastic while giving LEGO fans a lot of ways to approach building their own machines. So if you like to build arcade machines, take a look at this set! It’s fun, interesting, and affordable. You can find it at the miscellaneous items section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like this smaller LEGO Arcade Machine set? Do you like to build arcade machines? And how do you like the features and functions of this one? Feel free to share your thoughts and own reviews in the comment section below!
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