It’s a stacked month of releases with sets for every taste, from geodes to Gizmos to game consoles to giant death slices! We found a lot to like in this month’s offerings (even if the trend of more big-ticket releases has us questioning who has shelf space to keep up). If you’re looking to add any of these sets to your collection, we’re grateful when you use our affiliate link as it helps fund the site and allows us to keep bringing you the best MOCs and builder stories every day.
Our top pick for October is the new Game Boy set. A near-perfect 1:1 recreation of the vintage handheld, the Game Boy is an incredible build that will make you appreciate LEGO geometry. As a bonus, all graphics but the two cartridge labels are printed elements, and the lenticular screens are a novel treat.
LEGO Super Mario 72046 Game Boy™ | 421 Pieces | US $59.99 | CAN $79.99 | UK £54.99
In our review, we appreciated LEGO’s choice in going with a “Death Slice” full of detailed interiors, but the end result lacks the details we’d expect from such a luxury price and the exhausting build had us questioning if sets are getting too big.
LEGO Star Wars 75419 Death Star | 9023 Pieces | US $999.99 | CAN $1299.99 | UK £899.99
LEGO Ideas has brought us many sets that would look at home in a science museum, and the Mineral Collection continues that tradition. In our review, Chuck found it to be a true gem, with a great mix of elements, new molds and techniques, and a pleasing shelf presence.
LEGO Ideas 21362 Mineral Collection | 880 Pieces | US $59.99 | CAN $79.99 | UK £54.99
LEGO Ideas aren’t always high-minded. Sometimes they’re just fun tributes to favorite pop culture, like Gizmo from Gremlins. In our review, V found the model adorable and expressive. The one critique – changing from standing to sitting mode requires substantial rebuilding, meaning you won’t be changing the pose often. As a plus, the head can easily be swapped out with your Tuxedo Cat, Toothless, or Eye of Sauron, for mix-and-match fun!
LEGO Ideas 21361 Gizmo | 1,125 Pieces |US $109.99 | CAN $129.99 | UK £89.99
Following up on a Rey and Finn’s Life Day vignette and an employee exclusive X-Wing, LEGO and Star Wars continue to explore new ways of bringing holiday joy with a gingerbread take on Darth Vader and the fan-favorite AT-AT. In a year of expensive Star Wars releases, this one is a great value and so much fun to build and display. In his review, Theo ate it up, although a little neck articulation would be nice.
LEGO Star Wars 40806 Gingerbread AT-AT | 697 Pieces |US $59.99 | CAN $79.99 | UK £54.99
All I want for Christmas is… a 3D printed element in a LEGO set? It’s a surprising addition to the Holiday Express Train, a charming set that doesn’t quite live up to its inflated price. Be aware that power functions aren’t included, so the price climbs another $70 if you want to see it move.
LEGO Icons 10361 Holiday Express Train | 956 Pieces | Available October 4 | US $129.99 | CAN $149.99 | UK £109.99
LEGO tries something new this year with a large-scale family build – the Family Christmas Tree – that could be the cornerstone holiday decoration for your LEGO-loving clan. It’s a surprisingly complex build with elaborate play functions inside the tree interior, and the elves with their tributes to Classic Space and Castle are very appealing. In her family-focused build review, Jen had a great build spread over two days with her partner and two kids, and enjoyed the many references and new elements.
LEGO Family 41843 Family Christmas Tree| 3172 Pieces | Available Now to Insiders, Oct 4 to all |US $329.99 | CAN $379.99 | UK £269.99
Santa Claus is the latest iconic minifigure to get the up-scale treatment. The latest big fig follows teh same build patterns as past upscaled sets and will look more fun on the shelf than any elf.
