Klinger Builds Legos

Review: LEGO Arcade Machine #40805 – A Retro Gamer’s Dream in Brick Form

LEGO has always excelled at capturing nostalgia in brick form, and with set #40805, the LEGO Arcade Machine, the company has taken a bold step into the golden age of gaming, when just a quarter allowed you to delve into a whole new world. At 468 pieces, this build packs a surprising amount of detail into a compact footprint, making it a must-have for both LEGO collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. The size is big enough to incorporate all parts of a real stand up arcade machine of the 80’s yet it’s small enough that you can easily keep it on your desk or your mantle right below your Xbox Series X or next to your Switch 2.

From the moment you open the box, the design direction is clear: this is a love letter to the 1980s arcade scene. The exterior looks like a scaled-down version of a cabinet you might have seen lining the walls of your local arcade decades ago or something similar to what you’d have seen in the 2015 Adam Sandler classic Pixels. The color scheme pops giving the set an authentic retro vibe that feels like it was ripped straight out of an ’80s game room. Stickers and printed elements help reinforce this theme, adding texture and detail to the otherwise smooth brickwork.

But what truly sets this model apart is what’s hiding inside. Instead of leaving it as just a static arcade shell, LEGO has added a delightful twist: the machine opens to reveal a miniature gamer’s den. Swinging the panel aside unveils a cozy interior that feels like the dream hangout spot for any arcade fan. At its heart is a snug little couch, it’s the kind of space you can imagine yourself sinking into after a long day, controller in hand.

And yes, there’s a controller right there on your couch, there’s also a minifig sized mini arcade machine inside the den complete with its own stickered screen and joystick. This clever touch adds a “game within a game” feel, blurring the lines between the brick-built arcade machine and the digital entertainment it represents. It’s a playful nod to the concept of escapism: inside an arcade cabinet, there’s another arcade cabinet waiting to be played.

From a build perspective, the 468 pieces strike a nice balance between accessibility and challenge. The exterior comes together smoothly, with satisfying techniques that mimic the feel of a real arcade machine. The interior, meanwhile, keeps things interesting with its use of small parts to create furniture and accessories. LEGO has done a commendable job of ensuring that every piece feels purposeful, with very little filler.

On display, the LEGO Arcade Machine #40805 stands out as both a conversation piece and a nostalgia trip. It captures the cultural essence of the 1980s while offering modern LEGO creativity. The secret den inside is my favorite part, it elevates it from being just another brick-built object to a set brimming with wit.

Verdict: For fans of retro gaming and LEGO alike, #40805 is a delightful mash-up of two beloved hobbies. It’s quirky, creative, and endlessly charming—a miniature time machine back to the heyday of the 80’s arcade era.