Pac Man is back! LEGO pays homage to video game icon

LEGO celebrates another video game icon’s birthday. After the Atari 2600, it’s Pac-Man’s turn. An arcade classic that owes more to the plastic bricks than you might expect.

At the beginning of this century it was still surprising when LEGO released a set specifically for adults. An exception. In 2023, it is almost more surprising when a new children’s set hits the shelves. The very expensive sets, often crammed with nostalgia, are flying around you.

LEGO Icons 10323 PAC-MAN

We had just recovered from the impressive Batcave that the Danes unveiled last week, when the next press release fell on our digital doormat. After the Atari 2600, among others, another gaming icon is being given a LEGO jacket. Then we are talking about LEGO Icons 10323 PAC-MAN.

A brand new set that lets you build a classic Pac-Man arcade cabinet. Complete with luminous coin slot, joystick, moving ghosts and, of course, Pac-Man himself. A video game character who definitely deserves his place in the Icons line with his impact on the history of the medium. After the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi, LEGO is once again taking advantage of an anniversary to launch a set.

43rd anniversary of classic

The LEGO Icons 10323 PAC-MAN is released in honor of the 43rd anniversary of the original, very first Pac-Man. In 1980 the addictive game started to conquer the world. In the first seven years, no less than 239822 units were installed in arcades all over the world. Another cool fact: we owe the fact that Pac-Man is yellow to LEGO. The creator of the game, Toru Iwatani, says he was inspired by “the iconic yellow of the LEGO brick.” Something the Danish manufacturer obviously likes to show off. Learned something again.

Surprising details

Anyway, back to the set itself. With 2650 bricks you build a classic, colorful arcade cabinet. There is a lever on the side, with which you can make sure that our yellow friend and the ghosts move through the maze. Did you know that the two ghosts that we see in this set also have names? Blinky and Clide. Another nice detail: a mini arcade cabinet is hidden in the back of the LEGO version of the arcade game, including a minifigure that is playing Pac-Man:

Release date and price tag

The 18+ set will cost 269.99 euros, just like the Nintendo Entertainment System that LEGO released before. A considerable amount, but then you have a challenging building experience and a real one eye-catcher that every geek, nerd, actually every guest will recognize. And otherwise you can immediately show them the door again. LEGO Icons 10323 PAC-MAN can be ordered now and will be delivered from June 4. VIP members can make their move from June 1.