Mattel has announced a full-scale, 3,509-piece original Xbox set with a buildable Duke controller, lighting, sound, and scenes from classic games, available to preorder for $329.99 but with no confirmed release date yet
Mattel has marked the 25th anniversary of Xbox with the announcement of a 1:1 scale, 3,509-piece buildable original Xbox set under its premium Mattel Brick Shop brand. The set is designed to replicate the original Xbox console and includes a full-size buildable Duke controller, aiming to appeal to collectors and long-time Xbox fans. It features integrated lights and sounds, as well as interactive scenes inspired by three classic Xbox titles.
Classic Games and Interactive Features
The set incorporates swappable models representing scenes from Halo: Combat Evolved, Psychonauts, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. According to Mattel, pressing the controller's buttons activates hidden scenes from these games, complete with illuminated lighting effects and their respective in-game soundtracks. A specific button combination is said to trigger a unique lighting sequence, though the full extent of these features has not yet been independently demonstrated.
In addition to the console and controller, the package includes 12 NanoWorld figures: eight from Halo, and two each from Psychonauts and Morrowind. These miniatures are intended to complement the game scenes and add further display options for collectors.
Preorder Details and Release Timing
The buildable Xbox set is available to preorder from selected retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, at a price of $329.99. While Mattel has not provided an official release date, Amazon currently lists a provisional shipping date of 1 October. It remains unclear whether this date is final or subject to change, as retailer listings are sometimes updated ahead of formal confirmation from the manufacturer.
For those interested in broader Xbox developments, recent changes in publishing arrangements have also affected other projects, such as Compulsion Games' move to self-publish South of Midnight on Steam after separating from Xbox Game Studios. More details on this shift can be found in our coverage of Compulsion Games' new publishing direction.
What Remains Unconfirmed
At present, Mattel has not released video demonstrations or detailed technical breakdowns of the set's lighting and sound features. It is also unclear whether the interactive elements require batteries or external power, or how robust the build quality will be for regular use. No information has been provided regarding regional availability outside the United States, nor has Mattel confirmed whether the set will be produced in limited quantities.
As with many premium collector releases, the final product may differ in minor ways from early promotional images or descriptions. Prospective buyers should be aware that preorder listings may be updated as more information becomes available, and that the current price and shipping date are subject to change until officially confirmed by Mattel.
When discussing buildable gaming hardware, it is important to distinguish between display models and functional devices. While this Mattel set is designed to replicate the look and feel of the original Xbox, it does not function as a playable console. Instead, it serves as a collector's item, with interactive lighting and sound features intended to evoke nostalgia for the early Xbox era. Such sets are typically aimed at adult collectors and enthusiasts, rather than children or those seeking a working gaming system.
