Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Lego

Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Lego: A Classic Reimagined in Bricks

The LEGO Super Mario Adventures Starter Course reimagined a video game icon in brick form, making it one of the standout toys of Christmas 2020. This innovative set transformed digital gameplay into real-world building and storytelling, earning its place on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2020 list. Created by The LEGO Group in collaboration with Nintendo, it offered kids aged 6+ a chance to bring Mario’s world to life in their living rooms. From stomping Goombas to chasing coins, the Starter Course turned classic play into something brand new.

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Overview & Key Features ✅

The set provided an interactive experience that blended LEGO’s creative play with Nintendo’s digital magic. At its centre was an electronic Mario figure unlike anything LEGO had ever produced before.

• Interactive Mario figure with LCD eyes, mouth, and chest screen.
• Authentic sound effects and music from the Mario games.
• Sensors that detect movement, colour, and special bricks.
• Figures of Bowser Jr. and a Goomba included.
• Classic flagpole to finish each level.
• Bluetooth connection to the LEGO Super Mario app.

With 231 pieces in the Starter Course, it was designed as the entry point for a much larger system of expansions and adventures.

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Why Kids Love It

Children were thrilled to see their favourite video game character come to life in LEGO form. The interactive Mario figure responded instantly to their actions, collecting coins, bouncing on enemies, and reacting with cheerful sound effects. This made play feel alive in a way traditional LEGO builds couldn’t match.

The ability to rebuild levels endlessly meant no two play sessions were the same. Kids felt like game designers, crafting new challenges for Mario and testing them in real time.

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Parents’ Perspective ‍ ‍

Parents appreciated that the Starter Course encouraged creative building and problem-solving while offering a break from screens. It combined the best of both worlds: the interactivity kids craved and the hands-on creativity parents valued. The free LEGO Super Mario app also provided digital instructions, making it easy for children to build independently.

At £45–£50 in UK shops, it was positioned as a mid-range set with strong value. Expansion packs could increase the cost, but many families saw the modular system as a way to spread purchases across birthdays and holidays. Savvy shoppers followed our Christmas toy deals page to track discounts and avoid paying premium prices in December.

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Christmas 2020 Context

The LEGO Super Mario line arrived at a time when gaming and building were both booming. Kids who loved Nintendo games got a physical version of their favourite adventures, while parents who grew up with Mario enjoyed sharing the nostalgia. Coverage in lists such as Hamleys’ Top Toys boosted its festive profile, ensuring it sold out in many retailers before Christmas.

Its placement on the must-have Christmas toys lists cemented its place as one of the year’s most in-demand playsets.

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Play Possibilities & Roleplay Ideas

Children could set up races, coin challenges, and boss battles by rearranging the pieces. Parents often joined in, competing to see who could design the hardest course or score the most points. The blend of construction, storytelling, and game mechanics meant it appealed across age groups.

For those curious about how toys like this get picked, our How We Review Toys page offers insights into the process behind selecting Christmas favourites.

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Comparisons & Alternatives

Compared to traditional LEGO sets, the Super Mario Starter Course stood out for its interactivity. While LEGO City or LEGO Friends provided imaginative builds, none included a figure that moved, reacted, and spoke. Expansion packs like Bowser’s Castle or Piranha Plant Power Slide extended the play, keeping children engaged for months.

Other toys in the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2020 list—such as the Pokémon Carry Case Playset or the Star Wars The Mandalorian Baby Yoda plush—offered strong competition, but LEGO’s mix of creativity and interactivity gave it unique staying power.

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Collectability & Longevity

For LEGO fans, the Starter Course was just the beginning. It introduced a whole ecosystem of expansion packs, ensuring its relevance long after Christmas 2020. Families reported that kids continued playing with it well into 2021 and beyond, especially as new sets were released to keep the line fresh.

Collectors also viewed it as a landmark collaboration between two global brands, making it a memorable piece of LEGO history.

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Buying Tips & Value

Demand was high during Christmas 2020, with many sets selling out quickly. Early shoppers secured theirs easily, while late buyers sometimes had to pay inflated resale prices. Our best places to buy Christmas toys online page helped families compare retailers and delivery times.

If buying today, check that the interactive Mario figure is included and functional, as it’s the core of the experience. Without him, the set loses most of its magic.

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Final Thoughts

The LEGO Super Mario Adventures Starter Course was more than just a LEGO set—it was a reinvention of play. It merged digital gaming with hands-on creativity, creating a toy that delighted kids and parents alike. Its place on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2020 list was fully deserved, and its legacy continues as one of LEGO’s most innovative releases of the decade.

Want more? Check out our in-depth LEGO Super Mario Starter Course review. You can also explore the LEGO brand page or browse our Top LEGO Toys. Planning for the future? Visit the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2025 hub to see what’s set to become the next festive blockbuster.

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