LEGO PlayStation 72306: Right up my alley—but do I really need it?
The LEGO PlayStation 72306 is exactly the kind of set that immediately catches my eye when I see the first picture. Anyone who grew up in the ’90s with the first PlayStation will, of course, recognize the gray console and the classic controller right away. LEGO captures the design amazingly well and, with a few small features, includes much more than just a gray box for the shelf.
On the other hand , the set costs 159.99 euros and includes 1,911 pieces. And that’s exactly where the interesting question arises for me: Is the nostalgia strong enough that I’d put a LEGO PlayStation on my shelf—or would I rather wait for a really good discount for that amount of money?
I like the implementation much more than I expected
Visually, I think the console looks really great. The model is built almost to scale, the controller plugs in at the front, and even the Open and Power buttons have functions. There are also two small dioramas hidden under the CD tray, featuring Gran Turismo and Ape Escape.
Gran Turismo, in particular, is a perfect fit for me. I’m a little less convinced about Ape Escape. When I think of the first PlayStation, names like Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy VII, Ridge Racer, and Tomb Raider personally come to mind. I realize, of course, that licenses always play a role in games like these. Still, the selection could have been a bit more iconic for my taste.
I’m missing a memory card and an analog controller
What I actually find disappointing is that a memory card is completely missing. For me, that little gray thing is just as much a part of my PS1 memories as the console itself. An additional analog or DualShock controller would also have been a nice addition to the set.
On top of that, while LEGO does print some important logos, it still uses stickers in other places. For a 160-euro display set aimed at adults, I personally would have liked to see as many printed logos as possible.
Why build with LEGO when a real PS1 costs about the same?
It’s a natural question, of course. For about the same price, you can sometimes buy a real old PlayStation and even still play it. But for me, that’s not quite the same comparison. Anyone who buys this set probably doesn’t want to choose between a real console and LEGO. It’s about the fun of building, recreating it with bricks, and ultimately having a display model.
That’s exactly why the concept works for me in principle. After all, I don’t buy a LEGO car because I think it can replace a real car.
My conclusion: A great set—but not a must-buy at the MSRP
All in all, I really like the LEGO PlayStation 72306. It taps into that sense of nostalgia, looks just like a PS1 at first glance, and has enough little features to keep it from being just a boring gray box.
Still, personally, I wouldn’t necessarily pay the 159.99 euros right away when it goes on sale. If it comes with a really good free gift, that could change things, of course. Otherwise, I’d wait until the set is more widely available and the first discounts start appearing.
That’s exactly why you can already keep an eye on the PlayStation in Brick-Tracker. Add it to your Wishlist, set your desired price or discount, and the deal alert will automatically notify you as soon as something interesting comes up.
LEGO PlayStation 72306 in the Brick-Tracker Price Comparison
Add PlayStation 72306 to your Wishlist and set up a deal alert
View LEGO PlayStation 72306 directly on the LEGO website