Reimagining the Classics: Alternative Builds for the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (71374-1)

From the moment the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System (set 71374-1) landed on shelves, builders everywhere were transported back to the golden age of gaming, with its iconic brick-built console, cartridge, and television stand. Yet, beyond faithfully recreating the retro NES experience, this set’s rich palette of neutral grays, reds, and blacks—combined with its versatile array of Technic beams, plates, and specialist elements—opens up a world of creative repurposing. Imagine transforming the familiar façade of your favorite 8-bit console into functional home accessories, eye-catching display pieces, or whimsical micro-scale vehicles that spark fresh nostalgia.

At its core, 71374-1 offers a robust parts inventory: smooth panels perfect for sleek, modern silhouettes; round 2×2 tiles and dials that mimic vintage knobs and controls; and enough structural variety to engineer moving components or load-bearing frames. Builders can lean into the set’s blocky aesthetic to craft retro-inspired home décor—think a minimalist record player echoing the analog era, or a micro-boat that nods to classic river adventures. Alternatively, by combining the console’s grey bricks with external elements—like black slopes or Technic liftarms—one can create dynamic stands for today’s tablets or gaming devices, blending old-school charm with modern utility.

The modular nature of the set also encourages experimentation at different scales. On one hand, micro builds can reference pop-culture icons or everyday gadgets; on the other, larger alternate models can incorporate moving parts—rotating turntables or sliding cartridges—highlighting the original set’s mechanical roots. And because most alternative builds simply augment the existing inventory with a handful of extra bricks, these MOCs remain accessible to anyone who already owns the base set.

Below, we showcase standout MOCs, each demonstrating how imagination can turn a single LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System into multiple, distinct creations that honor the spirit of both LEGO building and classic gaming .

Alternative Builds Gallery

NESwitch – Nintendo Switch Stand

Designer: BarCH
Get the instructions with link to model

Record Player

Designer: Gr33tje13
Get the instructions with link to model

71374-1 Houseboat

Designer: emil_mu
Get the instructions with link to model