Time to get another Creator 3-in1 review out. While the majority of sets in the current wave are creature builds, a couple are based on real-world objects.

Lets take a look at the 31380 Retro Video Game Console.

This set is one of 2 sets in the current wave that tie into real-world objects, with the hero model setting out to mirror handheld consoles of the nineties and early noughties. The set is aimed at audiences from age 8 and up, has 268 pieces and is priced at $AUD29.99 / $USD19.99 / £17.99 / 19.99€

The set has a predominantly dark blue palette, with controls highlighted in bright orange, bringing some transparent orange trim along the way. Dark blue technic elements are always welcome, and the 1×8 technic brick has only ever appeared in a single Ninjago set in 2024.

We also have eight examples of the new 2×2 quarter circle plate with is new this year. This has the same curve that we see on the traditional macaroni brick, 2×6 double curved plate and the 3×3 corner plate (to say nothing of the 4×4 round plate). We also have a selection of dark blue curved tiles and wedges.

There is a repeated selection of bricks and plates in medium lilac, black and bright blue, and finally a selection of 1×1 coloured tiles, for folks longing for a LEGO DOTs fix.

The Main Build

The first model brings us a retro game console, with dual joysticks, cushioned bumper buttons D-pad and 4 buttons. A transparent panel allows you to see cartidges with lo-res DOT powered videogame art work that are clipped into place. This click uses the ‘weak clip’ effect using a clip inserted between the prongs of a click hinge. The console fits comfortably in your hand, but the control layout bears more similarity to a video game controller with a screen added, than a vintage console. The controller itself is virtually studless. Other than the D-Pad and control buttons, the front of the console is is fully tiled.

Still, it looks the part, and the contrast between the dark blue case and orange controls is visually striking. A button at the base of the model ejects the game cartridge with a satisfying click, and lets you swap cartridges over.

I love the way this can be gifted to a kid wanting a LEGO Game Boy using the excuse “That’s too expensive/ you aren’t old enough yet!” in the same way we might have been told, a generation ago, before getting a different electronic gadget.

Playability

I really like the tactile feel of the joysticks, and I can live without the buttons responding to my touch. The studs on the controller reminds me that this is a LEGO Model. The bumpers do give a nice amount of give, and quickly spring back, thanks to a couple of hidden rubber suspension units within the model. The eject mechanism gives a definite ‘click’ as the cartridge pops out.

After some of the real world models in recent years, I was expecting to see flowers growing out of it. I was a little disappointed.

Alternative Builds

The alternative models include a small scale arcade video game, as well as a desktop PC.

The arcade machine takes advantage of the curved bricks, as well as some of the trans-orange plates to adopt the right form for the model, making it a bit of fun. The joysticks are static, and there appears to be a game of Galaga or similar on the screen.

The PC is fairly basic in appearance, but has a disk that can be inserted and removed, after a fashion. the keyboard uses up most of the round tiles, but I have to admit, I had a bit of a chuckle when I realised that the game in motion was probably Lemmings – certainly a thief of just a little bit too much spare time of mine back in my youth.

Scaled for minifigures

I am often a little confused when looking at a collection of Creator 3in1 models as to the scale of the model. Here are pictures of the model, next to a minifigure for scale.

Conclusions:

The retro console does what you expect, and the other two models are pleasant display pieces, but lack play value. As an AFOL, it might be a good place to go if you are looking for a collection of dark blue elements, but I am excited by the implications of the transparent orange 2×4 plate. We have recently seen transparent dark blue and transparent red. My inner Classic Space fan is hoping that yellow cannot be too far behind…

The 31380 Retro Gaming Console has 286 pieces, and a recommended retail price of $AUD29.99 / $USD19.99 / £17.99 / 19.99€. It is now available.

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Until Next Time,

Play Well!