3,509 bricks, built into an Xbox that won't actually light up even if you plug it in — but press the button on the brick controller, and it really does light up. This time, Mattel isn't making a display piece for the shelf; it's a 1:1 scale interactive brick set replicating the original Xbox console and controller, priced at $330 — pricier than the real console back in the day, and even pricier than the Xbox Series S at launch.
The NES and Atari 2600 have both been turned into brick versions before, but those came from Lego. This time it's Mattel stepping up on its own, and the execution shows more thought: besides the console itself, the set includes three small scene modules corresponding to Halo: Combat Evolved, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and Psychonauts, with each module and its matching minifigure detachable for standalone display. The real interactive touch is hidden in the controller — press the button, and the corresponding scene module lights up while playing that game's original soundtrack. According to Mattel's press release, players can also trigger a "limited light sequence" through a hidden button combination.
What's more intriguing is the timing of including Psychonauts as one of the options. The game's developer, Double Fine, just parted ways with Xbox, so seeing it included in a brick set paying tribute to Xbox feels a bit awkwardly out of sync.
The brick set is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Best Buy, and Mattel Creations, priced at $330. The official page has not provided further details on the release date or shipping timeline.
