Last updated: 6 April 2026

Best Retired LEGO Super Mario Sets to Buy in 2026

The best retired LEGO Super Mario sets to buy in 2026 are the Adventures with Mario Starter Course 71360, Bowser's Castle Boss Battle 71369, and the Master Your Adventure Maker Set 71380. These sets form the core of any collection and offer the best combination of iconic characters, gameplay features, and long-term appeal. The LEGO Super Mario theme launched in 2020 and revolutionised LEGO with interactive electronic elements, making retired sets particularly sought after.

You’re looking for the best Super Mario sets to buy now that many have retired. Smart choice — this theme introduced genuine innovation to LEGO with Bluetooth connectivity and interactive gameplay. This post covers the 8 most valuable retired Super Mario sets, why they matter, and where to find them sealed in the UK.

---

Why are retired LEGO Super Mario sets worth buying?

LEGO Super Mario broke new ground when it launched in August 2020. Instead of traditional building and display, these sets introduced interactive gameplay with Bluetooth-connected Mario, Luigi, and Peach figures that respond to colour sensors, barcodes, and action bricks.

The theme’s innovation lies in its electronic integration. The Mario figure has LED eyes, a built-in speaker, and can “collect coins” by scanning specific elements. This created a genuine gaming experience within LEGO building — something no previous theme had achieved.

What makes retired Super Mario sets particularly valuable:

• Unique gameplay mechanics — Interactive elements not found in newer releases
• Character exclusivity — Specific enemy figures and power-ups only appeared in certain sets
• Electronic components — Bluetooth functionality and sensors that work indefinitely when maintained
• Nintendo licensing — Official partnership ensures authentic character designs and sounds
• Modular building system — Sets combine to create larger courses and challenges

The main risk with Super Mario sets is electronic failure. However, the interactive figures are surprisingly robust. We’ve handled dozens of sealed sets and the electronics consistently work perfectly when unopened. Used sets carry more risk if the figures have been dropped or exposed to moisture.

---

What makes a LEGO Super Mario set worth collecting?

Not all Super Mario sets are created equal. The best retired sets share specific qualities that make them stand out from the dozens of expansion packs and smaller releases.

Essential Interactive Characters

The most valuable sets include unique interactive figures — Mario, Luigi, Peach, or major villains like Bowser. These figures are the heart of the gaming system and cannot be purchased separately. The Adventures with Mario Starter Course 71360 remains essential because it’s the only way to get the original Mario figure.

Unique Enemy Characters

Certain sets introduced enemy figures that never appeared elsewhere — King Boo from the King Boo and the Haunted Yard 71377, or the unique Bowser Jr. from Bowser’s Airship 71391. These character exclusives drive long-term value.

Complex Building Challenges

The premium sets offer substantial builds with multiple rooms, mechanisms, and interactive elements. Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle 71369 exemplifies this with its rotating platform, lava bubble machine, and multi-level castle structure.

Our rule: Buy sets with unique interactive figures first, then focus on large builds with exclusive characters. Skip the basic expansion packs unless they contain a character you specifically want — they’re easily replaceable.

---

How much do retired LEGO Super Mario sets cost in 2026?

Super Mario sets show interesting pricing patterns. Starter sets with interactive figures command premium prices, while expansion packs without characters trade closer to their original retail values.

These prices reflect sealed condition from UK sellers. International shipping often adds £20–40 to the final cost, making UK stock preferable for collectors.

---

Which retired LEGO Super Mario sets should you buy first?

Start with the essential sets that provide the interactive figures and core gameplay, then expand into the premium builds and character-specific sets.

1. Adventures with Mario Starter Course (71360)

Why buy it: This is the entry point to Super Mario LEGO. The set includes the interactive Mario figure, essential action bricks, and the basic course elements needed for gameplay. Without this set, the rest of the theme doesn’t function.

What you get: The Mario figure responds to colours, makes authentic game sounds, and displays a coin counter on his chest. The course includes a pipe, question mark block, Bowser Jr., and the iconic flag finish.

2. Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle Expansion Set (71369)

Why buy it: The most impressive build in the Super Mario theme. The castle features multiple interactive elements including a spinning bridge mechanism, rising lava bubbles, and a detailed Bowser figure. This set showcases what makes Super Mario LEGO special — physical mechanisms combined with digital interaction.

Build experience: Takes 4–6 hours to complete. The highlight is the spinning bridge mechanism that responds to Mario’s weight sensors. The castle is modular and connects seamlessly to other Super Mario sets.

3. Master Your Adventure Maker Set (71380)

Why buy it: This set introduced customisable gameplay elements that let you program your own challenges. The Customisation Machine allows you to create unique sound effects and responses, making it the most advanced set in the theme.

The set appeals to both builders and gamers. You can create entirely custom courses with personalised challenges, sounds, and scoring systems. This level of customisation hasn’t been replicated in newer releases.

---

What about the character-specific expansion sets?

Several retired sets focused on specific characters and introduced unique gameplay elements not available elsewhere.

Luigi’s Mansion Starter Course (71387)

Released in 2021, this starter course introduced Luigi as an interactive figure. Luigi has different responses and sounds compared to Mario, making him worth collecting separately. The mansion setting includes unique spooky elements like King Boo and haunted furniture. Current market price: £120–150.

King Boo and the Haunted Yard (71377)

This expansion set focused on the Luigi’s Mansion sub-theme and introduced King Boo as a major interactive character. The ghostly elements include a spinning merry-go-round and portrait room mechanism. The set works with both Mario and Luigi figures. Current market price: £80–110.

Bowser’s Airship Expansion Set (71391)

One of the more complex expansion sets, featuring a buildable airship with working cannon mechanism and exclusive Bowser Jr. figure. The ship connects to other sets and includes unique air-based challenges. Current market price: £90–130.

These character sets work best as additions to a core collection rather than standalone purchases. The gameplay elements require at least one starter course to function properly.

---

How do LEGO Super Mario electronics hold up over time?

The biggest concern with Super Mario sets is electronic longevity. How well do the Bluetooth figures and interactive elements work after years of storage or play?

Our experience handling sealed sets has been overwhelmingly positive. The Mario, Luigi, and Peach figures use standard AAA batteries and well-sealed electronic components. The Bluetooth connectivity remains stable, and the colour sensors maintain their accuracy.

What can go wrong:

• Battery corrosion — Affects used sets more than sealed ones
• Speaker degradation — Rare but possible after heavy use
• Sensor calibration — Occasionally requires recalibration via the LEGO Super Mario app
• Bluetooth pairing issues — Usually resolved by updating the companion app

The good news: LEGO designed these electronics for long-term use. The figures include sleep modes to preserve battery life, and the sensors are protected by durable plastic housings.

Our take: We’ve never encountered a sealed Super Mario set with non-functional electronics. The figures are surprisingly robust, and even heavily used examples typically work perfectly after a battery change. The risk is minimal with proper storage.

---

Should you buy Super Mario sets sealed or used?

Sealed is strongly recommended for Super Mario sets, more so than most LEGO themes. The electronic components are the main draw, and you want guarantee they’ve never been exposed to moisture, drops, or battery corrosion.

The interactive elements in Super Mario sets are irreplaceable. You can’t buy replacement Mario figures or action bricks separately. If the electronics fail in a used set, the entire purchase becomes worthless.

Stickers also matter more in Super Mario sets than traditional LEGO. Many of the interactive elements rely on printed or sticker-applied designs to trigger the correct responses from the figures.

---

Where to buy retired LEGO Super Mario sets in the UK

Super Mario sets appear regularly on the secondary market, but finding sealed examples at reasonable prices requires patience and verification skills.

• eBay UK — Largest selection but verify seller feedback and examine photos carefully. Look for intact factory seals and undamaged boxes.
• BrickLink — Reliable for sealed sets, though many sellers ship from Europe with added cost and time.
• Facebook Marketplace — Local pickup available, but electronic verification difficult until collection.
• LEGO specialist retailers — BuyMyBricks and similar stores stock verified sealed sets when available.

Verification checklist for sealed Super Mario sets:

• Seal tape intact — Check all corners and edges for tampering
• Box condition — Minor shelf wear acceptable, crushing or water damage not
• Weight feels correct — Electronic components add noticeable weight
• No rattling — Loose pieces suggest box damage or resealing
• Seller feedback — Verify positive LEGO sales history, not just general feedback
• Price reasonableness — Suspiciously low prices often indicate fakes or damage

---

How do Super Mario sets compare to other retired LEGO themes?

Super Mario occupies a unique position in the LEGO collecting landscape. Unlike traditional themes focused on building and display, these sets prioritise interactive play and electronic innovation.

What sets Super Mario apart is its integration of digital and physical play. Where other themes might increase in value due to display appeal or nostalgia, Super Mario sets derive their worth from unique functionality that cannot be replicated by newer releases.

This makes the theme both higher risk and potentially higher reward. Electronic failure renders the sets largely worthless, but working examples become increasingly precious as the technology ages and becomes unavailable elsewhere.

Consider how this affects your collecting strategy. Traditional LEGO themes like Adventure Time 21308 or Batman 76161 offer guaranteed long-term display value, while Super Mario provides unique interactive experiences that may not be available in future releases.

---

What about fake LEGO Super Mario sets?

Super Mario sets attract counterfeiters due to their electronic components and premium pricing. However, the complexity of replicating Bluetooth connectivity and Nintendo licensing makes convincing fakes relatively rare.

Red flags to watch for:

• Suspiciously low prices — Genuine sealed sets maintain consistent market values
• Non-English packaging — Many fakes originate from regions with different language requirements
• Missing Nintendo branding — Authentic sets clearly display Nintendo partnership logos
• Poor print quality — Box art, instruction booklets, and stickers show obvious quality differences
• Electronic malfunction — Fake figures often lack proper Bluetooth implementation or authentic sounds

The electronic components actually make authentication easier than traditional LEGO sets. Counterfeiters struggle to replicate the sophisticated sensor systems and Nintendo-licensed sound effects.

Most fake Super Mario sets are obvious upon close inspection. The electronic figures require significant engineering expertise to replicate, making them less attractive to counterfeiters compared to simpler builds like Architecture sets such as Burj Khalifa 21055.

---

Building and displaying LEGO Super Mario sets

Super Mario sets differ from traditional LEGO in both building experience and display requirements. The modular design prioritises functionality over aesthetics, creating unique challenges for collectors.

Building Experience

Super Mario builds focus on mechanism integration rather than complex construction techniques. The satisfaction comes from testing interactive elements and seeing the electronic responses work correctly. Build times are typically shorter than equivalent piece-count sets from other themes.

The instruction manuals include QR codes linking to the LEGO Super Mario app, which provides building tips and gameplay tutorials. This app integration is essential for getting full value from the sets.

Display Considerations

These sets are designed for play rather than static display. The modular baseplates take up significant space and the bright colours may not suit all display environments. Many collectors create dedicated play areas rather than integrating Super Mario with other LEGO themes.

The electronic figures require occasional battery changes to maintain full functionality, making them less maintenance-free than traditional display pieces.

Our recommendation: Treat Super Mario as a separate collection category. The sets work best when grouped together to create larger courses, rather than displayed individually alongside traditional LEGO themes.

---

The Verdict

---

More Innovative LEGO Sets at BuyMyBricks

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best retired LEGO Super Mario sets to buy?

Adventures with Mario Starter Course 71360 is essential (£80–120), followed by Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle 71369 (£150–200) and Master Your Adventure Maker Set 71380 (£200–280). These provide the core interactive experience and unique gameplay elements.

Do LEGO Super Mario electronics still work after years?

Yes, sealed Super Mario sets maintain electronic functionality indefinitely when stored properly. The interactive figures use standard AAA batteries and well-protected sensors that rarely fail. We’ve never encountered a sealed set with non-functional electronics.

Should I buy Super Mario sets sealed or used?

Sealed is strongly recommended. The electronic components are irreplaceable, and used sets risk battery corrosion, sensor damage, or missing interactive elements. The premium you pay for sealed condition is worth it for guaranteed functionality.

Are fake LEGO Super Mario sets common?

No, the electronic complexity makes convincing fakes rare. Counterfeiters struggle to replicate Bluetooth connectivity and Nintendo-licensed sound effects. Most fakes are obvious upon inspection due to poor electronic implementation and missing Nintendo branding.

How much space do Super Mario sets require for display?

Super Mario sets use modular baseplates that connect together, requiring significant table or floor space. A complete course typically needs 3–5 square feet minimum. Most collectors create dedicated play areas rather than integrating with traditional LEGO displays.

Which Super Mario set should I buy first?

Start with Adventures with Mario Starter Course 71360. This set includes the essential interactive Mario figure and basic course elements needed for gameplay. Without this starter set, other Super Mario expansions cannot function properly.

Can you still buy LEGO Super Mario sets in shops?

Current Super Mario sets remain available at retail, but many of the premium retired sets like Bowser’s Castle 71369 and Master Your Adventure 71380 are only available from secondary sellers like BuyMyBricks, eBay, and BrickLink.

Do Super Mario sets work with regular LEGO bricks?

Yes, Super Mario sets use standard LEGO building systems and are fully compatible with other LEGO elements. However, the interactive gameplay features only work with official Super Mario action bricks and figures from the theme.

---

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook @buymybricks for new stock alerts and retired set updates.