Mattel are on a roll recently. It was only a few months ago that I purchased one of their larger "brick" sets featuring a Hot Wheels car and a buildable vehicle for my father as a gift. Then, shortly after they announced the Halo Warthog set coming at the end of the year, which has certainly tickled many people's fancy, including mine.
They're not stopping there, though; after a teaser trailer was posted on their social channels recently, showcasing a collaboration with Microsoft on a deeper level. Though no sets were announced, many speculations have occurred, alongside some leaks suggesting sets for the original Xbox console are on the way, alongside Halo 2, Psychonauts and even The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
The leaks I am interested in are the ones revealing an original Xbox, my first proper home console that I truly fell in love with. Firstly, a listing on Amazon was published early and immediately taken down, but avid nerds took a screenshot showcasing that it will have over 3,500 bricks in total, feature lights, sounds, 3 playable dioramas and in total weight 8400g with the box; that's hefty!
To confirm this, a manual has leaked on Manuals.Plus, announcing even more information about the upcoming Xbox Mattel Bricks set, the description used for an unattached image in the manual is: "the fully assembled MEGA Microsoft Xbox console replica, showcasing its detailed design. The iconic Duke controller is positioned next to the console, and three miniature dioramas representing Psychonauts, Halo 2, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind are visible, designed to slot into the console".
How cool does this sound? Not only is the console featured in the set, but the infamous Duke controller and mini figures (possibly the ones in the image above) that can slot into the console! One of the minifigures has been rumoured to have made its way onto eBay already too, though I don't know if I believe this personally. Diving deeper into the manual, I spotted more interesting descriptions:
- Console Opening Sequence: Gently open the console lid to trigger the Original Xbox opening sequence, which includes specific lights and sounds.
- Controller Activation: Press the buttons on the buildable Duke controller. Each button press is designed to activate one of four unique light and sound sequences associated with the embedded game dioramas.
- Diorama Interaction: Observe how the light and sound sequences highlight or interact with the Psychonauts, Halo 2, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind dioramas.
There are also instructions that have leaked in the manual too:
- Unpack Components: Carefully remove all parts from the packaging. Verify that all pieces are present according to the parts list provided in the separate building guide.
- Assemble Console: Follow the instructions to construct the main Xbox console replica. Ensure all connections are secure.
- Assemble Duke Controller: Build the iconic Duke controller, paying attention to the button mechanisms.
- Assemble Dioramas: Construct the Psychonauts, Halo 2, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind dioramas.
- Insert Dioramas: Once the console is assembled, the dioramas can be slotted into their designated positions within the console.
- Install Batteries: Locate the battery compartment (refer to the building guide for exact location) and insert the required batteries (not included) for the light and sound features. Ensure correct polarity.
As of now, that's all of the rumours and leaks I could find. It looks like this is going to be a very large set, likely coming in at $299.99 as the price leak suggests, featuring an array of mini-figures, dioramas, lights, noises and more. If I had to guess, it will be announced soon and launched before Christmas to take full advantage of the buying period! We'll keep you updated with more information once we hear it.
