LEGO Animal Crossing Build Wins Big at Bricks Cascade 2025: A Nintendo and LEGO Collaboration Highlight

The enduring partnership between LEGO and Nintendo continues to captivate fans of both brands, as seen at Bricks Cascade 2025—a premier LEGO fan exhibition held recently at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

This year’s event shone a spotlight on the creative intersection of gameplay and building, particularly with a show-stopping Animal Crossing: New Horizons LEGO build that wowed attendees and judges alike. Master builder Becky Clapshaw earned the 'People's Choice Runner Up' award for her extraordinary LEGO recreation of a 42-acre island inspired by the beloved Nintendo Switch title Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Clapshaw’s interpretation was a marvel of meticulous detail and interactivity, drawing countless fans and LEGO enthusiasts to marvel at its expansive, imaginative design.

Her build paid homage to features iconic to the franchise, including detailed renditions of the in-game museum, airport, and various storefronts, each filled with nods to longtime Animal Crossing players. In an interview with renowned LEGO-focused outlet Beyond the Brick, Clapshaw described her process and her goal to imbue the build with a sense of playability.

She implemented interactive sections throughout the design, allowing segments of the terrain to be lifted in a treasure-hunt style experience reminiscent of in-game activities.

"I wanted visitors to be able to interact with the model, just as they would within Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch," Clapshaw explained during the showcase, highlighting her intent to bridge the digital gameplay experience with tangible, brick-based creativity. The collaborative spirit between Nintendo and LEGO has generated a growing lineup of officially licensed sets, with Animal Crossing: New Horizons sets proving especially popular.

Three new Animal Crossing LEGO sets are scheduled for release on August 1, expanding the collection to include fan-favorite characters such as Blathers and Goldie.

These releases, celebrated through platforms like Nintendo Direct and found digitally via the Nintendo eShop, reinforce the strong demand for cross-branded, play-focused products that resonate with gamers and collectors alike. Bricks Cascade 2025’s recognition of Clapshaw’s LEGO Animal Crossing masterpiece underscores how the synergy between LEGO and Nintendo continues to inspire both communities.

As anticipation grows for future collaborations and builds, both seasoned fans and newcomers look forward to what’s next from this partnership—hoping to see even more Nintendo franchises brought to life in LEGO brick form.

Animal Crossing Nintendo Animal Crossing: New Horizons LEGO Nintendo Switch Bricks Cascade 2025 Becky Clapshaw Beyond the Brick