The long-awaited LEGO Batman Arkham Asylum set is finally here, and it’s one of the most substantial DC-themed builds LEGO has put out in years. With 2,953 pieces and a whopping 16 minifigures included, this isn’t a quick build to stick on the shelf.
You’ll find Batman, Joker, Harley Quinn, and a host of Gotham’s most infamous villains all packed inside the box, along with the detailed bricks to construct the iconic Asylum itself. It costs $299.99, and you don’t have to wait around for it either; it’s live and available to buy at the LEGO Store right now.
As if that wasn’t enough, LEGO has also lined up a retro gaming treat that makes the timing even better. A brand-new SEGA Genesis controller build is available as a limited-time Gift With Purchase, and it even hides a Sonic the Hedgehog easter egg inside. It’s not something you can buy outright, though, and that’s where things get slightly more complicated.
The SEGA controller set is only being offered until September 17, and you’ll need to spend at least $130 at the LEGO Store to qualify. GWPs like this have a habit of vanishing early once stock dries up, and this one is restricted to in-stock sets only, so preorders won’t trigger the offer. The threshold is technically $130, but I tested it and can confirm a $129.99 set still works. That small loophole could make all the difference if you’re just on the cusp.
It's a shame that, unlike the more reasonably priced LEGO Game Boy set at $59.99, this one requires a $130 spend at the LEGO Store to unlock.
But, of course, plenty of LEGO sets already blow past that price point these days. And if you were already eyeing Arkham Asylum at $299.99, you’re not only covered but also walking away with one of the best freebies LEGO has rolled out in some time.
If Batman builds aren’t your thing, though, there are plenty of other ways to hit the $130 minimum. Below are a few standout sets currently in stock that qualify for the Genesis controller promotion.
The LEGO SEGA Genesis Controller set (try saying that five times fast) is made up of 260 pieces and is aimed squarely at the 18+ age category, marking it as one of LEGO’s growing lineup of display pieces designed for adults.
With a buildable stand included, it’s meant to sit proudly on a shelf rather than be picked up for play. The end result looks remarkably close to the iconic controller you probably remember spending hours with back in the day, right down to the familiar button layout.
One note: preorders don’t qualify, so the LEGO Game Boy and the upcoming Willy Wonka set won’t work. But if stock holds, the Genesis controller should also be available alongside Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship when that launches.
Robert Anderson is Senior Commerce Editor and IGN's resident deals expert on games, collectibles, trading card games, and more. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
This article contains contributions from Chris Reed.
