I still can hardly believe it. I have the new LEGO Star Wars 75419 Death Star. I showed up at the LEGO Store on Grafton Street before opening this morning, determined to score the newest Death Star set, and as luck (and planning) would have it, I was the very first person to emerge from that store with one in hand.
Yes, you read that right.
Not only did I walk out with the new Death Star, but I walked out first with the new Death Star. I also secured the GWP Tie Fighter, the Halloween GWP, picked up the Gingerbread AT-AT (released today, also), and three LEGO GameBoy consoles, in doing so I also netted two more Halloween GWPs along the way. It was a bounty worthy of a celebration.
And yes, the Death Star box is massive and heavy. I ended up carrying it on my back like a haversack. (A few passersby gave me curious glances. One said that is a lot of LEGO. I can’t blame them, I looked delightfully absurd, but also extremely pleased.)
Below: my impressions (and mini-reviews) of each set from today’s haul.
The New 75419 LEGO Star Wars Death Star – My First Impressions
I’ll admit: one of the things that drew me to be first in line was the sheer spectacle of it. The box itself is colossal. As Jay’s Brick Blog notes in their unboxing coverage, “the box is absolutely massive, with a sleek all-black 18+ design, the outside box still uses regular cardboard, which makes it feel a little flimsy, it would have been nice for stronger/reinforced cardboard material.”
Even so, lugging that thing on my back through the streets of Dublin was an adventure in itself, and a visual statement. There’s no subtlety here.
Design & Format
One of the most talked-about changes (and controversies) is that this new Death Star is not a full sphere like earlier versions, instead it’s a cross-section “slice” that lets you see into multiple interior rooms at once. LEGO designers have said that this approach was intentional: it allows for more interior detail while reducing the depth required to display it. I love this shape – I have the other Death Stars and it is nice to have a new shape.
That said, the flip side is that it’s a bit less dramatic from certain viewing angles, especially the rear: the back was not prioritized in design because LEGO expects many people will place it against a wall.
Scale, Piece Count & Price
The new set has 9,023 pieces (making it one of the largest LEGO sets currently) and retails for about £899.99 / €999.99 in Europe. By comparison, the older Death Star (75159) has a spherical design and around 4,000+ pieces.
Because of that scale, display becomes a real factor: the new model is very wide and tall (though shallower in depth, as a slice), which gives it an imposing presence on any shelf.
Strengths & Trade-Offs
From what reviewers are saying:
- On the plus side: impressive interior detail, especially rooms with scenes from A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, a wealth of scenes to explore, and the scale is almost overwhelming in the best way.
- On the downside: the back is relatively bare, the model feels “hollow” from certain viewing angles, and the build doesn’t always feel as connected as one might hope (rooms are somewhat standalone).
- Price is a sticking point. At this cost, some fans are questioning the value vs. other sets or what the piece-to-price ratio really brings.
- Build time is nontrivial: reviewers estimate ~22 hours of continuous building time (or more, with breaks) to get it done.
All told, for a collector with shelf-space and a passion for Star Wars, it’s a showpiece. It’s perfect, it’s bold. And yes, once built, I have very little doubt it will dominate any LEGO display including in my office, and at Redmond’s Forge when it is moved there.
GWP Tie Fighter with Imperial Hangar Rack – The Companion Bonus
Because the new Death Star includes a GWP Tie Fighter with Imperial Hangar Rack (40771) for a limited window, I got it as well.
Quick Review / Thoughts
The Tie Fighter + hangar rack set is fun and complements the Death Star display, but it’s not heavily lauded as a standalone showstopper. Some critiques:
- It feels somewhat small and less detailed compared to what some fans expect in a GWP at this scale.
- However, many agree it feels more complete when paired with the Death Star, like a micro accessory that enhances the presentation.
In my view, as part of the launch package, it’s a welcome extra. It’s not jaw-dropping, but it adds value and gives you something extra to display.
Gingerbread AT-AT (Set 40806) – Seasonal Fun with a Star Wars Twist
Also released today, the Gingerbread AT-AT (40806) leapt off the shelf into my cart. (I confess: holiday-themed Star Wars sets are my weakness.)
What Reviewers Say
- Jay’s Brick Blog & Kevin from Block Party UK give it a thumbs-up: it’s recommended especially if you enjoy Christmas-themed LEGO or want a lighthearted seasonal Star Wars display.
- Brickset mentions the minifigure as a highlight: the gingerbread-patterned Darth Vader, with icing decorations, sprinkles, and all sorts of festive charm.
It may not be massive or dramatic, but it’s delightful in concept and execution. A fun display piece, especially during the holiday season.
LEGO GameBoy Console Sets – My Triple Score
I also snagged three LEGO GameBoy console sets. These are charming builds that appeal both to nostalgia and modular display potential.
- The GameBoy build is a modular fun play/display with replica features (dials, screens, and themed elements).
- It’s great for combining with other games consoles displays. It doesn’t dominate, but it will carry visual interest and I expect it to sell out fast.
- As it’s a new release, and trending, which means it’s a collector’s dream to have a “first edition” set in your collection.
By picking up three, I can keep a sealed display set and by buying these it triggered additional Halloween GWP eligibility.
The Halloween GWP
Alongside the Death Star and GameBoy sets came the Halloween gift with purchase. Think pumpkins, spooky detailing, and a playful seasonal vibe.
It’s a fun little add-on that the kids will love helping to build, and one of those pieces that adds a bit of October magic to the display shelves.
Reflections & Final Thoughts
Walking out of the LEGO Store with that gargantuan Death Star box strapped to my back felt epic, like I’d carried a piece of the Empire itself. I got looks, compliments, double takes. But more than that, I felt like I’d seized a moment: first in line, first to carry that set into the city, first in what I hope will be many photos and videos with it.
There’s something almost ritualistic about that: being there at opening, seeing the shelves stocked, being handed “the big one” first. As others filtered in behind me, I think I carried not just bricks but bragging rights.
As I build each of these sets, photograph them, and place them in my display, I’ll write deeper reviews and share build-time photos. But for now: mission accomplished. The haul is real. The shelf space is already screaming for reinforcements.
