Last year we got the very cool announcement that LEGO and Nintendo were joining forces (like, say, two plastic bricks) for a special interactive set. Where a LCD paneled block Mario reacted and responded as you moved him through the course. Today the LEGO Luigi Starter Kit (AUD $89.99) joins in on the fun as everyone's favourite side-kick arrives with none other than Yoshi -- in a fun looking addition to what's now a LEGO Super Mario series.

Check it out.

Featuring the interactive and highly anticipated LEGO Luigi figure, this is the latest extension of the LEGO Super Mario product line, the result of a unique partnership with Nintendo that has introduced an entirely new way to play with LEGO bricks. While based on a traditional LEGO brick product, the LEGO Super Mario play experience is unique in that kids can freely build Super Mario courses and bring to life their LEGO Mario and LEGO Luigi figures in fun, interactive ways.

Similar to the Adventures with Mario Starter Course, this new set is an additional entry point tothe world of LEGO Super Mario and is compatible with the Mario Starter Course, all Expansion Sets, collectible Character Packs and Power-Up Packs. Both Starter Courses offer fans nearly limitless ways to expand, rebuild, customise and create their own action-packed challenges in a highly interactive experience with LEGO Mario or LEGO Luigi. Built with the same technology as his brother, LEGO Luigi comes with a color sensor, LCD screen to display many different reactions to movement, and a speaker that plays iconic sounds and music from the Super Mario video game series.

"We are very pleased to add Mario's twin brother, Luigi, to the LEGO Super Mario family with the new LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Luigi Starter Course," said Takashi Tezuka, Executive Officer and Game Producer of Nintendo Co., Ltd. "Please welcome him as a companion on your adventures in the world of LEGO Super Mario. The addition of Luigi and Mario together creates new kinds of fun play. I look forward to seeing what exciting journeys kids will take with these two character."

“LEGO play lets children unleash their imaginations, and we’re so excited Luigi has arrived to help them create even more LEGO Super Mario adventures,” said Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer, the LEGO Group. “Everybody loves Luigi! With his unique personality, green cap and distinctive moustache, he has been highly requested by fans all over the world, and we are thrilled to welcome him to this interactive playset that is really changing the way people
engage with Super Mario and LEGO play.”

As per above it should come as no surprise that Luigi fans have been asking for his addition to the LEGO Super Mario line-up, especially with every year being an unofficial Year of Luigi.