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Head-to-head

LEGO Icons Back to the Future Time Machine vs LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System

Both built. Both reviewed. Here's how they actually compare on the things that matter.

By the numbers

The spec sheet.

Metric LEGO Icons Back to the Future Time Machine LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System
Rating 5/5 5/5
Pieces 1,872 3,601WINS
MSRP $199.99WINS $259.99
Price per piece $0.11 $0.07WINS
Verdict Must buy Must buy
Best for BTTF fans, 80s nostalgia builders, and anyone who wants a small-footprint Icons set with serious display energy. Space enthusiasts, NASA fans, and Icons collectors who want a vertical display centerpiece without the architectural bulk.

Pros & cons

What I actually noticed.

LEGO Icons Back to the Future Time Machine

Pros

  • Three movie-accurate configurations (BTTF1 road, BTTF2 hover, BTTF3 rail)
  • Marty and Doc minifigs are the best versions LEGO has ever made
  • Mr. Fusion, hover wheels, time-circuit display — every iconic detail is in there
  • Compact footprint — fits a small shelf, unlike most Icons cars
  • Easy 5–7 hour build, perfect for a weekend

Cons

  • Hover-mode wheel swap takes 60 seconds and isn't elegant
  • Side-vent stickers are unforgiving if you've never applied LEGO stickers before
  • The flux capacitor light kit isn't included (third-party only)

LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System

Pros

  • 1m of vertical display height — the tallest LEGO space set ever made
  • Iconic orange-and-white SLS livery in actual brick colour, not stickers
  • Removable Orion spacecraft sub-build at the top
  • Mobile launcher tower with detailed servicing arms
  • Booster separation stages display modes

Cons

  • Vertical footprint demands 1m+ of ceiling clearance
  • Mobile launcher tower is tall and tip-prone — anchor it
  • Some sticker work on the SLS livery panels

Made up your mind?

Pick a retailer.

LEGO Icons Back to the Future Time Machine

$199.99

Full review →

LEGO Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System

$259.99

Full review →

Comparison generated from our individual reviews. Pros, cons, and ratings come from full hands-on builds — see each review for the complete take.