New Lego Pokémon Sets Offer Affordable and Interactive Fun for Kids
Lego has introduced 12 new Pokémon sets that are more affordable and simpler than previous versions. These sets incorporate Lego’s new Smart Play technology, allowing the bricks to make noises and interact with each other. The collaboration between Lego and Pokémon has always been popular, and this latest wave of sets is aimed at a younger audience.
Previously, only three sets were available, all targeting adult collectors with prices ranging from £54.99 to £579.99. However, these sets were often too expensive and complex for children, as they were more like display pieces rather than interactive toys. The new sets aim to change this by offering a more accessible price range, with the cheapest set priced at £12.99 and the most expensive at £109.99.
The design of these sets is more in line with the Super Mario line, making them less delicate and easier for kids to play with. The squatter designs also allow for one-handed handling, which is ideal for younger users. The smart bricks are optional, meaning that cheaper sets do not include them. Instead, users can use a smart brick from a more expensive set or from the existing Star Wars range.
Once a smart brick is inserted into a model, it interacts with special tiles, similar to the Super Mario Bluetooth minifigures. These smart bricks have built-in motion and color sensors, allowing for features like feeding a Pokémon and having it respond, or tickling it to make it laugh. The idea is to mimic the process of training and bonding with a Pokémon, using various tools included in many of the sets.
Battles between Pokémon are also more interactive, with each character having normal and charged attacks, as well as dash moves. The types of Pokémon matter, so electric-based Pikachu is better against water-based Squirtle. The sounds during battles are a mix of original game cries and anime-style names, while the music plays like 8-bit Game Boy tunes but is actually original.
Two starter sets provide all the basics, including at least one smart brick. The other sets require a smart brick from elsewhere. Here are some of the highlights:
Training House with Pikachu (72164) – £59.99
This all-in-one set includes a smart brick, charger, and four smart tags. It features Pikachu, a treehouse model, and a training dummy. While the design may reference Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, it’s still a fun starting point.Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (72167) – £109.99
This set includes two smart bricks and large figures, along with training targets. Charizard is 18cm tall, and Jolteon is 12cm, making them quite impressive. The set has an 8+ age rating, making it more complex than some others but still manageable.Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof (72155) – £17.99
This set does not come with a smart brick but includes at least one smart tag. Bidoof is a favorite design, with a berry juicer included.Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle (72156) – £24.99
Some sets include vehicles, though they seem to be fictional. Squirtle and a pokéball are featured, along with stud shooters.Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash (72157) – £17.99
This set includes a cave, crystals, and a lamp, focusing on Gen I starters. The theme is clear, with background accessories for each set.Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (72158) – £29.99
This set features the three starters from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. A small brick-built wheel allows players to spin and choose opponents.Jigglypuff Concert (72159) – £12.99
The cheapest set includes Jigglypuff, a microphone stand, and speakers. A smart tag is included, allowing interaction with a smart brick.Drone Search for Mythical Mew (72161) – £44.99
This set includes a drone, Great Ball, and ancient ruins to hide Mew. It emphasizes playability over display.Eevee and Lapras’s Treasure Hunt (72162) – £54.99
Eevee and Lapras are designed with organic shapes, making them unique. Lapras has a shipwreck motif and hidden treasure.Mewtwo’s Lab Break (72163) – £59.99
This set features Mewtwo in a science lab setting, with a containment capsule that breaks apart and a Master Ball to catch him again.Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship (72165) – £69.99
This set includes a trophy and a giant pokéball, with a focus on dark type Umbreon and Gen IV pseudo-legendary Garchomp.Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown (72166) – £79.99
Gengar has a moving tongue and a complex playset with targets to aim at, making it a challenging but fun set.
All these sets are available for pre-order from the Lego website and will be released in August. They will also be available in Lego stores, which will run smart brick demos. Some stores will become PokéStops and Gyms in Pokémon Go, offering exclusive rewards. A gift with purchase featuring a Squirtle-shaped TV and Ditto is also expected to sell out quickly.
