Pokémon is the next major franchise to get its own dedicated Lego Smart Play sets, with an array of new buildable, interactive figures on the way. There are a dozen new kits to collect here, with each featuring recognisable Pokémon, from franchise icons to newer favourites.
Wielding the newly-introduced Lego Smart Bricks, players will be able to interact and ‘play’ with their Lego Pokémon. As with the Star Wars kits, the Smart Bricks will light up and chirp when they’re pressed together with reactionary NFC tiles.
Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets – quick links
What to know about the new Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets
As announced, there will be two ‘All-in-One’ sets, which feature larger Lego builds alongside a dedicated Smart Brick – one featuring Pikachu and a Training House, and another featuring Charizard and Jolteon in an ‘Ultimate Battle’. There will also be multiple ‘Compatible’ kits that can be used alongside them.
For Smart Play newcomers, you need an All-in-One kit before you buy any other compatible Smart Play set. These come with the all-important Smart Brick, which is what generates the lights and sounds for interactive play.
If you’ve already got one from the Star Wars series, it will also be compatible.
The whole idea here is to cross the gap between traditional physical play and interactive screen play, with the Smart Bricks providing an added layer of immersion and discovery, particularly for younger audiences. While it can be a bit gimmicky for older Lego fans, the pure joy and silliness of hearing space-blasting sounds – or in this case, little Pokémon titters – makes up for plenty.
‘Pokémon has always been about the joy of discovery and connection, and we see every day how powerful imagination can be when it’s nurtured and given the space to grow,’ said Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokémon Company International.
‘Working with the Lego Group and its Smart Brick technology brings those shared values to life in a new, interactive way. Together, we’re giving young Trainers a hands-on way to engage with the world of Pokémon, as well as opening up new possibilities for a new generation of fans.’
How much the Lego Smart Play Pokémon sets cost in Australia
There are 12 sets included in the first wave of Lego Pokémon Smart Play releases, the two All-in-One sets, and 10 additional sets to build out a collection.
Here’s how much the All-in-One sets cost in Australia:
- Training House with Pikachu (All-In-One, 400pcs) – $129.99
- Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (All-in-One, 751pcs) – $199.99
There is a wider price range for the 10 compatible sets. Here’s what they will cost in Australia:
- Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof (Compatible, 240pcs) – $34.99
- Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle (Compatible, 320pcs) – $54.99
- Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash (Compatible, 198pcs) – $34.99
- Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (Compatible, 313pcs) – $59.99
- Jigglypuff Concert (Compatible, 88pcs) – $24.99
- Drone Search for Mythical Mew (Compatible, 429pcs) – $99.99
- Eevee and Lapras’ Treasure Hunt (Compatible, 623pcs) – $109.99
- Mewtwo’s Lab Break (Compatible, 605pcs) – $119.99
- Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle (Compatible, 831pcs) – $139.99
- Cube and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown (Compatible, 782 pcs) – $159.99
All Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets will be available on 1 August. Pre-orders are now open on the Lego website and in-store.
Also on ScreenHub: Lego’s new Smart Play Star Wars sets are bright-eyed and gleefully silly
Lego’s audience has notably shifted in the last two decades, from primarily young kids with creative imaginations to older adult collectors who are more likely to leave their Lego creations on shelves. The reasons are complex, but can be understood simply as an evolution of technology.
With the internet now at kids’ fingertips, promising a world of brightness, colour and knowledge where the price of entry is typically low or free, the very nature of play has changed. As a generalisation, kids are now more likely to play on screen, in virtual worlds where anything seems possible. So Lego, naturally, has to evolve.
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