New LEGO Pokémon Sets Revealed, Feature Controversial ‘Smart’ Tech

Lego has unveiled an expansive new collection of Pokémon sets, significantly growing its brick-built roster of iconic creatures. The drop features 12 unique kits, each highlighting at least one fan-favorite character. Much like the Star Wars series debuted earlier in 2026, these Pokémon arrivals incorporate the innovative “Smart Play” ecosystem. Fans can place their pre-orders now, and every purchase includes an exclusive bonus gift.

The “Smart Play” system centers on the Smart Brick—a compact, high-tech component that adds a layer of digital interactivity to physical builds. Despite its modest size and weight, this hardware enables dynamic lighting and reactive audio. According to Lego, these bricks interface seamlessly with Smart Tags and figurines to foster “endlessly responsive play.” For instance, builders can replicate the signature sound effects and visual cues of iconic Pokémon battles right on their display tables.

The collection showcases a wide array of beloved Pokémon, including Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Jigglypuff, Pikachu, Mewtwo, Eevee, Gengar, Mew, Garchomp, and Charizard. Some configurations focus on individual stars, while others offer thematic pairings featuring Geodude, Lapras, Umbreon, Cubone, Bidoof, and Jolteon. The set complexity varies widely, ranging from accessible 100-piece builds to intricate models nearing 850 pieces.

“Children can feed their Lego Pikachu a brick-built Smart Tag sandwich or tickle their Lego Charizard to prompt a joyful reaction,” a representative for the company explained. “Each interaction builds a deeper bond, setting the stage for epic duels with friends and family.”

Below is the complete list of the incoming Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets:

Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof (72155)

Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 240
  • Price: $19.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle (72156)

Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 320
  • Price: $29.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash (72157)

Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 198
  • Price: $19.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Jigglypuff Concert (72159)

Jigglypuff Concert Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 88
  • Price: $14.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Drone Search for Mythical Mew (72161)

Drone Search for Mythical Mew Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 429
  • Price: $49.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Eevee and Lapras’s Treasure Hunt (72162)

Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 623
  • Price: $59.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Mewtwo’s Lab Break (72163)

Mewtwo's Lab Break Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 605
  • Price: $69.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Training House with Pikachu (72164)

Training House with Pikachu Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 400
  • Price: $69.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle (72165)

Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 831
  • Price: $79.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown (72166)

Cubone and Gengar's Spooky Showdown Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 782
  • Price: $89.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (72167)

Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 751
  • Price: $119.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (72158)

Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle Lego set
Photo: The Lego Group, The Pokémon Company
  • Pieces: 313
  • Price: $34.99
  • Release date: Aug. 1, 2026

The Jigglypuff Concert set serves as a perfect example of this tech’s potential. As fans of the classic anime remember, the melodious Pokémon often grows frustrated if its listeners fall asleep during its performance. Complete with a microphone and boombox, the set brings that personality to life through sound. Additionally, players can use virtual potions to restore their Pokémon’s health following intense play-battles.

It is worth noting that only two sets in this launch—the Training House (with one Smart Brick) and the Charizard vs. Jolteon Battle (with two)—include the necessary hardware out of the box. Other kits will require collectors to source a Smart Brick separately or repurpose one from a previous Smart Play purchase.

Lego is also sweetening the deal with a promotional gift, “Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night.” The set features a swappable TV screen and remote, allowing fans to stage a cinematic evening for the transforming Pokémon. It contains 185 pieces and includes a Smart Tag to trigger interactive features when paired with a compatible Smart Brick.

While the added costs associated with Smart Bricks have sparked some debate, the appeal of the Pokémon franchise is likely to carry the day. The brand has already seen massive success with premium Pokémon sets, such as the sold-out, $649.99 starter trio released earlier this year.

 

Source: Polygon

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