For decades, LEGO and Pokémon have ruled our childhoods from slightly different corners of the bedroom. But those powerful universes have recently combined and they are about to do it again. In a massive announcement the two titans of play have officially joined forces to launch a brand-new range that does something genuinely magical.
This isn’t just about building a static Pikachu to sit on your shelf collecting dust. This is an interactive experience that physically brings these pocket monsters to life and if they are anything like the recent Star War collaboration then we are in for a treat.
What is LEGO SMART Play?
So, why does this range exist? According to the folks at the LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International, the goal was to create a way for kids (and let’s be honest, adult collectors) to feel like actual, real-life Pokémon Trainers without staring at a smartphone or television screen.
The secret here is that brand-new piece of technology called LEGO SMART Play. It marks a massive evolution for the traditional toy company, introducing a high-tech “SMART Brick” that is packed with motion sensors, lights, and audio capabilities. Instead of relying on an app, the tech is completely self-contained. The brick reacts to exactly how you play with it in real-time.
How the Mechanics Actually Work
The collection is split into two categories: All-In-One sets (which include the core SMART Brick, a charger, and interactive SMART Tags) and Compatible sets (which include extra tags and characters to expand your world but require a SMART Brick from an All-In-One set to function).
Here is how the magic happens in daily life:
- The Senses: When you build a Pokémon like Pikachu or Charizard around the SMART Brick, the creature responds to your touch and movement.
- The Bond: If you “feed” your Pikachu a brick-built sandwich tag, it makes happy eating noises. If you tickle Charizard, it lets out a joyful laugh.
- The Battle: The system tracks how much you nurture your Pokémon. The more you interact, the stronger your bond becomes, which unlocks new light and sound reactions when you pit them against a friend’s Pokémon on the training grounds.
The screen-free nature of the collection is pure gold. In a world where everything requires a Bluetooth connection and a firmware update, being able to turn this on and immediately start playing is incredibly refreshing. The audio cues are crisp, and the physical builds look brilliantly authentic to the source material.
The entry barrier is a bit of a commitment. Because the tech lives inside the SMART Brick, you absolutely must purchase one of the two All-In-One sets first. If you buy a smaller, cheaper “Compatible” set on its own, it functions just like standard LEGO until you source a SMART Brick to power it up. Having just finished building two of the Star War Themed SMART Brick packs though I can testify that this tech is well worth your time and feels like much more than just a gimmick.
The Lineup: Twelve Ways to Catch ‘Em All
The initial launch features an impressive twelve sets catering to different age groups and budgets. Here is a breakdown of what you can look forward to.
The All-In-One Core Sets
- Training House with Pikachu (72164): The perfect starting point. It features a gorgeous treehouse, a Poké Ball, and a buildable sandwich to feed your electronic buddy. (400 pieces | AUD 129.99)
- Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (72167): The premium option for older builders. It features a large, poseable Charizard and a Jolteon ready to rumble, complete with two SMART Bricks so you can battle straight out of the box. (751 pieces | AUD 199.99)
The SMART Play Compatible Sets
- Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof (72155): A lovely introductory set focused on making smoothies for your hungry team. (240 pieces | AUD 34.99)
- Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle (72156): Features a beach buggy with dual water stud shooters to put out fires. (320 pieces | AUD 54.99)
- Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash (72157): Recreates a classic cave exploration scene filled with crystals. (198 pieces | AUD 34.99)
- Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (72158): Highlights the fan-favourite Paldea region starters with a clever spinning wheel mechanic to choose your opponent. (313 pieces | AUD 59.99)
- Jigglypuff Concert (72159): A budget-friendly, adorable stage setup complete with microphones and speakers. (88 pieces | AUD 24.99)
- Drone Search for Mythical Mew (72161): Includes a brilliant Poké Ball-inspired drone to search ancient ruins. (429 pieces | AUD 99.99)
- Eevee and Lapras’s Treasure Hunt (72162): A nautical adventure featuring a large Lapras and a hidden treasure chest. (623 pieces | AUD 109.99)
- Mewtwo’s Lab Break (72163): Aimed at older builders, this features a brilliant adjustable lab tank and a rare Master Ball. (605 pieces | AUD 119.99)
- Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle (72165): A highly detailed stadium build featuring a massive Poké Ball trophy. (831 pieces | AUD 139.99)
- Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown (72166): A delightfully eerie set where Cubone hunts for hidden treasure while dodging Gengar. (782 pieces | AUD 159.99)
How It Compares
While there have been brick-based Pokémon toys on the market in the past from rival brands, they lacked the premium engineering and cohesive design language that the Danish brick-maker is famous for. The recent other Pokemon sets that included the OG Kanto trio and the Pikachu are proof that LEGO know what they are doing. More importantly, nothing else on the market offers this level of embedded, screen-free technology. It bridges the gap between digital video games and physical play better than almost anything else on toy shelves today.
Highly Anticipated
There is an undeniable charm in the idea of hearing a brick-built Gengar cackle or watching Pikachu’s cheeks light up when you pretend to train them. It successfully recaptures the magic of the franchise while giving parents a genuinely fun way to disconnect their kids from iPads.
If you have even a passing love for either of these properties, this collection deserves a spot in your home.
Release Details: The entire range is available for pre-order today, with an official global launch on August 1st, 2026 (just in time for my birthday… just saying). To sweeten the deal, select LEGO Stores will temporarily turn into real-world Pokémon GO PokéStops and Gyms throughout August and September, offering exclusive in-game and physical rewards.
