LEGO Pokémon’s new SMART kits look great, and I might finally get into this new wave of plastic bricks
The new LEGO Pokémon models have been revealed with SMART compatibility, and for kids, this could be the perfect present.
Unsurprisingly, the translatable collecting skills of someone who adores Pokémon cards to someone who collects LEGO is, well, fairly simple. I love building LEGO, mainly with my son, and LEGO Pokémon is the perfect opportunity for two worlds to collide. After building both the Pikachu and Eevee models that were released in February 2026, I was excited for what’s next, but these smaller sets are better for kids - and I’m okay with that.
For those unaware, LEGO SMART Play adds to the immersion of models with clever little bricks that can offer a variety of cool features. For example, you could set it up so it makes Pikachu’s iconic ‘Pika Pi’ when you attach it to the right object and tap it against something or move it slightly. Since its initial release, SMART Play hasn’t really captured the audience of normal collectors, and the Star Wars versions are a bit too kid-oriented for the older builders. Pokémon is, well, the perfect excuse to capture a wider audience.
Of course, the uncanny valley that LEGO Pikachu first displayed somewhat remains here. Without specialist bricks and a change in structure, Pokémon look somewhat odd in plastic bricks. However, these are still adorable sets - I especially love the Ditto as Squirtle, the Gengar, and the Mewtwo models.
Compared to the more expensive LEGO models (mainly looking at Pikachu and the Charizard, Bulbasaur, and Venusaur trio), this is a much easier onboarding point for fans of both Pokémon and LEGO. And, it also helps sell the SMART Play bricks that the company is probably sitting on.
Will I buy them myself? Probably, but I’d definitely buy them for my kids - if they liked Pokémon more. They’re neat little models that work well as playsets instead of models like the existing lineup, and I think that works, especially better with a lower price point. Although even if they’re not to my preference, more LEGO Pokémon sets are only a good thing, and I hope the partnership continues beyond this year.
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