Official LEGO Pokemon sets are coming in 2026, but so far, they’re underwhelming & pricy

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Following the success of LEGO sets featuring Nintendo characters, 2026 will see the release of the first LEGO Pokémon sets. While many fans are excited about the upcoming Legend of Zelda set due to the positive response to previous collaborations, Pokémon will have several sets available. There’s a lot of anticipation for these LEGO Pokémon sets, which fans have been requesting for a long time. However, there are some concerns about the initial release.

LEGO often partners with popular brands, and while this can be great, it doesn’t always succeed with fans. Some sets are better received than others, and people have high expectations when their favorite games or shows are turned into LEGO. For example, some fans weren’t thrilled with the Steve minifigure in the recent Stranger Things Creel House set, and some feel it doesn’t measure up to the older Upside Down set. With the Pokémon LEGO sets, there are definitely positives, but some problems are hard to ignore.

2026’s LEGO Pokemon Sets At a Glance

  • Pros:
    • LEGO Pokemon sets are confirmed, meaning that this may be great for fans and collectors, as well as the start of a new collaboration that will introduce new kits on a yearly basis.
    • LEGO’s 2026 sets for Pokemon include some of the most popular and/or famous critters in the franchise, making it a good entry point.
    • Some Pokemon sets reportedly have the “Smart Brick” function.
      • Smart Bricks have electronic functionalities. They have scannable sensors that can respond to environmental cues with LEDs, audio, and tags.
  • Cons:
    • The selection of Pokemon in the new LEGO sets is arguably “safe” and potentially “boring,” as critters like Eevee, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are indeed popular, but also frequently represented everywhere.
    • The LEGO Pokemon 2026 sets have no minifigs, according to leaks.
      • Minifigures are a big part of the LEGO brand, and making none for Pokemon is sad.
    • Each set is a bit pricey for what it offers in terms of pieces, with the cheapest of the March 2026 sets being Eevee at $59.99 for 587 pieces, followed by Pikachu and Pokeball at $199.99 for 2,050 pieces, and then by the massive Bulbasaur, Squirtle & Charmander set at $649.99 for 6,838 pieces.

LEGO May Be Shooting Itself in the Foot with 2026’s Pokemon Sets

Dominik Bošnjak / Game Rant | Source image: BrickerBuilds

LEGO’s upcoming Pokémon sets for 2026, particularly the initial release in March, might present some challenges for fans. The first wave focuses heavily on popular characters like Pikachu, Eevee, and the original starter Pokémon, which could lead to high demand and inflated prices. Both the basic sets and limited availability, potentially worsened by resellers, could make it difficult and expensive for many fans to collect them. The already confirmed Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle set is exclusively aimed at adult LEGO collectors, which is disappointing for younger fans or those on a budget.

LEGO collectors are used to seeing prices fluctuate, and it’s common for certain LEGO themes to become more expensive. Some rare LEGO sets now cost over $1,000, and even newer sets can easily cost more than $200.

How LEGO’s Summer 2026 Leaked Pokemon Sets Can Redeem the Collaboration

Currently, it looks like LEGO is planning two releases of Pokémon sets in 2026. Here’s what information has been leaked so far:

  • Wave 1 — March 2026:
    • Eevee, $59.99
    • Pikachu and Pokeball, $199.99
    • Bulbasaur, Squirtle & Charmander, $649.99
    • Unannounced gift product launching on February 27
  • Wave 2 – Summer 2026:
    • Squirtle’s Training Buggy Adventure
    • Charmander’s Wild Encounter with Geodude
    • Pikachu’s Training House (previously the Smart Brick Pikachu set), $69.99
    • Cubone vs Gengar’s Ghost Challenge
    • Jolteon vs Charizard
    • Scorbunny Evolution
    • Stadium Bus
    • Eevee Evolution
    • Dojo House with Riolu
    • Mewtwo Lab

While popular Pokémon like Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, and Eevee are getting new collectible sets this summer, there are some exciting options for dedicated fans as well. A set featuring Cubone and Gengar would be a nostalgic treat, recalling the spooky atmosphere of Lavender Town’s Pokémon Tower, and would give some much-needed attention to Cubone, a Pokémon not often featured in collections.

The Stadium Bus set also features Larvitar and Croagunk, Pokémon rarely seen on merchandise. While Jolteon is one of Eevee’s evolutions, it’s not as widely popular as others, and combining it with Charizard could increase its appeal. It’s also exciting that Scorbunny and Riolu are each getting their own dedicated sets.

Why More Pokemon in 2026’s LEGO Sets is a Great Thing for Both Franchises

The leaked LEGO Pokémon sets for Summer 2026 show a much greater variety of characters and designs, which should address some concerns about the earlier sets released in March. This wider selection will also help make Pokémon’s 30th anniversary a more exciting event for fans. However, don’t expect LEGO minifigures or the character Ash Ketchum just yet – it’s currently unclear if they will be included at all.

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2025-12-30 19:38