LEGO’s Pokemon Sets Commit the Worst Sins of Both Franchises

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The initial LEGO Pokémon sets are out, and they’re already causing some debate. Given the huge popularity of both LEGO and Pokémon, a partnership felt natural. However, the sets are largely what many expected – and a bit of a letdown. They seem to continue some unpopular trends from both LEGO and Pokémon, which could limit how successful the collaboration ultimately becomes.

LEGO currently offers 5 Pokémon sets featuring popular characters like Pikachu and Eevee, as well as the first three starter Pokémon – Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. They also have a Kanto Gym Badge Collection and a Mini Pokémon Center. However, the Mini Pokémon Center and Gym Badge Collection are only available as free gifts – through The Pokémon Center website or as a reward for LEGO Insiders members. While these sets are enjoyable, many fans find the focus solely on the original 150 Pokémon a little disappointing, especially considering LEGO’s generally high prices.

The New LEGO Pokemon Sets Once Again Show the Franchise’s Gen 1 Bias

For several years, many fans have criticized the Pokemon series for focusing too much on the original games and the Kanto region. Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, released in 2018, was actually the second time those first games were remade. Plus, recent additions like regional variants, Mega Evolutions, and Gigantamax forms have often highlighted Pokemon from the very beginning. While it makes sense that the creators want to appeal to fans’ nostalgia, some believe this focus has gone too far and overshadows popular Pokemon from newer generations.

Later-Gen Pokemon that Could Be Perfect for LEGO Sets

  • Rayquaza
  • Garchomp
  • Golurk
  • Aegislash
  • Zygarde
  • Stakataka

A major challenge with making LEGO sets based on Pokémon is that Pokémon are typically designed with rounded shapes. This makes it hard to capture their look using LEGO’s blocky style, and sets like the Pikachu and Eevee models don’t quite feel right. However, many Pokémon would work well with LEGO’s angular design. Pokémon with more mechanical or geometric forms – like Golurk, Aegislash, and Stakataka – would be a perfect fit, and even a large Pokémon like Zygarde Complete would translate nicely into a LEGO set. LEGO could create even better sets if they looked beyond the original generation of Pokémon and chose designs that naturally suit LEGO’s building style.

LEGO Pokemon’s Leaked Wave 2 Sets Might Help Ease This Problem

  • Squirtle’s Training Buggy Adventure
  • Charmander’s Wild Encounter with Geodude
  • Pikachu’s Training House
  • Cubone vs Gengar’s Ghost Challenge
  • Jolteon vs Charizard
  • Scorbunny Evolution
  • Stadium Bus
  • Eevee Evolution
  • Dojo House with Riolu
  • Mewtwo Lab

Recent leaks reveal the next wave of LEGO Pokémon sets, expected in Summer 2026, will include Pokémon from generations beyond the original 151. Specifically, a set based on Scorbunny’s evolution line suggests that the Pokémon from the Galar region will get their own dedicated set, and a Dojo set will feature Riolu, a Pokémon from Generation 4. While only two sets represent Pokémon outside the first generation, it’s a positive sign that could mean more Pokémon from later generations will be included in future LEGO sets.

LEGO’s Expensive Prices Could Hinder These Pokemon Sets’ Accessibility

Similar to how some fans feel Pokemon focuses too much on its original games, a common criticism of LEGO is that its new sets are becoming increasingly expensive. This makes it harder for casual fans to get involved, especially with collaborations like the Pokemon line. The least expensive set, a LEGO Eevee, costs $59.99, while a LEGO Pikachu is much pricier at $199.99. The most expensive set, featuring Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, costs a significant $649.99, making it one of the most expensive LEGO sets ever made.

Image via LEGO

To add to the frustration, many of these LEGO Pokémon sets are being resold on eBay for extremely high prices. Fans who weren’t able to pre-order the sets they want might have to pay much more than the original retail price to third-party sellers. While limited releases and reselling are common with Pokémon merchandise, this trend is a letdown and dampens the excitement surrounding what should be a fantastic LEGO launch.

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2026-01-18 02:04