Guess What’s Coming in LEGO Pokemon in 2026?

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2026 marks the beginning of a collaboration between the LEGO Group and The Pokemon Company International, resulting in the creation of LEGO sets inspired by the popular Pokemon series for the first time. Preceded only by the adaptations of LEGO Super Mario (released in 2020) and LEGO Legend of Zelda (2024), this partnership represents the third major Nintendo franchise to be transformed into LEGO form. Upon announcing their partnership, both companies shared a short trailer illustrating four simple LEGO bricks coming together to form Pikachu’s distinctive yellow and brown tail, as well as electrifying a LEGO Pokemon sign. Although no sets have been revealed yet, enthusiasts can speculate about potential LEGO Pokemon sets based on upcoming game releases, significant anniversaries, and past representations in Mattel’s Mega Pokemon toy line.

The History and Potential Influence of the Mega Pokemon Toy Line

2004 was when I first got my hands on some cool building block toys based on my favorite characters from Pokemon, thanks to Mega Bloks Inc. They were part of the Pokemon Build ‘n Battle line and came out just two years after the initial release of Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, and the same year as Emerald made its debut in Japan. The line included sets for Pikachu/Pichu, Torchic/Combusken, Mudkip/Swampert, each coming with their own plastic Poke Ball. Unfortunately, a set featuring Treecko/Grovyle was advertised but never released before the toy line got canceled. Fast forward to 2014 when Mattel took over Mega Brands, and by 2017, Mega Construx teamed up with The Pokemon Company to start creating the Mega Construx Pokemon toy line.

The initial Mega Construx Pokemon collection hinted at a 198-piece Charizard set, complete with a compact Great Ball add-on. In addition, other Mega Construx Pokemon sets that were launched in 2017 encompass (but do not strictly limit to):

  • a small Poke Ball series featuring Abra, Eevee, Machop, Magikarp, Pikachu, and Zubat
  • a Squirtle Vs. Charmander set, a Snorlax and Munchlax evolution set
  • an Onix Super Battle diorama featuring Ekans, Meowth, Onix, Pikachu, Porygon, and Staryu

For eight consecutive years, Mega brand unveiled multiple Pokemon collections, showcasing Pokemon from all nine generations of Pokemon video games. Some of these sets included scenarios and characters seen in the Pokemon animated series, like the Ash & Pikachu: Journey to Victory collection.

LEGO Pokemon Potential First Wave Sets Based on Past Mega Pokemon Releases

Given that Mega Bloks and Mega Construx Pokemon sets prominently showcased Pikachu, original starters, and new starters from the same era, it’s possible that LEGO might introduce sets featuring Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, along with the new starters for the tenth generation of Pokemon games. Pokemon Legends Z-A, set to be another major game in Generation 9 towards the end of 2025, suggests that the next mainline entry of Pokemon games might appear on the Nintendo Switch 2 around 2026. By releasing LEGO Pokemon sets of the original and latest starters and their evolutions, sales of the newest Pokemon games and cards could potentially increase, as well as attract more viewers to the most recent season of the Pokemon anime.

290 sets of Pokemon toys have been launched by Mattel’s Mega Brands, not counting the initial four sets that were part of the Pokemon Build ‘n Battle toy line from Mega Bloks.

Potential LEGO Pokemon Sets for Pokemon’s 30th Anniversary

2026-02-27 will signify the 30th anniversary of both Pokemon Red and Green games, as well as the entire Pokemon brand. As we approach this milestone, Nintendo and Game Freak are expected to launch new Pokemon games and a plethora of merchandise for the occasion. However, it would be advantageous for LEGO and The Pokemon Company to also produce a series of sets commemorating the entire Pokemon series in conjunction with the anniversary. Currently, Nintendo and LEGO are planning to release a LEGO Game Boy towards the end of 2025; they could follow up with a subsequent set that recreates the original Pokemon Game Boy cartridges or iconic moments from the initial games in 2026. These sets would cater to adult LEGO enthusiasts, much like the LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System and pixelated LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi sets.

If the year 2026 signifies both the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise and the launch of the tenth generation of Pokemon games, LEGO could introduce a special series of sets to celebrate this milestone. These sets might recreate iconic moments from each significant era of Pokemon, such as the capturing of Mewtwo, Ho-Oh, and the Bell Tower, Rayquaza battling Groudon and Kyogre, Cynthia’s Champion battle, the revival of Reshiram and Zekrom, Mega Charizard X, Ash’s victory in the Alola Championship, and other memorable scenes. These sets would not only bring back beloved Pokemon and events but also demonstrate how the Pokemon brand has grown from the 1990s to the 2020s.

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2025-03-21 13:08