Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets bring battling bricks to Aug. 1 launch
Mashable tested Lego’s new Pokémon Smart Play sets ahead of Aug. 1, with Smart Brick battles, sounds and sets starting at $19.99.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The new Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets turn Pikachu, Charizard and friends into interactive brick-built toys that can chatter, nap, power up and battle, according to Mashable’s hands-on demo ahead of the Aug. 1 launch.
Mashable reported that its staff tried the sets for a couple of hours after previously feeling less impressed by Lego’s Smart Play Star Wars sets. The Pokémon version landed better with the outlet’s testers, who described the play features as the big draw rather than just the build.
What are Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets?
Lego Smart Play is built around a new Smart Brick, Mashable reports. The modified 2x4 Lego element includes an accelerometer, microphones, speakers, LED lights, magnetic field sensors, a gyroscope and a color sensor.
The brick works with Smart Tags included in Smart Play sets and with compatible Smart Minifigures. Mashable says sets that include the Smart Brick also come with a wireless charger for topping up the battery.
The result is a Lego set that reacts as it is moved or placed near other compatible pieces. Figures can light up, make sounds and interact with one another depending on the setup.
Mashable says the Pokémon line adds a battle mode to that system. Players can charge special powers, level up Pokémon, dodge attacks and send characters into matchups against each other.
How do the Pokémon sets work?
In Mashable’s demo, Pokémon including Pikachu, Squirtle, Bidoof, Geodude, Charmander and Eevee made small character sounds and reacted when placed near each other. Squirtle’s buggy also made train-like engine noises when pushed around, according to the report.
One standout feature was in the Training House with Pikachu set. Mashable reports that it includes a hidden Murphy bed, and placing Pikachu or another compatible smart character on it makes the character fall asleep and snore.
Some sets include training stations, which Mashable says can be used to level up Pokémon before battles. Players can also charge a special move, although shaking too hard can cause the move to fail, according to the hands-on account.
The system is also designed for mixing parts. Mashable says Smart Tags and Smart Bricks can be moved to different creatures, giving players more ways to test interactions across the lineup.
Which Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets are launching?
Mashable reports that the Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets arrive Aug. 1. Buyers will need to check the box details because not every set includes a Smart Brick.
The all-in-one kits named by Mashable are Training House with Pikachu and Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle. Those include Smart Bricks.
The Smart Play Compatible sets listed by Mashable are:
- Mewtwo’s Lab Break
- Eevee and Lapras’s Treasure Hunt
- Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof
- Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle
- Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash
- Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown
Mashable says add-on sets start at $19.99, while all-in-one sets are priced at $69.99. Three sets are available on Amazon, with the rest available for preorder through Lego’s online store, according to the report.
Are Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets worth it?
Mashable’s verdict after the demo was strongly positive, especially for fans of both Lego and Pokémon. The outlet pointed to the interactive sounds, battle mode and sub-$75 options as reasons the collection could appeal across ages.
The main caution is practical: because not every box includes the Smart Brick and charger, shoppers need at least one all-in-one set or another Smart Brick-equipped kit before the compatible add-ons can show off their interactive tricks.
This story draws on original reporting from Mashable.