“Trainers, it’s time!”
Lego and Pokémon fans have waited years for the two brands to collaborate, and on Monday, the companies announced their first-ever Lego Pokémon sets.
Designed as premium display builds rather than traditional sets, the initial rollout includes Eevee; Pikachu and a Poké Ball; and a combined Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set. The announcement follows news last March of a multiyear partnership, with fans expecting additional releases in the future.
Fans have been invited to “build their Trainer journey, brick by brick,” positioning the Lego Pokémon characters as collectors items for longtime fans as well as younger builders.
“Bringing the world of Pokémon to life in Lego bricks is both an exciting opportunity and a great responsibility,” Lego Group’s chief product and marketing office, Julia Goldin said in a statement. “We’ve worked to combine our worlds in a way that truly celebrates the creativity, adventure and wonder that Pokémon represents. This partnership opens up a whole new range of possibilities for Trainers and builders alike, and we can’t wait for fans to experience these new Lego Pokémon sets.”
What are the Lego Pokémon sets?
The Eevee set is the least expensive of the three, priced at $59.99. The 587-piece build features movable components that allow the character to be posed for display.
The Pikachu and Poké Ball set allows builders to display Pikachu jumping out of the Poké Ball, with movable pieces that can be arranged in a “battle stance” or a “resting pose.” The set includes 2,050 pieces and is priced at $199.99.
The largest and most expensive option, featuring Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise, costs $649.99 and has already sold out in preorders. The 6,838-piece build also came with a second set, a 312-piece Kanto Region Badge Collection for preorders.
Fans eager to get their hands on the collaboration’s most expensive set can look to eBay, where some are already selling their “confirmed” preorders, including the free gift, for more than $1,000, per Yahoo News.
All three sets will officially be released on Feb. 27.
How are fans reacting?
Pokémon fans have shared mixed reactions on social media.
“This looks horrendous. The face looks awful. I think the fingers look really bad. The tail looks OK. ... The Poké Ball is fine, but I don’t need this giant base. Just give me a $60 Pikachu,” one TikTok user said of the Pikachu and Poké Ball set.
Others focused on pricing, arguing the sets are fairly priced but wishing for more affordable options.
“They’re about where I’d expect Lego to price these sets,” TikTok user Bricks by Shane said. “However, I am disappointed that we don’t have smaller sets and we don’t have minifigures, but I’d expect to see them soon.”
Interest in Lego as an investment has grown in recent years, though opinions vary on whether Pokémon sets are worth the price.
A 2022 study found that Lego investments outperformed traditional investments with an average return of 11% or more between 1987 and 2015, making them an inviting investment for some.
Still, not all Lego investment is created equal, leading to YouTube channels dedicated to analyzing Lego resale value and some explaining why some are skeptical about investing in the newest Pokémon sets, at least for now.