These new Lego Pokémon sets all use fancy 'Smart Play' tech

The original starters, alongside fan favorites like Mewtwo and Gengar, use Smart play in different ways

Lego revealed a new slate of Pokémon sets on Tuesday that drastically expand the lineup of brick-based pocket monsters. There are 12 sets in all, each one containing at least one Lego version of a popular Pokémon character. Like the Star Wars sets announced at the start of 2026, these new Lego Pokémon sets make use of fancy new Smart Play technology. All are up for pre-order starting today.

Smart Play uses a piece of bite-sized tech called a Smart Brick that amps up a Lego set's interactivity. These are swanky features like dynamic lights and reactive sound, but packed into something about the size and weight of a normal Lego brick. Smart Bricks can communicate with Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures "for endlessly responsive play," Lego says. With the company's Star Wars sets, for example, you might use Smart Play to simulate the look and sound of a ship shooting down an enemy fighter.

Lego's new Pokémon sets focus on some of the most recognizable creatures around: Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Jigglypuff, Pikachu, Mewtwo, Eevee, Gengar, Mew, Garchomp, and Charizard. While some sets revolve around a single Pokémon, others consist of duos that include creatures like Geodude, Lapras, Umbreon, Cubone, Bidoof, and Jolteon. The sets range in complexity, with smaller offerings consisting of fewer than 100 bricks and the largest model clocking in just under 850 pieces.

"Children can feed their LEGO Pikachu a brick-built LEGO SMART Tag sandwich or tickle their LEGO Charizard to get a joyful laugh," a Lego press release states. "The more they play, the stronger the bond, as they prepare for spectacular battles with friends and family."

Here's the full lineup of new Lego Pokémon Smart Play sets:

Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof (72155)

Pieces: 240

Price: $19.99

Release date: August 1, 2026

Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle (72156)

Pieces: 320

Price: $29.99

Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash (72157)

Pieces: 198

Price: $19.99

Jigglypuff Concert (72159)

Pieces: 88

Price: $14.99

Drone Search for Mythical Mew (72161)

Pieces: 429

Price: $49.99

Eevee and Lapras's Treasure Hunt (72162)

Pieces: 623

Price: $59.99

Mewtwo's Lab Break (72163)

Pieces: 605

Price: $69.99

Training House with Pikachu (72164)

Pieces: 400

Price: $69.99

Release date: August 1, 2026.

Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle (72165)

Pieces: 831

Price: $79.99

Cubone and Gengar's Spooky Showdown (72166)

Pieces: 782

Price: $89.99

Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (72167)

Pieces: 751

Price: $119.99

Release date: August 1, 2026

Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (72158)

Pieces: 313

Price: $34.99

The Jigglypuff set might be the most emblematic of what's possible with Smart Play. As fans of the Pokémon anime know, the pink puff loves to force others to listen to its songs, and will get angry if the listener falls asleep to its lullabies. Sure enough, the Lego Jigglypuff Concert set is equipped with a microphone and a boombox set. Presumably, this Jigglypuff will sing a Lego jingle, too. Each set appears to have monster-specific sounds that bring battles to life. Don't worry: you can also spray your Pokémon with a potion to heal them as well.

Only two of the announced sets come with Smart Bricks included: Training House with Pikachu (1x Smart Brick) and Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (2x Smart Bricks). The rest will require Lego Pokémon fans to purchase one separately (or harvest one from a Star Wars Smart Play set).

Smart bricks and their higher price tags have proven controversial, but the magnetic pull of the Pokémon brand may override any sense of skepticism. The Danish company has had no trouble selling pricey Pokémon sets, like this year's 6,838-piece starter trio that sold out almost immediately despite costing $649.99.