Community reactions to the recently revealed LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets have been mixed, with many fans expressing a more positive outlook compared to the earlier LEGO Star Wars SMART Play range.
The LEGO Group has unveiled 13 new LEGO Pokémon sets, with most of them featuring SMART Play integration, expanding on this line that first launched in February.
While the LEGO Group’s latest piece of technology proved divisive when it debuted in the LEGO Star Wars sets earlier this year, the SMART Bricks inclusion in Pokémon sets appears to have been better received, particularly due to pricing.
“These in general seem like a much better idea and price point than the Lego Star Wars smart play sets were,” said JackMorelli13 on Reddit. “Pokemon lends itself to the concept way better. But I feel like they are kneecapping the idea by making the sets with the brick so expensive.”
Other fans echoed this sentiment, highlighting the lower entry price of the new range. SMART Play-compatible sets start from £12.99 / $14.99 / €14.99, which contrasts with the £34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99 starting price of the cheapest LEGO Star Wars SMART Play set, 75420 Luke’s Landspeeder.
However, as JackMorelli13 noted, All-in-One sets that include the SMART Brick are more expensive, with 72164 Training House with Pikachu priced at £59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99, matching the price of the cheapest LEGO Star Wars All-in-One set, 75421 SMART Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter.
“These prices are all over the place,” wrote youarelookingatthis in a positive sense. “It is definitely nice seeing some sets for $20 though. It's certainly refreshing getting two Pokemon for that price.” However, in response, Lembueno added: “I’m terrified to hear how the smart brick butchers pokemon cries.”
Reactions to the models themselves have been more divided. Some fans criticised the design choices and proportions.
“The jigglypuff’s eyes are just too far apart,” said smilesbuckett, while Hainault commented, “I'll pass. As a big Pokemon fan, these are quite the letdown.”
However, other fans praised specific builds within the range. RockOutToThis said on Reddit, “Definitely getting Mewtwo for my son, he'll love it,” while Instagram user blitzwinger wrote, “Garchomp looks incredible.”
Elsewhere, fans expressed nostalgia and enthusiasm for the concept, with gabriel.leolino saying, “my childhood’s dream come true!” Meanwhile, others were less impressed with the aesthetic execution. On Facebook, Gen Corky wrote, “why are they so square?!”
Overall, the sets have divided opinion on visual design, but many fans appear more receptive to the pricing and accessibility of the range. In comparison to the LEGO Star Wars SMART Play sets, the response so far appears notably more positive.
If you want to make up your own mind on these builds, the new LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets will be available from August 1, with prices ranging from £12.99 / $14.99 / €14.99 up to £109.99 / $119.99 / €119.99.
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