For a first SMART Play purchase, choose Training House with Pikachu (72164): it includes the SMART Brick and charger needed to try the interactive features straight from the box. The key buying distinction is that only two of the 12 sets are All-in-One; the other ten are Compatible builds that need a Brick from an All-in-One set for SMART Play interactions. All 12 still offer physical LEGO play without the Brick.
What LEGO Pokémon SMART Play is—and what’s in the box
LEGO describes SMART Play as a screen-free system that responds to play through light, sound, motion, and sensing. The launch range comprises 12 sets, available from August 1, 2026, in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Poland, and Australia, according to LEGO’s on-sale announcement. Those are launch-market and launch-date details, not a guarantee of current stock or availability elsewhere.
The category names matter more than the Pokémon on the box if this is your first purchase:
- All-in-One: includes at least one SMART Brick, a charger, and SMART Tags. These are the sets that let a new owner start using SMART Play without another set.
- Compatible: includes SMART Tags but no Brick. It is a complete physical LEGO build, but responsive SMART Play interactions require a Brick from an All-in-One set.
LEGO says Bricks in new, unopened Pokémon All-in-One sets work out of the box. Owners of older LEGO SMART Bricks may need to update them through SMART Assist before using Pokémon play.
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#1 Best Overall
- POKÉMON BUILDING SET – The LEGO Pokémon Eevee (72151) building kit for adults ages 18 and up lets devoted fans build a detailed, posable Normal-type Pokémon figure that's packed with character
- HIGHLY POSABLE FIGURE – With a moveable head and limbs, independently posable ears and an angled tail, builders can recreate iconic poses that will remind them of their favorite moments from the Pokémon video game series
- HIDDEN EASTER EGG – Fans who know their Pokémon can find a surprise detail as they build that pays tribute to Eevee's many Evolutions
- COLLECTIBLE ROOM DECOR – Pokémon collectors can proudly pose and display their completed Eevee figure on a bookshelf, desk or entertainment center
- POKÉMON GIFT IDEA – Makes a memorable present for men and women who love Pokémon and LEGO building sets for adults
Which LEGO Pokémon SMART Play set is best?
Best first set: Training House with Pikachu (72164)
This is the clearest starter choice for someone without SMART Play hardware: the 400-piece, age-6+ All-in-One set contains one Brick, one charger, and four Tags. LEGO’s explainer describes several play ideas, including aiming a Poké Ball, feeding Pikachu, and searching for a hidden Pokémon. Its launch price was USD 69.99, EUR 69.99, or GBP 59.99. These are historical launch prices, not current retailer quotes.
The recommendation is based on the included electronics and breadth of described play options, not a head-to-head test of every set. TechRadar’s Hamish Hector also lists AU$129.99 for this set, but that is a post-launch regional price listing rather than a verified current price.
Rank #2
- BUILD AN ICONIC POKÉMON MODEL – The LEGO Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball (72152) building kit for adults ages 18 and up assembles into a detailed, posable Pikachu model kit with a display-ready Poké Ball replica
- POSABLE PIKACHU FIGURE – The Pikachu figure has posable ears and limbs so it can be posed leaping from the opened Poké Ball in a battle stance, or displayed in a resting pose with the Poké Ball closed
- DETAILS FANS WILL LOVE – The display base features the number "25" formed from LEGO studs as a nod to Pikachu's Pokédex number, with a lightning bolt stand encircled by electric sparks representing its Electric-type
- ROOM DECOR FOR MEN & WOMEN – Pokémon collectors can proudly display this LEGO Pikachu figure on a bookshelf, desk or entertainment center as a striking piece of gaming room decor
- POKÉMON GIFT IDEA – Makes a memorable birthday or special occasion present for men and women who love the Pokémon video games and LEGO building sets for adults
Best for battles with the Brick included: Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (72167)
This age-8+ set has 751 pieces, two SMART Bricks, four Tags, two figures, and one charger. It is the other All-in-One choice and the battle-focused option for a new buyer. Its launch price was USD 119.99, EUR 119.99, or GBP 109.99; TechRadar lists AU$199.99. It costs more than the Pikachu starter in the listed launch markets, but includes two Bricks.
Best lower-cost add-on: Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof (72155)
At 240 pieces and age 7+, this Compatible set includes two Tags and two figures, but no Brick. LEGO describes berry harvesting and smoothie-making as its play sequence. Launch prices were USD 19.99, EUR 19.99, and GBP 17.99; TechRadar lists AU$34.99. It makes more sense as a physical build or as an add-on for an existing Brick owner than as a first SMART Play purchase.
Rank #3
- EPIC POKÉMON MODEL BUILDING KIT – Relive your thrilling training journey with this LEGO Pokémon Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise (72153) building set for adults ages 18 and up, featuring epic gaming action figures for display
- 3 ICONIC POKÉMON FIGURES – This detailed Pokémon model kit features 3 posable Kanto partner Pokémon in their fierce and final evolution forms, set on a backdrop of beach, jungle and volcano display stands
- DYNAMIC DISPLAY PIECE – Each Pokémon figure can stand alone while posed in a battle stance or be mounted on its biome stand, each of which can be connected to form one epic battleground
- IMMERSIVE BUILD – These highly detailed Pokémon action figures with articulated limbs provide a rewarding build for experienced LEGO enthusiasts, and make a stunning piece of game room decor
- GAMER GIFT – This nostalgic gift for Pokémon fans is a great present idea for gamer parents or any LEGO fans ages 18 and up
All 12 sets compared
Prices below are launch figures, not confirmed current prices. LEGO provides the listed USD/EUR/GBP launch prices and specifications except where noted; TechRadar supplies the attributed Australian prices and Jigglypuff US figure. Verify live pricing and stock before buying.
| Set | Brick and charger | Theme | Age | Pieces | Launch price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training House with Pikachu (72164) | 1 Brick; 1 charger | Pikachu training and discovery | 6+ | 400 | USD 69.99 / EUR 69.99 / GBP 59.99; AU$129.99 (TechRadar) |
| Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (72167) | 2 Bricks; 1 charger | Battle | 8+ | 751 | USD 119.99 / EUR 119.99 / GBP 109.99; AU$199.99 (TechRadar) |
| Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof (72155) | No Brick or charger | Berry harvest and smoothie making | 7+ | 240 | USD 19.99 / EUR 19.99 / GBP 17.99; AU$34.99 (TechRadar) |
| Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle (72156) | No Brick or charger | Buggy adventure; hinged chassis, water stud shooters, storage compartment | 7+ | 320 | USD 29.99 / EUR 29.99 / GBP 24.99 |
| Charmander and Geodude’s Cavern Clash (72157) | No Brick or charger | Cave encounter; disc shooter, lever, hidden crystal | 6+ | 198 | USD 19.99 / EUR 19.99 / GBP 17.99 |
| Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (72158) | No Brick or charger | Wheel-based battle setup | 8+ | 313 | USD 34.99 / EUR 34.99 / GBP 29.99 |
| Jigglypuff Concert (72159) | No Brick or charger | Concert | 7+ | 88 | EUR 14.99 / GBP 12.99; USD 14.99 per TechRadar (the official LEGO US figure appears anomalous) |
| Drone Search for Mythical Mew (72161) | No Brick or charger | Drone and ruins search | 8+ | 429 | USD 49.99 / EUR 49.99 / GBP 44.99 |
| Eevee and Lapras’s Treasure Hunt (72162) | No Brick or charger | Map-led treasure hunt, shipwreck, rock-lifting mechanism | 8+ | 623 | USD 59.99 / EUR 59.99 / GBP 54.99 |
| Mewtwo’s Lab Break (72163) | No Brick or charger | Articulated Mewtwo; movable arms, legs, hands, head, and tail | 10+ | 605 | USD 69.99 / EUR 69.99 / GBP 59.99 |
| Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle (72165) | No Brick or charger | Larger battle/display build | 10+ | 831 | USD 99.99 / EUR 99.99 / GBP 89.99 |
| Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown (72166) | No Brick or charger | Training plate, battle platform, Ultra Ball targets, hidden treasure | Not stated (LEGO launch excerpt) | Not stated (LEGO launch excerpt) | Not stated (LEGO launch excerpt) |
For Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown, LEGO’s feature explainer describes the play elements, but the accessible launch information does not establish its age, piece count, or price. Check the live product listing for those details rather than assuming them from the other sets.
Rank #4
- Buildable and poseable Pokemon building set including 4 figures
- Set includes Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander and Bulbasaur plus buildable environment stands
- 130 bricks and pieces combine with all MEGA Construx building sets and are compatible with other name brands
- Ideal for ages 6 and up, this building toy provides build-and-play experiences to help develop creativity and problem-solving skills
Do the sets work without a SMART Brick?
Yes—as physical LEGO builds and playsets. No—if by “work” you mean SMART Play’s electronic responses. Compatible sets contain Tags, not the Brick that reads them, so those interactions require hardware from an All-in-One set.
TechRadar reviewer Hamish Hector, writing after spending weeks with the sets, reports that a Brick recognizes Pokémon via tiles concealed beneath them and produces distinct sounds for states such as feeding, training, resting, driving, or hiding. He also describes movement-led interactions such as shaking to charge attacks, lunging, dodging, and resting. These are the reviewer’s reported observations, not LEGO performance specifications.
Best Value
- Buildable 12-inch Pikachu
- Pikachu has articulated legs, arms, tail and ears for poseability
- Pieces combine with all Pokémon building sets by MEGA and are compatible with other name brands
- Ideal for ages 6 and up, these building toys help develop creativity and problem-solving skills
- Officially licensed by The Pokémon Company International
The same review notes that many physical features remain usable without the Brick, citing Pikachu’s bed, a target, and a Poké Ball-triggered grass feature. The battle-oriented sets are more dependent on Brick effects for engaging fights than many of the other builds. Hector also sees display potential, while noting the builds are larger and less suited to people who prefer minifigure-scale sets. This is one reviewer’s hands-on account, not a test of every set or configuration.
How to choose for your household
- No Brick in the house: Choose one of the two All-in-One sets if interactive SMART Play is the goal. Training House with Pikachu is the lower-cost, broad-play starting point at the cited launch prices; Charizard vs. Jolteon is the battle-led alternative with two Bricks.
- Already own a compatible Brick: A Compatible set can extend the system. Choose by Pokémon, build theme, age recommendation, and whether the recipient prefers action, discovery, or display.
- Want a standalone physical LEGO gift: A Compatible set can still be a complete build and playset, but do not present it as including SMART Play electronics.
- Buying for battle play: Consider the All-in-One Charizard/Jolteon set if the recipient has no Brick; the Umbreon/Garchomp set is a larger Compatible battle build, so it does not supply the hardware.
- Comparing value: Piece counts and launch prices are specifications, not independent value tests. Compare the actual live price and included hardware, and check stock in your region.
Price and availability caveats
The prices in the comparison are launch prices reported for particular currencies and should not be treated as current retail prices, recurring promotions, or a guarantee of availability in every country. TechRadar’s Jigglypuff listing gives USD 14.99, while the official LEGO launch material’s USD 99 figure appears inconsistent with its EUR 14.99 and GBP 12.99 prices; the table uses the TechRadar figure and flags the discrepancy. Confirm the current listing before purchase.
Sources: LEGO on-sale announcement; LEGO SMART Play explainer; Hamish Hector, TechRadar, September 19, 2026.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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