Hold On, LEGO's Casting a 'Traditional' Spell on Pokémon Sets, Not Just Smart Play Shenanigans?
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Leaked details from Game Rant reveal four more traditional LEGO Pokémon sets are on the way, indicating LEGO might be balancing its new 'Smart Play' digital brick initiative with classic building experiences, much to the relief of many collectors and fans.
Right, so you know how sometimes you try a new spell, and it goes a bit... sideways? Or perhaps not *quite* as universally loved as you hoped? Seems LEGO might be having a similar moment with their fancy-pants Smart Play tech, because a fresh batch of traditional Pokémon sets are bubbling up from the rumour cauldron, according to some sharp-eyed wizards over at Game Rant.
Now, for those who've been living under a particularly heavy Geodude, LEGO formally pulled back the curtain on their 'Smart Play' platform recently. The idea? Multi-sensor bricks that can tell their position, orientation, light, sound, and even other LEGO bits, then respond with sounds and flashing lights. It's supposed to be an 'evolution' of the classic brick, and word on the street (or perhaps, in the dusty tome of leaked plans) was that the new LEGO Pokémon line would be leading this charge. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Like your bricks are suddenly sentient, ready for a proper digital adventure.
But here's where my gently skeptical, eternally curious brain started ticking like a hidden clockwork mechanism. The *first* LEGO Pokémon sets officially revealed? Not Smart Play enabled. And now, thanks to some ace sleuthing, we've got details on *four more* unannounced Pokémon sets that are reportedly going old-school – no smart sensors, no flashing lights, just pure, unadulterated brick-building bliss. It's like finding out your powerful new spell tome also has a secret section for classic, dependable cantrips. Bloody brilliant!
Cheers to Dominik Bošnjak over at Game Rant for digging up these juicy details, originally published on January 23, 2026. They've been sifting through the digital tea leaves and found a treasure trove of info on these upcoming traditional kits. They shared specifics, including piece counts and price tags, which always get a builder's antennae twitching.
Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? The leaks, courtesy of established leaker lego_minecraft_goat, point to four new sets, all expected to drop around August 1, 2026:
* **Set 72150:** Reportedly 757 pieces, ringing in at about $69.99. A solid mid-range option, I reckon. * **Set 72154:** A chunky 2,339 pieces, priced at $259.99, and slated for the 18+ crowd. This one sounds like it's going to be a proper monster of a build, perhaps a legendary Pokémon or a massive diorama. * **Set 72160:** Weighing in at 1,190 pieces for $99.99, with an age rating revision from 7+ to a slightly more accessible 6+. Good on ya, LEGO, for making sure younger trainers can get in on the action. * **Set 72168:** A respectable 1,038 pieces, costing $129.99, and aimed at the 12+ demographic.
These prices put some of them, especially that big 72154 set, squarely in the same league as the recently revealed LEGO Pikachu and Poke Ball set (which has 2,050 pieces and goes for $199.99). So, no small fry here – we're talking serious investment for serious builders.
Now, why is this focus on traditional sets such a big deal? Well, mate, it goes back to the 'Smart Play' reveal itself. When LEGO first unveiled it, the online reactions were, shall we say, a bit of a mixed potion. Some fans saw it as a clever evolution, especially for kids. Others, however, raised an eyebrow, questioning the 'tech-ification' of what's always been a beautifully analog toy. LEGO is already a fairly pricey hobby, even *without* adding sensors, batteries, and all sorts of digital gubbins. It's like someone tried to put microtransactions in my favourite single-player RPG – sometimes, less is genuinely more.
For many longtime collectors, the prospect of more traditional Pokémon sets is welcome news. It suggests LEGO isn't just diving headfirst into the digital realm, but perhaps keeping one foot firmly planted in the glorious tactile world of pure brick-building. Plus, with Smart Play only getting a limited rollout this year, not everyone will even *get* to try out the new tech-infused sets, making the traditional ones all the more appealing.
It's also worth noting the other big chatter among fans: the preference for minifigures over large, brick-built models. The first three announced sets – Eevee, Pikachu and Poke Ball, and the epic Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise trio – are all sizeable brick-built creations. This trend seems to be continuing. It makes sense, really; given the wild range of Pokémon sizes, a one-size-fits-all minifigure approach might just not capture the essence (or the sheer scale) of some of our favourite pocket monsters. But a wizard can dream of tiny, perfectly sculpted Squirtle minifigs, can't he?
Don't get me wrong, the Smart Play line isn't vanishing into a puff of smoke. There are still rumours swirling about ten other Smart Play-focused Pokémon sets, featuring everything from a Pokémon-shaped house to a Jolteon vs. Charizard battle. So, LEGO is definitely playing both sides of the field here, trying to appease both the traditionalists and those eager for a taste of the digital future.
Overall, it feels like LEGO is navigating a tricky spellcasting situation. They're trying to innovate with Smart Play, but they're also smart enough to know that the pure joy of clicking bricks together, no batteries required, is a magic that still resonates deeply. These leaked traditional sets suggest a balanced approach, or perhaps a cautious testing of the waters, ensuring that no matter what your preferred form of brick-based enchantment is, there's a Pokémon adventure waiting for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to ponder what magnificent creature that 2,339-piece 18+ set could possibly be. My money's on a life-sized Wailord... or maybe just a really, *really* detailed Snorlax.
Tags: LEGO, Pokemon, Gaming News, Collector, Toy Leaks
Original article: Game Rant