Why the New Lego Pokémon Sets Skip Classic Minifigures
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Lego's new interactive Pokémon sets leave out classic minifigures like Ash and Brock because the design team wants players to act as the trainers themselves.
Lego and Pokémon are two staples of childhood that feel like an inevitable crossover, but the latest toy line comes with a major twist. While the new Smart Play Pokémon sets feature iconic creatures like Pikachu and Gengar, you will not find classic human characters like Ash, Misty, or Brock in the box. In an exclusive interview with Polygon, Lego design director Siddharth Muthyala explained that the decision to omit traditional minifigures comes down to putting the player directly into the narrative.
Instead of watching pre-made characters wander through Kanto, Lego wants the kids and collectors building the sets to step into the role themselves. The interactive toys use Smart Tags and physical movement tracking to simulate catching, leveling up, and battling monsters entirely through lights and sounds, bypassing the need for screens. By skipping traditional human minifigures, the design team intends for the player to become the ultimate Pokémon Trainer in their own living room setup.
While the interactive focus makes sense for hands-on play, it does leave a gap for longtime fans who grew up on the classic anime and games. The modern gaming and collecting community loves nostalgia, and the absence of figures like Team Rocket or gym leaders means there is still plenty of room for future expansions. For now, Lego is betting that the appeal of raising your own digital-physical partner will outweigh the desire to snap a plastic Ash Ketchum onto a brick baseplate.
Tags: Lego, Pokemon, Toys, Gaming Culture, Collecting
Original article: Polygon