Official LEGO Pokemon sets are coming in 2026, but so far, they’re underwhelming & pricy

After so many Nintendo characters and properties made their way to the brick-building franchise, 2026 will finally be the year that LEGO releases its first-ever sets dedicated to Pokemon games and their critters. One could argue that LEGO’s 2026 Legend of Zelda set is already the clear winner for Nintendo fans based on the quality and reception of the past one, but Pokemon does have multiple sets in store. The hype is great for the first LEGO Pokemon sets, and understandably so given how long it has been since fans started asking for them. However, it’s not all rosy for the first batch of this collaboration.

LEGO’s penchant for collaboration with known IPs can be a double-edged sword based on reception, as not all sets are made equal, and sometimes fans expect higher quality for their beloved games and shows. An example is how some fans were unhappy with the Steve minifigure from the latest Stranger Things set, Creel House, and how the kit is possibly surpassed by the original Upside Down set from years ago. In the case of Pokemon sets, there are many pros, but they may be outweighed by some issues that are hard to debate.

2026’s LEGO Pokemon Sets At a Glance

• Pros:
  • LEGO Pokemon sets are confirmed, meaning that this may be great for fans and collectors, as well as the start of a new collaboration that will introduce new kits on a yearly basis.
  • LEGO’s 2026 sets for Pokemon include some of the most popular and/or famous critters in the franchise, making it a good entry point.
  • Some Pokemon sets reportedly have the “Smart Brick” function.
    • Smart Bricks have electronic functionalities. They have scannable sensors that can respond to environmental cues with LEDs, audio, and tags.
• Cons:
  • The selection of Pokemon in the new LEGO sets is arguably “safe” and potentially “boring,” as critters like Eevee, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are indeed popular, but also frequently represented everywhere.
  • The LEGO Pokemon 2026 sets have no minifigs, according to leaks.
    • Minifigures are a big part of the LEGO brand, and making none for Pokemon is sad.
  • Each set is a bit pricey for what it offers in terms of pieces, with the cheapest of the March 2026 sets being Eevee at $59.99 for 587 pieces, followed by Pikachu and Pokeball at $199.99 for 2,050 pieces, and then by the massive Bulbasaur, Squirtle & Charmander set at $649.99 for 6,838 pieces.

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There are some potential issues with LEGO’s selection of Pokemon sets for 2026, especially with the March wave, as it only includes Pikachu, Eevee, and the Kantonian starters. Between their popularity and this being the first LEGO iteration of the monster-catching franchise, some fans will inevitably be priced out of the purchase either by the base sets or due to the same scalpers that make it impossible to collect Pokemon TCG cards without spending a fortune. The leaked set dedicated to Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle is already exclusive to AFOL (adult fans of LEGO), which may be sad for younger collectors or those who don’t earn a lot.

How LEGO’s Summer 2026 Leaked Pokemon Sets Can Redeem the Collaboration

So far, there are seemingly two planned waves of LEGO Pokemon sets in 2026. According to leaks, these are:

• Wave 1 — March 2026:
  • Eevee, $59.99
  • Pikachu and Pokeball, $199.99
  • Bulbasaur, Squirtle & Charmander, $649.99
  • Unannounced gift product launching on February 27
• Wave 2 – Summer 2026:
  • Squirtle’s Training Buggy Adventure
  • Charmander’s Wild Encounter with Geodude
  • Pikachu’s Training House (previously the Smart Brick Pikachu set), $69.99
  • Cubone vs Gengar’s Ghost Challenge
  • Jolteon vs Charizard
  • Scorbunny Evolution
  • Stadium Bus
  • Eevee Evolution
  • Dojo House with Riolu
  • Mewtwo Lab

Although favorite children for Pokemon are at play, with Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, and Eevee all reportedly getting a second set in the summer, there are some good variations here. A set for Cubone and Gengar could be great for longtime fans of the series who remember the creepy Lavender Town’s Pokemon Tower and cemetery, and Cubone is not exactly a critter who sees lots of representation.

Likewise, Stadium Bus reportedly includes Larvitar and Croagunk, which typically don’t show up a lot in merchandise. Pokemon‘s Jolteon, despite being an Eeveelution, is not exactly the most popular of the bunch, and pairing it with Charizard may do it justice. Scorbunny and Riolu getting a dedicated set each is also great news.

Why More Pokemon in 2026’s LEGO Sets is a Great Thing for Both Franchises

Overall, there is a lot more variety and a wider spread of representation in the leaked LEGO Pokemon Summer 2026 sets, and this may resolve some of the issues with the March wave while also making Pokemon‘s 30th anniversary a bigger celebration for everyone. However, if you’re looking for LEGO minifigures and Ash Ketchum, you’ll have to wait a bit longer, with no promises they’ll ever show up.