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Lego Pokémon Smart Play hands-on: A better way to build, train and battle
Lego’s forthcoming Pokémon Smart Play sets use interactive Smart Bricks to make buildable Pokémon react, sleep, communicate and battle, bringing elements of the video games into physical play. The hands-on review finds this approach more naturally suited to Pokémon than Lego’s earlier Smart Play Star Wars range, because players can train creatures, manage health and exploit type advantages rather than simply recreate scenes.
The range includes standalone sets containing Smart Bricks and compatible expansion sets that need a Brick from another purchase. Battles track hit points and type match-ups, while accessories such as potions, training equipment and food affect Pokémon; the initial line-up spans original-generation characters and later favourites including Garchomp, Bidoof and Generation 9 starters. Sets also feature details such as Mewtwo’s Master Ball, Pokédex-numbered Smart Tags and distinctive, deliberately non-canonical Pokémon cries.
In short
- Interactive Lego Pokémon sets recreate training and battling mechanics.
- Smart Bricks enable reactions, sleep, health and type-based battles.
- The range includes core sets and compatible expansions.
Explained simply
Lego has created "Smart Bricks" – building components with embedded interactive technology that can respond to how players build and interact with sets. The new Pokémon Smart Play sets use these components to make the creatures players build react and behave in ways that mirror the video games, blending traditional toy building with interactive gameplay.
Pokémon is a franchise centred around fictional creatures that players collect, train and battle against each other. The video games feature gameplay where you manage a creature's health, learn about different creature types and their strengths, and battle opponents – mechanics that have not been possible with traditional physical toys.
The Pokémon Smart Play range includes multiple sets featuring different creatures, along with interactive accessories such as potions and training items. When players build and battle with their creatures, the Smart Bricks track outcomes such as damage and type advantages, turning the toys into functional games rather than just display pieces.