Key Highlights
- Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is celebrated with new LEGO sets.
- The Kanto starters are available in a detailed 6,838-piece set priced at $649.99.
- Eevee and Pikachu are also featured in smaller sets priced at $59.99 and $199.99 respectively.
- Preorders of the Kanto starters set sold out quickly.
The Pokémon Phenomenon: A Decade-Long Journey with LEGO
You might think this is new, but… it’s been 30 years since Pokémon first graced our screens. The franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, and now, to celebrate its longevity, LEGO has released official Pokémon sets. You can’t help but admire the attention to detail in these builds.
The Kanto Starters Set: A Must-Have for Collectors
Let’s dive into the centerpiece of this release—the Kanto starters set. With a whopping 6,838 pieces and a hefty price tag of $649.99, this is not just a toy but an investment for any Pokémon connoisseur with deep pockets. The evolved versions of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle pose in their own biomes, allowing you to take them out and pose them individually if that’s more your style.
Chris Reed, the commerce editor at IGN, had the chance to build this set and described it as one of the coolest things they’ve done recently.
The build is a masterpiece, turning a pile of blocks into a smooth and fluffy-looking critter, much like the Pokémon characters themselves. But let’s be honest—this isn’t just about the build; it’s about the nostalgia. Preorders of this set sold out fast, so don’t expect the next batch to last long.
Other Sets: Eevee and Pikachu
The Kanto starters aren’t the only Pokémon LEGO sets available. There’s also an adorable $59.99 Eevee set and a more dynamic $199.99 Pikachu and Poké Ball set. The Eevee build is one of the most adorable Pokémon, and this LEGO version doesn’t disappoint.
The Pikachu set is a bit pricier but comes with 2,050 pieces and offers a more dynamic build with the Poké mascot leaping on a lightning bolt from a Poké Ball.
For those who have missed out on the Kanto starters, Chris Reed advises that it might become available again at some point. With LEGO Store exclusivity for two months before becoming available elsewhere, you still have time to nab one if you haven’t already. If you’re not a fan of the Kanto set, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. A special Pokémon edition of Time Magazine is just the start.
March: More LEGO Pokémon Releases
While we’re on the subject of Pokémon and LEGO, March brings a flurry of new sets. The Sauron’s helmet set, Winnie the Pooh, four new LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight sets—there’s something for everyone who loves to collect.
The release of these sets is part of a broader trend in the industry where companies capitalize on beloved franchises. Pokémon has been around long enough that it commands significant consumer interest, and LEGO knows this.
The success of the Kanto set shows that there’s still plenty of money to be made from nostalgia and community engagement.
So, whether you’re building for fun or as a collector, these new sets are definitely worth considering. Just make sure you act fast on the Kanto starters if you want one; they don’t stay around long.