12 new Lego sets and one huge problem.
A comment from Martin Hartmann
The Lego Group and The Pokémon Company have announced 12 new brick sets based on the popular pocket monsters. Each one uses the new and controversial Smart Play technology. For fans this means: If you want to exploit the full potential of the sets, you have to pay a lot more.
Pokémon Smart Play without Smart Brick
The Pokémon sets follow a similar path that has already caused displeasure with Lego Star Wars. Although 10 of the 12 sets are compatible with Smart Play, they do not contain a Smart Brick that can be used to trigger the special sound effects (view all sets at Lego).
So Pokémon fans also have to buy a Smart Play All-In-1 set. However, there are only two of them and they are quite expensive.
- Training house with Pikachu with a Smart Brick for 69.99 euros (view at Lego)
- Ultimate showdown between Charizard and Blitza with two Smart Bricks for 119.99 euros (view at Lego)
Everyone has a favorite Pokemon
In the case of Pokémon, this decision is particularly painful. Assuming my favorite Pokemon is Felori: I can buy the set with the Plant Cat, Krokel and Kwaks for 34.99 euros (check it out at Lego), but I won’t get a Smart Brick.
For this privilege I would have to spend an additional 69.99 euros on the Pikachu training house. If you want two Pokémon to make noises at the same time, you will have to pay 119.99 euros for the Charizard set. An absurd idea. Why does Lego still not offer the Smart Bricks for purchase separately?
Are the Pokémon sets better than the Star Wars sets?
Many fans may be disappointed that Lego even relies on Smart Play for its Pokémon sets. The Pokémon designs could certainly be nicer if there wasn’t space for a Smart Brick everywhere, which isn’t included in the set itself.
Nevertheless, the technology has some potential. If the Smart Bricks can actually play authentic Pokémon sound effects, they offer real value for children (at least for children who can afford expensive all-in-1 sets). With previous Star Wars sets, this is exactly where Lego failed miserably. So you’ll have to wait to see the Pokémon sets in action.