LEGO Pokémon SMART Brick Review: First Impressions of Charmander, Geodude, Mewtwo, Mew, Sprigatito, Eevee and Lapras

LEGO’s new Pokémon SMART Brick range offers a hybrid of traditional building and tech-enabled play, bringing Nintendo’s iconic franchise into the company’s latest interactive line. The LEGO Group shipped several Pokémon-themed SMART Brick sets in the inaugural rollout; this hands-on review covers five of the ten sets available, detailing piece counts, retail prices and how well each build balances display value with the SMART Brick’s app-driven features. None of the five sets examined include a SMART Brick module—buyers must purchase either the Pikachu set or the Charizard and Jolteon set to obtain the SMART Brick required for the full interactive experience. Our reviewer emphasized that while the SMART Brick is the headline feature, many sets include mechanical elements that work without the module and still deliver engaging play. Charmander & Geodude — Cavern Clash (198 pieces, £17.99): Charmander’s head reads a bit flat in LEGO form, but Geodude is praised for an accurate, floating look thanks to its shape, flexing arms and clear stand. The build includes a rocky terrain with mechanical triggers—Charmander can pound a seesaw to topple a cliff while Geodude swivels to launch a projectile—offering both SMART and non-SMART interactivity for younger builders. Mewtwo’s Lab Break (605 pieces, £59.99): Positioned as a display-focused set, Mewtwo’s sculpt and the accompanying laboratory machinery are highlighted for shelf appeal. The set includes a twist-operated split display stand, a translucent computer screen showing Mewtwo’s vitals and a Master Ball on a small stand. The reviewer noted the set offers limited SMART Brick scenery interaction but excels as a standalone model. Drone Search for Mythical Mew (429 pieces, £44.99): This set includes three SMART Brick tags and centers on a drone toy that simulates flight when a SMART Brick is inserted. The drone can be used for a proximity-based search minigame and drops berries onto targets, blending digital sound cues with physical play. Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle (313 pieces, £29.99): A value-oriented starter bundle that includes three Paldea starters and three SMART tags. The trio is compact and displayable; the set also contains a spin roulette that does not integrate with SMART tags but provides additional analogue gameplay. Eevee & Lapras’s Treasure Hunt (603 pieces, £54.99): Noted for its large Lapras build and shipwreck diorama, this set includes a treasure chest SMART tag and mechanical wheel that reveals hidden loot. Lapras stands out as one of the more impressive Pokémon models in the line. In summary, the LEGO Pokémon SMART Brick series targets younger builders with app-connected features while still offering models that appeal to collectors focused on display value. "The SMART Brick is the main draw, but the non-SMART interactive elements keep play engaging even without the module," the reviewer said, underscoring the dual appeal. A follow-up piece will cover the remaining five sets. Review copy was provided by The LEGO Group.