Overview
The LEGO Pokémon SMART Play range represents The LEGO Group’s push to combine physical building sets with interactive electronic elements.
In a recent hands-on period away from a Nintendo Switch 2, a reviewer built five smaller SMART Play sets that are fully compatible with the LEGO SMART Brick technology (though those particular five boxes do not include the Brick itself).
The line aims to bridge traditional LEGO play with augmented audio and light reactions via SMART Tags, and it’s targeted primarily at younger fans while also offering display-quality builds for collectors.
What the reviewer found
The reviewer noted that their child chose Squirtle as his starter Pokémon during the play sessions.
They reported that the SMART Brick interactions encouraged the kids to battle and play café-style scenarios rather than sit in front of screens.
The reviewer summarized the overall impression by saying assembling and playing with the sets left them feeling like a “Pokémon Master,” and that while adults may not buy every set, several make attractive shelf displays.
Set highlights (five compact SMART Play releases)
- Jigglypuff Concert: The smallest set at 88 pieces features a compact Jigglypuff figure, a small microphone and speakers.
The reviewer praised the build quality and affordability but noted the SMART Brick produced short squeals rather than the full iconic lullaby.
- Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof: A 240-piece set that includes two smaller Pokémon and an interactive smoothie machine.
The physical interaction of plucking berries and spinning the mixer was highlighted as a simple but effective non-electronic play element.
- Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle: A 320-piece set that proved a favorite.
It includes a functioning buggy with a jointed midsection, a Poké Ball accessory and food items.
The buggy produces wheel sounds when used with the SMART Brick and delivers strong imaginative play value.
- Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown: At 782 pieces, this was cited as a personal favorite for build fidelity.
Cubone’s proportions and Gengar’s expressive smile (with a movable tongue) were singled out, and the set incorporates targets and SMART Tags that trigger in-game-style rewards.
- Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle: The largest build in this group, noted for scale and detailed articulation in Garchomp.
The set includes a large Poké Ball and a trophy; neither uses SMART Tags, making this one appeal more to collectors.
Conclusion
Across two weeks of building, the reviewer found the LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets balanced digital interaction with tangible play.
They recommend the series as a worthwhile purchase for Pokémon fans with children, advising that collectors may prefer the larger, non-interactive display pieces.
The review copy was provided by The LEGO Group.
The LEGO Pokémon SMART Play range represents The LEGO Group’s push to combine physical building sets with interactive electronic elements.
In a recent hands-on period away from a Nintendo Switch 2, a reviewer built five smaller SMART Play sets that are fully compatible with the LEGO SMART Brick technology (though those particular five boxes do not include the Brick itself).
The line aims to bridge traditional LEGO play with augmented audio and light reactions via SMART Tags, and it’s targeted primarily at younger fans while also offering display-quality builds for collectors.
What the reviewer found
The reviewer noted that their child chose Squirtle as his starter Pokémon during the play sessions.
They reported that the SMART Brick interactions encouraged the kids to battle and play café-style scenarios rather than sit in front of screens.
The reviewer summarized the overall impression by saying assembling and playing with the sets left them feeling like a “Pokémon Master,” and that while adults may not buy every set, several make attractive shelf displays.
Set highlights (five compact SMART Play releases)
- Jigglypuff Concert: The smallest set at 88 pieces features a compact Jigglypuff figure, a small microphone and speakers.
The reviewer praised the build quality and affordability but noted the SMART Brick produced short squeals rather than the full iconic lullaby.
- Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof: A 240-piece set that includes two smaller Pokémon and an interactive smoothie machine.
The physical interaction of plucking berries and spinning the mixer was highlighted as a simple but effective non-electronic play element.
- Trainer’s Buggy Adventure with Squirtle: A 320-piece set that proved a favorite.
It includes a functioning buggy with a jointed midsection, a Poké Ball accessory and food items.
The buggy produces wheel sounds when used with the SMART Brick and delivers strong imaginative play value.
- Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown: At 782 pieces, this was cited as a personal favorite for build fidelity.
Cubone’s proportions and Gengar’s expressive smile (with a movable tongue) were singled out, and the set incorporates targets and SMART Tags that trigger in-game-style rewards.
- Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle: The largest build in this group, noted for scale and detailed articulation in Garchomp.
The set includes a large Poké Ball and a trophy; neither uses SMART Tags, making this one appeal more to collectors.
Conclusion
Across two weeks of building, the reviewer found the LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets balanced digital interaction with tangible play.
They recommend the series as a worthwhile purchase for Pokémon fans with children, advising that collectors may prefer the larger, non-interactive display pieces.
The review copy was provided by The LEGO Group.
