What to Expect from LEGO Pokémon in 2026?

As we officially begin 2026, it's another massive 12 months for the LEGO Group as it debuts one of the most anticipated licensed themes of all time: LEGO Pokémon. The gaming and anime-based LEGO line was first announced in March 2025, with the first sets anticipated to release in late February.

Since this official announcement and teaser, we've had no further confirmation from LEGO themselves regarding the brand new theme. However, reliable sources from the community have shared set names, builds, characters, locations and more that we can expect in brick-built LEGO form throughout 2026...

Large & Expensive 18+ Models

The debut wave of LEGO Pokémon will appeal to older LEGO fans, further increasing the number of sets dedicated to adult fans of LEGO. In particular, three LEGO Pokémon 18+ branded sets will be releasing on the 27th of February 2026, recreating some iconic Pokémon characters in an entirely brick-built LEGO form.

Out of the three models, 72153 is the biggest and most expensive, with a whopping 6,838 pieces retailing for $649.99 / €649.99 / £549.99. Likely one of the biggest sets in 2026, it recreates the Kanto starters of Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander in brick-built LEGO form. The most iconic and loved Pokémon, Pikachu, will also be available as an 18+ display model alongside Eevee will with her primarily brown fur and fox-like shape

Smart Play, Smart Play & Smart Play

LEGO Smart Play will be the main buzzword, gimmick and selling point of 2026, appearing across LEGO’s entire portfolio, spanning from 4+ Friends sets to Technic, as well as licensed themes including Pokémon, Star Wars, and Animal Crossing.

LEGO Star Wars will be the first theme to get Smart Play sets, with a wave releasing on the 1st of March 2026, but this will be swiftly followed by Smart Play LEGO Pokémon in the summer. Current rumours suggest that up to 15 sets, all Smart Play branded, will be releasing for the licensed theme on the 1st of August 2026.

These technology-driven sets will include the likes of LED lighting and sounds, sensors and scanable tags, electronic Minifigures and wireless charging, all centred around the Smart Brick. This brand new and highly intelligent brick will be available in just a few of the 15 sets, including 72164 Pikachu's Training House, which includes a much smaller and simpler brick-built version of the iconic Pokémon, along with an appropriately themed house.

LEGO BrickHeadz Take Over

The LEGO BrickHeadz theme will be full of licenses in 2026, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Gremlins to the focus of this article: LEGO Pokémon. Whilst nothing is confirmed, it's almost certain that at least one LEGO Pokémon-branded BrickHeadz will launch in 2026, likely recreating another brick-built version of Pikachu and fellow popular characters such as Charmander, Bulbasaur and Squirtle.

The Biggest Question of them all - Minifigures?

While most of the content in this article is unconfirmed by the LEGO Group, the question of LEGO Pokémon Minifigures is even unknown amongst LEGO leakers. LEGO aren't afraid to avoid Minifigures in themes, whether that's through the use of minidolls, 18+ brick-built figures or digfigs with the LEGO Super Mario theme.

We're already expecting an array of brick-built characters from the second-ever LEGO anime theme, but hopefully, the LEGO Smart Play-branded sets include a couple of figures too. An entire LEGO Pokémon Minifigure series would be even better, especially as the third and final series for 2026 is currently unknown...

Every Confirmed & Rumoured LEGO Pokémon 2026 Set

40887 TBC LEGO Pokémon GWP - August 2026

40892 TBC LEGO Pokémon GWP - 27th February 2026

40911 TBC LEGO Pokémon Insiders Reward (2,500 Insiders Points) - 27th February 2026

72151 Eevee ($59.99 / €59.99 / £54.99) - 587 pieces - 27th February 2026

72152 Pikachu & Poké Ball ($199.99 / €199.99 / £169.99) - 2,050 pieces - 27th February 2026

72153 Kanto Starters ($649.99 / €649.99 / £549.99) - 6,838 pieces - 27th February 2026

72154 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72155 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72156 Squirtle's Training Buggy Adventure - 1st August 2026

72157 Charmander's Wild Encounter With Geodude - 1st August 2026

72158 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72159 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72160 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72161 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72162 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72163 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72164 Pikachu's Training House - 1st August 2026

72165 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

72166 Cubone vs. Gengar's Ghost Challenge - 1st August 2026

72167 Jolteon vs Charizard - 1st August 2026

72168 TBC LEGO Pokémon - 1st August 2026

2026 marks the beginning of a long and play heavy partnership with LEGO and Pokémon, but what do you think? What are you most excited about from the brand new theme? Will you be purchasing any of the 18+ models releasing on Pokémon Day? What would you like to see from non-18+ Summer LEGO Pokémon sets? Will we get Pokémon LEGO Minifigures? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.