Gotta Build 'Em All: LEGO and Pokémon Unite for Landmark Launch

BILLUND, Denmark – January 12, 2026 – In a move that unites two of the world's most powerful entertainment brands, The LEGO Group and The Pokémon Company International today revealed their first-ever collection of LEGO® Pokémon™ sets. The highly anticipated collaboration, launching on February 27, 2026, to coincide with Pokémon's 30th anniversary, introduces a new frontier for builders and trainers, merging the creative world of LEGO bricks with the adventurous spirit of Pokémon.

The initial wave features three distinct sets showcasing five fan-favorite Pokémon: Pikachu, Eevee, and the final evolutions of the Kanto first partners—Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise. This landmark partnership not only marks a significant licensing shift in the toy industry but also signals a strategic push into the lucrative adult collector market, backed by a series of high-engagement digital promotions and exclusive rewards.

A Billion-Dollar Brick Battle

This collaboration represents a monumental convergence of two privately-held juggernauts. The LEGO Group, which has consistently outpaced the global toy market with double-digit revenue growth, joins forces with The Pokémon Company, a brand that banked over $10 billion in retail sales last year, solidifying its position as a top global licensor. The partnership is strategically timed, capitalizing on a booming licensed toy market that has seen double-digit growth, driven by nostalgia and a thriving adult collector culture.

“Bringing the world of Pokémon to life in LEGO bricks is both an exciting opportunity and a great responsibility,” said Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer of the LEGO Group, in a statement. “This partnership opens up a whole new range of possibilities for Trainers and builders alike.”

The move became possible after The Pokémon Company’s previous building toy licensing agreement with Mattel's Mega Construx brand expired. This has set the stage for a new era in brick-built collectibles, with LEGO aiming to leverage its premium brand identity and global reach to capture a market that has long been a holy grail for toy manufacturers.

Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokémon Company International, added, “By combining Pokémon’s sense of adventure with the thoughtful design and attention to detail of the LEGO Group, we’re giving fans the chance to build, play, and tell their own stories in ways they’ve never experienced before.”

For the Veteran Trainer: Nostalgia Comes at a Price

The initial product lineup makes its target audience clear: adult fans. The collection is headlined by the immense LEGO® Pokémon™ Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set. At 6,838 pieces and a price tag of $649.99, it’s one of the LEGO Group’s larger display models, featuring the three iconic Pokémon on a detailed base inspired by their natural biomes.

Also aimed at serious collectors is the LEGO® Pokémon™ Pikachu and Poké Ball set. The 2,050-piece model depicts a dynamic Pikachu leaping from a Poké Ball, all set on a lightning-themed base. Priced at $199.99, it includes an easter egg referencing Pikachu's Pokédex number, “25.” Rounding out the launch is the more accessible LEGO® Pokémon™ Eevee, a 587-piece set priced at $59.99, praised for its charming design and poseable features.

Fan reaction has been a firestorm of excitement mixed with pointed criticism. While the collaboration itself is being hailed as a dream come true, the premium pricing has been a major point of contention across fan forums. The Pikachu set, in particular, has drawn mixed reviews, with some builders describing its blocky, angular face as “uncanny” and making unfavorable comparisons to the more rounded designs previously offered by Mega Construx.

Despite the cost, initial demand appears incredibly strong. Pre-orders for the massive Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set sold out quickly, driven in part by a highly coveted promotional item, suggesting dedicated collectors are willing to pay a premium for these flagship models.

Beyond the Bricks: Engagement and Exclusivity

To build hype ahead of the February 27th launch, the companies have launched a digital “Scavenger Hunt – Find & Catch Them All!” Fans are challenged to find hidden clues across LEGO and Pokémon digital channels for a chance to win a grand prize trip to the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco.

However, the promotional strategy has also fueled debate. A LEGO® Pokémon™ Kanto Region Badge Collection will be available as a gift-with-purchase, but only for customers who buy the $649.99 Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set. This decision has led to accusations of “paywalling” a highly desirable collectible, making it inaccessible to fans unable to afford the most expensive set. Similarly, LEGO Insiders members can redeem points for an exclusive Mini Pokémon Center micro-build, further tying unique content to dedicated spending.

“Pokémon has inspired generations of fans around the world, so our team approached the design of these sets with immense care and passion,” stated Siddharth Muthyala, Design Director on LEGO Pokémon, highlighting the dedication to capturing the essence of the beloved characters.

The Future of the Brick-Built Pokémon Universe

This initial launch is widely seen as just the opening act. The focus on large, display-oriented models caters directly to the adult market, but the fan community is already buzzing with speculation about what comes next. On forums and social media, there is a strong desire for minifigure-scale playsets, similar to successful themes like LEGO Super Mario or Animal Crossing, which would allow for more traditional play scenarios featuring molded Pokémon figures and iconic locations like gyms or a full-scale Pokémon Center.

Builders are also hoping for future waves that explore other generations of Pokémon, from Johto's starters to Legendary creatures presented as complex, standalone display pieces. The possibilities are vast, and with the strength of both brands, this collaboration is poised to become a perennial pillar in the LEGO product portfolio.

As the first sets prepare to hit shelves, it’s clear that this partnership is more than just a new product line; it’s a cultural event that merges decades of nostalgia with the timeless appeal of creative building. For millions of fans who grew up wanting to catch 'em all, the opportunity to now build them all marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.