Lego has announced 12 new Smart Brick sets launching this summer, this time centered on Pokémon play. After a lukewarm reception to the first Star Wars-themed generation in March—which promised advanced interactions but delivered little more than voice barks and flashing lights—the company is trying again with features like training and battling. Early hands-on time with the new sets reveals some of the smarts that were previously missing.
The first Smart Bricks, which won Best in Show at CES, fell short of expectations when they launched. Users found the promised clever interaction and creative play reduced to basic gimmicks. The Pokémon generation appears to address some of those complaints, though the most sophisticated features demonstrated at CES still remain absent.
The new sets include props drawn directly from the Pokémon games, alongside more unexpected items. Lego did not specify pricing or exact availability dates beyond a summer launch window. The company's strategy appears focused on gradually building out the Smart Brick ecosystem with recognizable franchises.
Lacking the full suite of smart features shown at CES, the Pokémon sets may still leave enthusiasts wanting more. The company has not indicated whether advanced capabilities will arrive in a future update or if this is the ceiling for current hardware. For now, Lego seems to be prioritizing brand partnerships over technical innovation.
One analyst noted the challenge of balancing toy safety regulations with complex electronics. The company faces continued skepticism from early adopters burned by the Star Wars rollout.