Every year, LEGO releases numerous sets themed around the popular IPs it partners with, from Harry Potter to Marvel to DC. But this year is different. In 2026, LEGO plans to launch its largest partnership ever.
For gamers, LEGO's latest partnership has been a long time coming, and the brick-making company won't be stingy with this first outing either. LEGO has big plans for this latest collaboration, and the first sets will start shipping soon.
Lego Pokemon sets hit with major release in 2026
2026 marks the start of LEGO and Pokemon's massive partnership, making it one of the companies' biggest collaborations yet. Although LEGO has introduced Nintendo IP such as Mario; The Legend of Zelda Pokemon in the set is arguably the most popular item from the Switch 2 manufacturer's stable.
And for LEGO, this is likely to be one of its biggest partnerships ever. Pokemon has been a massive profit-making machine for everything, whether it's a trading card game, a plush toy, or a mobile experience. Every Pokémon partnership feels like a slam dunk, and we expect Lego to be no different.
LEGO and Pokemon won't be testing the waters in 2026. A large-scale launch is reportedly planned for the first year of the year. Considering that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, it's likely that LEGO and Nintendo will want to make the most of all the conversation that will revolve around the Pokémon brand.
It will reportedly launch with a few sets in early 2026. One is Pikachu-themed and the other features Charizard for a reasonable price. Then, if rumors are to be believed, a huge set featuring the three original Pokemon Red/Blue starters and their evolutions will set the tone for just how pricey this collaboration will be. And finally, there are a ton of sets coming out over the summer, including some interactive sets that work similarly to Mario sets with mobile app connectivity.
I know LEGO is planning another Legend of Zelda set this year that may or may not be Ocarina of Time themed, but as an overall collaboration, this Pokemon partnership is a big deal. I wasn't surprised when the set first leaked and it seemed like Pokemon was playing it safe with Pikachu and Charizard. Subsequent leaks then proved that LEGO and Pokemon wanted to give fans a variety of sets, and that interactive experiences were planned.
What to Expect from LEGO and Pokemon Collaboration in 2026
I'm not the biggest fan of interactive Mario experiences, but the set itself is still pretty fantastic, and I'm curious to see how LEGO iterates on that concept with Pokémon. But more recently, I've been really impressed with the detail and variety of LEGO sets. From LEGO Game Boy sets with tons of clever touches you can't even see, to the Stranger Things Creel House with some really fun interactive features. There are so many possibilities with LEGO Pokemon, and I can't wait to see what this set brings.
The official LEGO Pokemon sets will be released in 2026, but so far they're too cheap and underpriced
LEGO is kicking off 2026 with a bang by releasing around 200 new sets, but its collaboration with Pokemon may not be as exciting as you think.
While this partnership is very important to LEGO fans, it's not the only thing Pokemon fans have to look forward to this year. As mentioned, this is the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and there are plenty of events and reveals planned for the next 12 months. A new set of TCGs will be released this month, starting with Ascended Heroes. McDonald's has once again formed a Happy Meal partnership with Pokémon. Adidas is preparing Mewtwo-themed sneakers. And of course, Pokemon Generation 10 is expected to be released this year and may be released before the end of 2026.
This is going to be a big year for Pokemon fans, but I'm most excited to see this set. It feels like a little something for everyone is planned. Wallets are on edge about the potential price tag, but enthusiasm is through the roof.
