LEGO has officially announced a new line of Pokémon-themed sets, notably featuring the first-ever LEGO minifigures within the Pokémon range. The collection includes the "Iconic Trainer Moments: Poké Ball" set, which will launch on October 1.
Images circulating online reveal the Poké Ball set to be a 2,386-piece build that hinges open to display a diorama. The lid of the Poké Ball features Professor Oak, offering a choice of three starter Poké Balls, a scene reminiscent of Pokémon Red and Blue. The base of the ball includes minifigures of Red and a Picnicker enemy figure, set against a backdrop that evokes Viridian Forest. Miniature models of Pikachu and Eevee are also included within the set.
Prior LEGO Pokémon releases have focused on display models or smaller scale builds. This new set marks a significant departure by including articulated minifigures, a feature long requested by fans.
Several other LEGO Pokémon sets are slated for release on October 1. These include a 757-piece Munchlax build, a 1,190-piece Arcanine set, and a 1,083-piece Rayquaza model that comes with a Zinnia minifigure. Additionally, a large-scale, 930-piece Red minifigure build, standing approximately 22cm tall, will also be available.
Pre-orders for these sets are scheduled to begin on July 7, with prices for the Poké Ball set ranging from $260 to $300 USD. Specific details for the other sets include the Munchlax build (72150) priced at $69.99 USD, the Arcanine set (72160) at $109.99 USD, the Rayquaza model (72168) at $129.99 USD, and the up-scaled Red minifigure (40868) at $79.99 USD. Most of these sets are designated for ages 18+, with the exception of the Red minifigure, which is for ages 10+.