11 currently in-stock sets compared
| Set | Age | Pieces | Price checked | SMART Brick? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pikachu Training House 72164 | 6+ | 400 | $69.99 | Yes — 1 |
| Charizard vs. Jolteon 72167 | 8+ | 751 | $119.99 | Yes — 2 |
| Jigglypuff Concert 72159 | 7+ | 88 | $14.99 | No |
| Bulbasaur & Bidoof 72155 | 7+ | 240 | $19.99 | No |
| Charmander & Geodude 72157 | 6+ | 198 | $19.99 | No |
| Squirtle Buggy 72156 | 7+ | 320 | $29.99 | No |
| Sprigatito/Fuecoco/Quaxly 72158 | 8+ | 313 | $34.99 | No |
| Drone Search for Mew 72161 | 8+ | 429 | $49.99 | No |
| Eevee & Lapras 72162 | 8+ | 623 | $59.99 | No |
| Mewtwo Lab 72163 | 10+ | 605 | $69.99 | No |
| Umbreon vs. Garchomp 72165 | 10+ | 831 | $79.99 | No |
Prices and availability were checked on LEGO US on September 10, 2026 and can change. Cubone and Gengar 72166 was on backorder during this review pass, so it is not included in the in-stock ranking.
Best first purchase: Pikachu Training House
For most families entering SMART Play, Training House with Pikachu 72164 is the simplest starting point. It includes one SMART Brick, charger and four SMART Tags at a lower price than the Charizard set, and its age-6+ label makes it accessible sooner.
Best premium starter: Charizard vs. Jolteon
Charizard vs. Jolteon 72167 costs more but includes two SMART Bricks. That matters if two Pokémon need simultaneous responsive play or if the family expects to add several Compatible sets later.
Best value expansions under $35
Jigglypuff Concert is the cheapest reviewed expansion at $14.99, but also the smallest at 88 pieces and one tag. Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof and Charmander and Geodude Cavern Clash each cost $19.99 and include two tagged Pokémon. Squirtle Buggy gives the strongest vehicle/action loop at $29.99. Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly Battle is our best three-character value pick at $34.99.
Larger expansions once you own a SMART Brick
Drone Search for Mew emphasizes mechanical search-and-reveal play. Eevee & Lapras emphasizes exploration and treasure hunting. Mewtwo Lab is a display/action build for ages 10+, while Umbreon vs. Garchomp is the largest in-stock Compatible build here at 831 pieces.
Why the cheapest set is not the cheapest starter
Compatible-set prices can be misleading if you are buying specifically for SMART Play. LEGO says SMART Bricks are not sold as standalone products, so a first-time buyer who wants responsive electronic effects needs an All-in-One set. That makes the $69.99 Pikachu set the current lower-cost complete interactive entry point even though several physical Compatible sets cost much less.
Is SMART Play screen-free?
LEGO says the core interactive play does not require a phone or tablet. We describe that as screen-free core play, not completely app-free ownership: adults may use the LEGO SMART Assist app for setup help, sound controls, firmware updates and troubleshooting. Older SMART Bricks can require firmware updates before using newer Pokémon features.
Is it AI?
We do not label LEGO Pokémon SMART Play as a generative AI toy. Its value comes from responsive physical interaction using SMART Bricks and SMART Tags. Parents evaluating AI-toy privacy should not assume every responsive electronic toy uses conversational or generative AI.