Why it works without electronics
The drone's rotors rotate and tilt, berries can be dropped toward a target, and a successful hit collapses a ruins wall to reveal Mew. That physical cause-and-effect gives the set replay value even before a SMART Brick enters the scene.
What a SMART Brick adds
Mew, the drone and the ruins each contain a SMART Tag. A Brick borrowed from an All-in-One set can react to those tags with lights and sounds as the child moves through the search adventure. The Brick itself is not sold in this box.
True first-purchase cost
The $49.99 price makes 72161 attractive in an under-$50 toy search, but only as a complete physical LEGO set. If the buyer specifically wants the SMART Play electronics and owns no Brick, the actual entry cost includes an All-in-One set such as Pikachu 72164 or Charizard/Jolteon 72167.
Screen and AI classification
The search, building and SMART Play interaction are screen-free in ordinary child use. An adult may use the SMART Assist app for Brick setup and updates. We do not classify the system as generative AI.
Strengths
- $49.99 current LEGO price
- Three SMART Tags
- Mechanical search-and-reveal features
- Mythical Mew figure appeal
Tradeoffs
- No SMART Brick included
- Electronic startup cost exceeds $49.99 for new users
- 429 pieces still require organized storage
- App can be needed for Brick updates
Verdict
Drone Search for Mew is the best value expansion in this six-set group for families that already own a SMART Brick. For first-time buyers focused on electronic features, start with an All-in-One set instead.
Compare all reviewed Pokémon SMART Play sets →