Capturing LEGO Pikachu’s ‘spark’ was the key to the Pokémon set
The LEGO Pokémon designer behind 72152 Pikachu and Poké Ball has revealed how catching the essence of the fan-favourite creature came to be.
The LEGO Pokémon theme launches its first highly-anticipated wave next month, with a trio of sets that include 72152 Pikachu and Poké Ball. That upcoming build has already drawn criticism from some in the fan community, particularly when it comes to the face of the LEGO version of the character, as well as comparisons to previous MEGA models.
A new interview with the designer behind the LEGO Pokémon set has now revealed the path the model took from initial concept to potential eventual inclusion in many fans’ collections, and how capturing the ‘spark’ of the poseable fan-favourite creature was the key to making the build work.
“Play is the most important aspect of a LEGO experience for me, and I always think about what brings delight and joy, and how I can bring that to life,” explained Design & Product Lead Siddharth Muthyala.
“Pikachu is arguably the most recognized Pokémon of all time,” said Siddharth. “The eyes and cheeks for Pikachu being in the right position and angle have been critical to make sure that we have captured the iconic visual of Pikachu.”
To achieve the correct look and overall proportions of the Electric-type Pokémon, the LEGO Pokémon design team eventually turned to SNOT building techniques, giving the character a much smoother and rounder shape.
“Pikachu is round, curved and cute – not easy to do in LEGO bricks that are hard, square and sharp,” said Siddharth. “The way we’ve had to achieve the position and angle of the iconic Pikachu ears, we’ve had to add rings and spacers to get the right position while still being a good system build.”
The other area of 72152 Pikachu and Poké Ball that needed some specific problem-solving was the Pokémon’s distinctive lightning-bolt tail, which was required to be slim and strong in order to achieve the desired effect, and which ultimately led to the model gaining some degree of customisation.
“We also designed it so it can be changed from a male Pikachu to a female Pikachu,” Siddharth added, with the Pokémon’s signature tail having an optional flat end or heart-shaped tip, depending on how fans want to display the finished build.
72152 Pikachu and Poké Ball launches on February 27, alongside 72151 Eevee and 72153 Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise. 40892 Kanto Region Badge Collection is also confirmed to be returning as a GWP on that date, alongside an exclusive LEGO Insiders Reward in the shape of 40911 Mini Pokémon Center.
Confirmed and rumoured LEGO Pokémon sets for 2026
| LEGO set | Price | Pieces | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40892 Kanto Region Badge Collection | Free with 72153 Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise only | 312 | February 27, 2026 |
| 40911 Mini Pokémon Center | Insiders reward (2,500 points) | 233 | February 27, 2026 |
| 72151 Eevee | £54.99 / $59.99 / €59.99 | 587 | February 27, 2026 |
| 72152 Pikachu and Poké Ball | £179.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 | 2,050 | February 27, 2026 |
| 72153 Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise | £579.99 / $649.99 / €649.99 | 6,838 | February 27, 2026 |
| 72156 Squirtle’s Training Buggy Adventure | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| 72157 Charmander’s Wild Encounter with Geodude | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| 72164 Pikachu’s Training House | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| 72166 Cubone vs Gengar’s Ghost Challenge | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| 72167 Jolteon vs Charizard | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| TBC Scorbunny Evolution | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| TBC Stadium Bus | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| TBC Eevee Evolution | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| TBC Dojo House with Riolu | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| TBC Mewtwo Lab | TBC | TBC | Summer 2026 |
| TBC Smart Brick Pikachu | TBC | TBC | TBC 2026 |
| TBC Smart Play: Pikachu’s House | $69.99 | TBC | Summer 2026 |
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