Lego Pokémon Pikachu build

The Lego Group announced its first-ever Pokémon sets earlier this year, launched globally on 27 February to coincide with Pokémon’s 30 year anniversary. This includes story-telling, gaming and fandom.

The first three Lego sets to launch includes five iconic Pokémon characters: Pikachu, Eevee, Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise, aimed at collectors, families and fans of all ages.

Good news if you’re based in South Africa, the sets are now available through various retailers, including Lego Certified Stores online and in-store. The most recognisable would be the Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball set, which lets fans recreate an iconic scene from the franchise – Pikachu jumping out of the poké ball ready for battle. It retails for R3999, while Eevee is available for R1199, and the trio set featuring Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise is going for R12 999.

Lego SA sent Recharged the Pikachu set, which brought back fond memories of playing Pokémon Go.

We wasted no time in building the set and here are some thoughts around it. The Pikachu set contains 2050 pieces and is officially rated for 18+ years. It features a black lightning rod shaped base with lightning energy emitting from the poké ball as Pikachu exits. Lego put an easter egg featuring a “25” displayed on the base, a reference to Pikachu’s Pokédex number.

A nice surprise on the Pikachu set upon unboxing it was the switch from plastic to paper bags. The set contained 16 paper bags for each part, and the instruction booklet also wrapped in paper. I saw a video online from another market where the packets were still plastic, so it’s great to see that South Africa received the sustainable packaging.

A lot of the early review says it takes about 6 hours to build, but I estimate my total time to have been around 7 hours. I made 2 mistakes and had to back track but it was not a train smash, I just placed a piece in the wrong direction and fortunately it was easy enough to put back by carefully undoing some parts.

I started on Sunday and completed the first 8 bags, which is mostly Pikachu. As with any Lego build, you need to remember to take breaks, and go for a walk otherwise you will end up with a back ache – well if you’re my age!

I found it very straight forward to build. The packets were portioned perfectly and it didn’t take as much strain on me as building my Lego World Map in the past as those were just round dots and my fingertips felt it (and granted it is the largest Lego set). This build went much quicker as it was a variety of pieces.

I always just use the manual, I’m old school like that, but there is a Lego Builder app you can download on iOS or Android. The booklet takes you through Pikachu’s journey showing some screenshots from the game, Pokédex, bio, and stats like height, weight, abilities, etc. It includes the Trainer journey and battles, to Lego Trainers. It’s very cute if you’re a fan.

I completed the first eight bags in one afternoon, with a few breaks. I allocated time for the build starting on Sunday and within no time it was starting to take shape. You start with Pikachu’s torso, then hands, legs, head, ears before it all starts coming together. It was pretty cool to watch your own build come to life this way, for such a beloved character.

The one thing worth mentioning is that Pikachu’s feet seem small compared to the rest of the body and initially I was wondering if it will hold up, but the way it sits on the stand means the feet won’t take strain.

I continued the remaining eight packets the next day. At this point I knew I was going to finish it the same day without carrying over to another day. It was just so exciting to finish it; you know that last stretch that makes you want go quicker.

I want to add here that even though it says 18+ for age bracket, it is still very much aimed at families and with parent supervision, families with kids can put them together with ease, depending on how old the kids are. It would make for a fun family activity and definitely go faster than if you were doing it alone.

The last part is the lightning rod base, which was the only part that felt tedious and repetitive due to the shape. You know you’re doing one half and have to duplicate it in another bag. But fortunately time flies when you’re having fun and are excited for the end results.

The poké ball can be left open or closed, depending on your preference. It is very easily changeable with one part and gently opening and closing it. It was very satisfying putting the final piece on and enjoying the beautiful build you just poured hours into.

I absolutely love the Pikachu set, which is going into my office immediately. Though it is starting to feel crowded, or rather, I am running out of space, as it joins my Lego World Map, roses, and Bonsai with cherry blossom leaves.

This Lego Pokémon Pikachu set is a must for fans and would make an ideal gift. It is iconic, and an enjoyable build worthy of taking a prime spot for displaying once complete.