Phil Spencer Steps Down from Xbox; Sarah Bond Exits as Leadership Change Takes Place with New Microsoft AI Chief Assuming Control

When enthusiasts discovered that [Lego had successfully obtained the Pokémon license from a competing brick brand](https://kotaku.com/lego-pokemon-pikachu-date-price-mega-bloks-teaser-1851770713), there was considerable enthusiasm. However, some fans are now expressing dissatisfaction regarding the elevated prices and the construction differences between the Pikachu sets from each brand.

After hinting at it in 2025, [Lego has officially unveiled its first forthcoming Pokémon sets](https://kotaku.com/pokemon-lego-sets-release-date-price-pikachu-charizard-2000658895), featuring both an Eevee and a Pikachu. Nevertheless, these are not the inaugural officially licensed brick-based toy items tied to Game Freak’s renowned franchise to appear in stores. For several years, Mega Bloks, a rival to Lego, held the license and rolled out over 100 distinct Pokémon sets. Mega Bloks has created a wide array of Pokémon sets and themes in different sizes and packages. To maintain fairness in comparison, we will concentrate on the two most similar offerings from Mega Bloks: Jumbo Pikachu and Jumbo Eevee. These sets are approximately equal in size to Lego’s upcoming Pikachu and Eevee sets, making them the most equitable for comparison.

First, [from 2022, we have the Mega Bloks Jumbo Pikachu](https://www.amazon.com/building-poseable-character-Building-Exclusive/dp/B079KNH886?tag=kotaku01-20). Upon its release on store shelves a few years back, this 12-inch-tall Pikachu was priced at $50, although it was often found on sale if one searched diligently. It features 806 pieces with posable arms, legs, ears, and a movable head. Additionally, it is a sturdier Pikachu, resembling the original “fat Pikachu.” It’s honestly a solid, visually appealing set, although there were critiques at the time regarding the build having issues with pieces falling off. The set includes just the Pikachu figure and nothing more.

Now let’s juxtapose that set with Lego’s recently announced Pikachu set. [This one is set to retail for $200](https://jaysbrickblog.com/news/first-lego-pokemon-sets-officially-revealed-for-27-february-2026-launch/) upon its February launch, making it four times the price of the Mega Bloks version. Ouch. And when comparing them side by side, it’s hard to pinpoint why. Lego’s model is technically 13 inches tall, but that measurement only applies when it’s displayed on the included brick-built stand.

The actual Pikachu build appears to measure around 11 inches tall, making it nearly the same size as the older Mega Bloks set. Still, it comes with a whopping $150 premium. It boasts over 2,000 pieces. Lego’s Pikachu undoubtedly looks cleaner, with fewer exposed studs, but that might be a drawback for some fans. The most significant downgrade is that Lego’s Pikachu appears far less posable. Nonetheless, I favor Lego’s rendition of Pikachu’s paws, which look adorable compared to the blocky, less appealing human-like hands of the 2022 set. Furthermore, Lego’s set includes a brick-built Poké Ball, which is a neat addition but may be considered extraneous.

Conversely, the comparison between Mega Bloks’ Jumbo Eevee and Lego’s Eevee set is notably duller. Both appear to be roughly the same size and are similarly priced. Mega Bloks charged $50 for Eevee when it launched in 2020. Lego plans to sell its Eevee for $60. A $10 hike for more pieces and a better-looking build works for me.

On the other hand, the Lego Pikachu indeed appears to be an expensive set that might be viewed as a downgrade relative to Mega Bloks’ version of Pikachu. While I appreciate the sleeker aesthetic and the included stand, the Poké Ball seems like an inefficient use of pieces, and for that price, I wish Lego had incorporated more posable limbs and joints.

Ultimately, if you’re eager to acquire a brick-built Pikachu for your desk or bedroom shelf without dishing out $200, purchasing a new Mega Bloks Pikachu for $50 or less provides a robust alternative, allowing you to save enough to buy Lego’s less expensive Eevee set.

### Holiday RPG Discounts: A Nostalgic Glimpse at Seasonal Gaming Promotions

As the festive season nears, numerous nostalgic gamers reflect on the thrill of unwrapping new RPGs during their childhood, immersing themselves in intricate worlds without the interruptions of online guides—simply pure fun. This year, with a plethora of titles receiving markdowns during the holiday sales, it’s an ideal moment to expand your physical collection. Here are some excellent RPG offers that are currently up for grabs:

#### **Visons of Mana**
A playful action-RPG, *Visons of Mana* is offered for **only $20** on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (physical copies exclusively). This game is a refreshing reimagining of the *Mana* series, delighting fans after an extended break.

#### **Final Fantasy 16**
Another wonderful bargain is *Final Fantasy 16*, similarly priced at **$20** at most stores. As a strong contender for Game of the Year 2023, it showcases top-notch music, performances, and cinematic boss battles, along with an exhilarating, though occasionally repetitive, action gameplay.

#### **Unicorn Overlord**
This strategic RPG from Vanillaware is presently **$25** for both PS5 and Switch. While it might become monotonous in its latter stages, the narrative and art are outstanding, justifying the purchase.

#### **Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2**
Warhorse Studios’ immersive sim comes in at a surprisingly low price of **$40 for PS5** and **$30 for Xbox**. A contender for the 2025 Game Awards, this sequel surpasses the bar set by its predecessor, providing a captivating open-world experience.

#### **Fantasian Neo Dimension**
Despite its origins on mobile platforms, *Fantasian Neo Dimension* is an impressive turn-based adventure that evokes memories of early *Final Fantasy* games. It’s currently available for **$30** on both PS5 and Switch.

#### **Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection**
For those who cherish retro gaming, this collection is priced at **$20** on Amazon. It reintroduces the nostalgic hybrid strategy gameplay that many gamers adored during the Game Boy Advance era.

#### **Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age**
Often overlooked, *Final Fantasy XII* delivers a rich experience with complex job systems and refined visuals. Now is a perfect opportunity to secure it for **$25** on both PS5 and Switch.

#### **Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster**
While some might consider the Pixel Remaster collection to be overpriced, possessing a piece of gaming history holds significant value. It’s currently on sale for **$40**.

#### **Super Mario RPG**
The remastered edition of *Super Mario RPG* for Switch is an exceptional deal at **$25**, particularly in light of the steep prices of original SNES copies, which begin at $50.

#### **Persona 3 Reload**
Finally, *Persona 3 Reload* is a fantastic remake available for **$17** at Amazon and **$25** at Best Buy. It’s a profound and captivating title that appeals to fans of the franchise.

As the holiday season advances, more bargains may surface. Keeping a lookout for discounts can enable gamers to recapture the thrill of yesteryears while accumulating new titles. Feel free to share any great discoveries you find in the comments!

There’s now a mod for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties which swaps out the likeness of actor Teruyuki Kagawa. Kagawa’s casting in the remake, which saw him lend both his voice and likeness to secondary villain Goh Hamazaki, caused fan backlash due to a 2022 report from Shukan Shincho detailing sexual assault allegations against the actor.

Kagawa apologised at the time, but didn’t specify what he was apologising for or confirm the events reported in the article. Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties director Ryosuke Horii recently said Kagawa’s casting was the result of developers RGG Studio having “tried to think of someone who makes you go, ‘This guy’s a creep'”.

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