Top Elite Pokémon Competitor Selects Their Choice for the Finest Pokémon

When the situation stabilizes regarding the $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts (EA), Saudi Arabia will rise as the leading stakeholder, holding an impressive 93 percent of the firm. Although a group of investors, including Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, participated, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia will primarily steer this pivotal transaction.

Typically, sovereign wealth funds like the PIF play a less significant role in buyouts spearheaded by private equity firms. However, in this instance, the dynamics are distinctly inverted. The consequences of this shift are profound, raising doubts about Saudi Arabia’s capability in overseeing one of the largest video game publishers in the U.S. The interests of other investors are minor, with Silver Lake and Affinity retaining 5.5 percent and 1.1 percent stakes, respectively. Given their pre-existing ties to Saudi investment funds, their involvement seems more aimed at easing the foreign acquisition than providing noteworthy support.

According to The Financial Times, Kushner was instrumental in brokering the agreement between Saudi Arabia and EA, although the exact timing lacks verification in SEC documents. This discussion follows a recent meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and President Trump concerning various trade deals, during which concerns about the Prince’s contentious actions, including his suspected role in the killing of a Washington Post journalist, were minimized.

The PIF’s financial health has been questioned as the fund has started withdrawing investments from several U.S. firms amidst increasing economic turbulence in Saudi Arabia. This unstable scenario has made it imperative to secure $20 billion in loans to finance the EA purchase, raising alarms about sustainability and future operational approaches. High-interest debt will require management, potentially resulting in significant budget cuts or asset sales at EA.

EA shareholders are anticipated to vote on the buyout offer shortly, with the aim of finalizing the agreement by mid-2026. While this shift may threaten numerous positions within the company—famous for franchises like Madden, EA Sports FC, The Sims, and Apex Legends—the financial rewards for investment banks involved in the deal remain substantial. Goldman Sachs is set to receive a historic $110 million for its involvement in facilitating the acquisition.

The results of this buyout could profoundly alter the video game industry landscape, as Saudi Arabia tightens its grip on one of its most significant entertainment properties, positioning it in a central role within the global gaming framework.

**Netflix Officially Confirms Sequel to KPop Demon Hunters**

In a wave of speculation and hints, Netflix has officially announced a sequel to the animated series *KPop Demon Hunters*. This revelation signifies the onset of an exhilarating new phase as Netflix initiates an “exclusive multiyear writing and directing partnership” with the original co-directors, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans. This alliance will not only concentrate on the sequel but also involve several animation ventures guided by their creative leadership.

Kang and Appelhans will reprise their roles as co-directors for the sequel, underscoring their dedication to the project and their tie to the storyline. In the announcement, Kang conveyed her pride as a Korean filmmaker, expressing her excitement that audiences are eager for more from this narrative and its characters. She emphasized the immense possibilities of the universe they have built and her enthusiasm to delve into it further, suggesting that this sequel is merely the start of the adventure.

Appelhans mirrored these feelings by mentioning his strong bond with the characters, calling them family and their universe a second home. He shared his eagerness to craft the next chapter, challenging the characters and continuing to push creative boundaries at the crossroads of music, animation, and storytelling.

Currently, Kang and Appelhans are the only confirmed members of the creative team, but the announcement highlighted key characters Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, implying that the central trio will be back for the sequel. Considering the significance of their performances for the film’s overall success, fans are looking forward to updates regarding the return of vocalists Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who played crucial roles in the show’s celebrated soundtrack.

Regarding the release schedule, Netflix has announced that development is in progress. However, it’s important to manage expectations as the sequel is not expected to premiere until after 2029, dependent on various production factors as indicated by Kristine Belson, president of Sony Pictures Animation. This timeline suggests that fans might need to wait a substantial duration before witnessing the next chapter in the *KPop Demon Hunters* universe.

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.