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.
