The LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets have been available since 1 August. Just not here. In its official announcement, LEGO names six launch markets: the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland and Australia. The Netherlands is not on that list.
That is particularly confusing because Dutch product pages do exist. Open 72161 Drone Search for Mythical Mew, for example, and you do not get an order button. Instead, the page says that SMART Play products are currently unavailable in your region.
What LEGO has actually released
The first Pokémon wave consists of twelve sets for children aged six and up. They respond through light, sound, movement and sensors, without a screen during play. Pikachu can react to feeding and training, while battle sets recognise movement and SMART Tags.
The range is split into two types:
- All-in-One: includes a SMART Brick, charger and SMART Tags. Interactive play works straight away.
- Compatible: includes one or more SMART Tags, but no SMART Brick. The interactive features require a brick from an All-in-One set.
There are two All-in-One sets: Training House with Pikachu 72164 and Charizard vs. Jolteon 72167. The other ten are expansions. The official announcement lists European prices of 69.99 euros for 72164 and 119.99 euros for 72167, but those are launch prices for countries where the sets are sold. They are not Dutch retail prices.
A Compatible set is not fully interactive by itself
It is easy to read ‘Compatible’ as meaning everything is included and more can be added later. SMART Play works differently. A set such as Drone Search for Mythical Mew 72161 can still be built and played with normally, but its lights and sounds only work with a SMART Brick from 72164 or 72167.
LEGO also says on that Dutch page that the brick is not sold separately. Someone in a launch market who buys only 72161 does not yet have the full SMART Play experience. That extra cost belongs in every comparison.
New, unopened Pokémon All-in-One sets work straight out of the box, according to LEGO. A SMART Brick from an older All-in-One set first needs an update through the SMART Assist app. The app handles setup and updates; play itself remains screen-free.
What does the Dutch notification button mean?
Nothing beyond its wording: LEGO can notify you if regional availability changes. It is not a confirmed release date and not evidence that the Netherlands will follow soon.
LEGO offers no explanation for the limited country list. It may expand later, but assigning a reason or timetable would be speculation. Two facts should stay separate: the products exist, and they are not officially sold in the Netherlands at present.
Import or wait?
Ordering from Germany or France may be tempting if you want to try the technology immediately. For a child’s gift, I would wait for official Dutch availability. You are buying a system with a charger, firmware and app support, not only a box of bricks. A local launch makes returns and support easier.
For an experienced fan who knowingly imports, the first choice should be 72164 or 72167. Without one of those All-in-One sets, the ten Compatible sets are missing their interactive core. Use the delivered total rather than the bare euro figure in the press release.
BricksDeal will show a Dutch price comparison once genuine Dutch offers appear. Until then, ‘notify when available’ is the honest status.
Sources checked on 29 August 2026: the LEGO Newsroom announcement and the Dutch product page for 72161.
