Monday, January 12, 2026

LEGO x Pokémon: Did They Drop the Poké Ball?

LEGO x Pokémon is Finally Here... But is it a Critical Hit?









The day many of us thought would never come has arrived: LEGO Pokémon is officially live on LEGO.com. I’ve been waiting for this collab since I was a kid, and while I'm a bit torn, LEGO is clearly going big for the 30th Anniversary.

Pre-orders are officially open today (Jan 12, 2025), and the sets will ship on Pokémon Day, February 27, 2026. If you want that GWP, you’ll need to move fast. The LEGO sets are also available for pre-order via the Pokémon CenterThis post contains affiliate links!

The Launch Lineup:

Set #NamePiece CountPrice (USD)
72151Eevee587 pcs$59.99
72152Pikachu & Poké Ball2,050 pcs$199.99
72153Venusaur, Charizard, & Blastoise6,838 pcs$649.99
  • The Bonus (GWP): If you purchase the massive 6,838-piece Kanto starters set (72153), you get the 40892 Kanto Region Badge Collection for free. It’s a 312-piece display case featuring all eight brick-built Gym badges—but it's only available while supplies last!




My Honest Take: Did LEGO Drop the Poké Ball?

I’ll be real—I’m not as hyped as I thought I’d be. Don't get me wrong, the scale of that nearly 7,000-piece starter set is insane, but the attention to detail on the fan side feels a little off.

Case in point: Set 72151. How do you launch Eevee with that set number? In a world where LEGO loves hidden details, that number was begging to be dedicated to Mew (#151). At least the Pikachu set has a built-in "25" on the base to honor his Pokédex number, so they clearly know how to do it! 

Who am I kidding, though? Did I immediately queue up and ADD TO CART? 

What I would love to see for the future!

As a diehard Pokémon fan, and LEGO enthusiast, as well as a parent, I would love to see the new LEGO SmartBrick integrated into this new collab. Why not add the LEGO SmartBrick with the Pokémon Pokédex?


I woud also love to see minifigure size Pokémon with the use of the new spherical brick-built balls that we saw in the LEGO Ideas 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine.




Am I Buying?

Despite my gripes... yes. Because I am a dork and my "gotta catch 'em all" instinct is stronger than my financial logic, I already pulled the trigger on Eevee and the Pikachu/Poké Ball set. I’m holding out hope that this is just the first wave and we’ll see some more affordable, minifig-scale sets in the future.

What about you? Is that $650 price tag for the Kanto trio a "Must Buy" or are you "Crying" over your bank account? Let me know in the comments!

#Pokemon #PokemonLEGO #LEGO #afol #Nintendo #Kanto #PokemonDay

Friday, January 9, 2026

Long Jump into Fun: Introducing the New My Mario Collection for Babies and Little Kids!

Power Up Playtime! Introducing the New My Mario Series for Little Fans and Their Families



Get ready, Mushroom Kingdom adventurers! 

Nintendo is bringing the beloved world of Super Mario to a whole new generation with the exciting My Mario series, making its U.S. debut next month. Inspired by Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and their friends, My Mario is a brand-new collection of products, games, and experiences designed for young children and their parents to explore, imagine, and play together. 

I am very jealous of new parents, because this is the announcement I have been waiting for my entire motherhood. Check out my first little bundle, Marcello, dressed in his Super Mario finest for his first birthday photos. 




Sorry! Back to the back magic that is the new My Mario collection...

Starting February 19th, you can be among the first to experience the My Mario collection at Nintendo NEW YORK and Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO stores. Can't make it to a store? Don't worry! My Mario products will also begin arriving at select retail stores nationwide this spring and will continue to expand throughout the year.

What's in Store for My Mario Fans?

Nintendo has partnered with fantastic brands like Mattel, Fisher-Price, and TOMY to create a thoughtful and engaging collection that's perfect for introducing little ones to the magic of Mario. 

Here’s a peek at what you can expect...


Super Mario Fisher-Price Little People includes a six-pack of your favorite characters! I anticipate that this set will be very hard to find as it will boost nostalgia in older fans, and parents wanting to add Nintendo Little People to their kiddo's toy box! Retailing at $19.99, try not to pay the crazy price of $55! 


This is the hottest Fisher-Price Little People set to hit the market! Already I see it for sale from third-party sellers for $60+! 




Building Block Adventures! Spark creativity with two charming wooden block sets. Choose from a Mario Wood Block Set (3 pcs) or go big with the Mario & Friends Wood Block Set (30 pcs), featuring Mario and other iconic items from the Super Mario series. Imagine the towers and castles your little builder will create! If all of the play factors and collectible aspects are not enough, the included characters will all be playable as amiibo in compatible Nintendo Switch games. 














Interactive Digital Fun with the Hello, Mario! App Dive into digital playtime with the free Hello, Mario! app! Launching February 19th on the Apple App Store, Google Play, and as a free download on Nintendo Switch (and Nintendo Switch 2!) via Nintendo eShop, this app allows children, parents, and caregivers to intuitively and playfully interact with Mario. Mario can make silly faces with the help of little players, take app breaks, and more! Think many, many levels higher than the Super Mario from his N64 days, when you could stretch Mario's face or have him follow you on screen. This app is a huge dose of nostalgia for parents, new and seasoned! Also, the absolute best part of the app is that you DO NOT need an internet connection once the app is downloaded. 





"It's Me, Mario!" Stop-Motion Series Gather the family for some adorable viewing! The My Mario stop-motion animation series – "It’s Me, Mario!" – is available now on the My Mario website and the official Play Nintendo YouTube channel. It's the perfect way to share some animated fun with your little ones. The videos are absolutely adorable! I want to jump through my screen and give Mario a snuggle. 



Mario-Themed Apparel for Tiny Trendsetters Dress your smallest Super Mario fans in style! The My Mario collection includes a fantastic range of apparel for infants and toddlers, from comfy onesies and sleepers to playful outfits for every adventure.



Read Along with Mario! Snuggle up for storytime with the interactive Hello, Mario! board book, created by Nintendo and published by Penguin Random House. It’s a wonderful way to introduce early literacy alongside a beloved character. The board book collection will launch Spring 2026. 



Cuddly Companions and Fun Rattles For the littlest fans, there are soft toys that include fun rattles and cuddly Mario plush. Perfect for snuggles, sensory play, and imaginative adventures.



Splash into Fun with Tomy Toomies My Mario Bath Toys Even bathtime gets a power-up! The Tomy Toomies My Mario collection will make a splash with exciting bath toys and water squirters inspired by iconic Super Mario characters. The collection is whimsical, fun, and are priced perfectly for gifting! Think first and second birthday gifts when little ones venture out on their own underwater level of fun!

Toomies My Mario™ Pour & Nest Bath Toy Set $13.99




Toomies My Mario™ Bath Pipes Playset $19.99




Toomies My Mario™ Bath Squirters 4 Pack $14.99


Toomies My Mario™ Super Mushroom & Fire Flower Bath Squirters $7.99


Toomies My Mario™ Mario & Goomba Bath Squirters $7.99


The My Mario series is a fantastic way for families to connect and share their love for the Super Mario universe. With such a diverse range of products and experiences, there’s something for every young adventurer.




Stay tuned to the My Mario site and Nintendo.com for updates on specific product launch timings. And be sure to follow @NintendoStoreUS on Instagram and X for more information on products and events at the official Nintendo stores.


Thursday, January 8, 2026

Lumiose City is the PERFECT backdrop for Pokémon Mega Evolution Perfect Order Coming March 2026!

The Mega Evolution Revolution: Get Ready for a Brand New Pokémon TCG Era!

Hey fellow Trainers!

Get ready to mark your calendars because the Pokémon TCG is about to get a massive shake-up! The Pokémon Company International just dropped a bombshell: the new expansion, Mega Evolution—Perfect Order, is launching on March 27, 2026. This isn't just another set; it's the dawn of a whole new era, bringing back the fan-favorite Mega Evolution mechanic with a modern, competitive twist!




This post will break down everything you need to know, from the thrilling new cards to the seismic shifts in the competitive landscape as the "G-Block" rotates out. Buckle up, because Lumiose City is calling!


Let me just take a moment and celebrate this new era, Mega Evolution, because the MEGA Pokémon are BACK and better than ever! Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames have been powerhouses providing beautiful arrays of illustration rares, full arts, and more. Still, the play mechanics truly make our Pokémon-loving hearts skip a beat!

Remember the days of Mega Evolution in the XY era? Well, forget everything you knew because the 2026 version is faster, more powerful, and comes with higher stakes!

Mega Evolution Pokémon ex are the new stars of the show. They boast unprecedented HP (we're talking 380 HP for Mega Venusaur ex!) and devastating attacks. But here's the catch: if your Mega Evolution Pokémon ex gets Knocked Out, your opponent takes a whopping three Prize cards! High risk, high reward!

The best part? No more losing your turn to Mega Evolve! This is a game-changer that makes these behemoths instantly viable.

With the latest expansion, Perfect Order, we have the new play mechanics and this set will take place in Lumiose City, which coincides with the latest Nintendo Switch 2 game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A also taking place in Lumiose City. Not to mention, the multitude of beautiful artwork and Pokémon celebrated in this series like Zygarde ex (you need him in Pokémon Legends: Z-A),  Mega Starmie ex, Mega Clefable ex and Mega Skarmory ex.


Meet the New Mega Powerhouses!

Straight out of the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game, Mega Evolution—Perfect Order introduces four incredible new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex:

  • Mega Zygarde ex: The undisputed star of the set, promising to bring "Perfect Order" to your opponent's bench!

  • Mega Starmie ex: A dazzling new Mega form, ready to shine in battle.

  • Mega Clefable ex: A beloved Pokémon evolving into a powerful force.

  • Mega Skarmory ex: A fan-favorite flying fortress, now with Mega power!

These cards are part of the new J-Block regulation mark, making them future-proof for the upcoming competitive season.


The Great Rotation of 2026: G-Block Says Goodbye!

Every spring, the Pokémon TCG refreshes its Standard format by rotating out the oldest cards. April 2026 marks the departure of all cards bearing the "G" Regulation Mark. This is a monumental shift, as many of our most beloved and powerful cards are leaving the format!

What are we losing? Prepare to say goodbye to:

This rotation isn't just a cleanup; it's a reset! Decks will need to be completely rebuilt from the ground up, making room for the powerful J-Block cards to shine. 

Expect to find the following noteworthy card types in Pokémon Mega Evolution Perfect Order below:

  • Four Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
  • Nine Pokémon ex
  • 11 illustration rare Pokémon
  • 18 ultra rare Pokémon and Trainer cards 
  • Six special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards



New Tools for a New Era: Replacing Our Staples

With so many key cards rotating, the J-Block is introducing new alternatives and spiritual successors to keep the game flowing:

  • Out with Iono, in with Judge (J-Block Reprint): While Iono scaled perfectly for comebacks, Judge offers a consistent 4-card hand disruption for both players. A different flavor, but still potent!

  • Arven's Legacy Lives On with Team Rocket's Petrel (J-Block): Petrel allows you to search for any 1 Trainer card, offering incredible flexibility even if it's not a direct 1-for-1 replacement for Arven's Item/Tool combo.

  • Nest Ball's Successor: PokéPad (J-Block): This new Item card is fantastic for finding basic non-Rule Box Pokémon (like your evolution lines!), but remember, it won't grab your Basic ex Pokémon. You'll need other strategies for those!

  • Wally's Compassion (J-Block Supporter): This card is a must-have for Mega Evolution decks! It helps accelerate your evolution process, allowing you to get your big Megas into play faster without waiting a turn.



Dive into Perfect Order!

Mega Evolution—Perfect Order will be available in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and various collections. You can even get a sneak peek at Prerelease tournaments starting March 14, 2026, or play digitally on Pokémon TCG Live from March 26, 2026!

This set isn't just about new cards; it's about a fundamental shift in how the Pokémon TCG is played. The stage is set for a thrilling 2026 season, dominated by the raw power and strategic depth of Mega Evolution!

Are you ready to embrace the "Perfect Order" and unleash your Mega Evolution Pokémon ex? Let us know which new Mega you're most excited to play with in the comments below!

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Get Ready, Trainers! The Pokémon Fossil Museum is Coming to the Field Museum in Chicago!



Are you ready to blend the thrilling world of Pokémon with the fascinating science of paleontology? Get your Pokédex ready! The Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition is making its North American debut at the Field Museum in Chicago, IL, and it’s a must-see for fans of all ages!


Unearthing History: What to Expect from the New Pokémon Exhibit


Opening on May 22, 2026, and running until April 11, 2027, this limited-time exhibition offers a unique, interactive journey where the realms of natural history and fantasy collide.


This special installation, created in partnership with the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, and The Pokémon Company International, invites visitors to explore the connections between Fossil Pokémon and actual prehistoric creatures.




Key Highlights of the Pokémon Fossil Museum:


Real vs. Digital: See life-size models of fan-favorite Fossil Pokémon, such as Tyrantrum and Archeops, and compare them directly to genuine, real-world fossils found by Field Museum scientists—including a nod to Chicago’s most famous resident, SUE the T. rex!


Meet the Experts: The exhibit features illustrations of Field Museum scientists—Akiko Shinya, Arjan Mann, and Jingmai O’Connor—alongside their work, demonstrating the tools and techniques of paleontology.


Excavator Pikachu: Keep an eye out for Excavator Pikachu, the exhibition’s official mascot, guiding you through the discovery process!


Interactive Fun: Engage with hands-on displays, see real fossil excavation and preparation tools, and immerse yourself in the journey of discovery with exhibition soundscapes.


Plan Your Visit and Get Your Tickets


This is a premier event for the Chicago museum scene and for the entire Pokémon community.

The Pokémon Fossil Museum is a Special Exhibition and will require an Add-On Ticket to your general admission to the Field Museum. Since this is an exclusive, new Pokémon exhibit making its debut, tickets are expected to be in high demand. Be sure to check the official Field Museum website for the latest ticketing information and to secure your spot for this exciting adventure into the past!


Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the franchise, a science enthusiast, or looking for a perfect family outing, the Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field Museum promises a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Don’t miss your chance to catch this spectacular exhibit!


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