Hold your horses on Lego Pokémon! These alts are so much better

You've probably heard the news by now that official Lego Pokémon sets exist, but before you splash the cash – I'm here to make you aware that there are actually some much better (and more affordable) alternative sets out there already. You can get Mega Blok Pokémon builds right now, for a lot less, and without having to wait.

Fans have been dying for the Lego company to bring out official Pokémon sets for quite some time, and it was announced earlier this week that three main sets are coming as soon as 27th February. Both the Eevee and Pikachu with Pokéball sets are available for preorder now from Lego, but the stunning 6,838-piece Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set simply says "coming soon" at the time of writing.

The Kanto Region Badge Collection set will come as a free purchase to any shoppers who preorder the Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set, and there's also a Mini Pokémon Centre set that is said to only be available to LEGO Insiders for 2,500 points. The sets can be preordered directly from Lego, as well as the Pokémon Center website.

As expected, the new Lego Pokémon sets are pricey. The Eevee set clocks in at a more reasonable $60, while the Pikachu and Poké Ball will set you back $199.99, and the Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise set will cost a whopping $649.99 once released.

These sets are intended for adult collectors, not kids, but it's hard to ignore that you could buy a Nintendo Switch 2 plus a copy of Pokémon Legends Z-A for less than the largest Pokémon Lego set would cost you.

To be honest, I actually prefer the Mega Blok Pokémon sets over the Lego ones, and in my opinion - Mattel's Mega Blok Pikachu is far cuter than Lego's take on the yellow mouse mascot. Also, with the Mega Blok Pokémon range, you can get awesome mechanical models that offer motion, and still a fraction of the price that the official sets from Lego will set you back (take a look at this incredible Motion Gyarados Mega Blok set).

If you want to save some pennies, I've selected some of my favourite sets below that are on sale right now, including a Mega Blok Pikachu at a much more budget-friendly price of under $50, compared to the $199 price of the official Lego version.

Alternative Lego Pokémon sets

The best Pikachu alt

Save 25%

Mega Blok Jumbo Pikachu: was $63.71 now $47.48 at Amazon

This 806-piece set from Mega Blok is a great (and dare I say better) choice instead of the official offering from Lego. The loveable electric mouse is movable and poseable, with articulated joints, and stands at 12 inches tall.

Price Check: $47.49 at Target | $55.39 at Walmart

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IT MOVES!

Save 13% ($22)

Mega Blok Gyarados: was $171.99 now $149.99 at Amazon

This 2,186-piece set is fully mechanised with a hand-activated crank that allows Gyarados to swim along the waves with its tail flapping and mouth opening wide. This set would look absolutely glorious on a gaming room shelf,

Other retailers: $199.95 at Walmart

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Save 43% ($60.54)

Mega Blok Motion Charizard: was $139.99 now $79.45 at Amazon

Another mechanical build comes in the form of the fire-breathing Charizard. Arguably one of the coolest Pokémon evolutions out there.

This set usually retails for $140, but we're seeing some excellent prices on it lately.

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UK DEAL

Save 5%

Mega Blok Jumbo Eevee: was £44.99 now £42.68 at Amazon

Admittedly, this build doesn't look quite as polished as the upcoming Lego version, but if you don't want to wait until next month, then bag it now!

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