Review: 40887 Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night
Posted by SetToBuild,
To celebrate the launch of the LEGO Pokémon SMART Play range, from today shoppers will receive 40887 Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night with purchases of LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets. The threshold of £115 is a rather sneaky one, as the way it lines up with the set prices means even with the largest set (£109.99) you need to buy more than one item to qualify. In many cases, customers would need to buy at least three or overshoot with two large sets.
This adorable little creep is one of my favourite representations in this rounded cuboid style, and to be honest, a whole range of ‘Ditto as…’ would have been fine in my books! These sets use countless new or recent pieces to achieve this characteristic smooth style, so let’s have a look after the break.
Please note, this set does not contain a SMART Brick.
Summary
40887 Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night, 185 pieces.
This adorable GWP adds a creepy vibe to Ditto’s transformation
- Adorable
- Slightly cursed
- Built-in storage
- Requires buying several sets
- Limited to SMART Play markets
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box
The box dedicates a fairly large area of both the front and back to showing the SMART Brick compatible features. This is in keeping with the sets in the main wave which also push this hard with similar graphics, and it’s quite difficult to qualify for this GWP without buying a set that contains a SMART Brick. However, the downside of the gift feeling very much like part of the theme is that completionist collectors in regions without official LEGO stores will be left at a disadvantage.
Inside, there are two instruction booklets (one for Ditto and one for the TV cabinet), four paper bags and a sticker sheet for the latter model.
Build Experience
This new form of LEGO Pokémon brick-built figures is very similar to that of Brickheadz in both size and style, although not in construction. The interior has a forward-facing layered plate structure with a large hollow centre to receive a SMART Brick. The key element of this structure is a new-for-2026 U-shaped curved corner plate which connects the head to 1x6 plates that run all the way down the legs. I would not at all be surprised if this piece was created for this purpose, and the other sets just made it to production faster due to the complexity of this theme.
Behind the face, a lavender 2x2 brick forms the ‘brain’ like in Brickheadz, another nod to Ditto’s true identity. Interestingly, something similar isn’t replicated in other characters in the main theme.
Completed Model
The completed pocket monster is extremely cute. These little creatures continue a winning four-stud-wide form (from the Brickheadz and electronic Super Mario lines, and in fact from the decades-old classic Town car scale) which is pleasing to hold for small and large hands. The LEGO colour scheme is not a perfect match to most representations of Squirtle, but the precise shades have varied so much over the years that it’s not important. The fundamentals of the recognisable character are present, and the printed elements crystallise this.
The forward-facing construction extends to the shell, with anti-studs being used to form the outer texture. This is quite unusual compared to other similar builds, and recent upwards curved slopes are required to shape it. However, the uni-directional build lowers complexity and thus age level, and lowers piece count by avoiding stud reversal. The SMART Tag (complete with slightly threatening Ditto pointing at poor innocent Squirtle) within is supported on the shell rather than the body, under the filler piece. In this case, I found the filler piece quite difficult to remove without strong nails, even with the gaps from the 1x2 half-round tile—a tool like the Friends keys would have been welcome.
Ditto has a nearly identical construction to Squirtle from 72156 Trainer's Buggy Adventure with Squirtle. All Pokémon face and body decorations are printed, although stickers are used elsewhere in the sets. In fact, if you look closely, you’ll notice that the tailpiece has two different prints for the left and right of the swirl—that’s a level of detail fans may not have expected. Personally, I think that the Ditto face is an upgrade!
The 2x2 cool yellow tile on the front is a little translucent, sometimes showing the dark shadows behind somewhat jarringly. At the heels, the 1x2 to 1x2 bracket piece lines up perfectly with two layers of plates holding it onto the legs, which was satisfying.
These single-moulded arm pieces have bars at the shoulder and open studs at their ends, allowing a range of attachments to hold objects on the ‘hands’. Minifigure accessories that have bar end connections could also be connected to the hole in the open stud. Two studs on the head allow various hats or other attachments, and probably were a conscious decision to maintain the ‘LEGO-ness’ of an otherwise very smooth model.
The hinges took me by surprise during assembly, as I hadn’t spotted the rear image showing the opening cupboard doors before starting to build. They are a lovely touch, and I’m a sucker for storage in LEGO models.
The TV is styled as a Poké Ball, but the rounded curved slopes on the corner have a continuing issue with dark studs showing through the thin plastic at the top of the piece. Stickers for the TV screen and other accessories are in keeping with other sets in the theme which only use printing for the main characters. They are not the hardest to apply, so no complaints here.
It soon becomes clear what the storage is for: the channel can be changed to another view of Squirtle, with a simple pop out of the stickered 4x4 tile to exchange them. The shelf under the screen holds some colourful plates and tiles which look like decorative items. These could be references to games (like the original Pokémon Red/Green/Blue) or creatures, but no specific reference immediately comes to mind.
A few usual spare parts are included; unfortunately, none of the plethora of new pieces which help to achieve the rounded form of the character are among these.
Play Experience
This set is compatible with SMART Bricks, though one is not included. If you have a spare available which has been updated to the latest firmware, Ditto as Squirtle has five actions with sound effects: walking, dashing, attacking, giggling and sleeping. Interactions with other SMART Tags from the remaining sets in the theme also function in the same ways. The sound effects are identical to Squirtle’s from 72156 Trainer's Buggy Adventure with Squirtle, which is canonically correct for a copy of that creature.
You will find our full review of 72156 Trainer's Buggy Adventure with Squirtle at a later date!
Conclusion
The concept of this set seems to be that Ditto is creepily watching Squirtle, while eating popcorn, to study the characteristics of the pocket monster it has transformed into. In the Pokémon media I’m familiar with, Ditto doesn’t need to study a subject for transformation as it’s more of a physical effect than a learnt one, and it can only be done in the presence of the subject. However, given the quantity of source material out there, it’s not impossible that this is canon these days! Overall, this set is adorable and could be replicated with a hundred more variations. It’s just missing an untransformed Ditto, which would have been the perfect finishing touch.
These character models are very comparable to Brickheadz, so a value of about £10 per figure seems on par with those, plus the TV accessory bringing it up to about £15 worth of LEGO. Unfortunately, the GWP threshold is what lets this down, as being slightly over the most expensive set feels like a deliberate ploy. If you already have a SMART Brick from a Star Wars set, you won’t need to purchase a large All-in-One set, so you will have to pick up several smaller Pokémon to qualify. Hopefully, it will be abundant on the secondary market at a reasonable price, despite the limited initial release.
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31 comments on this article
They printed two sides of swirl here, but not for Gary in Spongebob set :/
Fun(?) Fact: this is also how Taskmaster learned the bulk of his skills; by binge-watching athletic displays and Kung-Fu movies, sometimes at double-speed.
And by "Taskmaster", I mean the Marvel-character. I don't know if Greg Davies learned his skills the same way. I don't have links to prove that he did, but I dare to dream.
Ditto cute.
@Crux said:
"Fun(?) Fact: this is also how Taskmaster learned the bulk of his skills; by binge-watching athletic displays and Kung-Fu movies, sometimes at double-speed.
And by "Taskmaster", I mean the Marvel-character. I don't know if Greg Davies learned his skills the same way. I don't have links to prove that he did, but I dare to dream."
Would love a Taskmaster lego set
Admittedly I am extremely in a target demographic for lego pokemon but this GWP was such a must-have for me. Buying overpriced sets at recommended retail price on day one is not typical purchasing behaviour for me (especially having seen the star wars smart play sets on perma-clearance for the past few months) but I was too weak to resist ditto-squirtle
Yeah ok the line isnt *perfect* but they're just so joyful
Nice review!
I love this set—A "Ditto version" of a Pokémon from another set is a really clever way to add something unique without needing a ton of new recolors, and I love the domestic scene with the Poké Ball themed TV set (which reminds me of classic games like Hey You, Pikachu and Pokémon Channel).
I assume the idea is that this Ditto is just a big Squirtle fan (correct) and both transforms into Squirtle and watches Squirtle on television for that reason
I have to assume the colors under the TV represent the color schemes of Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur as well as the original Japanese releases of Pokemon Red, Pokemon Green and the slightly later Pokemon Blue
> The threshold of £115 is a rather sneaky one
I can tell you more, I added 3 sets which I thought will be the best choice and there was 0,5 cent (0,005€) missing to get GWP.
People at Lego making those prices are math geniuses xD
> it will be abundant on the secondary market at a reasonable price
It won't. My guess is 50€ in one month
@Briczk said:
[[> The threshold of £115 is a rather sneaky one
I can tell you more, I added 3 sets which I thought will be the best choice and there was 0,5 cent (0,005€) missing to get GWP.
People at Lego making those prices are math geniuses xD
Lego has been using this strategy for a while. I remember missing out on Darth Revan because of this. That was a sad day.
@Crux said:
"Fun(?) Fact: this is also how Taskmaster learned the bulk of his skills; by binge-watching athletic displays and Kung-Fu movies, sometimes at double-speed.
And by "Taskmaster", I mean the Marvel-character. I don't know if Greg Davies learned his skills the same way. I don't have links to prove that he did, but I dare to dream."
I can only assume this is the case, why else would they let him sit on a throne like that if not his incredible martial prowess?
@Brickalili said:
" @Crux said:
"Fun(?) Fact: this is also how Taskmaster learned the bulk of his skills; by binge-watching athletic displays and Kung-Fu movies, sometimes at double-speed.
And by "Taskmaster", I mean the Marvel-character. I don't know if Greg Davies learned his skills the same way. I don't have links to prove that he did, but I dare to dream."
I can only assume this is the case, why else would they let him sit on a throne like that if not his incredible martial prowess?"
RAW ANIMAL MAGNETISM.
It's best if you don't read the Pokemon lore, particularly on ghost Pokemon. They're much cuter if you just think of them as silly animals and not child kidnappers.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"It's best if you don't read the Pokemon lore, particularly on ghost Pokemon. They're much cuter if you just think of them as silly animals and not child kidnappers."
There's still animal-based gladiatorial combat at the franche's core.
Had to buy all the cheapest sets as discounts will be heavier on the larger sets with other retailers. Amazon reducing SW SmartBrick by 40% is already saying something.
@lordofdragonss said:
"They printed two sides of swirl here, but not for Gary in Spongebob set :/"
Probably the Pokémon Company is stricter.
What happens if a Pokémon with a Smart Brick interacts with a Star Wars Smart Tag piece?
@Lance_McCormick said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"It's best if you don't read the Pokemon lore, particularly on ghost Pokemon. They're much cuter if you just think of them as silly animals and not child kidnappers."
There's still animal-based gladiatorial combat at the franche's core.
"
I hate having to explain to people that Pokemon is essentially legal cockfighting.
I didn’t read this as Ditto creepily watching squirtle - I very much saw it as Ditto noticing squirtle on TV and transforming for fun!
Cute little set. Ditto transformed into other Pokémon is always a joy.
I think the colors under the tv represent the first 2 gens, with red/green/blue and gold/silver/crystal.
@GBP_Chris said:
"What happens if a Pokémon with a Smart Brick interacts with a Star Wars Smart Tag piece? "
I don't own any Star Wars Smart Tags, but to my understanding, the Smart Brick will respond correctly to all tags as long as it's up to date
@SetToBuild said:
" @GBP_Chris said:
"What happens if a Pokémon with a Smart Brick interacts with a Star Wars Smart Tag piece? "
I don't own any Star Wars Smart Tags, but to my understanding, the Smart Brick will respond correctly to all tags as long as it's up to date "
So theoretically one could have Ditto Squirtle making X-Wing blaster cannon noises? That's pretty funny
@SetToBuild said:
" @GBP_Chris said:
"What happens if a Pokémon with a Smart Brick interacts with a Star Wars Smart Tag piece? "
I don't own any Star Wars Smart Tags, but to my understanding, the Smart Brick will respond correctly to all tags as long as it's up to date "
I don't think "up to date" is an issue here, considering you can't even update the Smart Brick? I assume the Smart Tag contains al the data needed to create any sound. With the caveat that those are synthesized sounds, not recorded sounds, so will never be all that accurate.
@WizardOfOss said:
" @SetToBuild said:
" @GBP_Chris said:
"What happens if a Pokémon with a Smart Brick interacts with a Star Wars Smart Tag piece? "
I don't own any Star Wars Smart Tags, but to my understanding, the Smart Brick will respond correctly to all tags as long as it's up to date "
I don't think "up to date" is an issue here, considering you can't even update the Smart Brick?"
You can update it.
@GotMeBrickedUp said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
" @SetToBuild said:
" @GBP_Chris said:
"What happens if a Pokémon with a Smart Brick interacts with a Star Wars Smart Tag piece? "
I don't own any Star Wars Smart Tags, but to my understanding, the Smart Brick will respond correctly to all tags as long as it's up to date "
I don't think "up to date" is an issue here, considering you can't even update the Smart Brick?"
You can update it. "
You can now? I must have missed that memo. But if so, I stand corrected.
Just curious how that works then? I thought one of the major points of the SMart Play system was that it didn't need to be "connected" or updated?
@WizardOfOss said:
" @GotMeBrickedUp said:
" @WizardOfOss said:
" @SetToBuild said:
" @GBP_Chris said:
"What happens if a Pokémon with a Smart Brick interacts with a Star Wars Smart Tag piece? "
I don't own any Star Wars Smart Tags, but to my understanding, the Smart Brick will respond correctly to all tags as long as it's up to date "
I don't think "up to date" is an issue here, considering you can't even update the Smart Brick?"
You can update it. "
You can now? I must have missed that memo. But if so, I stand corrected.
Just curious how that works then? I thought one of the major points of the SMart Play system was that it didn't need to be "connected" or updated?"
I just followed the instructions from the sets containing the Smart Bricks. After I had placed them on the charge pad, I was told they needed an update via the LEGO Smart Assist app. The app also lets you change the volume and rename the bricks.
Squirtle is a sweetie pie and this is a very cute rendition.
Whyyyyyyyyy can't the rest of the world also get this one? (sad face)
It's supercute even without the smartbrick functions.
Won't the s-brick eventually get released everywhere? No?
I've never heard of a Squirtle.
I am familiar with ditto.
"The threshold of £115 is a rather sneaky one, as the way it lines up with the set prices means even with the largest set (£109.99) you need to buy more than one item to qualify. In many cases, customers would need to buy at least three or overshoot with two large sets." If I were interested in the Smart Play Pokémon sets, I'd probably be getting all three sets that have an Eeveelution, so meeting the threshold wouldn't be a problem.