LEGO Mewtwo's Lab Break (72163): Worth ₹6,700?

Your wallet just had a mild panic attack. LEGO announced Mewtwo's Lab Break (72163), a set that promises a genetically engineered monster and a dramatic breakout scene. It looks imposing, and the idea of recreating moments from Pokémon: The First Movie is certainly tempting. But at ₹6,700, this is not a cheap plastic figure. We need to ask if this Pokémon breakout is worth the price of admission, or if it’s just another expensive display piece.

The set contains 605 pieces, which works out to about 11 rupees per piece. That’s not exactly a bargain, especially considering the size of the completed model. The main draw here is Mewtwo itself, depicted in its containment cylinder. The figure is quite accurate, capturing Mewtwo's unsettling, powerful aura. The medium lavender recoloured elements on its underbelly and tail add a nice touch, and the posable arms with shoulder and elbow hinges allow for some dynamic display options. The way the legs and toes are constructed successfully mimics Mewtwo's signature tiptoe posture, and the transparent 1x1 round bricks with central bars provide stability.

However, the "lab break" action feature feels a bit… anticlimactic. The containment cylinder lacks actual glass, requiring a bit of imagination. While this avoids fragility, it also makes the "breakout" less impactful. The wires hanging around the chamber are a clever touch, creating the illusion of glass, but the mechanism that opens the chamber resets your careful adjustments, which is a bit frustrating. The set includes a Master Ball and a screen showing monitoring data, which are nice accessories, but they don't quite elevate the play experience.

This set is marketed under the "SMART Play" branding, but it's important to note that it doesn't include a SMART Brick itself. It's compatible with them, meaning you can add electronic features if you have other compatible sets. This feels like a missed opportunity for a set at this price point. Without its own electronic components, the play factor is limited primarily to posing and the basic breakout mechanism. It leans heavily towards being a display piece, and while it's a cool display piece, the price makes you question if it’s worth it.

The build itself is described as straightforward. The chamber structure is simple, and the light framework means the sides don't crash down too violently. The head uses the same slopes as the Charizard model, with printed eyes, which is a consistent approach across the LEGO Pokémon line. The neck joint allows for sideways head tilts, but not up or down movement, which can limit posing. The tail's sharp bend using standard macaroni pieces looks a bit odd, perhaps a more gradual curve would have been better.

At ₹6,700 (official MRP), that's roughly 11 months of Spotify Premium Family Plan. Toycra and MyBrickHouse will likely stock this within 4–6 weeks of global launch. Use code ABHINAV12 for 12% off on orders above ₹500 at Toycra.

Ultimately, Mewtwo's Lab Break (72163) is a visually accurate representation of a popular Pokémon, making it an appealing display item for fans. The build is solid, and Mewtwo itself is well-executed. However, the limited play features, the lack of an included SMART Brick, and the high price point make it a tough sell. If you're a die-hard Pokémon fan and have the budget, it might be worth it for the display value. For others, waiting for a sale or a price drop is probably the smarter move.

On that bombshell, it's time to say goodbye. I'll see you on the next one. Bubyee.

Verdict: WAIT. Good set, but the price will drop.