LEGO 72160 Arcanine First Look — Could This Become the Most Collectible LEGO Pokémon Set Yet?

The LEGO Pokémon theme is still brand new, but one upcoming release is already generating more excitement than almost any other announced set:

LEGO 72160 Arcanine

At first glance, Arcanine may seem like an unexpected choice. LEGO could have continued focusing on universally recognizable mascots like Pikachu or Eevee.

Instead, they chose a Pokémon that many long-time fans consider one of the best-designed creatures in the entire franchise.

And that decision might tell us everything about where LEGO Pokémon is heading next.

LEGO 72160 At a Glance

Feature	Details
Set Name	Arcanine
Set Number	LEGO 72160
Theme	LEGO Pokémon
Pieces	Approx. 1,190
Age Rating	18+
Expected Price	$99.99–$109.99
Release Date	August 2026 (Rumored)
Pokémon Number	#059
Display Type	Collector Display Model

Unlike traditional Pokémon toys, LEGO 72160 appears to be designed primarily as a display piece for adult collectors.

That alone makes it one of the most interesting Pokémon releases LEGO has announced so far.

Why LEGO Chose Arcanine

One of the biggest questions surrounding LEGO 72160 is simple:

Why Arcanine?

The answer is probably display value.

Arcanine possesses everything LEGO designers look for in a collector-focused model:

• Instantly recognizable silhouette
• Strong color contrast
• Dynamic proportions
• Large flowing mane
• Legendary status among fans

Unlike smaller Pokémon that depend on action poses, Arcanine naturally commands attention while standing still.

That makes it perfect for a premium display set.

The Accuracy Is What Makes LEGO 72160 Stand Out

Looking at the leaked images, the most impressive feature isn't the piece count.

It's the faithfulness to the original Pokémon design.

Brick-Built Tiger Stripes

The black markings appear to be largely brick-built rather than sticker-based.

This creates cleaner lines and a more premium appearance.

Layered Fur Construction

The cream-colored mane and tail use multiple curved elements to recreate Arcanine's signature fluffy appearance.

Facial Expression

The eyes, nose, and overall face shape remain surprisingly accurate.

Strong Display Silhouette

Perhaps the biggest success of LEGO 72160 is its profile.

Even before seeing the details, fans immediately recognize the character.

Why Arcanine Is Known as the "Legendary Pokémon"

One interesting detail many casual fans overlook is that Arcanine has long been referred to in the Pokédex as the Legendary Pokémon.

While it isn't officially classified as a Legendary Pokémon alongside Mewtwo or Lugia, that title has followed Arcanine since Generation I.

For Pokémon collectors, that gives Arcanine a unique status.

It feels larger than life.

More prestigious.

More iconic.

How LEGO 72160 Compares to Other LEGO Pokémon Sets

Set	Focus
Eevee (72151)	Mascot Appeal
Pikachu & Poké Ball (72152)	Brand Recognition
Arcanine (72160)	Collector Display
Rayquaza (72168 Rumored)	Premium Fan Favorite

Among these, Arcanine may have the strongest balance between nostalgia, display presence, and collector demand.

What LEGO 72160 Reveals About the Future of LEGO Pokémon

Perhaps the most exciting thing about LEGO 72160 isn't the set itself.

It's what the set suggests about the future.

If LEGO is willing to produce Arcanine, then many fan-favorite Pokémon suddenly become realistic possibilities.

Collectors are already speculating about future releases such as:

• Dragonite
• Snorlax
• Gengar
• Umbreon
• Lucario
• Lapras
• Rayquaza

Could LEGO 72160 Become One of the Most Collectible Pokémon Sets?

There are several reasons why LEGO 72160 could age exceptionally well:

Generation I Nostalgia

Arcanine debuted in Pokémon Red and Blue, giving it broad multi-generational appeal.

Collector-Focused Design

The 18+ branding immediately positions it as a display model rather than a toy.

Fan-Favorite Status

Arcanine consistently ranks among the most beloved Pokémon in community polls and discussions.

Unique Character Choice

Unlike Pikachu or Eevee, Arcanine releases are relatively rare across Pokémon merchandise.

The DIA Perspective

At DIA, the most memorable display models share three qualities:

• Strong silhouette
• Instantly recognizable design
• Long-term collector appeal

LEGO 72160 checks every box.

The flowing mane.

The layered stripes.

The powerful stance.

Even before its official release, Arcanine already feels less like a LEGO build and more like a Pokémon statue built from bricks.

Final Thoughts

Based on everything revealed so far, LEGO 72160 Arcanine looks like one of the most faithful Pokémon display models LEGO has produced.

More importantly, it signals a promising future for the LEGO Pokémon theme.

If Arcanine represents the standard LEGO intends to follow, collectors may be entering a golden era of Pokémon display models.

And for many fans, that's every bit as exciting as the set itself.