Rumours of the Hidden Side’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. In the past few weeks, there have been rumours of LEGO® Hidden Side theme coming to an end, with all current sets retiring and no new sets due after that. But it seems this may not be the case after all. A BricksFanz reader has contacted LEGO Customer Services who offered them this response to if Hidden Side is coming to an end:
“How strange! I can assure you that there is no confirmation from the LEGO® Group that we are discontinuing our Hidden Side™ line.
Anything reported on fan websites are a rumour, and all reports are considered false.
I can assure you this newly introduced spooky theme is sticking around, including a bunch of new sets coming soon!”
But obviously this is still not 100% confirmation that the theme will continue so I thought it would be fun to Round-up for and against. Then you can make up your own mind on what will happen.
For
- LEGO C/S has stated that the theme isn’t ending anytime so and that more sets are due
- The animated shorts are set to return later this year according to Tommy Andreasen
- There is also a feature-length animated Halloween special in the works
Against
- In certain countries, retailers are unable to order further stock of Hidden Side sets
- The LEGO Hidden Side magazine is set to close soon according to rumours
- Hidden Side is classed as an In/Out theme which normally has a two to three-year ‘life’, the theme began in 2019 so it would be ending a little sooner than normal
- Two listed Hidden Side books are yet to be published or receive any cover art
So there are strong arguments for the Hidden Side theme coming to end and continuing. Why would there be new animated shorts and specials coming, if there were no sets for them to promote? The theme has been popular enough with LEGO fans, the AR functions were fun for younger builders, with AFOLs loving the sets and many converting them into regular, un-gloomed versions. On the flip side, further sets can’t be ordered by retailers. Could LEGO C/S be confusing upcoming new sets, with the ones yet to be released in North America, but already available elsewhere? And no leaked images or set descriptions have popped up anywhere.
Personally I hope there will be one last wave of sets before they will bow out. This kind of covers all arguments, the new animated shorts would tie into the last few sets and rings true with what LEGO Customer Services have said and it’s possible the final wave of sets could only be sold directly by LEGO. Meaning retailers wouldn’t be able to order them. In recent times the last wave of sets for themes like Elves and Ultra Agents have only been sold by LEGO or a single retailer.
What do you think? Glad to see the back of it or do you want more from Newbury? Let us know in the comments below.
28th July 2020
Why can’t further sets be ordered by retailers?
28th July 2020
That what’s a couple of people have been told, so no new sets listed and can only order from existing stock.
29th July 2020
I’m sick of these rumours. That’s why it’s best to get the news from websites such as BricksFanz. They are part of the LEGO Ambassador Network and a recognised LEGO news blog. Yes, sometimes these rumours are pretty accurate but in the main they’re pure dross!
30th July 2020
I managed to pick up the Shrimp Shack, Paranormal Bus, and Stunt Truck at 50% off in a rural big box store, but that particular location has a history of blowing out medium/large sets at deep discounts. I find myself nearby every once in a while and always pop in because one never knows what they may decide to clear out. I presume they do it because it’s a financially depressed area and these sets simply don’t sell well. The same sets are still selling for full price at my local .
The initial list of soon-to-be-discontinued set looked awfully fishy to me. There’s a line of HS sets that haven’t even yet been released in the US (coming 8/1), so it’s difficult to imagine that they will be on the shelves for less than six months. Also, I still refuse to believe that the Ideas Tree House is going away after an 18 month run. It’s beautiful and popular. Just can’t imagine why it would go away… A little surprised that Assembly Square is sticking around, but that’s not unprecedented as they’ve definitely kept or removed modulars out of order in recent past.
The Tree House really makes me wonder about the veracity of that list though…
1st August 2020
Any idea when the new Hidden Side sets will be available? The castle, fire truck, submarine, etc.
1st August 2020
They have been out a couple of months in most places but not firm date set for North America, it will most likely be September 1st
2nd August 2020
Thanks! Fingers crossed.