Just a heads up for those of you who have been waiting for the new LEGO Power Functions 2.0 (now referred to as LEGO Powered Up) components to be available individually; they are now listed at the LEGO Power Function section Online LEGO Shop!

LEGO Powered Up was introduced with two new LEGO City Trains; the #60197 LEGO City Passenger Train, and the #60198 LEGO City Cargo Train. Both trains include the new train engine, the new battery box (which also includes the Bluetooth receiver) and the new remote (the trains can be operated either with the remote or via the LEGO Powered Up App). In addition, the #65112 LEGO App-Controlled Batmobile includes two new motors and the same battery box as the trains (this set does not come with a remote, but is fully app controlled).

The new LEGO Powered Up motors available individually include the #88011 LEGO Powered Up Train Motor for $13.99 (while the new train motor looks very similar to the old one, it was upgraded with the new LEGO Powered Up connector), the #88008 LEGO Powered Up Medium Linear Motor for $16.99, and the #45303 LEGO Powered Up Simple Medium Linear Motor for $24.99. (I’m not entirely sure what is the difference between the two medium motors, other than the shape.) Note that the original #8883 LEGO Power Functions Medium Motor is only $7.99, so this is a pretty hefty price increase for a medium-size motor. But it is necessary if you want to upgrade to the new LEGO Powered Up system. You can find it at the LEGO Power Functions section of the Online LEGO Shop.

The #88006 LEGO Powered Up Move Hub is basically a power source for robotics, and features a hub with 2 input/output ports, 2 integrated position motors, an integrated tilt sensor, connecting wire and a connection point for other LEGO Powered Up components. The price is $79.99. The #88009 LEGO Powered Up Hub is a replacement for the LEGO Power Functions Battery Box and LEGO Power Functions IR Receiver in one unit (note that the new system works with Bluetooth not IR). It is the same size as the LEGO Power Functions Battery Box and features 2 input/output ports. The price is $49.99. Sadly, here again we see a significant price increase. The original #88000 LEGO Power Functions AAA Battery Box is still available for $12.99, and the #8884 LEGO Power Functions IR Receiver is $14.99. I’m worried about what the price of a rechargeable Powered Up unit is going to be, as the #8878 LEGO Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box is already considered very expensive at $49.99.

The #88010 LEGO Powered Up Remote Control is an alternate way to control the #88006 LEGO Powered Up Move Hub or the #88009 LEGO Powered Up Hub, instead of using the LEGO Powered Up App. The app has some extra functionality, but if you prefer to control your LEGO trains and other vehicles in the traditional way, the remote control is very handy. The price of the remote is $22.99, which is again an increase compared to the price of the #8879 LEGO Power Functions IR Speed Remote Control for $12.99.

There is also a new color and distance sensor for robotics. The #88007 LEGO Powered Up Color & Distance Sensor can detect six colors and moving objects within a 5-10 cm range. The price is $13.99, and it is available at the LEGO Power Functions section of the Online LEGO Shop.

Personally, I haven’t invested in the new LEGO Powered Up system just yet. I have been happy with LEGO Power Functions 1.0, which is enough for my minimal needs (running a few trains and motorized contraptions). And seeing the high prices of the new components doesn’t make me particularly enthusiastic. However, moving to a Bluetooth-based system is an upgrade, so if you haven’t invested in the LEGO Power Functions system, it might be a good idea to start with LEGO Powered Up. It is also worth checking out the various tutorials and comparison videos on YouTube to make an educated decision. I’m including four excellent informational videos below, comparing the LEGO Power Functions and LEGO Powered Up systems, as well as testing out the capabilities of the new system.
Whether you plan to upgrade to the LEGO Powered Up system, or stay with the LEGO Power Functions 1.0 system, it is great to see that LEGO is making the different components available individually. This way, you can get the exact parts you need without having to invest in whole sets. If you do want to stay with the original LEGO Power Functions system, I recommend that you get yourself some extra components before they become unavailable. The train motor, various other motors, battery box, remote, IR receiver, and various connecting cables are still available at the LEGO Power Function section of the Online LEGO Shop.

What do you think? How do you like the new LEGO Powered Up system? Are you planning to get any of the individual components? Or are you staying with LEGO Power Functions? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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