Lego Spike Prime: should you buy it?

Update: I have just got my set and updated this article with my first impressions.

Also, I wrote about the new Scratch-based programming environment for Spike Prime here.

More than two years ago, I wrote a piece about my experience using an EV3 alternative (sort of) from Chinese small electronics manufacturer XIAOMI.

Recently, Lego announced a new set called Spike Prime. How does compare with the WeDo and Boost series and NXT/EV3? What are the new things brought by this new line? Should you consider pre-order it?

First of all, some basic facts.

• This set (number 45680) contains 603 pieces, and is priced at $329.95.
• It includes one intelligent block/hub, which carries a rather hefty price tag of $247.95.
• It also includes one large (angular) motor, two small motors, and three sensors (touch, distance-ultrasonic, and color/light)
• The pieces are in a new color palette that is said to be more “appealing”, but only reminds me of the LEGO Friends series targeting at girls.
• There are some new pieces such as a very cool looking wheel, larger frame (yes!), base plate for technic building (why nobody thought about this before?), wire clips (obviously! ), biscuit (an interesting connector), ball and castor (much bigger version of what is available before), as well as 2x4 brick with three axle holes, new gears, etc.
• It comes with a reusable box (shouldn’t this be standard?), two sorting trays (remember the days when only education sets come with trays?), some curriculum material you can use right away and an app for programming.
• There is also an expansion set (45680) you can buy for $99.95. You get 603 pieces including large wheels, banana gears, a color sensor and a large motor.

Who Is This For Again?

If we take WeDo line as targeting elementary schools and EV3 for middle/high schools, then who is the target audience of this line? The official story is that this set is to fill in the gap between the two existing lines and targeting for higher grades at elementary school or lower grades middle school, namely 5–9.