Kai (Ninjago: Legacy / Prime Empire / Core)
njo568 · LEGO Ninjago
Prime Empire / Ninjago Legacy · Commonly found in sets from 2020 through 2022; specifically this sword variant is associated with the Prime Empire wave (2020).
Figure ID
njo568
Theme
LEGO Ninjago
Year Released
Commonly found in sets from 2020 through 2022; specifically this sword variant is associated with the Prime Empire wave (2020).
Rarity
Common; this specific accessory and its corresponding minifigure versions were mass-produced in numerous budget-friendly sets, polybags, and magazines.
Head
Yellow head with Kai's signature determined expression including notched eyebrow and small bandage; dual-sided showing a battle-ready smirk and an angry combat face.
Torso
Red base with dark red and black detailing representing his 'Legacy' or 'Prime Empire' gi; features a dragon emblem or specialized 'Prime Empire' circuitry printing depending on the specific sub-wave.
Legs
Red legs with wrap and belt printing; some versions include knee pad details in dark red or black.
Accessories
The primary accessory shown is the Trans-Neon Orange Katana (Neon Orange Katana / Sword), a staple of the Prime Empire wave. It uses the standard Katana mold (part 21459) in a translucent color.
Color Scheme
The primary color is Bright Red, accented with Dark Red, Black, and the Trans-Neon Orange of the elemental weapon.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing typical of modern Ninjago; includes front and back torso printing. The accessory itself is a solid-cast translucent plastic without printing.
Variants
Kai has dozens of variants; this specific translucent orange sword is most famously paired with the 'Digi Kai' (njo563) and 'Legacy Kai' (njo568) variations.
Condition Notes
The sword's handle (hilt) is a common stress point and can show white stress marks if gripped too tightly by minifigure hands. The translucent plastic is prone to visible scratches.
Estimated Value
The accessory itself is worth $0.10 - $0.25 USD; the complete minifigures it accompanies typically range from $2.00 to $5.00 USD used.
Price (New)
Available in sets ranging from $9.99 (71706 Cole's Speeder Car / 71700 Jungle Raider) to $129.99.
Compatible Sets
71704 Kai Fighter, 71706 Cole's Speeder Car, 71707 Kai's Mech Jet, 71737 X-1 Ninja Charger.
Character Background
Kai is the Elemental Master of Fire and one of the core protagonists of the Ninjago series; known for his hot-headed nature and loyalty.
Design Notes
The use of Trans-Neon Orange for the katana debuted during the Prime Empire 'gaming' theme to represent the digital 'Cyber-Blades' used by the ninja.
Similar Minifigures
Lloyd (Green Ninja) with Trans-Neon Green katana, Jay (Lightning Ninja) with Trans-Light Blue sword variants.
Collectibility
High volume but stable demand; essential for completionists but not a high-ticket investment item due to extreme availability.
History
Ninjago's design evolution saw a shift from solid silver/gold katanas to translucent colors starting around 2012, with the 'Prime Empire' wave perfecting the neon aesthetic in 2020.
Interesting Facts
Trans-Neon Orange is a retired color in the broader LEGO palette for most pieces, but legacy molds like the Katana often use specialized runs for theme-specific accuracy.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside other Elemental Masters on a tiered stand to contrast the different translucent weapon colors (Green, Blue, Orange, Ice).
Modification Potential
Excellent for MOCs (My Own Creations) involving sci-fi, cyberpunk, or heat-based weaponry for custom figurines.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential modern Ninjago element. While not rare, it is iconic and represents the high-energy design philosophy of the theme's middle era.