Lego has unveiled a groundbreaking new technology that promises to transform how fans interact with its iconic bricks. The company introduced its 'Smart Play' system at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, marking what it describes as the most significant evolution since the minifigure debuted in 1978.
The Technology Behind the Smart Bricks
The new system consists of three core elements: the Lego Smart brick, Smart tags, and Smart minifigures. The heart of the innovation is the custom-made computer chip embedded within the Smart brick. This chip is smaller than a single Lego stud, allowing the electronic component to be the same size as any standard Lego piece and ensuring full compatibility with all existing sets.
The Smart brick is far more than a simple sensor. It contains an accelerometer and various other sensors, enabling it to detect how and when it is being moved. It can also perceive changes in light and sound. This means a model built with a Smart brick can react dynamically to a child's play. For instance, a constructed spaceship can produce engine sounds, flashing lights for laser blasts, and appropriate audio cues when banking or turning.
The Smart minifigures, which look identical to classic figures aside from discreet speakers on their backs, interact with special QR-style Smart tags. This technology builds upon the successful interactive concept pioneered by the Lego Super Mario line, but now applies it to standard-sized minifigures and a wider array of builds.
Launching with a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Smart Play technology will first launch within the Star Wars universe, with three initial sets arriving on March 1, 2026. Lego plans to expand the system to both licensed and standard themes in the future.
The launch sets are designed to be accessible, focusing on simpler builds to keep costs manageable while including multiple figures and a Smart Brick with a charger. Crucially, the Smart Brick elements can be integrated into any existing Lego collection, allowing fans to upgrade older Star Wars models or create entirely original, interactive contraptions.
The Inaugural Star Wars Smart Play Sets
The first wave offers a range of iconic scenes and vehicles from the saga:
Luke's Red Five X-Wing (£79.99): This 584-piece set features Smart minifigures of Luke Skywalker (in pilot gear) and Princess Leia, alongside standard figures of R2-D2, a Stormtrooper, and a Rebel crew member. It includes five Smart tags and can also be rebuilt into an Imperial laser turret, a Rebel transporter, and a command centre.
Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (£59.99): The most affordable option, this 473-piece set includes a Smart minifigure of Darth Vader and a standard Rebel Fleet Trooper. Builders can construct Vader's personal fighter, a Rebel outpost, and an Imperial refuelling station.
Throne Room Duel & A-Wing (£139.99): The largest and most detailed set at 962 pieces. It allows fans to recreate the climax of *Return of the Jedi*, including the throne room duel and the space battle. It comes with three Smart minifigures: Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader, and Luke Skywalker in his Jedi robes. The interactive features are particularly immersive here, with lightsaber hums, the iconic Imperial March playing when the Emperor is seated, and engine sounds for the A-wing fighter.
This move continues Lego's long history of technological experimentation, following projects like the augmented reality-powered Hidden Side theme and the Bluetooth-enabled Super Mario sets. By making the Smart brick universally compatible, Lego ensures this new chapter of interactive play is limited only by the builder's imagination, whether they're crafting an official Star Wars X-wing or a custom dragon that fires laser bolts.
