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Lego Unveils Smart Bricks with Integrated Computers and Interactive Star Wars Sets

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Lego Unveils "Smart Bricks" and "Smart Play" System at CES 2026

The Lego Group announced new "Smart Bricks" and the "Smart Play" system at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. These bricks integrate small computers within standard 2x4 Lego bricks, designed to introduce interactive elements such as sound and light effects to Lego sets. The initial rollout of this technology will be in three new Star Wars-themed Lego sets, available for preorder with shipping scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026.

Smart Brick Technology and Functionality

The new Smart Bricks, part of the Smart Play system, retain the classic 2x4-stud size while incorporating a custom Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, smaller than a single Lego stud. These bricks are designed for interactive play, featuring a range of sensors and capabilities.

Integrated Sensors

Smart Bricks come equipped with several sensors for dynamic play:

  • Light and Sound: Capable of producing light (ambient LEDs) and sound effects (speakers and synthesizers).
  • Light Sensors: To detect changes in ambient light.
  • Inertial Sensors/Accelerometer: For detecting movement, tilt, and gestures.
  • Magnetic Coils: To sense proximity to special NFC-equipped Lego "Smart Tag" tiles and "Smart Minifigures."
  • Microphone: Functions as a virtual button, activated by sounds like blowing, without recording audio details.

Connectivity

Bluetooth Mesh Network enables communication and awareness of position and orientation among multiple Smart Bricks. Near Field Communication (NFC) is used to interact with NFC-equipped Smart Tags embedded in new Lego tiles and minifigures.

Interaction

The bricks can recognize and respond to multiple Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures simultaneously. Each recognized tag can transmit code to the brick, prompting different light and sound sequences. The system supports functionalities such as color recognition, mirroring between connected bricks, and 3D distance recognition. Activation is performed by shaking the bricks prior to use.

Power and Updates

Unlike previous Lego interactive toys, Smart Bricks are wirelessly charged, with batteries designed for long-term performance. A fully charged brick provides approximately 40 minutes of constant play. Contactless recharging via a mat is supported, and a new wireless charger capable of accommodating two bricks is included with the initial sets. The firmware of these bricks can be updated via a smartphone application, though basic play functionality does not require an internet connection or app.

Limitations

The product does not include artificial intelligence or a camera, making them incompatible with Lego Mario tiles that rely on camera-based barcode scanning.

Initial Product Lineup: Lego Star Wars

The first sets to feature Smart Bricks are part of the Lego Star Wars collection, launching on March 1, 2026. These sets integrate the Smart Play system to create interactive experiences, such as ships illuminating and producing shooting sounds during movement, and lightsaber battles simulated through the proximity of minifigures. These initial sets are noted to be smaller in scale compared to previous minifigure-scale Lego Star Wars ships, with the Smart Brick technology contributing to the overall cost.

Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter Set

  • Price: $69.99
  • Pieces: 473 (some reports state 470)
  • Contents: One Smart Brick, one TIE Fighter Smart Tag, and one Smart Darth Vader minifigure.

Luke’s Red Five X-Wing Set

  • Price: $89.99
  • Pieces: 581 (some reports state 584)
  • Contents: One Smart Brick, five Smart Tags (X-Wing, Imperial turret, transporter, command center, and “R2-D2 accessories”), and Smart Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia minifigures.

Darth Vader’s Throne Room Duel & A-Wing Set

  • Price: $159.99
  • Pieces: 962
  • Contents: Two Smart Bricks, five Smart Tags (A-Wing, throne, Death Star turret, and two lightsabers), and Smart Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, and Darth Vader minifigures.

Build instructions for these sets are available both via a dedicated app and in paper format.

Expansion and Future Outlook

The Lego Group has stated that "Lego Smart Play will continue to expand through new updates, launches and technology," viewing these computer bricks as a significant evolution in the Lego System-in-Play. A pilot program for the Smart Bricks was conducted in 2024 with a Lego City set. Unconfirmed reports suggest that upcoming Lego Pokémon sets may also incorporate this technology. The potential for these sensor-equipped bricks to be integrated into a wider array of future Lego kits, as well as their long-term compatibility, remains a subject of ongoing discussion.

Previous Interactive Systems

Lego has previously developed various interactive play systems, including robotics kits, color-aware sensors, accelerometers, and Super Mario Lego sets that allowed figures to interact with special bricks. The new Smart Bricks are designed to expand upon these concepts, enabling more extensive recognition and activation within larger constructions.

Fan Reception

Fan response to the Smart Play system has been mixed, with some expressing enthusiasm for the new play possibilities and others noting a potential departure from imagination-based play, despite Lego's previous incorporation of electronics into sets.