The Lego Group announced a new "Smart Play" system at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, featuring "Smart Bricks"—standard 2x4-sized bricks containing integrated computer chips and sensors.
The first products to incorporate this technology are three Lego Star Wars-themed sets, scheduled for release on March 1, 2026.
Technology and Components
The Smart Brick is the central component of the Smart Play system. It is designed to function as a standard Lego brick while containing an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, a rechargeable battery, and various sensors. According to Lego, a fully charged brick provides approximately 40 minutes of continuous play. The bricks are wirelessly rechargeable via a charging mat; a charger capable of accommodating two bricks simultaneously is included with each of the initial sets.
Sensors and Capabilities
- Sensors: An accelerometer for detecting movement, tilt, and gestures; light sensors for detecting changes in ambient light; magnetic coils for proximity detection; and a color sensor to detect moving parts within a build.
- Audio and Visual: Integrated LEDs and a speaker/synthesizer for generating light and sound effects.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth for communication between multiple Smart Bricks, enabling them to detect each other's distance and orientation.
- Microphone: Functions as a virtual button activated by sounds such as blowing; Lego states the microphone does not record audio details.
- Proximity Detection: The brick can identify and react to Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures via embedded NFC (Near-Field Communication) chips.
Additional Components
The Smart Play system also includes:
- Smart Tags: Tiles equipped with NFC chips that provide contextual information to the Smart Brick. These tags are transferable between builds.
- Smart Minifigures: Figures with embedded NFC chips that the brick can detect for character-specific interactions. These figures do not require batteries.
Connectivity and Updates
Lego states that basic play functionality does not require an internet connection or a smartphone application. Build instructions are available in paper format and via a dedicated app. The company recommends connecting the Smart Brick to the app via Bluetooth to install firmware updates as new sets are released.
Initial Product Lineup: Star Wars Sets
The first sets to feature the Smart Play system are part of the Lego Star Wars collection. The three sets that include a Smart Brick are:
- Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter (USD $69.99 - $70.00): Contains 473 pieces, one Smart Brick, one Smart Tag, and one Smart Minifigure (Darth Vader).
- Luke’s Red Five X-Wing (USD $89.99 - $100.00): Contains 581-584 pieces, one Smart Brick, five Smart Tags, and two Smart Minifigures (Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia).
- Throne Room Duel & A-Wing (USD $159.99 - $160.00): Contains 962 pieces, two Smart Bricks, five Smart Tags, and three Smart Minifigures (Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, and Darth Vader).
Lego states that within these sets, ships can illuminate and produce sounds during movement, and lightsaber battles can be simulated through the proximity of minifigures. The sets can be preordered and are scheduled to ship on March 1, 2026.
Context and Future Developments
The Smart Play system represents an evolution of Lego's integration of technology, following previous products such as robotics kits and Super Mario interactive sets. The company has stated that the Smart Bricks do not include artificial intelligence or a camera, and that they are incompatible with Lego Mario tiles that rely on camera-based barcode scanning. The initial Star Wars sets are noted to be smaller in scale compared to previous minifigure-scale Lego Star Wars ships.
Lego has indicated that "Lego Smart Play will continue to expand through new updates, launches and technology." Unconfirmed reports suggest that upcoming Lego Pokémon sets may also incorporate this technology. A pilot program for the Smart Bricks was conducted in 2024 with a Lego City set.