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In proof that everything good and pure must eventually change, LEGO has announced the roll-out of its all-new Smart Brick product. What next, a Wi-Fi-enabled Etch A Sketch?!
The Smart Brick was unveiled as part of LEGO’s presence at CES 2026. (For the non-tech geeks among us, CES is basically the Lollapalooza of tech events.) Popular Mechanics said that Smart Bricks were LEGO’s “biggest CES reveal in years,” and the move marks the 90-plus-year-old company’s “first foray into smart tech integration.”
According to The Verge, the LEGO Smart Play system is powered by these new Smart Bricks. Basically, it’s all “tiny standalone computer[s] that can be integrated into LEGO builds.” These devices feature a mic, speaker, and LED lights that then activate as they “detect movements, light, and gestures.” These Smart Bricks can also recognize LEGO’s similarly novel Smart Tags, which “trigger unique sounds or lighting effects based on which ones are nearby.” A mobile app is used to update new features and content for the respective Smart Bricks.
Already a three of Star Wars-themed Smart Bricks sets available:
- Smart Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing. It features 962 pieces, including two Lego Smart Bricks, five Smart Tags, and smart figures of Luke, Darth Vaders, and Emperor Palpatine. The set retails for $159.99.
- SMART Play: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing. This more accessible set (with 581 pieces total) comes with a Smart Brick as well as five Smart Tags and Smart Luke and Leia figures. It retails for $89.99
- Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter. The most accessible of the three sets, it features 473 pieces, including one Smart Darth Vader mini-figure one Smart Brick, and one Smart Tag. It retails for $69.99.
So, aside being a massive leap forward for this decidedly brick-and-mortar brand (see what we did there?), are the Smart Bricks sets actually any fun? In his review, The Verge’s Sean Hollister admitted that while he was initially skeptical of the product, he ultimately found the Smart Bricks “far smarter and more imaginative than I expected.” On the other hand, Kate Kozuch of Tom’s Guide noted that, beyond the added costs, “collectors are justified in being annoyed” as LEGO moves away from its standard “imagination-based” approach to play. Hey, at least none of it’s that $1,000 Death Star set.
It’s worth noting that LEGO has toyed with “cutting-edge” tech before. For instance, its 2020 sets for Super Mario featured accelerometers to facilitate a similar level of cross-media engagement. Now, admittedly, the price tags aren’t exactly great, but as long as it’s not screen-reliant, or somehow AI-centered, these Smart Bricks sound like a blast. Hey, it always beats more weird fidget toys, right?
The three Star Wars sets will each drop on March 1st. Below, check out a CNET video for more on the Smart Bricks.
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