In one of the most surprising reveals at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Lego has introduced its most significant innovation in years: interactive Smart Bricks. This groundbreaking technology embeds sensors and sound directly into the classic brick, promising to transform creative play. The first sets, featuring three iconic Star Wars builds, are available for pre-order now ahead of their official launch on 1 March 2026.
How Lego's Smart Play Ecosystem Works
The heart of the system is the Smart Brick, which contains a chip the size of a single Lego stud. This tiny powerhouse includes an accelerometer, light and sound sensors, and a small speaker capable of producing synthesiser-style audio effects. However, the brick alone is inert. It springs to life only when paired with Smart Tags embedded in sets or Smart Minifigures with unique identifiers.
These components communicate wirelessly. When a Smart Brick detects a nearby Smart Tag or figure, it receives instructions on how to respond, whether that's playing engine sounds for a starship or triggering lightsaber clash effects. Each Smart Brick includes a wireless charging pad, offers about 45 minutes of play per charge, and powers down automatically to conserve battery.
Hands-On with the First Smart Play Sets
At CES, Lego demonstrated the potential with its inaugural Star Wars Smart Play collection. Journalists experienced dynamic scenarios like dogfights between Luke Skywalker's X-wing and Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, complete with blaster sounds and hit reactions. The technology also showed its versatility beyond licensed themes, animating simple builds like a duck that quacks or a birthday dinosaur that plays "Happy Birthday."
The three available sets are:
- Lego Star Wars Smart Play Darth Vader TIE Fighter (473 pieces, £59.99): Includes one Smart Brick and a TIE Fighter Smart Tag, featuring roaring twin-ion-engine sounds.
- Lego Star Wars Smart Play Luke's Red Five X-wing (584 pieces, £79.99): Comes with a Smart Tagged X-wing, four environment tags, and Smart Minifigures of Luke and Leia. It includes refuelling sound effects.
- Lego Star Wars Smart Play Throne Room Duel and A-wing (962 pieces, £139.99): The flagship set includes two Smart Bricks, three Smart Minifigures (Luke, Vader, Emperor), and lightsaber tags for immersive duelling.
A New Chapter for Building and Play
This launch marks the beginning of Lego's Smart Play ecosystem. Initially, the Smart Brick is only sold as part of these Star Wars kits, not individually. The company's demonstration at CES suggests a future where any creation can become interactive, from police chases to racing cars. For now, fans of a galaxy far, far away can be the first to experience this fusion of physical construction and digital reaction. All three sets are available for pre-order directly from Lego, with shipping commencing on 1 March.
