Lego Smart Play Hands-On: Revolutionizing Playtime with Smart Brick Technology
At CES 2026, Lego introduced its innovative Smart Play system, marking a significant step forward in how digital technology can enhance traditional play. Unlike previous tech integrations, Smart Play aims to encourage social interaction and imaginative gameplay without relying on screens or apps. Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham had the opportunity to explore the system firsthand and shared an in-depth look at how Lego’s new Smart Bricks bring toys to life.
What Is Lego Smart Play?
Smart Play consists of three main components: the Smart Brick, Smart Tags, and Smart Minifigures. Each Smart Brick is equipped with a variety of sensors—including proximity sensors, an accelerometer, and color sensors—as well as an integrated speaker and a tiny chip that processes interactions. Importantly, every Smart Brick is identical and relies on Smart Tags or Smart Minifigures to provide contextual information and dictate its responses.
Smart Tags are small elements that correspond to specific objects or actions, while Smart Minifigures carry instructions unique to their characters. Together, these elements enable the Smart Brick to recognize different scenarios and characters, delivering a dynamic and interactive play experience.
Interactive Play With Star Wars Sets
The initial launch of Smart Play focuses on Star Wars-themed sets, leveraging one of Lego’s most beloved franchises to demonstrate the system’s capabilities. For example, the “Throne Room Duel & A-Wing” set includes Smart Minifigures of iconic characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Emperor Palpatine, alongside Smart Tags that trigger actions and sound effects.
When placing the Smart Brick behind Palpatine’s throne, players hear the famous “Imperial March” and some character chatter, while Vader emits his iconic breathing sounds. The duel scene is especially notable: Luke and Vader’s figures mount onto moveable platforms with a Smart Brick that reacts to movement and collisions by playing lightsaber sounds and battle effects. Knocking a Minifigure off its mount triggers defeat sounds, such as Vader’s dramatic “nooooooo.”
Other sets like Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter and Luke’s Red Five X-Wing replicate space dogfights. The Smart Brick identifies each ship using Smart Tiles, activating distinct engine hums, character themes, and droid noises. Kids can fly the ships around, fire laser sounds, and even “damage” opponents with explosions and character reactions, creating an immersive experience that blends physical play with interactive audio.
Durable Design for Active Play
Unlike typical Lego builds, the Star Wars Smart Play sets are designed to endure rougher handling. The ships fit comfortably in children’s hands for active play and throwing, while the Throne Room set features a detachable battle area optimized for energetic lightsaber duels. This durability supports the system’s goal of getting kids moving and interacting through play.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Lego Play
While the current Smart Play offerings are rooted in Star Wars, Lego’s team expressed enthusiasm about expanding the technology to a variety of themes, including Jurassic World, DC and Marvel superheroes, and popular franchises like Bluey or Despicable Me. The prospect of combining characters and elements from different universes with Smart Brick technology opens endless possibilities for imaginative and social play.
Perhaps most importantly, Smart Play is designed with kids in mind. The system requires no screens or complicated setup, enabling children to dive straight into interactive play. By making Lego sets more engaging and social, Lego aims to foster cooperation and shared fun.
Final Thoughts
The Lego Smart Play system represents an exciting fusion of traditional brick-building and modern interactive technology. With its smart sensors, contextual awareness, and character-driven soundscapes, it promises to reinvent how children engage with Lego toys and each other. As Lego continues to expand this line, fans can look forward to increasingly creative and communal play experiences that remain screen-free and rooted in tactile fun.
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Images and additional coverage courtesy of Nathan Ingraham and Engadget.
