In an age where screen time dominates our daily lives, finding ways to disconnect and engage in creative play is becoming increasingly important. The LEGO Group aims to provide that avenue with its latest innovation, LEGO SMART Play, unveiled during CES 2026. This new platform breathes fresh life into the traditional LEGO experience while promoting screen-free play.
LEGO SMART Play is described as “an interactive platform” where technology and the iconic LEGO brick come together in a seamless manner. It enables various LEGO sets to produce sounds and display behaviors that respond to play, enhancing the immersive experience without the need for screens. This innovation allows builders to experience their creations like never before, with sounds and lights corresponding to the actions they take as they engage with their LEGO sets.
At the core of this new system is the LEGO SMART Brick, a device that resembles a traditional 2×4 LEGO brick but is packed with advanced technology—including sensors, accelerometers, and even a tiny speaker—to enable real-time interactions. This intelligent brick is designed to respond to movement, orientation, distance, and environmental stimuli, producing context-specific audio effects and lighting effects during play.
Furthermore, LEGO SMART Tags and SMART Minifigures complement the SMART Brick, enhancing the interactivity of builds. SMART Tags are unique 2×2 tiles that provide various contextual triggers, while SMART Minifigures, resembling regular figures but equipped with special digital IDs, allow for personalized experiences during play. This network of components works together through a Bluetooth-based protocol called BrickNet, enabling multiple LEGO SMART Bricks to communicate and interact in a dynamic game-like environment.
The significance of LEGO SMART Play goes beyond mere gadgetry. It represents a thoughtful evolution of the LEGO brand that honors its foundational principles of creativity and hands-on engagement. The integration of technology enhances play without overshadowing the tactile, imaginative nature that LEGO is known for, offering a new layer of excitement while encouraging collaborative experiences.
The LEGO SMART Play collection will initially include three sets themed around the iconic Star Wars universe: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing, Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, and the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing. Each will be an “All-In-One” set, providing everything needed for a comprehensive LEGO SMART Play experience, complete with a SMART Brick, charger, SMART Minifigure, and SMART Tag.
Set to launch on March 1, 2026, with pre-orders starting on January 9th, LEGO SMART Play is poised to reshape the landscape of play experiences while ensuring that the LEGO brick remains an enduring symbol of creativity and innovation. This is an exciting development that promises to engage both old fans and a new generation of builders, reaffirming the enduring appeal of one of the most beloved toys in history.