At a Glance
- Lego introduces a new Smart Play platform that blends physical builds with digital reactions.
- Five new Star Wars Smart Play sets launch, expanding the line to 8 sets.
- Preorders opened on Jan. 27, with shipping beginning on March 1.
The new Smart Play system lets builders combine classic LEGO bricks with interactive digital features. Fans can now bring iconic Star Wars moments to life using sensors, sounds, and lights. This launch marks a significant expansion of LEGO’s digital play strategy.
Smart Play Overview
Lego’s Smart Play platform was first revealed at CES, showcasing how physical builds can trigger real-time digital responses. The system pairs a Smart Brick, a small wireless hub, with Smart Tags and mini figures that communicate via Bluetooth. When activated, the bricks can play sounds, move, or display lights that match the on-screen action.
The Smart Play concept encourages creativity by allowing builders to design sets that react to their own construction. Each set includes at least one Smart Mini figure and a Smart Tag, while a few higher-tier sets provide a Smart Brick and charger. The technology is designed to be scalable, with plans to add new features and releases over time.
New Star Wars Sets
Lego has announced five new Star Wars Smart Play sets, bringing the total Star Wars lineup to 8 sets. The releases cover a range of ship sizes and iconic scenes, from the TIE Fighter to the Millennium Falcon. The sets are priced between $40 and $100, offering a mix of entry-level and premium builds.
Preorders began today, Jan. 27, and all five sets will ship on March 1. Customers can purchase the sets online or at select retailers. Shipping will be coordinated with the launch date to ensure availability across markets.
Smart Brick Requirement
Not every set includes a Smart Brick. To obtain the brick, buyers must pre-order one of three sets: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter ($70), Luke’s Red Five X-Wing ($90), or Throne Room Duel and A-Wing ($160). These sets provide the brick, charger, and at least one Smart Mini figure.
The other sets come with Smart Tags and mini figures but require a separate Smart Brick purchase. When paired with a brick, the tags and figures unlock interactive features such as sound effects and motion-activated lights.
Shipping Timeline
All five new sets are slated to ship on March 1. This release window follows the preorder period that began on Jan. 27. LEGO has not announced a staggered shipping schedule, so buyers can expect simultaneous availability.
The launch aligns with the broader strategy of expanding the Star Wars LEGO line. By synchronizing shipping dates, LEGO can maximize marketing momentum and retail exposure.
Luke’s Landspeeder
The first set to ship is Luke’s Landspeeder, a 215-piece build that recreates the opening moments of the hero’s journey. It includes mini Luke Skywalker, a Jawa, and a Gonk Droid. When connected to a Smart Brick, builders can repair the Landspeeder and trigger interactive sounds.
This set is priced at $40 and serves as an entry point for new fans. The design focuses on accessibility, offering a manageable build time while still delivering interactive play.
The Landspeeder’s Smart Tag allows for basic light and sound cues, giving the model a sense of life during play.
AT-ST Attack on Endor
AT-ST Attack on Endor is a 347-piece set featuring two Smart Tags and a Smart Mini figure of Wicket. The set lets players recreate the epic battle from Return of the Jedi. It includes motion-activated dynamic lights and sounds.
Retailing at $50, this mid-level set provides a more complex build while still offering interactive features. The Smart Tags activate lights that simulate the battle’s intensity.
The AT-ST’s design emphasizes teamwork, as the Wicket figure can interact with the tags to trigger sound effects.
Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training
The Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training set is a 440-piece build that brings the swamps of Dagobah to life. It includes Smart Luke Skywalker and a Smart Yoda, along with Smart Tags that unlock play features when the hut’s roof is removed.
Selling for $70, this set offers a deeper interactive experience with lights and sounds from the Dagobah environment. The Smart Tags provide unique play options beyond basic light cues.
The set’s size and complexity cater to older builders looking for a more immersive experience.
Mos Eisley Cantina
Mos Eisley Cantina is a 666-piece set featuring two Smart Mini figures-Obi-Wan Kenobi and Greedo-and three Smart Tags. The set does not include a Smart Brick but can connect to one if owned.
At $80, the Cantina offers interactive music and karaoke features, along with the ability to eject droids. The Smart Tags enable sound effects and light sequences.
The Cantina’s design focuses on social play, allowing multiple figures to interact within a bustling environment.
Millennium Falcon
The Millennium Falcon set is the largest of the lineup, with 885 pieces and four Smart Mini figures: Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and Han Solo. It also includes four Smart Tags.
Priced at $100, this set unlocks advanced features such as shooting lasers from stud shooters and movie-style sound effects when connected to a Smart Brick.
The Falcon’s design offers a comprehensive interactive experience, combining large-scale building with real-time digital responses.
Set Comparison Table
Below is a quick comparison of the five new Smart Play Star Wars sets:
| Set | Pieces | Smart Mini Figures | Smart Tags | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke’s Landspeeder | 215 | 1 | 1 | $40 |
| AT-ST Attack on Endor | 347 | 1 | 2 | $50 |
| Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training | 440 | 2 | 2 | $70 |
| Mos Eisley Cantina | 666 | 2 | 3 | $80 |
| Millennium Falcon | 885 | 4 | 4 | $100 |
The table highlights the progression in size, figure count, and interactive features across the lineup.
Future Expansion
Lego has stated that Smart Play will continue to grow through future updates and new launches. The company plans to add additional Star Wars sets that will interact with the existing Smart Tags, mini figures, and bricks.
The Smart Play ecosystem is designed to be modular, allowing new sets to plug into the same platform and benefit from future software enhancements.
Price Strategy
The pricing range from $40 to $100 reflects the varying build complexity and interactive depth of each set. Entry-level sets focus on accessibility, while premium sets offer extensive features.
By offering a spectrum of prices, Lego aims to appeal to both casual builders and dedicated Star Wars collectors.
Smart Play Ecosystem
The Smart Play system relies on a combination of hardware-Smart Bricks, Smart Tags, and Smart Mini figures-and software that translates physical actions into digital responses. The ecosystem is designed to support a wide range of Star Wars scenes.
Future updates may introduce new tags or software features that expand the interactive possibilities of existing sets.
Availability
All five sets are available for preorder online and at select retailers. Shipping will begin on March 1. Customers who pre-order will receive their sets on the same date.
The launch strategy emphasizes a unified release to maximize visibility across retail channels.
Conclusion
Lego’s new Star Wars Smart Play sets bring a fresh layer of interactivity to the franchise. By combining physical building with digital reactions, the platform offers a new way to experience beloved scenes.
With a range of prices and sizes, the lineup caters to builders of all ages and skill levels.
Key Takeaways
- Smart Play merges LEGO bricks with digital technology.
- Five new Star Wars sets launch on March 1.
- Preorders began Jan. 27.
- The lineup expands to 8 sets in total.
- Future updates will add more interactive features.
