> At a Glance
> – Lego Smart Bricks with sensors, lights and sound land March 1
> – Three Star Wars sets ($70-$160) launch the Smart Play system
> – Bricks talk via Bluetooth, know distance, color and minifigure tags
> – Why it matters: Kids’ builds now react like video-game toys without screens
Lego’s next-generation Smart Bricks, unveiled at CES 2026, shrink sensors, speakers and LEDs into a standard 2×4 stud so builds can light up, make movie sounds and react to nearby pieces. The first kits-three Star Wars sets-hit stores on March 1.
Inside the Smart Brick
Each brick hides an ASIC chip, accelerometer, synthesizer and Bluetooth radio. Magnetic coils read Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures within a few inches; onboard LEDs glow while tiny speakers fire pew-pew engine noise or lightsaber hums.
- Recognize color of bricks underneath
- Detect 3-D distance to other smart pieces
- Share code across unlimited connected bricks
A quick shake wakes the system; contact-free charging mats keep them powered for “years,” Lego says.
Launch Line-Up
| Set | Pieces | Price | Smart items |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIE Fighter | 470 | $70 | 1 tag, 1 minifigure |
| X-Wing | 584 | $100 | 5 tags, 2 minifigures |
| Throne Room & A-Wing | 962 | $160 | 5 tags, 3 minifigures |
All packs include Darth Vader, Luke, Leia and Emperor smart minifigures that trigger dialogue and clash effects when brought together.
Key Takeaways
- Smart Play system wins Best Future Tech at CES 2026
- No robotics functions yet-purely proximity-based effects
- Lego hints more themes will add Smart Bricks after Star Wars
If the platform lasts, yesterday’s static Lego sets could become tomorrow’s living room light-and-sound shows-no app required.
