TL;DR
Lego unveiled Smart Play, a system of electronic elements that adds context-aware sound and lighting to traditional bricks without requiring an app during play. The launch includes three Star Wars sets featuring a Smart Brick, Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures, with pre-orders starting Jan. 9 and a March 1 release.
What happened
Lego introduced Smart Play, a set of embedded electronics designed to bring responsive audio and light to physical builds. The system is built around a Smart Brick — a 2×4-style element that houses a custom ASIC smaller than a stud, an accelerometer and a copper coil — and runs Lego’s Play Engine with a Neighbor Position Measurement (NPM) system. Smart Tags are 2×2 flat tiles using NFC, and Smart Minifigures include an internal chip; both communicate digital IDs to the Smart Brick over Lego’s BrickNet Bluetooth protocol. The Smart Brick can be recharged on a wireless pad, and Lego says the battery is intended to retain function even after long periods unused. Importantly, Smart Play does not require an app for play; the Smart Assist app is only needed to apply firmware updates. Lego is debuting Smart Play across three Star Wars sets that include engine, laser and lightsaber sounds and recognizable scores such as the Imperial March.
Why it matters
- Brings responsive, screen‑free interactivity to physical toys, keeping play focused off devices.
- Lego controls the hardware and audio engine, reducing risk of app fragmentation and in‑app monetization.
- Could redefine how traditional construction toys integrate modern sensors and local wireless protocols.
- Removes the barrier of device compatibility and app maintenance for long-term toy usability.
Key facts
- Smart Play comprises three elements: Smart Brick, Smart Tag and Smart Minifigure.
- The Smart Brick resembles a 2×4 Lego but contains a custom ASIC, an accelerometer and a copper coil.
- Lego’s Play Engine and Neighbor Position Measurement (NPM) enable context-aware audio and LED responses.
- Smart Tags are 2×2 flat tiles using NFC; Smart Minifigures carry an internal chip and digital ID.
- Communication between elements uses Lego’s BrickNet Bluetooth protocol.
- The Smart Brick recharges wirelessly; Lego claims the battery is designed to keep performing after long idle periods.
- No app is required during play; the Smart Assist app is only used for firmware updates.
- Initial Smart Play launch includes three Lego Star Wars sets: Luke’s Red Five X‑Wing ($100, 584 pieces), Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter ($70, 473 pieces), and Throne Room Duel and A‑Wing ($160, 973 pieces).
- Included audio cues are described as engine sounds, lasers, lightsaber hums and The Imperial March.
- Pre-orders open January 9 and the sets will be available March 1 through Lego’s store and other retailers.
What to watch next
- How natural and low‑latency the Smart Brick’s audio and lighting feel in everyday play — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Smart Play is adopted into collector‑grade sets for ambient effects, beyond toy‑oriented releases — not confirmed in the source.
- Real‑world battery longevity and charging behavior with frequent use versus Lego’s long‑idle claim — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- ASIC: Application‑Specific Integrated Circuit — a custom chip designed to perform dedicated tasks efficiently.
- NFC: Near Field Communication — a short-range wireless technology used for simple data exchange between nearby devices or tags.
- Accelerometer: A sensor that measures motion and orientation, commonly used to detect movement and gestures.
- Bluetooth: A wireless protocol for short-range data exchange between devices; Lego’s BrickNet is their variant for Smart Play.
- Play Engine: Lego’s onboard software system that coordinates context-aware audio and lighting responses among Smart Play elements.
Reader FAQ
Do I need an app to use Smart Play?
No. An app is only required to install firmware updates; play itself does not use an app.
What components make up Smart Play?
Smart Brick, Smart Tag and Smart Minifigure elements that communicate via NFC and Lego’s BrickNet Bluetooth protocol.
Which sets launch first and when are they available?
Three Star Wars sets: Red Five X‑Wing, Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, and Throne Room Duel and A‑Wing. Pre-orders start Jan. 9 and the sets ship March 1.
Will Smart Play include in‑app purchases or subscriptions?
The source states Lego’s approach removes the chance of in‑app purchases or subscription fees being introduced.
Is Smart Play aimed at collectors?
The source indicates the initial kits are targeted at children rather than collectors, and some proportions were noted as odd for display models.
Lego's brainy brick makes an X-Wing sound like an X-Wing, and no app is needed to fly it Credit: Lego Group By Andy Boxall Published 16 minutes ago Andy is a…
Sources
- Lego's brainy brick makes an X-Wing sound like an X-Wing, and no app is needed to fly it
- Lego Smart Bricks introduce a new way to build
- Lego's Smart Brick Gives the Iconic Analog Toy a New …
- CES 2026: Lego to launch smart brick system that reacts as …
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