Lego's Smart Bricks Debut at CES 2026: A Tech-Packed, Screen-Free Revolution in Play

At CES 2026, Lego unveiled its most significant technological pivot in years: Smart Play. This new ecosystem of interactive bricks, tags, and figures aims to inject digital magic into physical builds without relying on screens, cameras, or AI. While the initial launch focuses on premium Star Wars sets, the underlying technology promises a future where any creation can be programmed with light, sound, and motion. This move has sparked both excitement and debate among the Lego community, raising questions about cost, creativity, and the very nature of play.

Lego Smart Play is a comprehensive new interactive building system. The core of the system is the Smart Brick, a modified 2x4 brick packed with an impressive array of components. Inside its compact form, Lego has integrated a silicon chip, a motion sensor and gyroscope, a pressure-sensing microphone that does not listen, built-in speakers, LEDs, and a light sensor capable of replicating colors. This brick is not passive; it requires activation by shaking it, which provides up to 40 minutes of active play time where its sensors and outputs are fully operational.

Lego Smart Play: Core Components & Tech

• Smart Brick: A modified 2x4 brick containing a silicon chip, motion sensor/gyroscope, non-listening microphone, speakers, LEDs, and a color-replicating light sensor. Activated by shaking, with ~40 minutes of playtime.
• Smart Tag: RFID-equipped square studs that pre-program a Smart Brick's behavior (e.g., duck quack, helicopter sound).
• Smart Minifigure: Minifigures with internal tags that modify a Smart Brick's behavior based on character proximity.

The behavior of a Smart Brick is dictated by two key accessories: Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures. Smart Tags are square studs containing RFID chips, each pre-programmed with specific audio and visual responses, such as making a brick quack like a duck or whir like a helicopter. Smart Minifigures add another layer of interactivity, as each figure has its own internal tag. This allows a single Smart Tag to behave differently based on which character is nearby, enabling narrative play where a police car siren might turn off when an officer minifigure approaches.

A defining philosophy behind Smart Play is its deliberate avoidance of cameras and generative AI. Lego has stated this decision was made to keep the focus on physical, hands-on play and to ensure predictable, understandable behavior for children. By embedding computing directly into the bricks and controlling it via simple physical tags, Lego aims to make the technology approachable, safe, and hackable, encouraging experimentation without the need for complex coding or external screens.

The commercial launch of Smart Play will be through a trio of Star Wars-themed sets, available for pre-order on January 9 and officially releasing on March 1, 2026. The sets are priced at a premium, with Lego indicating that cost is tied to the number of Smart components included rather than purely piece count. The initial lineup includes Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter for USD 69.99, Luke’s Red Five X-wing for USD 99.99, and a Throne Room Duel & A-wing set for USD 159.99.

Launch Sets: Lego Star Wars Smart Play (Release: March 1, 2026)

The pricing and initial theme choice have generated controversy, particularly among adult collectors. Compared to a recently retired, non-smart X-Wing set of similar size, the new Smart Play version carries a significantly higher price tag. For collectors who primarily display models, the interactive features may seem like an unnecessary cost increase. However, for the target audience of children, the ability to recreate movie-accurate sound effects and reactive play could significantly enhance the immersive experience of Star Wars storytelling.

Key Design Philosophy & Price Context

• No Cameras/AI: Lego deliberately avoided these technologies to prioritize physical play, predictable behavior, safety, and accessibility for children.
• Pricing Model: Cost is linked to the number of Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags included, not solely based on piece count.
• Price Comparison: The non-Smart Play Lego X-Wing set (75301, 474 pieces) was last sold for USD 49.99. The new Smart Play X-Wing (584 pieces) is USD 99.99.

Looking beyond the Star Wars launch, the potential applications for Smart Play are vast. Lego demonstrated concept behaviors like ducks and helicopters, hinting at a future where Smart Bricks and Tags could be sold separately. This would allow builders to assign any behavior to any creation, fostering unlimited creativity—a monster that quacks or a spaceship that sounds like an X-Wing. The technology seems particularly well-suited for themes like Speed Champions, where motion could trigger realistic engine sounds, pointing to a roadmap far broader than the initial release.

The early verdict on Lego Smart Play is one of cautious intrigue. On an engineering level, the miniaturization of sensors and speakers into a standard brick is a remarkable feat. The system successfully adds a digital layer to play without resorting to screens, staying true to Lego's tactile roots. While the premium pricing and niche initial launch may limit its immediate appeal, the underlying technology represents a bold and thoughtful step into interactive play. Its ultimate success will depend on how Lego expands the ecosystem, manages costs, and empowers builders to redefine what their creations can do.