Lego Unveils Innovative Smart Play Platform at CES 2026

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas today, Lego has taken a bold step into the future of play with the introduction of its Smart Play platform. This innovative approach seeks to merge the classic appeal of Lego’s analog building blocks with cutting-edge technology, all while ensuring that screen time is not a part of the experience.

The Smart Play platform centers around a newly developed brick that is packed with sensors and technology. This smart brick retains the familiar dimensions of a standard 2 x 4 Lego piece but is equipped to connect with specially designed Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags. This allows for real-time interactions that enhance the imaginative play experience for both children and adults alike.

One of the first sets to feature this technology is the highly anticipated Lego Star Wars Smart Play Luke’s Red Five X-Wing. Launching on March 1, this 584-piece set will retail for $100 and includes two Smart Minifigures—Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia—along with five Smart Tags. As players engage with the set, they will be treated to an array of sound effects such as laser blasts, engine roars, and various light effects, all orchestrated by the central Smart Brick.

In addition to the X-Wing, two more Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets are set to debut on the same day, available for preorder starting January 9. The first is a 473-piece Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter kit priced at $70, which will feature iconic ion engine sound effects. However, the standout is expected to be the $160 Throne Room Duel set, boasting 962 pieces and three Smart Minifigures: Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Luke Skywalker. This set allows players to recreate or even reinterpret the climactic lightsaber battle from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, complete with sound effects and music from the film.

The development of the Smart Play platform has been a long-term endeavor for Lego, with roots tracing back seven or eight years, as noted by Julia Goldin, the chief product and marketing officer of the Lego Group. The technology behind the Smart Brick includes a custom-made chip that is smaller than a standard Lego stud, along with an array of features such as LED lights, accelerometers, light sensors, sound sensors, and a miniature speaker.

Lego has also ensured that this innovative technology is user-friendly and sustainable. The internal battery of the Smart Brick is designed to last for years even if the set is not in use. To eliminate the hassle of cables, Lego has incorporated wireless charging capabilities, allowing multiple Smart Bricks to be powered simultaneously on a dedicated charging pad.

With the Smart Play platform, Lego is not only enhancing the play experience but also setting a new standard for interactive toys that prioritize creativity and imagination without the distraction of screens. As the launch date approaches, excitement is building among fans eager to explore this new frontier of play.