If you’ve been wondering what LEGO SMART Play is, when it’s hitting stores, and what exactly it brings in its debut with Star Wars, here’s the no-nonsense breakdown: LEGO unveiled at CES 2026 a new play platform that blends classic building with real-time responses via a smart brick, minifigures and tags. The result is a kind of set that reacts as you play—adding sounds, lights and effects that match the action—while sticking to a very clear idea: keeping the experience screen-free, focused on imagination and hands-on play.
The concept was announced in a presentation featuring LEGO executives alongside representatives from Disney and Lucasfilm, and its commercial launch is set for March 1, 2026 in selected markets, with pre-orders starting January 9. The first wave includes three “all-in-one” sets based on highly recognizable vehicles and locations, so the usual search intent (price, piece count, recommended age, and what makes each box “smart”) is covered from day one.
What LEGO SMART Play is—and why it changes how you play
LEGO SMART Play is built around three components: the LEGO SMART Brick, LEGO SMART Tags and LEGO SMART Minifigures. The centerpiece is that smart brick, fitted with a custom-designed chip that LEGO says is smaller than a standard stud. From there, the system detects and supports what’s happening during play to trigger effects—aiming to make building and “directing” a scene feel as natural as flying a ship across the table.
On the technical side, LEGO describes the SMART Brick as packed with sensors: it includes sensors, accelerometers, light detection and a sound sensor, plus a miniature speaker driven by an integrated synthesizer. It also features wireless charging to enable longer sessions without relying on cables mid-play—something any gadget fan will appreciate when a build-and-play session runs longer than expected.
The key is that the sets respond in real time, blending digital and physical so that certain interactions unlock specific effects. It’s not just about adding sounds for the sake of it, but tying them to pieces, characters and scenario moments to strengthen storytelling. Who hasn’t wanted to recreate a space chase and have the model itself back the scene with an engine roar or a blaster effect at exactly the right moment?
LEGO positions this platform as a meaningful evolution within its own ecosystem, and highlights that it incorporates more than twenty patents tied to the technology. In terms of philosophy, the message is clear: more immersion and more narrative, without turning the set into an accessory to an app. At a time when everything seems to demand a phone nearby, this decision feels almost like a geek act of resistance—in the best way.
The first LEGO Star Wars SMART Play sets: what’s included and what they do
LEGO SMART Play debuts with three Star Wars sets that serve as an entry point to the system. In every case, the contents revolve around the SMART Brick, one or more smart minifigures, and several SMART tags used to trigger functions during play—bringing effects such as engine sounds, blaster shots, lightsaber hums or music.
LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Luke’s Red Five X-Wing is a 584-piece set, recommended for ages 6+, with an announced price of $89.00. It includes two SMART Minifigures (Luke Skywalker in pilot gear and Princess Leia), plus R2-D2 and other Rebel crew and Imperial soldier minifigures. As for the extra “scene” elements, it adds an Imperial turret, a transport and a command center, and its interactive side promises effects such as laser firing sounds, engine sounds and lights, along with audio tied to refueling and repairs—all combined through the SMART Brick, the minifigures and five SMART Tags.
LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter comes with 473 pieces, is recommended for ages 8+, and is priced at $69.00. The box includes a Rebel outpost and an Imperial refueling station, plus a smart minifigure of Darth Vader and a Rebel fleet soldier. The obvious draw here is hearing the fighter’s engine roar, alongside other interactive features enabled by the SMART Brick and tagged elements.
The most ambitious set is LEGO Star Wars SMART Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing, with 962 pieces, recommended for ages 9+, and priced at $159.99. It includes two SMART Bricks, three SMART Minifigures (Luke Skywalker as a Jedi, Darth Vader, and Emperor Palpatine), an A-wing starfighter, its pilot, two Royal Guards, and defensive elements for the throne room. Its effects include lightsaber hums when using the smart minifigures, the A-wing’s engine sound, and even playback of “The Imperial March” with Palpatine on the throne—a very collector-minded touch, even if the focus is clearly on play.
Dates, pre-orders and where you’ll be able to buy them
LEGO has set the release of these sets for March 1, 2026 in selected markets. Before that, there will be pre-orders from January 9. As for availability, they’ll be sold on the LEGO website, in LEGO Stores, and through selected retailers—a pretty standard rollout for the brand’s major launches.
Beyond the price and piece-count lists, the interesting part is the approach: LEGO SMART Play launches with Star Wars as the showcase, but the broader message points to a platform designed to scale. If the system manages to add context and pace without distracting from the build, it’ll feel like a logical evolution for construction play: the same creativity as always, with an extra bit of “life” when it’s time to take off, land, or duel.
