The LEGO Smart Brick presented in Las Vegas marks the farewell to screens to return to physical play augmented by intelligent interactivity. During CES 2026, the LEGO Group unveiled this new proprietary technology that integrates sensors and lights directly into classic bricks, eliminating the need for apps or tablets to activate play functions. To delve into the details of the “LEGO SMART Play” platform, you can consult the official LEGO press release.
Key Takeaways
- Technology: 2×4 brick with chip, accelerometer, and LED.
- Release: Pre-order from January 9, in stores from March 1, 2026.
- Launch Sets: Star Wars (TIE Fighter, X-Wing, Throne Room).
Technology and functions of the LEGO Smart Brick
The heart of the system is a standard-sized 2×4 brick, seemingly identical to the others but equipped with an internal “brain.” The LEGO Smart Brick contains an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a miniaturized speaker, and an RGB LED lighting system. Thanks to short-range wireless technology (similar to NFC), the bricks communicate with each other and with the new “Smart Minifigures” when brought close together, triggering sound and light effects sensitive to the context of play, such as engine noise when the model is “piloted” in the air.
The Star Wars launch sets
LEGO chose the Star Wars franchise for the commercial debut of this technology. The first three sets available from March 1, 2026, will include iconic vehicles such as the TIE Fighter and the X-Wing, as well as the Throne Room diorama. Prices announced for the European market range from €69.99 for single vehicles up to €159.99 for more complex sets. This strategy aims to target both adult collectors and children, offering an immediate immersive experience.
Why the LEGO Smart Brick is different from Mario
Unlike the Super Mario line launched years ago, which required a constant connection and a video game-style gamified approach, the LEGO Smart Brick is designed to be invisible. The goal stated by designers at CES is “Technology-enabled, not technology-led.” There are no levels to beat or screens to watch: the smart brick serves only to amplify imagination, making the physical toy “alive” in the user’s hands.bilitato dalla tecnologia, non guidato da essa). Non ci sono livelli da superare o schermi da guardare: il mattoncino intelligente serve solo ad amplificare l’immaginazione, rendendo il giocattolo fisico “vivo” nelle mani dell’utente.
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