LEGO is stepping into the future with its innovative new product, the SMART Brick, which promises to revolutionize how kids and builders interact with their LEGO creations.
Unveiled at CES 2026, this new product line is designed to bring LEGO builds to life with interactive lights, sounds, and motion, all without requiring a screen or app during play. But will LEGO fans embrace this shift toward more tech-heavy play, or will they stick to the traditional brick?
What Are SMART Bricks?
The core of LEGO’s new SMART Play system is the SMART Brick – a 2×4 brick that packs in cutting-edge technology, including motion sensors, light sensors, sound sensors, and even a tiny speaker. With this setup, the bricks can respond to their environment: for example, placing a SMART Brick in a LEGO X-Wing triggers engine sounds and lights, while positioning it in a turret activates laser noises. As kids play, the bricks can even register “hits” in a dogfight scenario.
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What makes SMART Play stand out is that it requires no screen or app during play. The system uses a proprietary wireless protocol called “BrickNet,” enabling SMART Bricks to communicate with each other and respond in real time, making the experience seamless and immersive.
Fans’ Initial Reactions: Excitement Meets Skepticism
The announcement of SMART Bricks has sparked a range of reactions in the LEGO community. Some fans are excited about the possibilities. Many view this innovation as a logical progression from earlier interactive LEGO elements, like the light-and-sound bricks of the 1980s and ’90s. “It’s an evolution of what we already had, more versatile, more interactive,” one fan remarked.
Others are even optimistic about the potential for SMART Play to inspire fresh, creative play scenarios. For example, Eurobricks users have suggested ideas like a LEGO train that automatically reverses at the end of the track using SMART Bricks, or LEGO racecars that detect the finish line.
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There’s also enthusiasm from some adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs), who acknowledge that while the SMART Brick may not be for them, it could be a great addition for younger generations. In fact, early feedback from playtesters has been largely positive, with one parent commenting that their kids “loved it” and appreciated how the SMART Bricks adapted the sounds and lights based on the way the model was handled.
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However, the response isn’t entirely positive. Many LEGO fans, especially AFOLs, are skeptical about the need for such a high-tech brick. Some argue that the SMART Brick is nothing more than a “gimmick” that risks undermining LEGO’s tradition of open-ended, imagination-driven play. One fan expressed concern that with pre-programmed sounds and reactions, kids won’t use their imagination to create their own sound effects.
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Additionally, the price of SMART Play sets is a major point of contention. With fans noticing a significant premium, some have voiced concerns that LEGO might be inflating prices across popular themes by bundling SMART components with standard sets. For example, a standard LEGO Star Wars set might cost around $70, but the SMART version can go up to $100. While LEGO enthusiasts are used to paying a premium for their favorite products, many are uncomfortable with paying extra for tech they don’t necessarily want.
The Risk of Tech Overload: Will It Stick?
A key concern for long-time LEGO fans is the longevity and support of the SMART Play platform. Fans point out that previous attempts to integrate electronics with LEGO, like the RCX programmable brick or LEGO Fusion, ultimately fizzled out. The worry is that SMART Bricks might follow the same path, becoming obsolete or unsupported in a few years. After all, LEGO bricks are famously built to last, while electronics have a much shorter lifespan.
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On the other hand, the SMART Play system might find success if it resonates with today’s kids, who are increasingly tech-savvy and accustomed to interactive play. Parents are already showing interest: a 2024 global study found that 70% of parents say their child enjoys blending digital games with physical play. As such, LEGO might be on the right track, offering a product that lets kids enjoy screen-free digital play without compromising the classic hands-on experience.
The Star Wars Advantage
LEGO has strategically launched the SMART Play system with one of its most beloved franchises: Star Wars. With a fanbase that spans generations, the franchise offers immediate appeal, ensuring a strong initial interest in the new sets. For example, the SMART X-Wing set offers the promise of interactive play for kids, while collectors might find themselves intrigued by the new features—if not compelled to buy a second version of a model they already own.
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But, even with Star Wars as the launch theme, LEGO must prove that SMART Play offers value beyond the novelty. If kids embrace the tech and start building creative scenarios with their SMART Bricks, LEGO could find itself with a winner. However, if the excitement wears off after the initial “cool” factor fades, LEGO might find it challenging to sustain interest.
The Road Ahead: Can SMART Bricks Take Flight?
It’s still early days for SMART Play, and the product’s full potential won’t be realized until it hits the shelves on March 1, 2026. But LEGO’s choice of Star Wars sets for the launch is a strategic masterstroke. It brings together the best of both worlds – fans who are already invested in the theme and kids who are eager to experience the latest in tech-driven play.
If kids find the SMART features genuinely fun and engaging, LEGO could see massive success with SMART Play. But, if the novelty wears off too quickly, it could go the way of past LEGO experiments. The key will be to keep the tech in balance, making sure it enhances creativity rather than taking away from it.
LEGO’s SMART Play has the potential to become an exciting subcategory within its iconic product lineup. Or, it could be yet another short-lived experiment. Whatever happens, CES 2026 will surely be remembered as the moment LEGO began to truly bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds of play.