> At a Glance
> – Lego unveiled Smart Play at CES: bricks that light up, make sounds, and respond to movement
> – First two Star Wars sets drop March 1, priced at $69.99 and $159.99
> – No screens, no pairing-kids just build and the toys come alive
> – Why it matters: Classic analog Lego gets a seamless tech upgrade that keeps the creativity, adds magic
Lego just brought its famous bricks to life. At CES on Monday the company showed off Smart Play, a system of chips, tags, and figures that let creations react to touch, motion, and each other-no app required.
How Smart Play Works
A 2×4 Smart Brick hides a custom ASIC chip smaller than a single stud. Inside: near-field magnetic sensor, accelerometer, micro-speaker, and LED array. Snap together pieces and the brick senses nearby 2×2 Smart Tags, each with a unique digital ID that tells the toy what to do.
- Helicopter tag? Propeller sounds spin up and lights flash.
- Flip the model upside-down and the accelerometer changes the effect.
- Multiple Smart Bricks talk via Lego’s encrypted BrickNet protocol, syncing lights and sounds across the build.
First Sets: Star Wars, March 1
Pre-orders open Friday for two launch kits:
| Set | Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Luke’s Red Five X-wing | $69.99 | Lightsaber duels, engine sounds |
| Throne Room Duel & A-wing | $159.99 | Multi-character interactions, larger builds |
Both packs include Smart Minifigures-Luke, Leia, and others-that trigger phrases and effects when placed on or near Smart Tags. Even a toilet tag exists, though Lego’s site stays mum on what it does.
Parents’ Checklist
- Zero setup-bricks work out of the box.
- No screens, no Bluetooth pairing headaches.
- Enhanced encryption keeps BrickNet traffic private.
- Powered by replaceable coin-cell batteries hidden inside studs.
Key Takeaways
- Lego Smart Play blends analog building with responsive tech.
- First products arrive March 1, $69.99-$159.99.
- Tags and bricks sync instantly, no phone required.
The 90-year-old brick just learned new tricks-without losing the joy of clicking pieces together.
