Lego unveils new brick that is a tiny computer
The Lego Group has unveiled its Smart Play system, which uses “Smart Bricks” and “Smart Tags” to bring Lego sets to life.
The Smart Bricks are powered by a custom ASIC chip that is smaller than one standard Lego stud and is highly specialised for the features of the Lego Smart Play system.
On the Smart Play product page, Lego describes the new system as its “biggest innovation… ever!”
“Introducing the Lego Smart Play system, a new platform made of endlessly interactive Smart Bricks, Smart Tags, and Smart Minifigures, all connected to bring play to life like never before,” said Lego.
The bricks are wirelessly charged, and Lego will sell a wireless charger that can charge multiple bricks simultaneously. It also claims that the battery will continue to perform even “after years of inactivity”.
This tech all fits into a standard 2×4 Lego brick, making the Smart Brick capable of recognising Smart Tags and Smart Minifigures. The firmware is updatable through a smartphone app.
“It also has a built-in accelerometer which knows how it is being moved through the air, and brings play to life in incredible ways,” says Lego.
The bricks also feature light, sound, and light sensors, and they form a Bluetooth mesh network with other Smart Bricks, allowing them to determine each other’s position and orientation.
This means the Smart Play system can play specific sounds when certain minifigures are put in various positions.
For example, a Smart Brick built into a Lego car can determine which car crosses the finish line first. It can also play engine sounds and change to crashing sound effects if the vehicle flips over.
Lego unveiled Star Wars Smart Play building sets in its announcement, with three all-in-one Star Wars sets shipping with a Smart Brick and charger, and at least one Smart Minifigure and Smart Tag.
Lego will start selling the Smart Play system and related building sets on 1 March 2026, and the first sets to ship will all be Lego Star Wars:
- For $70 (R1,143 excl. VAT and duties) — the 473-piece Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter set, including one Smart Brick, on TIE Fighter Smart Tag, and one Darth Vader Smart Minifigure.
- For $100 (R1,634 excl. VAT and duties) — the 584-piece Luke’s Red Five X-Wing set, including one Smart Brick, five Smart Tags, and Luke and Leia Smart Minifigures
- For $160 (R2,614 excl. VAT and duties) — the 962-piece Darth Vader’s Throne Room Duel & A-Wing set, including two Smart Bricks, five Smart Tages, and Luke, Emperor Palpatine, and Darth Vader Smart Minifigures.
“Lego Smart Play will continue to expand through new updates, launches, and technology,” says Lego.
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