LEGO’s plan to enter a new era of play starts with SMART BRICKS . But is it worth the price?
LEGO has launched its new product titled ‘SMART BRICKS’ that the company says will bring their creations “to life like never before”. While the idea is celebrated, there has been pushback from some who say it takes imaginative play away from children.
The Brick
The product is essentially a small RFID brick that detects sensors in other LEGO pieces and mini figures. When items are within vicinity of each other, it triggers a pertinent light or effect, dependant on the item.
However, as many have pointed out, it’s an “expensive gimmick” that could easily be a simple LED light instead.
Available Sets
So far, three sets are available to pre-order. All include a smart tag(s) and brick.
LEGO® Star Wars™ SMART Play™: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter™ building set
- Set number: 75421
- Age 8+
- Pieces: 473
- Dimensions: The set measures over 4 in. (10 cm) high, 4 in. (11 cm) long and 5.5 in. (15 cm) wide
- 1x LEGO SMART Brick
- 1x LEGO SMART MINIFIGURE featuring Darth Vader
- 1x SMART TAG featuring the TIE Fighter
- RRP: 69,99 EUR / 69,99 USD / 59,99 GBP/ 99.99 AUD
LEGO® Star Wars™ SMART Play™: Throne Room Duel & A-wing™ building set
- Set number: 75427
- Age: 9+
- Pieces: 962
- Dimensions: The set measures over 5.5 in. (14 cm) high, 11.5 in. (29 cm) long and 19 in. (49 cm) wide
- 2x LEGO SMART Brick
- 3x LEGO® SMART MINIFIGURES featuring Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader
5x SMART TAGS featuring an A-wing, throne, Death Star turret and Lightsaber™ duels (2x tags) - RRP: 159,99 EUR / 159,99 USD / 139,99 GBP/ 249.99 AUD
LEGO® Star Wars™ SMART Play™: Luke’s Red Five X-wing™ building set
- Set number: 75423
- Age: 6+
- Pieces: 584
- Dimensions: The set measures over 2 in. (6 cm) high, 8.5 in. (22 cm) long and 7.5 in. (19 cm) wide
- 1x LEGO SMART Brick
- 2x LEGO SMART MINIFIGURES featuring Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia
- 5x SMART TAGS featuring the X-wing, Imperial turret, transporter, command center and R2-D2 accessories
- RRP: Price: 89,99 EUR / 89,99 USD / 79,99 GBP/ 149.99 AUD
Pre-Order and Release Date
The new range will be available for pre-order from the 9th January 2026, and will ship on the 1st March 2026 directly from the LEGO store and recommended retailers.
The Verdict
While there are limitless possibilities for the sets already, the SMART BRICK is quite simply a profligate waste of design research.
Ultimately, collectors will be the ones to snag a few copies of each; that and those who don’t know any better. You’re essentially adding light up bricks with sound effects to dampen the imagination its users. It’s a waste of plastic and silicon. Nice try LEGO.
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