## Lego Changes the Game: Smart Brick with Advanced Integrated Circuit Launched for Sale

Is the future of play combining classic elements with technology? Lego has just answered this question by introducing a product that is capturing the toy industry's interest. At CES 2026, the company showcased an innovative brick that embeds electronics directly into the traditional 2x4 brick.

### How the biggest innovation in Lego history works

At the core of each Smart Brick is a miniature **ASIC integrated circuit** — a custom chipset smaller than a single Lego button. This advanced computer inside the brick powers LED lighting effects, a built-in speaker with synthetic sound, and sensors capable of detecting motion, position, and light changes.

Magnetic near-field positioning technology enables precise interactions between components. Equally important, the brick does not require an app, screen, or additional devices. It charges wirelessly via induction and activates automatically upon first interaction.

The device can operate within a mesh network thanks to a proprietary Bluetooth protocol — the BrickNet system. All connections are encrypted, ensuring children's data security. The company emphasized that the built-in microphone is used solely for voice commands and does not record audio content.

### What real-world usage looks like

The new product works with special Smart Tags — identifiers placed in compatible minifigures and accessories. When a tagged element, such as a Luke Skywalker figure, approaches the brick, it triggers corresponding sounds and visual effects — in this case, a rumble and the glow of a lightsaber.

Changing the position of the X-Wing model synchronizes engine sounds and laser shot effects with physical movement. When several Smart Bricks work together, they can coordinate behavior across the entire structure — timing races, tracking collisions, or creating synchronized sound effects across the scene.

### When and for how much?

The first sets will hit the market **March 1, 2026**, but pre-orders start on **January 9**. Lego chose the Star Wars franchise for its initial market entry. The initial offerings include:

- TIE Fighter for $69.99
- Red Five X-Wing Luke for $99.99
- Throne Room Duel and A-Wing set for $159.99

All listed sets will feature interactive lightsaber battles and other dynamic elements. However, to keep prices reasonable, they are designed slightly smaller than standard minifigure-scale models.

### Opinions are divided

Reactions online are polarized. Enthusiasts praise Lego for cleverly blending nostalgia with modern engineering. Tech analysts see this approach as a competitive differentiator — a play experience that merges digital and physical worlds without replacing the latter.

Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer, emphasizes the importance of the partnership with Star Wars in revitalizing film elements.

However, skeptics express concerns. Criticism focuses on fears that electronics might limit imagination — turning open-ended play into pre-programmed experiences. Others question the marketing messaging, noting that companies talk more about technology than about the joy of play. On X, one content creator remarked: “Why do the messages sound like they’re being sold by adults?” There were also jokes about prices — fears that Smart Brick will “empty parents’ wallets.”

### What’s next?

Lego is committed to its vision. The company holds over 20 patents related to the Smart Brick system and plans to expand beyond Star Wars to other series — City and Technic. Future updates will be delivered via a companion app for parents, gradually adding new sounds and behaviors.

The company calls Smart Brick the biggest change in its “System-in-Play” since the introduction of minifigures in 1978.