CES 2026: Lego unveils Smart Play system with interactive smart cubes
By ForGeeks
At CES 2026, Lego announced a new Smart Play system, adding interactive and responsive elements to its traditionally «analog» ecosystem of constructors.
The Smart Play system includes a 2×4 smart cube, Smart Tag tiles and smart minifigures. Smart Bricks and minifigures are able to recognize nearby Smart Tags — they are 2×2 non-bubble tiles with unique digital identifiers that set the behavior of the cubes and characters.
Smart Bricks and minifigures can recognize the Smart Tag — they are 2×2 non-bubble tiles with unique digital identifiers that set the behavior of the cubes and characters.
For example, if Smart Tag is included in a helicopter assembly kit, the smart cube will light up and play the sounds of the rotating propeller, «bringing the model to life. The built-in accelerometer allows the lights and sounds to match real-world actions during play: the cube understands whether the helicopter is flying up, down or upside down.
The Smart Brick is based on a patented ASIC chip that is smaller than one standard Lego fuzzball. It uses magnetic near-field positioning to recognize the Smart Tag around it, and also includes a miniature speaker, accelerometer, and an array of LEDs. Lego has also developed a Bluetooth-based BrickNet protocol that allows multiple smart cubes to communicate with each other and work in sync. The company emphasizes that BrickNet is protected by strong encryption and privacy mechanisms.
No setup or pairing is required for the Smart Play elements to work, making it easy for kids to get started. Parents, on the other hand, will love the fact that the system is completely screen-free. However, Lego’s website already mentions Smart Tag for animating… Lego toilets, so there’s plenty of room for imagination.
The first two Star Wars-themed Smart Play sets will go on sale March 1, with pre-orders opening as early as this Friday. The «Luke’s Red Five X-wing» set will cost $69.99, while the larger «Throne Room Duel and A-wing» set is priced at $159.99. In these sets, the Smart Play system brings characters like Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to life, allowing them to interact with the Smart Tag and, for example, have lightsaber duels.
