Lego dropped a major announcement at CES 2026 this week, unveiling its cutting-edge Smart Play system—a technological evolution for their classic construction bricks. This isn’t just standard plastic; the new system incorporates high-tech bricks, tiles, and minifigures packed with sensors, including accelerometers, light and sound readers, and even a miniature speaker with an onboard synthesizer. These smart components are designed to wirelessly communicate with each other, responding to actions with appropriate sounds and behaviors, dramatically boosting interactive play.
While Lego has experimented with electronics before, Smart Play introduces crucial upgrades. Notably, these pieces are now wirelessly charged, a welcome departure from previous interactive lines like the Lego Super Mario toys, which required cumbersome AAA batteries. Furthermore, the new components can detect nearby NFC-equipped smart tags, adding another layer of complexity to scenarios. The core technology utilizes a custom-made chip that is remarkably small—even tinier than a standard Lego stud—ensuring full compatibility with existing collections. The rollout begins in March with three dedicated Star Wars sets, with preorders for the new hybrid system kicking off very soon on January 9.