(Credit: Lego)
LAS VEGAS—At CES, Lego is stepping into the spotlight with a fresh category of interactive toys, highlighted by a Luke Skywalker minifigure that produces its own lightsaber sounds. Winner of our Best Future Tech category at CES, the new range, branded Lego Smart Play, centers on a high-tech component called the Smart Brick. Packed with sensors, the brick can detect play actions, change colors, and generate sound effects in real-time. When paired with a snap-on Smart Tag that delivers programmed instructions, the system works seamlessly with the new Lego Smart minifigures to usher in a whole new way to play.
To help launch the lineup, Lego is adding to its Star Wars collection with new smart sets that will debut in March. The sets include an X-Wing set with a Luke figurine, a TIE fighter set with Darth Vader, and a Throne Room set where the two can have a lightsaber duel.
(Credit: Andrew Gebhart)Even outside the Star Wars universe, Lego’s press demo showed the Smart Brick used in a variety of games and demos. Two bricks changed color to match a nearby board, or based on how close they were to each other. They emitted swooping and crashing sound effects when attached to a plane and car figurine. Smart figures let out a comical cry when a car crashed into them.
What Is the Lego Smart Brick?
The bricks themselves will have sound, light, color, and distance sensors. They look like ordinary rectangular Lego bricks—clear when turned off, and displaying a variety of colors when turned on, depending on the scenario. The Smart Tags are small rectangles that plug into the middle of the bricks. You then shake the brick to wake it up. It wasn't clear from the demo whether you'll need a different Smart Tag for each scenario, such as plane sounds and animal sounds.
Recommended by Our Editors
The possibilities of the bricks did seem cool. The location sensing allowed the presenters to play a game with kids, and the bricks changed the colors of participating cars based on which one was rolled closest to a target.
The Smart Tags could be the main limiting factor. When I was a kid, I was pretty adept at making the lightsaber sound effects myself while dueling against Vader. The company also didn’t specify pricing or how often you'll need to recharge the various pieces. Still, the goal of increased immersion seems within reach, and Lego wants to integrate technology into its toys in a way that enhances physical play away from screens while being intuitive to use.
How Much Do the Lego Smart Play Sets Cost and When Are They Coming Out?
The Smart Play Legos are launching in Star Wars-themed sets that will be available beginning March 1. Prices start at $70 and go up to $160.
We can't wait to play with these Legos in PC Labs—if not in a galaxy far, far away—once they’re released. Check back for more as soon as they come out.