What does the new Lego Smart Brick actually do? Here are 3 ways it seriously upgrades your models

Date:
Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:33:02 +0000

Description:
Like the look of the Lego Smart Brick? These are the key things you need to know.

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We have our ears to the ground on all things CES 2026 right now, and one of this years stand-out announcements is the Lego Smart Brick and we're already excited by its smart features.

The Lego Smart Brick is a 2 x 4 brick containing a chip and other tech that enables it to emit light, sound effects, and dialogue when used with
connected Minifigures and Smart Tags in Lego's new line of Smart Play sets.

Its a revolutionary way to enhance the player experience for young users, but thats not stopping us big kids from being just as pumped for its arrival.

The first three Lego Smart Play sets, all Star Wars-themed, will go on sale from March 1, with preorders available as of January 9. So how exactly does the Lego Smart Brick work? And how will it enhance the way you interact with Lego? @techradar

original sound - TechRadar Lights, sound, motion, and more (Image credit: Lego)

Firstly, the Lego Smart Brick looks like your standard long brick, but inside it packs a chip thats smaller than a single Lego stud, enabling it to adapt
to different play surroundings.

It can detect when a Smart Minifigure or Smart Tag is nearby, which is all down to its ASIC chip. This impressive spatial awareness also allows the
Smart Brick to map the position of a Minifigure using flashing lights when
its placed anywhere along its perimeter.

The Smart Brick also has a small speaker that delivers dialogue and sound effects, as well as an LED light for added visual effects, not to mention its motion sensors.

It all sounds pretty unique doesnt it? But it gets better. Minifigures and Smart Tags are the key (Image credit: Lego)

Weve covered the Lego Smart Bricks technical smarts, but heres what it can do when Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags come into play.

While the Smart Brick is packed with its own functions, so are Smart Minifigures and Tags, which come with individual digital IDs that allow the Smart Brick to react differently when paired with each one and it can work with existing models too.

Do you have a Lego helicopter, spaceship, or even a toilet model kicking about? When you clip an accompanying Smart Tag to the Smart Brick and place
it on the appropriate model, the Tag helps the Smart Brick to know which
model it should become, and which sound effects it should react with.

From there, the Smart Brick can detect the way the model moves, and which direction it twists and turns. For example, if youre using a Lego car, the Smart Brick will emit engine noises, and even a crash sound if the vehicle is turned over.

The same goes for Smart Minifigures, which have their own personalities. When in play, the Smart Brick unveils their individual moods, reactions, and sounds, adding another layer to the experience. New and smarter Lego sets
will follow (Image credit: Lego)

The adaptability of the Lego Smart Brick with classic vehicle models is one way to enhance the way you interact with your sets, and this innovation means that more new Lego Smart Play models will follow.

Initially, as mentioned, Lego is launching three Star Wars sets under the Smart Play name, featuring many of our favorite characters and spaceships
from the franchise and I think the Catina Band would be a great addition.
But imagine what else the Smart Brick could make possible.

How about a Lego Smart Play range packed with new Harry Potter models where you can battle it out with the sounds of spells crashing in the background?
Or perhaps an iconic landmark such as Big Ben, or the Eiffel Tower with a soothing accordion soundtrack to give the effect of being in the city of love itself.

That said, I cant imagine how a Lego Smart Play Titanic model would be received...

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES , and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2026 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from wireless TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home
gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And dont forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/streaming/entertainment/what-does-the-new-lego-smart -brick-actually-do-here-are-3-ways-it-seriously-upgrades-your-models


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