The LEGO Group unveiled its groundbreaking LEGO® SMART Play™ platform at Toy Fair® 2026, bringing responsive, screen-free interactivity to brick-built creations. Centered on the LEGO STAR WARS™ theme, the showcase featured the complete collection of SMART Play sets, including All-In-One builds with integrated SMART Bricks and compatible expansions featuring iconic locations and vehicles. Additional reveals spanned fan-favorite lines like LEGO Ideas, DUPLO®, and NINJAGO®, underscoring the company’s commitment to blending physical building with dynamic play experiences.
LEGO® SMART Play™ Takes Center Stage
At the heart of the LEGO Group’s presentation was LEGO® SMART Play™ , a major advancement in the LEGO System in Play. Introduced earlier in the year, this platform uses embedded technology to make builds responsive without relying on phones, apps, or screens. The core component is the LEGO SMART Brick —a compact 2×4 brick equipped with sensors, lights, sound capabilities, and an onboard synthesizer. It detects interactions, recognizes compatible elements, and provides real-time feedback through lights, sounds, and effects.
The system includes SMART Minifigures that activate unique personalities and voices when placed near a SMART Brick, along with SMART Tags that trigger specific actions or story elements. This creates open-ended play where children can build scenes, experiment with movements, and see their creations “come alive” in response—such as firing lasers, playing sound effects, or reacting to shakes and tilts.
The technology represents one of the most significant evolutions since the LEGO Minifigure debuted in 1978, with over twenty patented innovations. It remains fully compatible with existing LEGO elements, allowing builders to integrate SMART features into broader collections.
LEGO Star Wars™ Dominates the Innovations
The LEGO Star Wars™ program served as the flagship for SMART Play, with the complete collection on display at Toy Fair 2026. The initial wave, announced at CES, included three “All-In-One” sets that bundle the necessary SMART Brick, charger, SMART Minifigures, and tags:
Luke’s Red Five X-wing — A 584-piece build featuring Luke Skywalker in pilot gear, with interactive trench run effects and lightsaber sounds.
Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter — 473 pieces emphasizing Imperial pursuit sequences and engine roars.
Throne Room Duel & A-wing — 962 pieces capturing dramatic confrontations with responsive lightsaber clashes.
These sets launch on March 1, 2026, in select markets including the U.S., and are available for preorder.
Building on that foundation, five additional SMART Play compatible sets were revealed at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in January, with actor Anthony Daniels (voice of C-3PO) assisting in the presentation. These expand the galaxy without including a SMART Brick (requiring one from the All-In-One sets for full interactivity), making them more accessible entry points:
Millennium Falcon (885 pieces, $99.99) — Includes SMART Minifigures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and C-3PO, plus tags for effects like jumping to lightspeed, holochess, and stud shooters.
Luke’s Landspeeder (215 pieces, $39.99) — Features SMART Luke and a Jawa, with tags for hover effects and droid interactions.
Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training (440 pieces, $69.99) — Allows floating crates, stew-making play, and Jedi training sequences.
AT-ST Attack on Endor (347 pieces, $49.99) — Includes battle dynamics with Endor forest elements.
Mos Eisley Cantina (666 pieces, $79.99) — Recreates the bustling cantina with diverse characters and ambient effects.
These compatible sets also launch March 1, 2026, and feature new SMART Minifigures like Han Solo, Chewbacca, Yoda, and C-3PO. They emphasize classic Original Trilogy moments, blending nostalgic builds with modern play features.
Broader Theme Reveals at the Show
Beyond Star Wars, the LEGO Group highlighted diversity across its portfolio:
LEGO Ideas Peanuts: Snoopy’s Doghouse — A creative build capturing the iconic comic strip residence.
LEGO DUPLO® 3in1 Creative Ramps with Vehicles — Focused on toddler-friendly construction and imaginative vehicle play.
LEGO NINJAGO® X-1 Ninja Charger 15th Anniversary — Celebrating the theme’s milestone with updated vehicle design and exclusive minifigures.
LEGO Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) — A larger-scale display piece featuring Grogu in beskar armor.
These additions demonstrate the company’s strategy to innovate across age groups and interests while leveraging popular licenses.
Implications for Collectors and Families
The rollout positions LEGO SMART Play as a bridge between traditional building and responsive tech, appealing to both longtime fans seeking deeper immersion and new builders discovering interactive storytelling. With launches starting in March 2026 and preorders underway, the platform promises ongoing expansions, updates, and potential integrations with future themes.
The U.S. debut at Toy Fair 2026 marks a key moment for American consumers, providing hands-on access to see how SMART Bricks transform static models into dynamic adventures.
Disclaimer: This is a news report based on publicly available industry announcements and product details. It is for informational purposes only and not investment, purchasing, or play advice.