Lego brings new kid to the block with SMART brick. Here's what it is

Legos has been around longer than you probably think, starting in 1932 as wooden toys before evolving into the plastic interlocking bricks familiar today.

Get ready for the new evolution with new SMART Play bricks, tags, and mini figures that will bring "Lego creations to life like never before," the company announced Jan. 5.

➤ Lego unveils new SMART Brick at CES 2026. Here's where to get yours

Lego SMART Play was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 , with the company saying it "represents one of the most significant evolutions in the Lego System-in-Play since the introduction of the LEGO Minifigure in 1978."

What is Lego SMART Play?

"Designed to inspire children, Lego SMART Play turns their imaginative ideas into reality , bringing their creations to life with moments of surprise and discovery," the company said.

"The combination of Lego SMART Play's platform elements — the LEGO SMART Brick, LEGO SMART Tags and LEGO SMART Minifigures — react in real time to bring an interactive play experience to kids that is full of exploration and imaginative storytelling."

They're just like regular Lego bricks except for a chip inside which respond to how they're played with, adding sound effects and movement.

What Lego SMART Play sets will be available?

The first Lego SMART Play building sets to be released will feature "Star Wars."

"For the first time, with Lego SMART Play, a galaxy far, far away …. will play back !"

The new sets will launch March 1 in select markets.

What 'Star War's Lego SMART Play will be available?

• Luke's Red Five X-Wing building set

  • Number of pieces: 584

  • Cost: $89.99

  • For ages 6+

• Darth Vader's TIE Fighter building set

  • Number of pieces: 473

  • Cost: $69.99

  • For ages 8+

• Throne Room Duel & A-Wing building set

  • Number of pieces: 962

  • Cost: $159.99

  • For ages 9+

When can you buy Lego Star Wars SMART Play sets? Where can you get them?

The Lego SMART Play All-in-One sets from LEGO Star Wars will be available for pre-order starting Jan. 9.

They'll be available for purchase at lego.com and at select retailers in launch markets March 1.

How much do the Lego 'Star Wars' SMART Play sets cost?

Costs range from $69.99 for the Darth Vader's TIE Fighter building set to $159.99 for the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing™ building set.

How does Lego Smart Play 'bring creations to life'?

The new platform features more than 20 patented world-firsts within its technology, and the Lego SMART Brick — at the heart of the platform — is powered by a custom-made chip, measuring smaller than a standard Lego stud, the company said.

The SMART Brick "is packed with technologies that bring play to life including sensors, accelerometers, light sensing and a sound sensor as well as a miniature speaker driven by an onboard synthesiser, and much more, in addition to easy wireless charging.

"Lego SMART Tags and Lego SMART Minifigures are paired with the Lego SMART Brick to power the system and allow builders' creations to become interactive , responding to actions with appropriate sounds and behaviours, allowing for a truly responsive play experience."

Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida's best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lego SMART Brick coming soon. Here's what it is and how to buy