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Lego Debuts Screen-Free ‘Smart Play’ Platform With Interactive Star Wars Sets

Designed for screen-free play, the system reacts to movement with real-time lights and sounds without any app or hub.

Overview

  • Preorders open January 9 for three Star Wars All‑In‑One sets, with retail launch on March 1: Luke’s Red Five X‑Wing, Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, and Throne Room Duel & A‑Wing.
  • The platform centers on Smart Bricks, Smart Tags, and Smart Minifigures that interact in real time and remain compatible with standard Lego builds.
  • Smart Bricks house a custom ASIC smaller than a stud, accelerometers, light and sound sensors, an LED array, a miniature speaker with an onboard synthesizer, and wireless charging.
  • Lego says Smart Play runs offline using a self‑organizing Bluetooth ‘BrickNet’ network with enhanced encryption, though researchers note ongoing questions about firmware, updates, and hacking risk.
  • U.S. prices land at roughly $70, $100, and $160 for the launch sets, prompting coverage that flags premium pricing and the risk of debuting the tech in a licensed line.