The Lego brand unveiled its new “Smart Play” system at CES, promising interactive light and sound features built into bricks, minifigures, and tiles. The company rolled out the first wave of Star Wars “Smart Play” sets, but quickly ran into pricing and design issues that left many fans skeptical.
At a Glance
- Smart Play adds light-and-sound bricks, but none of the new Star Wars sets include a smart brick.
- Five new sets launch March 1, priced between $40 and $100.
- To unlock interactivity, buyers must purchase an additional “All In One” set, costing at least $70.
- The sets feature “Smart” minifigures, but the overall design leaves gaps for the missing bricks.
- Why it matters: Fans face higher costs and incomplete builds, questioning the value of the new system.
What Is Smart Play?
The “Smart Play” system relies on three core components: smart bricks, specialized tiles, and “Smart” minifigures. The bricks can emit light and sound when triggered by the tiles or minifigures. The tiles and minifigures communicate with the bricks, allowing for interactive play that responds to user actions.
In the current lineup, all five new Star Wars sets contain the tiles and minifigures but omit the smart bricks themselves. This means that the interactivity promised by the system cannot be accessed without purchasing one of the three previously released “All In One” sets, which bundle the bricks with compatible accessories.
New Star Wars Smart Play Sets
The five sets announced today are:
| Set | Pieces | Price | Smart Minifigures | Standard Minifigures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke’s Landspeeder | 215 | $40 | Smart Luke Skywalker | Standard Jawa |
| AT-ST | 347 | $50 | Smart Wicket the Ewok | Standard AT-ST driver & Scout Trooper |
| Millennium Falcon | 885 | $100 | Smart Han, Chewie, 3PO, Luke | – |
| Mos Eisley Cantina | 666 | $80 | Smart Greedo & Obi-Wan | Standard Sand Trooper & two Cantina Band members |
| Yoda’s Hut on Dagobah | 440 | $70 | Smart Luke & Yoda | Standard R2-D2 |
Each set is priced to be the most affordable entry point for the line, but the lack of a smart brick means the advertised interactive features are not available out of the box.
Smart Bricks: An Extra Layer of Cost
The “All In One” sets that supply the smart bricks start at $70 for the cheapest option, the Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter set. This additional cost is required to unlock the interactivity that the tiles and minifigures promise.
Because the new Star Wars sets do not contain the bricks, buyers must purchase another set to experience the full Smart Play experience. This creates a two-tier purchase path:
- Base set – includes bricks, tiles, and minifigures but no smart bricks.
- All In One set – provides the smart bricks needed for interactivity.
The result is a higher overall price for fans who want the complete experience, raising concerns about the value proposition.
Design Compromises and Pricing Concerns
Even without the smart bricks, the new sets feature design elements that hint at missing components. Sections of the builds are left incomplete, with red-colored bays that would accommodate a smart brick if one were present. These gaps make the sets feel unfinished and can be frustrating for adult collectors who expect fully realized models.
The inclusion of “Smart” minifigures also adds a sticker shock element. For example, a $40 set with 215 pieces still carries a premium price that many buyers find steep, especially when the interactive features are not immediately available.
The overall aesthetic of the sets leans toward playsets aimed at younger audiences, which may deter adult collectors who are accustomed to paying higher prices for fully finished models. Parents and younger buyers, meanwhile, may feel priced out by the additional cost of the “All In One” sets.
Release Timeline and Availability
All five new sets will be released on March 1 alongside the previously revealed Smart Play line. They are currently available for pre-order through the official Lego website.
The launch schedule means that buyers who want the full interactive experience must purchase both the base set and an All In One set before the release date, adding complexity to the buying decision.
Key Takeaways
- The Smart Play system promises interactive bricks, but none of the new Star Wars sets include them.
- Buyers must purchase an additional All In One set, costing at least $70, to unlock interactivity.
- The sets feature design gaps and “Smart” minifigures that add to the price without delivering full functionality.
- The release date is March 1, with pre-orders available now.
- The higher cost and incomplete builds raise questions about the value of the Smart Play line for both collectors and younger fans.
These factors combine to create a mixed reception for Lego’s Smart Play Star Wars sets, as the company balances innovation with practical pricing and design considerations.
