LEGO Launches First Smart Play Star Wars Sets

LEGO has officially introduced Smart Play, a new interactive system utilizing specialized components to enhance play. The initial rollout focuses on the Star Wars universe, with three distinct sets currently available for preorder. All sets are scheduled to release on March 1.

The new system relies on three key elements: Smart Bricks, Smart Minifigures, and Smart Tags. These components work together to produce dynamic responses such as sounds and lights. The sets being released are the Throne Room Duel & A-Wing, Luke's Red Five X-Wing, and Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, ranging in price from $69.99 to $159.99.

The most expensive of the three releases is the LEGO Star Wars Smart Play: Throne Room Duel & A-Wing, priced at $159.99. This set contains 962 pieces and is designated as set #75427. It measures over 5.5 inches high, 11.5 inches long, and 19 inches wide when assembled.

This set is designed to recreate the iconic Lightsaber battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader from Return of the Jedi. It includes three specific Smart Minifigures: Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and the Emperor. The set also builds an A-Wing Fighter with a standard Pilot mini figure and an Imperial cannon turret equipped with a SMART tag.

The two included SMART Bricks provide interactive audio features. They can reproduce the sounds of the Lightsabers clashing, the A-Wing ship's engine, and even play "The Imperial March." The set contains a total of 2 SMART Bricks, 3 SMART Minifigures, and 5 SMART Tags.

The LEGO Star Wars Smart Play: Luke's Red Five X-Wing is available for $99.99. Containing 584 pieces, this set (number 75423) measures over 2 inches high, 8.5 inches long, and 7.5 inches wide. It allows builders to construct Luke Skywalker's iconic ship along with an Imperial turret, transporter, and command center.

Interactive features are driven by 1 SMART Brick and 2 SMART Minifigures. The included minifigures are Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, accompanied by an R2-D2 droid. The set includes 5 SMART Tags.

Players can engage with various interactive elements, including laser-shooting sounds, engine noises, and lights. The system also simulates refueling and repair sounds for a more immersive experience.

The most affordable option in the initial lineup is the LEGO Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, priced at $69.99. This set (#75241) consists of 473 pieces and measures over 4 inches high, 4 inches long, and 5.5 inches wide.

The set features Darth Vader as a SMART Minifigure and includes his iconic TIE Fighter ship. Additionally, builders construct a Rebel Outpost and an Imperial Fueling Station. The ship itself contains a SMART Brick capable of emitting engine sounds and other effects.

Specific components included in this set are:

• 1 SMART Brick
• 1 SMART Minifigure (Darth Vader)
• 1 SMART Tag featuring the TIE Fighter

Smart Play is a new system designed to make LEGO sets more dynamic, described as being somewhat similar to LEGO Super Mario sets but more intricate. The system relies on the interaction between three core components: SMART Bricks, SMART Minifigures, and SMART Tags.

The SMART Brick serves as the central processing unit for the system. It is equipped with various sensors, accelerometers, and a speaker. These technical specifications allow the brick to detect movement and interact with the other elements in the set.

When the components are used together, they can respond to sounds, light, and movement with appropriate audio feedback and behaviors. Every set in this new line comes with a SMART Brick and charger, ensuring the system is ready to use upon purchase. Despite this new technology, LEGO has confirmed that standard, non-interactive sets will continue to be released.