Prepare to be amazed by the Lego Smart Brick, a revolutionary innovation that's set to redefine the way we play!
When Lego announced its biggest leap forward since 1978, reactions were mixed. Some feared it would stifle creativity, while others were intrigued. I, too, had my doubts, but after experiencing the Smart Brick, I'm thrilled to share my findings.
Unlike Lego's previous computer-brick toys, like the Lego Mario sets, which relied on simple barcode scanning, the Smart Brick takes interactivity to a whole new level. The new NFC smart tiles act as programs, instructing the brick to transform into various vehicles or characters. And then, the magic happens - the brick comes alive, reacting and engaging with other smart components nearby.
But here's where it gets controversial: will Lego fully harness the potential of its own invention?
Take, for instance, the flagship set's lightsaber battle feature. Two Smart Bricks, two smart minifigs, and you've got an epic clash of lightsabers, complete with sound effects and ominous breathing. It's fun, but it's also predictable.
And this is the part most people miss: place Vader next to his master, and they'll engage in a conversation in an unintelligible language, leaving your imagination to fill in the blanks. Or, put a Smart Brick on a Dewback, and you can stroke its tail, hearing its magical reactions.
The Mos Eisley Cantina set takes it up a notch, allowing you to control the Cantina Band's music speed with a simple rock of the brick. Add a smart minifig, and they can even contribute vocals!
Even a dogfight between an X-Wing and Darth Vader's TIE Fighter offers more sophistication than simple sound effects. As you blast away, the Smart Bricks keep score, and you'll hear an explosion when your target is hit.
The most impressive demonstration I witnessed was a police car set. It reacts not only to the presence of cop and robber minifigs but also to their locations relative to the Smart Brick. If a robber approaches, the car alarm sounds; if a cop approaches, he can unlock it. Place the cop behind the Smart Brick, and he'll snooze, while the robber in the front seat wakes him up shouting. Each smart minifig is programmed with unique traits, dictating its interactions.
Lego's SVP of Innovation, Tom Donaldson, reveals that these Smart Bricks have been in development for around six years. The goal was to make existing playsets feel more interactive, moving beyond a single robotic element at the core.
I was impressed by how the smaller Lego Star Wars spaceship sets achieved this. Initially, I thought the inclusion of a fuel truck, scanner outpost, and laser turret might detract from the X-Wing's size and detail, but it adds a whole new layer of interactivity. The laser turret can battle the X-Wing, the fuel truck can audibly fuel it, and the scanning station produces fun sounds.
Donaldson emphasizes that the bricks needed to be wireless and spatially aware from the start, enabling complex interactions. However, Lego wants to let kids' and adults' imaginations take the lead, rather than designing specific interactions themselves.
While some parents and fans might appreciate this approach, I'm still on the fence. I want to ensure that Smart Bricks offer long-term value, especially given their reliance on non-standard batteries. I want to know they'll continue to surprise and delight, year after year.
Speaking of batteries, I'm curious about their limited capacity and how it might impact playtime. Lego claims the Smart Bricks can last for 45 minutes of intensive use, but they also recommend charging them every six months. The bricks put themselves to sleep quickly when idle, and sometimes need to be reintroduced to smart tags and figures to reactivate.
The company also offers a wireless charger for two bricks at a time, and I've reached out to Lego to inquire about battery replacement options as they age.
I'm excited to see how The Verge reviews these Smart Bricks, as I believe they represent a rare and innovative Lego product.
What are your thoughts on Lego's latest creation? Do you think it will revolutionize playtime, or is it just a flashy gimmick? Let's discuss in the comments!
