Lego Smart Brick Review: My Experience and Opinion

I consider myself a big fan of Lego, which is no secret to those who know me. I’ve always been drawn to the build-and-display aspect, though I lack the creativity to design my own sets. Playing with bricks lost its charm for me when I reached double digits. So, when Lego unveiled its new Smart Play system powered by the Smart Brick, I wasn’t exactly the target demographic. The high-tech play feature aimed at enhancing interactivity in specific Lego sets stirred up controversy among adult Lego enthusiasts. Initially, I found myself mildly disinterested, not planning to invest in a Smart Play set or vocally protest online.

However, my perspective shifted when I delved into the technology behind the Smart Brick. Intrigued by what I discovered, I decided to experience it firsthand. After acquiring the Smart Play TIE Fighter featuring Darth Vader, a Sith Lord beloved by many, I was genuinely impressed by Lego’s innovative creation.

Despite not being the intended audience and still not adding Smart Play sets to my Lego wishlist, I realized that if I were a child, this would be an incredibly enjoyable plaything. A standout feature for parents is that the Smart Play doesn’t involve screens, offering a more interactive and hands-on play experience.

Regarding the Smart Play Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, retailing at Amazon for $69, the Smart Brick opens up new possibilities to incorporate exciting effects into your Lego builds. Recreate Darth Vader’s iconic TIE Fighter and engage in epic space battles against pesky rebels while safeguarding your formidable Death Star.

When it comes to building the Smart Play TIE Fighter, it’s more simplistic than most Star Wars sets, catering more to children’s playtime than adult collectors. While it didn’t pose a significant challenge for me, that’s entirely deliberate, showcasing Lego’s focus on a child-friendly design. I appreciated the absence of stickers, opting for printed parts to enhance the building experience.

The Smart Brick operates using a form of near-field communication with a surprisingly broad range. Despite my initial skepticism about its placement at the back of the TIE Fighter, I was proven wrong. The Smart Brick can communicate with both Darth Vader and the TIE Fighter Smart tag simultaneously, covering an impressive distance of approximately an inch of dead space.