How does SMART Play affect LEGO Star Wars set design?

The first LEGO Star Wars SMART Play sets have been revealed, allowing us to see how much the electronic integration has impacted the design.

From the All-in-one to the compatible sets, the first eight LEGO Star Wars SMART Play sets are launching in six countries on March 1, acting as the debut of the new platform. None of the sets is entirely new; they all remake familiar topics that have been depicted countlessly in the theme's history, but with the differences that SMART Play integration necessitates

This provides a useful comparison to just how much the integration of SMART Play has impacted the overall design of these LEGO Star Wars sets. For this comparison, we'll only be looking at the most recent play-centric version of that location or vehicle, not 18+ models, which cater to a different audience.

Read on for our comparison, and click here for a closer look at the new design language that LEGO Star Wars' SMART Play sets debut.

X-34 Landspeeder

Luke's landspeeder returns in 75420 Luke's Landspeeder, and the most notable difference between it and the last landspeeder model is the use of the new half-dome element in transparent for the best depiction of the windshield to date.

Much of the LEGO vehicle should look familiar, as there's only one major change to be aware of. The interior of the vehicle has been modified to include a space for the SMART brick to be placed. While this is different to the last play-focused LEGO landspeeder, it's not unsightly and can be used to seat more minifigures.

Yoda's hut

Yoda's hut appears again in 75422 Yoda's Hut and Jedi Training, now including an additional side build for a balancing feature. We'll focus on just the hut itself for this comparison, which hasn't changed all that much. The 2026 version is more accurate in shape compared to the last playset of this location, more closely resembling the 18+ diorama.

There are all the essential furnishings inside, and the SMART Play-compatible pot doesn't require much change to be integrated. Overall, Yoda's hut hasn't been impacted much by SMART Plat.

Millennium Falcon

The same can't be said for the Millennium Falcon, though the changes made to incorporate SMART Play in 75426 Millennium Falcon aren't as obvious as they are in other LEGO Star Wars SMART Play sets. The interior has faced the biggest change, now being smaller overall, but with a tiled floor that makes the 2026 version look more appealing than the last Millennium Falcon playset.

Spaces for SMART bricks to be placed are featured, though mostly out of the view of minifigures and in spaces that can be covered up. The only slot that is visible at all times sits just behind the cockpit, but even that one isn't as open as other SMART Play models that need to have the electronic element remain accessible at all times.

AT-ST

75424 AT-ST Attack on Endor is the latest take on a play-focused AT-ST, and upon first glance, there's not much difference compared to the last build. The head has changed, but with improved shaping overall and fewer visible studs. Though the back of the head is open, it's still not quite as obvious as another LEGO Star Wars SMART Play set, and the fact that it's only one side that remains open helps the visuals.

The legs and feet of the walker have bigger changes, but they compare favourably despite the smaller piece count and overall lack of more intense detail. The legs are especially sufficient, while shorter, and use few elements.

Mos Eisley Cantina

Mos Eisley Cantina LEGO playsets are a common occurrence in the theme, and all the essential features are present in 75425 Mos Eisley Cantina. There's the bar and a seating area, which compare nicely against the last model, as well as a rare instance of a stage for the band.

The SMART brick slots in this set aren't too obvious, and you can only really tell that the stage has space for one thanks to the Technic pieces. Even the Dewback's slot isn't overly noticeable, but is present either way. SMART Play has certainly impacted the set design for Mos Eisley Cantina, but not in a monumental way.

TIE Advanced

What has changed more significantly is the LEGO TIE Advanced. Darth Vader's starfighter is featured again in 75421 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, and while the front looks fine, this is by far the most open SMART Play model at the back.

75421 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter's TIE Advanced has ample space to interact with the SMART brick at the rear, with there being around a quarter of the hull missing compared to the last LEGO version of the ship. This model is a great example of how SMART Play can impact set design and what changes need to be made to accomodate it.

The Emperor's throne room

75427 Throne Room Duel & A-Wing is the biggest SMART Play set so far, featuring not one, but two SMART bricks. The integration of them only really impacts the front of the model, though. The area in which Darth Vader and Luke battle has been greatly expanded compared to any other Throne Room model, providing plenty of space for you to move the figures in the duel.

The throne and iconic window themselves remain mostly unchanged, taking more inspiration from the 18+ diorama now, but with no visible places where a SMART brick would be placed. There is one in reality, but it is cleverly hidden.

X-Wing

Perhaps the most notably changed LEGO Star Wars vehicle for SMART Play is the X-wing. 75423 Luke's Red Five X-Wing. This new version isn't quite as sleek as the last play-focused LEGO X-Wing. It's much bulkier to accommodate the SMART brick and looks almost chibi in its design. This is partially to be more stable since the designers expect the starfighter to be handled a lot.

There's no open cockpit, at least, but this model is another clear example of how the design team have had to change previous designs to integrate the platform, and the design language of SMART Play overall.

Whatever you think of SMART Play and these eight new LEGO Star Wars sets, they're all launching on March 1 in six countries, and you can pre-order them now in qualifying regions.

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