The LEGO Group has brought new innovations to San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The LEGO SMART Play Gateway offers interactive experiences featuring technology-driven play and popular franchises. Guests can also find new sets and fan-focused activities at the four-day event.
LEGO Brings SMART Play to San Diego Comic-Con
According to PR Newswire, the platform combines the company’s traditional brick building with responsive technology using lights, sounds, and motion. Built around SMART Brick, a 2×4 LEGO brick, the system reacts to SMART Minifigures, movement, and SMART Tags and delivers storytelling experiences.
The SMART Brick features 20-plus patented technologies that allow the creations to respond quickly and bring a new level of interactivity.
Since its launch earlier this year, LEGO SMART Play has allowed physical creations to respond instantly during play.
The platform gives builders new ways to create stories and interact with their LEGO models beyond traditional brick-based play.
According to Beth McKenna, the company’s Head of U.S. Marketing, SMART Play represents the company’s biggest advancement in play since the introduction of the LEGO Minifigure and that Comic-Con provides an opportunity to introduce the technology to fans.
Interactive Pokémon and Star Wars Experiences
Visitors entering the interactive gateway can choose between two themed destinations that draw from popular franchises.
The first is LEGO Pokémon Lab, which recreates a Pokémon Trainer’s laboratory. Attendees can select a starter Pokémon out of Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. They can then interact with SMART Play-enabled displays featuring Pikachu, Eevee, and other characters. The LEGO Pokémon is another one in the collection.
Mos Eisley is the second destination with emphasis on Star Wars. At the recreated cantina, guests can use SMART Play interactions to play music and take pictures with Greedo and other displays. They can also visit a sleeping Dewback and search for hidden Aurebesh messages.
New LEGO Sets Debut at the Event
The company is launching a wide range of sets at the San Diego Comic-Con 2026. These are exhibited to provide attendees an early view before their retail rollout happens.
One notable debut is of LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge. Second person as per the press release, the set is designed for adult builders and offers a recreation of the Enterprise bridge and transporter room.
The model also has eight Star Trek minifigures and other features, including turbo lift doors, a captain’s chair, and a functioning transporter effect.
Another set that is being showcased is the LEGO Donkey Kong Arcade. Based on Nintendo’s arcade game, the 1,367-piece collectible recreates the classic arcade experience with interactive features. It is modeled after the original arcade cabinet and has interactive features that let Jumpman dodge rolling barrels.
In addition to the booth, the company is highlighting the Star Trek set during a panel that will have LEGO designers Henrik Andersen and Crystal Marie Fontan. Timing is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 (Room 5AB).
Another attraction is the “Star Trek: Boldly Built” exhibit. One can take pictures with a Captain’s Chair that is prepared from approximately 83,568 LEGO bricks. Attendees can visit from July 23 to 26 at Marriott Marquis on W. Harbor Drive.
The company is also growing its Minifigures lineup using a new Shrek Series. This will present DreamWorks Animation’s popular franchise to its collectible mystery boxes.
Slated to drop on September 1, the series features 12 collectible characters. These are Shrek, Puss in Boots, Donkey, Lord Farquaad, Fiona, Big Bad Wolf, and Prince Charming. Several of these figures come with Blind Mice, a lollipop, Magic Mirror, or other accessories.
The recent announcement comes just as the original Shrek movie completes 25 years. It will also present attendees an early view of other LEGO Shrek products for 2027.
Fans Can Join Panels and Other Activities
Beyond product reveals, LEGO will host additional fan activities throughout the convention.
In celebration of LEGO NINJAGO’s 15th anniversary, the company prepares to host live readings and cast panels of an exclusive canon scene. There will also be in-booth autograph sessions with voice actors. The company has also brought NINJAGO-inspired Crocs collection and Jibbitz charms.
All through the event, fans can take part in the Lost Luggage Scavenger Hunt. This involves searching the convention center for LEGO luggage tags. These tags can be redeemed for exclusive prize packages and artwork at the booth.
Attendees can also get limited-edition souvenirs, such as LEGO travel guides, themed travel stickers, boarding passes, and destination postcards for the Comic-Con.
The LEGO booth will be open July 23 through July 26, featuring SMART Play demonstrations, upcoming sets, and fan experiences.
