Honestly, if you looked at the state of the brick back in 2025, you probably would’ve been pretty worried about your wallet. We had that massive Death Star that felt like it cost as much as a used car and some "anniversary" sets that were, well, a bit of a letdown for the price. But 2026 is actually looking like a massive course correction.
Lego has finally realized that not everyone has five hundred bucks and an empty spare room for a single model. The new star wars lego sets hitting shelves right now—and the ones leaked for the rest of the year—are leaning hard into "midi-scale" and something called "Smart Play." It’s a weird transition. You've got these tiny, hyper-detailed display pieces on one hand and interactive, tech-heavy toys on the other.
The Midi-Scale Revolution is Actually Happening
For years, fans begged for ships that were bigger than a Microfighter but smaller than a UCS (Ultimate Collector Series) behemoth. Lego finally listened. The January 1st wave gave us the 75441 Venator-Class Attack Cruiser. It’s basically a 643-piece masterclass in how to make a ship look "expensive" for only $79.99.
The build quality is surprisingly dense. You get those iconic red-and-cream Republic markings without having to deal with the 5,000 pieces of the UCS version. It even has a tiny hangar bay that opens. It’s perfect for a desk.
Then there’s the 75440 AT-AT. This one is $64.99 and has 525 pieces. It’s got a fixed-leg design which some people on Eurobricks and Reddit are already complaining about, but honestly? It makes it way more stable for display. The coolest part is the micro-scale Snowspeeder that comes with a "tow cable" you can wrap around the legs. It’s a neat little nod to Hoth that doesn't take up your entire coffee table.
Let’s Talk About the "Smart Play" Controversy
This is where things get polarizing. In March 2026, Lego is launching a whole sub-theme of "Smart Brick" sets. We're talking sensors, lights, and sounds built directly into the bricks. The centerpiece is 75427 Throne Room Duel & A-Wing, which is going for a staggering $159.99 despite only having 962 pieces.
Why so expensive? The "Smart" tech.
You get "Smart" versions of Luke, Vader, and the Emperor. When they "fight," the bricks react. It sounds cool in a press release, but long-time collectors are skeptical. Is it a gimmick? Probably. The piece counts on these sets are notably lower because the electronics eat up the budget. For example:
- 75421 Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter ($69.99 for only 473 pieces)
- 75423 Luke’s Red Five X-wing ($99.99 for 584 pieces)
Paying $100 for an X-wing with fewer than 600 pieces feels like a gut punch when the 2021 version was much cheaper and looked just as good. But if you’re a parent looking for something that "does something," these are going to be the hot items.
The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie Hype
Since the movie is the next big thing in the Star Wars universe, the new star wars lego sets are leaning heavily into Mando. We finally got a Cobb Vanth’s Speeder (75437). It’s $34.99 and comes with 207 pieces, but the real draw is the minifigures. You get Cobb Vanth in his scavenged Boba Fett armor and a brand-new Cad Bane with a slightly smaller (and more accurate) hat.
There’s also a dirt-cheap 75436 The Mandalorian & Grogu’s Speeder Bike for $9.99. It’s basically a "minifigure pack" in disguise, giving you Din Djarin and the kid for ten bucks. That’s a win for everyone.
What’s Coming Later in 2026?
The rumor mill is spinning fast for the May 4th wave and the Summer sets.
- The Sandcrawler (75453): Rumored at $199.99. This is supposed to be the "Mandalorian version," potentially featuring more weathering and a different interior than the old ones.
- Ewok Village: This is the big one people are whispering about. It’s been years since the last one, and the rumor is a $179.99 price point. If they pull this off with modern building techniques, it’ll be the set of the year.
- Bounty Hunter Pursuit: A remake of the classic 2002 set with Zam Wesell’s airspeeder. Fans have been asking for a new Zam minifigure for two decades.
Is the "Clone Wars" Fatigue Real?
Lego seems to think so, or at least they’re pivoting. While we did get the 75449 Siege of Mandalore Battle Pack ($22.99) for the army builders, the rest of the 2026 lineup is very Original Trilogy heavy. The 332nd Company Clones in that battle pack are great, but the shift toward "Midi-scale" Empire ships suggests Lego is chasing the adult nostalgia market harder than the prequel-era kids.
One thing that’s definitely annoying: the price per piece is creeping up. You’re seeing $0.15 to $0.20 per brick on these new licensed sets. It makes it harder to justify "impulse buys" when a small speeder costs as much as a full meal at a nice restaurant.
👉 See also: Denny Duquette: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grey’s Anatomy Legend
Practical Steps for Collectors in 2026
If you’re looking to pick up some of these new star wars lego sets, don't just rush to the Lego Store on day one. Here’s the play:
- Wait for the "Smart Play" Reviews: Don't pre-order the electronic sets. We still don't know how well the sensors actually work or if the app integration is going to be a buggy mess.
- Prioritize the Midi-Scale Ships: The Venator and AT-AT are already seeing high demand. These are the ones most likely to appreciate in value because they appeal to "display collectors" who don't have space for UCS sets.
- Snag Cobb Vanth Early: Minifigures for characters like Cobb Vanth often stay exclusive to one set for a long time. If that set retires, his price on the secondary market will skyrocket.
- Watch the Discounts: Retailers like Amazon and Walmart usually drop prices by 20% about three to four months after launch. Unless it's a "Lego Exclusive," patience pays off.
The 2026 lineup is a bit of a gamble for Lego. They're betting big on tech and smaller, shelf-friendly models. Whether the "Smart Bricks" become the next Hidden Side or a permanent fixture is anyone's guess, but for now, the midi-scale ships are the real stars of the show.