The LEGO Group is taking its boldest swing in years – and Blocks has the definitive guide.
Issue 137 of the monthly LEGO magazine for AFOLs explores the new SMART Brick and the wider SMART Play system, breaking down what it is, how it was developed and the LEGO Group’s ambitions for this tech-infused platform. Whether you’re excited by the possibilities or sceptical about its future, this in-depth feature reveals the thinking behind what could become a major new platform for play.
SMART Play makes its debut in Star Wars, but as LEGO designers explain, the vision extends far beyond a galaxy far, far away. Learn everything you need to know in the new issue of Blocks, available now online (including as part of a great value subscription) and arriving in UK stores on March 6.
Exclusive Insights from LEGO Designers
For fans who prefer more traditional builds, Issue 137 goes behind the scenes of the new LEGO House exclusive set, 40507 I Love Billund, with Master Builder Stuart Harris and Model Designer Maria Jędryszek. The pair share rare insights into the design process, alongside images of early sketch models and digital iterations.
New Builds with Step-by-Step Instructions
Elsewhere in the issue, Blocks takes a fresh look at Sonic the Hedgehog set 76998 Knuckles and the Master Emerald Shrine, reworking it into a more dramatic tribute to the iconic Master Emerald – perfect inspiration for your own MOCs.
- You’ll also find detailed, step-by-step instructions to build:
- A mini Ravager Jumpsuit Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy
- A mini Gungan Sub from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
- A modern reimagining of classic set 6537 Hydro Racer
Reviews, MOCs and More
Choosing which LEGO sets are right for you isn’t easy, so Reviews puts a wide range of releases under the microscope, including:
- 11373 Sauron from The Lord of the Rings
- The latest Speed Champions releases
- 10365 Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship (the Black Pearl)
- Architecture 21064 Paris – City of Love, celebrating Paris
Issue 137 also features the top LEGO creatures, Vic Viper spacecraft MOCs, a look at BIONICLE creator Christian Faber’s next venture and much more across 116 packed pages.
Win a LEGO Star Wars X-wing with SMART Brick
To celebrate the launch of SMART Play, Blocks is giving away Star Wars 75423 Luke’s Red Five X-wing – which includes a SMART Brick.
Subscribers are automatically entered into the prize draw, with the winner selected from all active subscriptions after 5.00pm UK time on April 2, 2025.
Subscriptions offer the best value:
- A one-year UK print subscription costs just £64.90, saving £52.10*
- Take one out this week and receive a FREE special edition magazine
- Choose a two-year print subscription and receive the Blocks Book of Retro LEGO Sets at no extra cost
- A print subscription also includes a free digital subscription
- Every month, subscribers are entered into an exclusive prize draw
Issue 137 is available now via subscription and as a single issue. It will arrive in UK stores from March 6.
*based on UK prices.