The Sphere in Las Vegas has previously hosted immersive concerts, films, and experiences, but its exterior screen had mostly showcased abstract visuals and brand promotions. That changed during CES 2026.
In a collaboration between Disney, Lucasfilm, Lego, and Sphere Studios, the Sphere's exterior was transformed into a Lego Death Star, coinciding with the launch of Lego’s new Smart Play system. This experience was unlike anything else.
From a life-size, partially brick-built Lego X-Wing positioned in front of the Sphere, I flew the iconic Star Wars Death Star trench run, with the Sphere serving as the ultimate screen for Lego Star Wars.
As I approached from the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, the takeover was impossible to miss. Lego Star Wars Minifigures of Luke, Leia, Darth Vader, and others flashed across the Sphere, surrounded by waves of tumbling bricks. The real highlight was the life-size Lego X-Wing.
After donning a helmet, I watched as the X-Wing’s cockpit opened, revealing my seat. In front of me was a flight arm with a trigger and a screen for character selection. The Death Star loomed large through the cockpit window, making the experience even more immersive.
I joined other X-Wings, my Rebel allies, as TIE Fighters approached during our flight toward the floating battle station. It was a dream come true for any Star Wars fan, played out on a grand scale.
The Sphere’s outer screen, known as the exosphere, is the world’s largest outdoor display, towering at 366 feet and covering 580,000 square feet. This was undoubtedly the biggest screen a Lego Star Wars game has ever been played on. The experience felt unmistakably like the Lego Star Wars series.
As I navigated the trench run, I encountered iconic Lego Star Wars vessels, including the Tantive IV, before diving into the trench run itself. It was an exhilarating moment that felt like stepping into Star Wars: A New Hope.
While the flight-control stick was a bit challenging, I managed to take out several turrets and TIE Fighters. The prompt to “Defeat Darth Vader” appeared, and with some well-aimed shots, I scored a few direct hits.
The climax was spectacular, with the Lego Death Star filling the Sphere before the iconic explosion sequence unfolded, sending gray Lego bricks flying across the screen. Smoke surrounded the X-Wing for added effect, creating an unforgettable experience.
Though the X-Wing was primarily constructed from Lego bricks, it featured a fully brick-built R2-D2 that moved and reacted throughout the run. I ultimately scored 50,000 points, a respectable achievement.
This activation at CES 2026 showcased a massive screen while echoing the essence of Lego’s Smart Brick. It was about immersing oneself in Star Wars storytelling rather than passively observing it.
The Sphere elevated this concept, transforming the Death Star trench run into a fully immersive experience. At home, the Smart Brick and Smart Minifigures aim to inspire similar participation on a smaller scale, using lights, sounds, and reactions built into the bricks to engage players in the story.
We also spoke with Jaxson Dart, the NFL quarterback for the New York Giants and a Star Wars enthusiast, who piloted the X-Wing and described the experience as "insane." He shared his lifelong passion for Star Wars and how it continues to inspire him.
Dart's favorite Lego set is the recently released UCS Death Star, known for its complexity and challenge.
The latest Ultimate Collector Series Death Star features 9,023 pieces and depicts a cross-section of the battle station, showcasing iconic rooms from the franchise.
Lego Smart Play launches on March 1, 2026, with three new Star Wars sets, each featuring a Smart Brick, Smart Minifigure, and Smart Tag. Check out our first look at those sets here.
