The Star Wars Sphere experience in Las Vegas has hosted numerous immersive concerts, films, and experiences since its opening. Externally, the Exosphere screen has typically displayed abstract visuals or brand promotions until a major shift occurred during CES 2026, held in early January.
During CES 2026, a collaboration between Disney, Lucasfilm, Lego, and Sphere Studios, celebrating Lego’s new Smart Play system, transformed Sphere’s exterior in an unprecedented way. This achievement will be difficult to surpass.
As a result, the sphere became a Lego Death Star Trench Run. I had the unique opportunity to pilot the Las Vegas Sphere Death Star trench run from a lifelike, partially brick-built LEGO X-wing positioned in front of the venue, with the Sphere serving as the immersive screen for LEGO Star Wars.
This immersive display demonstrated Lagos’s creativity and the power of imagination when combined with a venue as expansive as the Sphere. Notably, Lagos’s new smart brick lacks a screen, highlighting its groundbreaking approach.
Approaching from the southern end of the Las Vegas strip, the display was unmistakable: Lego Star Wars minifigures including Luke, Leia, and Darth Vader. The minifigures appeared across the sphere, surrounded by animated bricks. The highlight was a lifelike Lego X-Wing visible even before reaching the opposite side of the venue.
I put on a helmet as the X-Wing’s front hood opened, revealing the cockpit. Inside, a flight arm with a trigger and a character selection screen awaited. The main attraction was the view of the cockpit through the cockpit window, where the Death Star filled my field of vision.
The experience began with several X-Wings simulating a coordinated Rebel assault. As TIE fighters approached the battle station, the iconic Star Wars trench run took place, providing immersive experiences.
The Spear’s outer screen is the world’s largest outdoor display at 366 feet tall. It covers 580,000 square feet. Lego Star Wars used the entire screen, making it the largest display ever used for a Las Vegas Sphere Star Wars game. For people wondering what the experience is like, it was custom-built for the Spear. It kept the distinctive look and feel of the Lego Star Wars series.
Was Lego Star Wars depicted virtually in what may be the biggest fashion, very close to the Skywalker saga game, where you can run a pretty similar run to this one as the Death Star inched closer. After I saw more iconic Lego Star Wars vessels, such as the Tantive IV, appear, I went in for the iconic trench to run on the sphere. It was quite simply a pinch-me instant – what seemed like plunging directly into Star Wars: A New Hope.
During the trench run, the flight control stick was somewhat challenging to use, but I was able to eliminate several turrets and tie fighters. When the prompt to defeat Dark Vader appeared, I successfully landed after several hits.
Next was the final shot. The full shell of the LEGO Death Star filled the sphere, before the final shot with the LEGO Death Star filling the sphere, before the iconic explosion and explosion sequence as gray LEGO bricks burst across the screen. Smoke effects surrounded the X-Wing, boosting the spectacle. The scale and impact were truly impressive. Mostly made of LEGO bricks, with a few structural elements mixed in, was a fully brick-built R2-D2 on board, along with a giant smart brick. The droid moved and screamed, throughout the sun, its head spinning the entire time.
I scored 50,000 points, a respectable result.
This activation at CES 26, while utilizing a massive screen, reflected the core concept behind LEGO’s new smart brick. The focus was on engaging participants in Star Wars storytelling rather than passive device viewing.
Sphere expanded on this concept, transforming the Death Star Trench run into a fully immersive joint experience. At home, the smart brick and smart mini figures are intended to promote similar participation on a smaller scale using integrated lights, sounds, and reactions to engage players and encourage imaginative play.
How Does the Sphere Tech Work?
We interviewed Jackson Lotto, an NFL quarterback for the New York Giants and an avid Star Wars fan and experienced Lego builder.
Following the interview, Dart enthusiastically called piloting the X-Wing “insane,” describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a devoted fan. He shared how much fun he had piloting the Lego Star Wars X-Wing and seeing it play out at Sphere.
When asked when his passion for Star Wars began, Dart explained, “Honestly, ever since I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to it.”
Star Wars was my first love when it came to movies and characters, and that love has kept developing throughout my life. It makes me feel like I am a little kid again. On game days, Dart incorporates his passion for Star Wars by wearing the one-sided makeup inspired by Anakin Skywalker.
Building on his connection to the franchise, he considers Anakin as his on-field character, emphasizing power and command qualities essential for an NFL quarterback. He compares himself to Yoda, describing himself as a leader dedicated to the success of those around him.
Shifting gears to Lego, when asked about his favorite Lego Star Wars set, Dart quickly named the newly released UCS Death Star, stating, “I love the challenge, and it was very complex.”
Unlike previous versions of the model recreated on the Sphere, the latest LEGO Death Star is designed as a sliced cross-section rather than a full globe. Each floor features iconic rooms from the battle station as seen throughout the franchise.
Looking ahead, Lego Smart Play will launch on March 1, 2026, with three new Star Wars sets, each including at least one Smart Break smart minifigure and Smart Tag. Our first look and early impressions of these sets make us believe it is truly worth it.
