Will LEGO Mindstorms Come Back? [2024] 🤔

Have you been wondering if LEGO Mindstorms will make a comeback? We’ve got all the answers for you! As experts at Toy Brands™, we’ve delved deep into this topic to provide you with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information. So, let’s dive in and explore the future of LEGO Mindstorms!

Quick Answer

✅ Yes, LEGO Mindstorms will make a comeback! While it was discontinued in October 2022, LEGO has announced that they will continue to support the Scratch-based SPIKE controller. So, while the current sets may no longer be available, there is still hope for the future of LEGO Mindstorms.

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Quick Tips and Facts

• LEGO Mindstorms is a line of educational kits for building programmable robots based on LEGO bricks.
• It has been widely used in schools and robotics competitions, such as the FIRST LEGO League.
• The target audience for LEGO Mindstorms is children, but many adults also enjoy building and programming with these kits.
• The first version of LEGO Mindstorms was released in 1998, and the latest version, LEGO Mindstorms EV3, was released in 2013.

Background: The Legacy of LEGO Mindstorms

LEGO Mindstorms has a rich history that spans over two decades. It has empowered countless children and adults to explore the world of robotics and programming. Let’s take a closer look at the different generations of LEGO Mindstorms and their impact.

1. LEGO Mindstorms NXT (2006)

In 2006, LEGO released the third generation of LEGO Mindstorms, called LEGO Mindstorms NXT. This kit was designed for children aged 10 and up and included a programmable RCX brick, servo motors, sensors, and a software package for graphical programming. The NXT kit allowed users to build and program robots like Alpha Rex, Tri-Bot, Robo-Arm T-56, and Spike.

Development of LEGO Mindstorms NXT

The development of LEGO Mindstorms NXT began in 2004 as part of a cost-cutting measure by LEGO during a financial crisis. LEGO collaborated with hobbyists from the Mindstorms community to develop and promote the NXT kit. Fans were involved in the beta-testing phase, providing valuable feedback on the hardware and design. Their input led to features like a 32-bit processor, more powerful motors, and Bluetooth compatibility.

Launch of LEGO Mindstorms NXT

LEGO Mindstorms NXT was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2006 and launched in August of the same year. The kit was sold at electronics stores like BestBuy and CompUSA. It quickly gained popularity, with the entire production run selling out within three months. The success of LEGO Mindstorms NXT generated significant public interest and marked a turning point for the LEGO Group.

LEGO Mindstorms in the Present

While LEGO Mindstorms has been discontinued, there are still options available for those interested in robotics and programming. Let’s explore some of the recent developments in the LEGO Mindstorms lineup.

LEGO Education SPIKE Prime

In April 2019, LEGO Education introduced SPIKE Prime, a system designed for children aged 11 and up. The SPIKE Prime set includes LEGO Technic elements, motors, and sensors for distance, force, and color. It features a controller brick based on an STM32F413 microcontroller and a drag-and-drop programming interface inspired by Scratch.

LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor

In June 2020, LEGO released the LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor set, which is the latest commercially available Mindstorms set. It includes medium motors, sensors, a Spike Prime hub with a six-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, and over 900 LEGO Technic elements. While the set has been discontinued, app support will continue through 2024.

Programming Languages for LEGO Mindstorms

LEGO Mindstorms supports a variety of programming languages, allowing users to unleash their creativity and explore different coding options. Some of the programming languages available for LEGO Mindstorms include Ada, Python, Java, Visual Basic, C, C++, and many others. Additionally, third-party companies provide alternative programming languages, tools, and extensions for LEGO Mindstorms.

FAQ

Is LEGO Mindstorms coming back?

Yes, LEGO Mindstorms will make a comeback! While the current sets may no longer be available, LEGO has announced that they will continue to support the Scratch-based SPIKE controller. So, while the specific sets may change, the spirit of LEGO Mindstorms will live on.

Why did LEGO stop Mindstorms?

LEGO discontinued Mindstorms in October 2022 as part of their product lineup changes. However, they will continue to support the Scratch-based SPIKE controller, ensuring that the educational and creative aspects of LEGO Mindstorms are still accessible.

Read more about “🚨 The Surprising Truth Behind the Discontinuation of LEGO Mindstorms … 🧩”

What has replaced LEGO Mindstorms?

While LEGO Mindstorms has been discontinued, LEGO Education has introduced the SPIKE Prime system as a successor. SPIKE Prime offers a new set of features and programming capabilities, providing an alternative for those interested in robotics and programming.

Why is LEGO Mindstorms out of stock?

The discontinuation of LEGO Mindstorms has led to limited availability of the sets in the market. As LEGO transitions to new product offerings, it’s common for older sets to become out of stock. However, you may still find LEGO Mindstorms sets through third-party sellers or in the secondary market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LEGO Mindstorms may have been discontinued, but the spirit of creativity and learning it embodies will continue to thrive. While the specific sets may change, LEGO’s commitment to supporting robotics and programming education remains strong. Whether you’re a child or an adult, exploring the world of robotics and programming with LEGO Mindstorms is an exciting and educational journey.

So, don’t give up on your dreams of building and programming robots! Keep an eye out for future LEGO Mindstorms releases and explore other options like LEGO Education SPIKE Prime. The world of LEGO Mindstorms is full of endless possibilities, waiting for you to unleash your imagination!

Recommended Links:

• Shop LEGO Mindstorms on: Amazon, Walmart, Etsy
• Explore more STEM toys at Toy Brands™
• Learn about the latest toy industry trends at Toy Brands™

Reference Links:

• Lego Mindstorms – Wikipedia