How SPIKE™ Prime is different from WeDo 2.0 and MINDSTORMS® EV3

You might be wondering about the differences between LEGO® Education SPIKE™, WeDo 2.0 and MINDSTORMS® EV3. 


We’re excited about SPIKE Essential and SPIKE Prime because it helps bridge the learning gap between WeDo 2.0 and EV3.
 

• WeDo 2.0 ignites interest in STEAM learning with LEGO bricks and intuitive block-based coding for kids ages 7-11. The WeDo Smart Hub communicates with the app through Bluetooth, but doesn’t have a screen like SPIKE Prime and MINDSTORMS EV3. Instead, it uses a single light indicator.  
• SPIKE Essential replaced WeDo 2.0 and builds on the skills developed with WeDo 2.0 to get builders ready for the future by using LEGO bricks, Technic pieces and a slightly more complex coding system using Icon Blocks and Word Blocks. SPIKE Essential also prepares them for a more challenging curriculum when they’re ready to advance to SPIKE Prime. 
• MINDSTORMS EV3 lets kids learn more advanced skills and prepares them for the future through complex coding and real-life modelling. The EV3 Intelligent Brick uses a screen with an interactive menu.  
• SPIKE Prime replaced MINDSTORMS EV3 and builds on the skills developed with MINDSTORMS EV3 and offers a more complex coding system using Icon Blocks, Word Blocks and Python coding. The SPIKE Prime hub comes with an improved 6x6 display matrix and 6 ports to connect sensors and motors.

The new SPIKE products give young builders important skills they’ll need in the future like design, engineering and problem-solving using LEGO bricks.


SPIKE Essential and SPIKE Prime are entirely new so the sensors, hardware and cables will only work with SPIKE. EV3 and NXT components won’t work with the SPIKE hub because they use different types of connections.


WeDo 2.0 motors and sensors share the same connection type but are not designed to be compatible with SPIKE components.


If you’d like to learn more, visit education.LEGO.com.