Comparing EV3 with NXT
Did you know the EV3 platform is very compatible with the NXT platform? The building systems are 100% interchangeable. The EV3 software is backwards compatible to NXT, and NXT sensors function fully on the EV3 system. We will fully support the NXT platform with sets and software until the end of 2015, so not only will you have plenty of time and support to transition, NXT is still an exceptionally worthy investment if you’re just starting out and have no current transition plans. Any NXT you buy today will be useful for many, many years – no matter when you transition to EV3.
How is the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 programmable brick different from the NXT?
The EV3 ‘P-brick’ is a completely new component and the most powerful P-brick ever created by LEGO Education. It is built up around a faster and stronger processor, which not only increases performance on all parameters compared to the NXT but also introduces new possibilities not available with NXT.
Can you use NXT parts with the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3?
LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 uses the same LEGO Technic elements and RJ12 connector cables as the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT, so all your existing sensors, motors and building elements will work with the new platform. The NXT rechargeable battery, however, cannot be used with the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 P-brick, but you can reuse the DC charger.
Can I connect my NXT P-brick to the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 P-brick?
No. It is not possible to daisy chain with the NXT brick.
Can I program the NXT P-brick using LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Software?
You can program your NXT P-brick using the new LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 software. However, not all of the software features are supported by the NXT P-brick.
| NXT | EV3 | |
| History | Introduced in 2006. Second generation of LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education. | Introduced in 2013. Third generation of LEGO MINDSTORMS Education. |
| Building System | LEGO Technic | LEGO Technic |
| Software | Graphical and icon-based. Powered by National Instruments LabVIEW™. | Graphical and icon-based. Powered by National Instruments LabVIEW. |
| Hardware | Intelligent brick, five sensors, three motors, hundreds of parts. See details here. | Intelligent brick, five sensors, three motors, hundreds of parts. See details here. |
| Curriculum | Multiple options and hundreds of hours of curriculum for middle and high school, covering science, technology, engineering, and math. Many community-generated support Web sites and books. | 30+ hours of STEM curriculum available fall semester 2013. |
| Support | One-year warranty. Tech support for the life of the product. | One-year warranty. Tech support for the life of the product. |
| Availability | Now, and sold until the end of 2015. | Available fall semester 2013. Sold indefinitely. |
| Price | Classroom solutions start at approximately $4,000. | Classroom solutions for less than $5,000. |
| Cost per student over 7 years average use | Under $3 | Under $3 |
| FIRST LEGO League | Allowed in 2013 season. | Allowed in 2013 season. |
| FIRST Tech Challenge | Allowed and supported in 2013-2014 season. | Not allowed in 2013-2014 season. |
| TETRIX | Supported | Support available fall 2013. |
| ROBOTC | Supported | Support available fall 2013. |
| LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS | Supported | Support available fall 2013. |
