The Lego® Powered Up Hub 88009 is the straightforward choice for official Powered Up models. BuWizz 3.0 Pro targets custom builds that need more motor ports, a rechargeable power source and app-based performance control. The important distinction is not simply “weaker” versus “stronger”: the two hubs support different workflows.
Brickfact verdict: Choose 88009 when you want the official Powered Up ecosystem, the handheld 88010 remote or a close match for Lego instructions. Choose BuWizz 3.0 Pro for an advanced custom model that benefits from four Powered Up ports, two Power Functions ports and a rechargeable hub. BuWizz is not a drop-in replacement for every 88009 build.
- Theme: Powered UP
- Number of Parts: 1
Is Lego® 88009 still available?
Yes. On September 1, 2026, Lego's official US, German and French product pages still listed 88009; availability ranged from backorder to in stock by market. Stock and price can change, so the product widget above is the better place to check current offers. The old claim that 88009 had been retired at the end of 2022 was not reliable and has been removed.
That matters because you do not need an alternative merely to keep an existing Powered Up model running. If your build is designed around 88009, replacing the hub with the same part is normally the least complicated route. An alternative becomes interesting when you need more ports, rechargeable power or support for motors from both the Powered Up and older Power Functions systems.
Lego® 88009 and BuWizz 3.0 Pro at a glance
| Question | Lego® 88009 | BuWizz 3.0 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Motor connections | Two I/O ports for Powered Up components | Four Powered Up ports and two Power Functions ports |
| Power supply | Six AAA batteries | Built-in rechargeable battery, charged by USB-C |
| Handheld control | Compatible with the 88010 remote | No support for the 88010 remote |
| App control | Lego Powered Up app | BuWizz app |
| Best fit | Official models, simple conversions and family-friendly control | Larger custom models and mixed motor systems |
| Direct replacement? | Original component | No; dimensions, controls and programming must be planned again |
This table describes the practical differences that influence a purchase. It does not promise a particular range, runtime or speed: those results depend on the model, motor load, gearing, batteries, device and surroundings.
What the Powered Up Hub 88009 does well
The 88009 combines a battery box and Bluetooth receiver in one brick-shaped unit. Its two I/O ports accept compatible Powered Up motors, lights and sensors. The hub uses six AAA batteries, so depleted cells can be replaced without waiting for a charge. Rechargeable AAA cells can reduce recurring waste, but their voltage and discharge behaviour can differ from disposable alkaline batteries.
For direct control, the 88009 can pair with the Lego® 88010 remote. That physical controller is useful for children, display layouts and vehicles where looking at a phone while steering would be distracting. The Powered Up app adds programmable control profiles and coding options for supported components.
The limitations are equally clear. Two ports are quickly occupied by one drive motor and one steering motor. Adding lights, sensors or a second drive motor may require another hub or a different architecture. The AAA battery compartment also needs to remain accessible in the finished model.
If you are comparing motors as well as hubs, our overview of Lego® motor alternatives explains the connector families and the questions to check before mixing systems.
Where BuWizz 3.0 Pro adds flexibility
BuWizz 3.0 Pro is a third-party control and battery hub built for motorised brick models. Four ports are intended for Powered Up-style connections, while two connections support older Power Functions motors. That six-port layout can simplify a custom vehicle that needs drive, steering, lights and auxiliary functions without distributing those jobs across several battery boxes.
Its internal battery is charged through USB-C. This avoids opening a model to replace six cells, provided the charging socket remains reachable. Power delivery and control profiles are managed in the BuWizz app. Builders can configure controls for a specific model instead of relying on the fixed layout of the 88010 remote.
Those advantages bring trade-offs. BuWizz 3.0 Pro does not pair with the Lego® 88010 remote. A phone or tablet and the vendor's app are therefore part of the operating setup. The housing and mounting points also differ from 88009. Even when both hubs fit into the same rough volume, pin holes, cable routes, weight distribution and access to the power button may require structural changes.
A high-output hub can also expose weak gearing. Before increasing motor power, make sure axles turn freely, gears mesh correctly and drivetrains cannot stall against a hard stop. Start with conservative settings and check motors, wires and gears for unusual heat or strain. Children should use powered custom models with age-appropriate supervision.
Compatibility checks before you buy
Start with the connectors. A Powered Up plug and a Power Functions plug are physically different. BuWizz 3.0 Pro provides connections for both families, but that does not make every sensor, light or motor feature interchangeable. Check the current compatibility list for the exact component rather than relying only on the plug shape.
Next, choose how you want to drive the model. If the 88010 remote is essential, stay with 88009. If app control is acceptable, both hubs can work, but the control profiles and software are not the same. A program created in the Lego Powered Up app does not simply transfer to the BuWizz app.
Finally, inspect the build itself:
- Measure the space around the hub, not just the shell dimensions.
- Leave access to the battery compartment or USB-C charging port.
- Check that every cable reaches without tension.
- Confirm that the hub can be switched on after the bodywork is installed.
- Test steering and gearing at low output before applying more power.
Which hub should you choose?
For an official set, a school project or a vehicle intended for the 88010 remote, Lego® 88009 remains the safer and simpler choice. It follows the Powered Up workflow, uses replaceable batteries and matches instructions that specify this exact hub.
BuWizz 3.0 Pro makes more sense for a custom Technic-style model with several functions, mixed Powered Up and Power Functions motors, or a build where USB-C charging is more convenient than opening a battery compartment. It is an upgrade path for a specific use case, not proof that 88009 is obsolete.
If you already own 88009, first identify the limitation you are trying to solve. Two occupied ports alone may justify a redesign; a desire for rechargeable power may point toward BuWizz; and a preference for a physical remote points back to the original hub. Buying against that requirement is more reliable than choosing solely by the larger specification number.
Frequently asked questions
Can BuWizz 3.0 Pro replace 88009 without rebuilding the model?
Usually not. The connectors may cover your motors, but the housing, mounting, charging access and controller differ. Plan for at least a partial rebuild and a new control profile.
Can I use the Lego® 88010 remote with BuWizz 3.0 Pro?
No. The 88010 remote belongs to the Powered Up control system. BuWizz 3.0 Pro is operated through its own app.
Does BuWizz support old Power Functions motors?
It provides two Power Functions ports alongside four Powered Up ports. Verify the exact motor and current app support before committing the hub inside a difficult-to-open model.
Is the more powerful hub always faster?
No. Vehicle speed depends on motor choice, gearing, wheel size, weight, friction, battery state and software settings. More available power cannot fix a binding drivetrain and may increase stress when the mechanism is poorly geared.
