Home Gaming We unbox the coolest Star Wars toy around: Sphero’s BB-8 App-Controlled Droid

We unbox the coolest Star Wars toy around: Sphero’s BB-8 App-Controlled Droid

2 min read
26

BB-8 droid unboxing

It’s officially just 100 days until Disney kicks off that Star Wars fever yet again with The Force Awakens, and in truth it began nearly a year ago already. Star Wars has completely taken over my daily dreams again, leading to exciting conversations between Darryn and I almost daily (much to the anguish of Geoff). That excitement, however, kicked into overdrive with Force Friday last week – a massive spectacle of Star Wars toys that made their way to shelves globally last week.

Of all the LEGO, custom lightsabers and gorgeous figurines, one small toy stood out though. Just like his appearance during the debut trailer, Poe’s little astromech BB-8 stole Force Friday with a small, Sphero-powered droid that basically melted hearts. Quite honestly, it’s the cutest darn droid I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.

So it wasn’t really a question when it came to choosing him over basically every other Star Wars toy out there (and, you know, eating for a few months). I got my very own BB-8 yesterday, and managed not to drop him while opening his rather small housing up for you to see.

BB-8 is controlled via an app you can download for iOS or Android, and it truly is a wonder watching the little gizmo roll around a room at sometimes dangerously high speeds. The app does a fine job of teaching you how to orientate BB-8, as well as bringing with it a kick to the nostalgic jawbone with sound effects, art and a truly Star Wars aesthetic. BB-8 can also be put into Patrol Mode – which basically turns him into a smaller, more curious version of a cat. If cats were round and stuff.

BB-8 is pricey (the one I purchased at the iStore locally goes from R2800.00) but quite honestly I can’t say that it’s been a waste. This is the perfect type of toy for the older Star Wars fans; an amalgamation of just enough gadgetry and Star Wars geekery that fans of old with both appreciate and adore.

Beside, just looked at how cute he is. BB-8 is available locally at various retailers already. Go get one if you can.

Last Updated: September 9, 2015

26 Comments

  1. Awesome stuff.
    I have an interesting story about Star Wars merch, but I don’t know if I’m allowed to tell. Company privacy and all. All I can say…Disney doesn’t know too much about Star Wars.

    Reply

    • Ottokie "Yahtzee"

      September 9, 2015 at 15:34

      • Captain JJ Fantasticus

        September 9, 2015 at 15:42

        XD
        Quite

        Reply

      • Brady miaau

        September 9, 2015 at 16:08

        Attack!!!!!!!!!!!

        Retreat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        Cats are just awesome.

        Reply

        • Captain JJ Fantasticus

          September 9, 2015 at 16:19

          Haha. I had a very specific image of a cat hopping forward before dashing away again in my head now.
          Made me think of when they’re like: “I desperately need to run like mad through the closest room for no reason!”

          Reply

    • Admiral Chief Returns

      September 9, 2015 at 17:48

      I KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY!!!

      Reply

  2. Alien Emperor Trevor

    September 9, 2015 at 15:36

    Every time I see a cool piece of Star Wars stuff, and how much it costs, I’m reminded to be grateful that I’m not really a big fan of Star Wars. I’m a fan of not being bankrupt.

    Reply

    • Captain JJ Fantasticus

      September 9, 2015 at 15:43

      Not really a big fan of Star Wars? Then keep your comments to yourself! ;P

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        September 9, 2015 at 15:43

        Why? Are these not the comments you’re looking for? 😀

        Reply

        • Captain JJ Fantasticus

          September 9, 2015 at 15:46

          Your lack of love for Star Wars disturbs me. That’s why.

          Reply

          • Dutch Matrix

            September 9, 2015 at 15:53

            The amount of incest in Star Wars disturbs me…

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 9, 2015 at 15:54

            Well it’s not as if I don’t like it, it’s given me my favourite female character – AHSOKA! It’s also given silly ones, like Chewbacca – or as I like to call him… Chew-baka.

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 9, 2015 at 15:56

            Haha. Excellent. Ashoka is pretty cool, I must agree. Though I’d say my favourite famale of the Star Wars universe (now non-existent in the Disney universe) is Jaina Solo.

          • Kromas untamed

            September 9, 2015 at 17:15

            I expected more from you. The most Bad Ass female in Star Wars non canon is Mara Jade Skywalker and that is pure fact!

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 10, 2015 at 08:07

            Alright. She’s pretty awesome too, I’ll admit. There are actually so many great female characters in the Star Wars universe.

  3. Dutch Matrix

    September 9, 2015 at 15:37

    This BB8 droid toy is great. Nice round ball shape. Imagine how many of those are going to get force kicked if Force Awakens blows chunks.

    Reply

    • Brady miaau

      September 9, 2015 at 16:11

      Phantom Menace Strikes Back?

      Return of the Jar?

      The Empire Has Clones?

      Reply

  4. Graeme Selvan

    September 9, 2015 at 16:05

    I’m never gonna dance again
    guilty feet have got no rhythm
    though it’s easy to pretend
    I know you’re not a fool

    Reply

    • Splooshypooh

      September 10, 2015 at 09:15

      Just kiss and get the tension over with

      Reply

    • Splooshypooh

      September 10, 2015 at 09:16

      Like thith…

      Reply

  5. Brady miaau

    September 9, 2015 at 16:07

    HOW is this a Star Wars Droid? It looks to me like the Sphero 2.0, with some Star Wars decals on it.

    Reply

    • Captain JJ Fantasticus

      September 9, 2015 at 16:22

      I’m trying to think how this droid ergonomically fits into a starship or fighter with that shape.

      Reply

      • Brady miaau

        September 9, 2015 at 16:26

        like a round peg in a round hole, I suppose.

        Reply

    • VampyreSquirrel

      September 9, 2015 at 16:59

      That’s obviously not the droid you’re looking for then.

      Reply

      • Brady miaau

        September 9, 2015 at 17:04

        • HairyEwok

          September 10, 2015 at 08:51

          Remember that time when you rolled a ball away and you had to go fetch it yourself….. Pepperidge farm remembers.

          Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Disney’s Jungle Cruise Review

If you love adventure movies with the same fantasy feel as the Pirates of the Caribbean mo…