The one Star Wars toy everyone will want to have
Update: The BB-8 Droid sold out at the Disney Store online, and prices at Amazon.com are well above $200. But as of this morning you could still get the app-controlled droid at Sphero.com, where it’s selling at list price with no shipping fee.
There’s going to be a flood of Star Wars merchandise available at midnight, but this little gem already stands out: An app-enabled BB-8 that moves just like the rolling droid that stole our hearts in the first “Force Awakens” trailer.
The little BB-8, which will go on sale for $150 at these retailers, is controlled by an app on your smart phone or tablet. Sphero, the company that makes the droid — at $150, I can’t bring myself to call it a “toy” — describes it as “playful, personable, and true to the Star Wars™ galaxy.” More from Sphero:
B-8 has something unlike any other robot – an adaptive personality that changes as you play. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and even perk up when given voice commands. If he is left idle for too long, BB-8 will playfully attempt to get your attention. BB-8’s advanced traitware makes all of these actions possible. … Set it to Patrol and watch your Droid make the rounds autonomously, guide BB-8 yourself, or create and view holographic recordings.
Gizmodo called the tiny BB-8 “the coolest Star Wars toy ever” in a glowing review: “Of all the Star Wars toys that will be flying off store shelves on Force Friday tomorrow, Sphero’s BB-8 is without a doubt the one to get. … We love you, R2-D2, we really do. But BB-8 has just stolen our hearts.”
Check out the video from Sphero to see the droid’s personality shine through:
