When the epic story of a boy, a girl, and a universe first graced the big screen on May 24, 1977, there were no toys to go along with it. Think about that for just a second. This explosive new film brought a galaxy far, far away to life like never before, but kids had nothing to play with to reenact their favorite scenes. That Christmas, the action figures that finally made an appearance were oversold, and kids all over America woke up to empty blister packs with depressing IOUs. That’s enough to make anyone go to the Dark Side, if you ask us.
But don’t worry—they learned their lesson. Almost 40 years later, the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens is just a few months away, and toy manufacturers are more than ready. From robotic action figures to video games to toys that will make you look, feel, and sound like a Jedi, hundreds of Star Wars toys are descending on our planet. Here are our Force Favorites:
Darth Vader Animatronic Interactive Figure (Thinkway Toys)
Embrace the power of the Dark Side with this Darth Vader figure. He is 17 inches of Sith Lord awesomeness. This collectible figure has a whopping 31 points of articulation and features the original Darth Vader voice—that’s right: Your action figure has the voice of James Earl Jones. In interactive Training and Battle Modes, you can wave his lightsaber for light and stereo battle sound effects for real-time interaction. When you’re ready to train, press that chest panel button and hold his right hand in yours, then move the lightsaber around in different motions. Your Dark Side coach will recognize how you move the lightsaber and train you to join him. In Talk Mode, you can raise his left arm, while he moves his head, arm, and waist as he speaks in his original voice. You may be a Jedi for now, but this guy is cool enough to sway you in the other direction. The Force is strong with this one. Read Joe’s review of Darth Vader here!
Legendary Yoda (Spin Master)
Lifelike movements and voice recognition tech he has. Train with the wise one, you must! Talk about #celebstatus: You can now bring the Grand Jedi Master into your own living room for elite Jedi training. Legendary Yoda stands 16 inches tall and is wayyyyyyy interactive. With three modes—Force, Wisdom, and Warrior (my new Twitter bio?)—young Padawans can train to use the Force, speak directly to Yoda and hear him respond with his sage wisdom, and watch as he uses his lightsaber. To be the best, learn from the best, you must.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Remote Control BB-8 (Hasbro)
Sorry R2D2, there’s a new droid that we’re looking for! BB-8 is the new Astromech Droid from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and now fans can take him home in the form of a super innovative R/C toy. With the push of a button, BB-8 rolls in any direction, but his head stays facing forward, just like it does in the movie. Throw in his droid sound effects and he’s SUPER adorable and a lot of fun!
Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Light Saber (Hasbro)
Lightsabers are super cool—we all know that much is true. But with Hasbro’s new Bladebuilders line, you can BUILD YOUR OWN lightsaber and customize it the way you want. Change it up for each Jedi battle you find yourself in. Need a double blade? No problem—just build it up! The Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber is the perfect starter set for Jedis-in-training. It comes with a main lightsaber—of course featuring lights and sounds—two independently lit lightdaggers, an expansion hilt, two elbow connectors, a dual connector, a cross connector, and MORE THAN 100 LIGHTSABER POSSIBILITIES! You could rule all the galaxies! We don’t have a ton of experience in this area, but we’re relatively sure the ability to construct your own lightsaber based on what you need for battle at the time takes a lot of stress out of being a Jedi. Not all of it… but a lot.
Chewbacca Electronic Mask & Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet (Hasbro)
It’s not wise to upset a Wookie. It is wise, however, to become a Wookie. Slip on this amazing Chewbacca Electronic Mask from Hasbro and move your mouth to unleash fabulous Wookie sounds, quoting all your favorite Chewbacca lines like “Rwwwwgh” and “Grrrwwwggghh” OR EVEN “ARRRWGGGH.” Scare off Stormtroopers with a light roar, or open your mouth even wider to let them know you mean business with an epic groan. We’re not even kidding when we say we might start wearing these on our morning commute (TAKE THAT, OTHER R TRAIN COMMUTERS!).
For those of you who are bigger fans of the Dark Side, become everyone’s favorite Sith Lord with the Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet. It uses cool electronics to alter your voice to sound like James Earl Jones Darth Vader and will also just play signature Darth Vader movie phrases. We know what you’re thinking, and don’t you worry: This helmet also adds breathing sound effects so you can get the full Darth Vader experience (which sounds like a terrible amusement park ride, no? What would that involve? Trying to be good, being severely burned, not being a great father, and trying to take over the universe? The “experience.”).
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Costumes (Rubie’s Costume Co.)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will expand the galaxy even more, with new heroes, villains, and, well, more villains. Even though pop-culture icons such as Darth Vader and Princess Leia have been around almost 40 years, kids today will grow up with these characters: Rey, Finn, Captain Phasma, and Kylo Ren. WHO ARE THESE NEWBIES?! …We still don’t know. But what we do know, is that they look awesome, and kids will definitely want to dress up just like them.
Thanks to Rubie’s Costume Co., you’ll see dozens of little Stormtroopers, Finns, and Kylo Rens on your doorstep on October 31. These costumes based on the movie will be a huge hit with kids, helping them channel the Force, whether it’s the Light or Dark Side.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Battle Action Millennium Falcon (Hasbro)
Okay, so not ONLY is it the fastest ship in the galaxy, this is the most action-packed Star Wars vehicle from Hasbro’s new line. This Millennium Falcon opens to become a big play set for your 3.75-inch figures. The play set area features a holochess board for when your figures just wanna chill for a little, and a smuggling compartment for, well, smuggling. What makes it “Battle Action?” WE’RE SO GLAD YOU ASKED. It features a pop-up blaster that fires… wait for it… Nerf Elite darts, a turboblaster turret, light-up LED cannons, AND hyperdrive sound effects. Battle. Action. It also comes with exclusive Chewbacca, Finn, and BB-8 3.75-inch figures.
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens The First Order Transporter (Lego)
You ever feel like the bad guys always have the coolest weapons and the biggest vehicles? Yeah, us too. First, Kylo Ren’s awesome three-pronged lightsaber, now, the First Order’s giant and impressive Transporter. Seems to me like the baddies in The Force Awakens really do have it all.
Lego’s 792-piece First Order Transporter lets Star Warriors (what the heck do you call a Star Wars fan?) build up this heavily armored vehicle. Fully loaded with crazy features such as dual spring-loaded shooters, a top-mounted dual-stud shooter, and spots to hide away up to five different minifigures, this vehicle has it all. Plus, there’s big engines at the rear, and hidden transparent wheels that give the entire structure a hover effect. Plus plus, it comes with SEVEN minifigures with assorted accessories: two Resistance Soldiers, two First Order Flametroopers, two First Order Stormtroopers, and Captain Phasma herself. We cannot wait to learn more about this FEMALE SUPERVILLAIN (WHHAAAAAATTTT)!
Disney Infinity 3.0 (Disney Interactive)
Video games are the ultimate role-playing experience, and Disney Infinity 3.0 fuses all of your favorite Star Wars characters from past flicks, the animated Rebels series, and, of course, the upcoming Episode VII (though these figures won’t be available for a few more weeks). The Starter Pack includes the Twilight of the Republic play set, and players can start their star-bound adventure with none other than Anakin Skywalker (hello, old friend). Enjoy bouncing between worlds and blasting off in iconic vehicles while facing off against the Sith—including the dreadful Darth Maul.
Star Wars Hero Vehicle Bluetooth Speakers (eKids)
Cue the trumpets! Duuuuun, daaaaa, dun dun dun DAAAA da, dun dun dun DAAA da, dun dun dun daaaaaaa.
Now you can enjoy the Star Wars theme song and whatever else you could ever possibly want to listen to through a Milennium Falcon, Star Destroyer, or Tie Fighter Bluetooth speaker. Getting a call in the middle of your trumpeting crescendo? No worries, you can also answer and end calls with these musical intergalactic vehicles. The speakers work with all Bluetooth-capable tablets and smartphones, but even when you don’t want to connect your device, it can play the Star Wars theme song on its own. Win.
Pictopia: Star Wars Edition (Wonder Forge)
Do you know so much about Star Wars that your fandom rivals that of Steve Sansweet? Can you name every Star Wars vehicle from six movies AND two animated series? Can you name more Jedi than you have friends? Well, prepare for the ultimate Star Wars trivia challenge: Pictopia: Star Wars Edition.
This picture-based trivia game features more than 1,000 questions about the galaxy far, far away. Each turn, players must wager how well they think they’ll do after looking at four images, but they don’t get to see the question until after they’ve made their bets. The game includes group and individual questions, plus some fun conversational gems for social play between friends and family. Perfect for the Star Wars show-off in any circle, the game challenges players to name creatures, locations, weapons, characters, droids—even types of helmets, for crying out loud! May the Force be with you. Read Maddie’s full review of this game here!
Star Wars Glowing Lightsaber Ice Pop Maker (ThinkGeek)
Ice cream man be damned. The only proper frozen treat for a Jedi Master OR Sith Lord (choose your own path) is a glowing lightsaber ice pop, obvi. Each set comes with four movie-accurate saber hilts, complete with fine gold and black detailing. Fill the molds with your favorite delicious liquid, albeit juice or Jawa beer, and pop them in the freezer for a few hours. These ice-cold, Force-infused treats give you the absolute perfect excuse to play with your food. Ice pop duel!
