7 of the best Star Wars gadgets (we’d actually buy)
Use the Force – or, failing that, a credit card
5 of the best Star Wars gadgets
So apparently there’s a new Star Wars film out next month. You know, the mega-movie-franchise about good and evil battling throughout the galaxy? No? Oh well, this article probably isn’t for you then. But if you’re as excited about the Han Solo spin-off as we are, you just might be tempted by one of these awesome Star Wars-related gadgets to tide you over til release day.
Lego Star Wars Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter (£56)
If Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter seems familiar, that’s probably because it looks a lot like Darth’s original classic, only pointier at the front and a tad slimmer. Perhaps these improvements make it less prone to spinning out of trenches and off into space, but we’re pretty sure the Lego of version of Lord Vader’s didn’t have firing lasers, or come close to the 630 pieces in this kit. As an added bonus, Kylo comes with a double-sided head, so you can choose whether he’s a fully angry emo or merely disgruntled.
Propel T-65 X-Wing Starfighter Drone (£150)
Even if you’re not the most capable drone pilot, when you’re handed the controls of Proper’s X-Wing Starfighter drone, you’ll think you’ve become Luke Skywalker. Whether it’s John Williams’ famous theme blasting from the box as you remove the lid or the easy one-button launch, this newfound aerial confidence can only help in your airbourne battles against your friends’ Star Wars quadcopters, each with its own AR cannons and target zones.
Sphero R2-D2 (£120)
A Pringles tube, a postbox, an D-cell battery, a dustbin… nope, there really never has been a more loveable cylindrical object than R2-D2. With his trademark spritely whistles and beeps, all you need to do is charge him up, download the app and you’ll have this smartphone-controlled mini Artoo scooting about in no time. Just like the real thing, he’s not afraid to take a tumble, and if you sit him next to one of Sphero’s other Star Wars droids they’ll even strike up a bleepy chinwag.
Death Star Mood Light (£18.99)
If you resent having to spend money on sensible adult things such as socks, furniture and toilet roll, this Death Star Mood Light might soften the blow. Not only does it eradicate the dark side of whatever room you put it in, it also appears to float in mid-air thanks to that transparent stand. It’s mains powered, so you’ll need to make sure it’s within the orbit of a plug socket but fortunately it’s a bit smaller than the actual Death Star, otherwise your electricity bills would be bigger than Jabba the Hutt’s appetite.
Darth Vader Toaster (£35)
If you’re so unashamed of your Star Wars fandom that you want the logo burned into every slice of toast you make, then boy is this the breakfast gadget for you. What’s more, not only is this toaster shaped like Darth Vader’s iconic black helmet, but you also control how well you want your bread toasted using a dial marked Light Side and Dark Side. Lovely stuff.
LEGO KESSEL RUN MILLENNIUM FALCON (£135)
We don’t know yet if this month’s Solo: A Star Wars Story will be any good – but we’ll take any excuse to splurge on another huge Lego Star Wars set. There are more elaborate Lego Millennium Falcon builds out there, but this one’s different. While the core shape remains, this Falcon – the one used to run the fabled Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs – looks a bit different than the ship we know and love, with slick blue accents and a modified front. Also, it comes with Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca, two of the absolute best Star Wars dudes ever devised.
LENOVO STAR WARS: JEDI CHALLENGES AR HEADSET (£150)
Zipping a drone around your neighborhood not immersive enough of a Star Wars experience for you? How about wielding a lightsaber against Kylo Ren or Darth Vader, or playing a game of Holochess? That’s what you’ll find when you strap on Lenovo’s Star Wars: Jedi Challenges augmented reality headset. It’s sort of like a lo-fi take on HoloLens, using your smartphone to project images of lightsaber-wielding opponents in front of your face. The motion-sensing lightsaber controller lets your fight back, thankfully! Jedi Challenges is a bit limited, but it’s certainly entertaining for a while.
