While we count down the days ’til ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ hits theaters in December, Sphero has added 2 new toys to their app-enabled droid family. Joining BB-8 and its Battle-Worn version (with Force Band) are R2-D2 and BB-9E, both of which are now on sale in the Philippines.
Sphero R2-D2 | P10,899
Sorry BB-8 and BB-9E, but this is THE droid we’ve all been looking for. We’ve loved R2-D2 since Episode IV and this miniature creation from Sphero functions like the real deal in every way, including the beeps and boops.
R2 is driven by 4 motors. There’s 1 that rotates the dome, another on its shoulders that allow it to waddle, and 2 on each foot. This droid can even extend/retract its third leg and go from tripod to bipod modes. Yes, the front and rear LED lights are also fully functional. What’s unique about R2-D2 is that it’s fitted with an integrated speaker so he can beep and boop from the R2 unit itself, instead of the app.
Sphero BB-9E | P9,499
R2-D2 isn’t the only new droid from Sphero. There’s a new disturbance in the Force, BB-9E, the First Order’s rolling menace who’ll debut in Episode VIII.
As you’d expect, BB-9E is built on the same platform as BB-8 but with some changes. This droid is black/grey to suit the colors of the First Order. BB-9E’s head, which turns and bobs like BB-8, also comes with a pair of LEDs that gets its power power from the main body via induction.
Sphero BB-8 | P9,499
Of course BB-8 is still available from Sphero. But the loyal astromech droid of the Resistance now comes with a Droid Trainer. This accessory is used with the augmented reality feature of the app that will allow you to roam ship interiors and locations from the Star Wars universe. BB-9E has its own Droid Trainer too and each can access unique holographic environments.
The DroidApp also got an upgrade. The new app will now work on R2-D2, BB-9E, and BB-8 via Bluetooth on a smartphone that can control all 3 simultaneously or send them out to patrol autonomously. There’s even a specific animation per droid.
Sphero’s R2-D2, BB-9E, and BB-8 app-enabled droids are now available at select branches of Hobbes & Landes, Power Mac Center, Switch, Toys “R” Us, and Rustan’s Department Store. You can also order online at Geek PH, The Force Shop PH, or Hubbyte.
For more info, please ‘Like’ Sphero Philippines on Facebook.
