Star Wars The Force Awakens RC BB-8 Droid

If you’re a Star Wars fan, then you no doubt have heard about an endearing astromech droid called BB-8, which was introduced to the world in The Force Awakens movie. This little BB-8 droid operated approximately 30 years after the Battle of Endor. He became the loyal companion of Poe Dameron, a New Republic Commander and flight leader of Rapier Squadron.  BB-8 stole the show and warmed our hearts with his spherical body and charming personality. Hasbro has created a remote control version of BB-8 and it’s a hot Christmas item.

Hasbro did a great job with packaging; it’s visually appealing with BB-8 on all sides. Opening the box, you’ll see the instructions and several pieces that will require some assembling. You have to open up BB-8’s body and install the motor or rolling mechanism and 3 AA batteries. Then you’ll need to add 2 AA batteries in the remote control. BB-8’s head stays on the body magnetically adhering to the rolling mechanism through the plastic. So when he rolls, his head is always on top. The magnetic does not offer a super grip, so his head falls off easily.

The remote control is infrared controlled so you can only use this toy indoors. The left button on the remote control steers the movements of BB8’s body, and the right button controls his head. Whichever way his head is facing is the direction his body will move. BB8 will bobble to maintain his balance, and he’ll automatically make droid noises.

BB-8 works best on a hard, smooth surface like wood floors or tiles, although he did travel fine on our carpet. There is no on/off switch on the control, so he’ll keep traveling until he bumps into something. The instructions say in order to turn BB-8 off, just turn him upside down. But, as soon as you turn him right side up, he turns back on. But,  after a few minutes of inactivity, he’ll turn off.

All in all, BB-8 is a perfect kid companion. It’s recommended for ages 5+ and retails for around $80.