It may be hard to believe it at first, but this year marks the 40th anniversary of what is arguably the most popular science fiction story of all time, George Lucas’ ‘Star Wars’! The team at Hasbro looks to be planning their own celebration accordingly, and with the release of ‘Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi’ later this year, there are plenty of reasons to be excited for as much ‘Star Wars’ as we can get!
This year’s Hasbro ‘Star Wars’ offerings look to be a healthy mix of ‘for the kids’ and ‘for the collectors’ items. We’re getting the usual stuff like new ‘build your own lightsaber’ kits and Nerf guns, but we’re also getting some fantastic new stuff for adult collectors like the new ‘Star Wars The Black Series Centerpiece’ line, and a new Force FX Lightsaber assortment! The full product rundowns that have been revealed by Hasbro so far are below:
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES CENTERPIECE Figure
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 2017)
Showcase some of the most incredible STAR WARS battle scenes like never before! Each CENTERPIECE Figure Dramatic Moments collection features iconic scenes enhanced with premium light and sound effects. Look for the LUKE SKYWALKER figure inspired by the battle from STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Each figure sold separately. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FORCE FX LIGHTSABER Assortment
(Ages Adult/Approx. Retail Price: $179.99/Available: Fall 2017)
The power of the Force is in your hands with the STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES FORCE FX LIGHTSABER! This incredibly detailed weapon features a quality metal hilt, built-in accelerometer, realistic light effects, and battle-clash sounds. Become a master of the Force like OBI-WAN KENOBI. Each lightsaber sold separately and includes a clear display stand. Requires 3 1.5V AAA alkaline batteries, not included. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 3.75-INCH TITANIUM SERIES Figure Assortment
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2017)
This highly detailed scale of action figures allows fans to recreate epic scenes from STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE. Inspired by the 40th Anniversary of the first STAR WARS film, each iconic figure represents a notable character, including DARTH VADER, HAN SOLO, LUKE SKYWALKER, PRINCESS LEIA, and OBI-WAN KENOBI, in impeccable movie-real design. Each figure features a dynamic, double-sided backdrop and character-specific accessory, allowing fans to recreate iconic moments. Even better, collect each individual backdrop to piece together a bigger STAR WARS scene. Each figure sold separately. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.
MONOPOLY STAR WARS 40th ANNIVERSARY Edition Game
(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/ Players: 2-6/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Spring 2017)
Celebrate four decades of STAR WARS history with MONOPOLY! Featuring graphics of iconic characters and classic movie moments from STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE, this 40th ANNIVERSARY Edition Game takes you back to when it all began. Based on classic gameplay with an intergalactic twist, players can travel around the galaxy and build bases and fleets. When every space is owned, count up the fleets & bases. The player with the most spaces on the winning side is the ultimate winner! The MONOPOLY: STAR WARS 40th Anniversary Edition Game includes 1 Game board, 6 Tokens, 28 Title cards, 16 Force cards, 16 Smuggler’s Cargo cards, 32 Fleets, 12 Bases, 2 Dice, and 1 Money Pack. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
STAR WARS BLADEBUILDERS PATH OF THE FORCE LIGHTSABER
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: 2017)
Young Padawans can choose to follow the dark side or the light side with this premium lightsaber! Imagine fighting on the light side by attaching a Jedi connector piece and automatically activating blue light effects, or simply switch the connector piece to battle with a red Sith blade. For more action, press the button on the connector piece to expand the hilt for ultimate customization! Compatible with BLADEBUILDERS LIGHTSABER components, each sold separately. Includes lightsaber and 2 adjustable connectors. Requires 3 1.5V AAA Alkaline batteries, not included. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.
STAR WARS NERF GLOWSTRIKE FIRST ORDER STORMTROOPER DELUXE Blaster
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $79.99/Available: 2017)
The RESISTANCE doesn’t stand a chance against this NERF GLOWSTRIKE DELUXE Blaster! Fight like a FIRST ORDER STORMTROOPER with laser blast sound effects and motorized blasting that fires 12 darts in a row. Storm into battle anytime, anywhere with GlowStrike technology light effects and glow-in-the-dark darts. Includes stock, barrel tip, clip attachment piece, eyepiece, 12-dart clip, and 12 Elite GlowStrike darts. Requires 4 1.5V AA batteries, included. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES POE DAMERON ELECTRONIC HELMET
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $79.99/Available: 2017)
Put on this deluxe helmet from THE BLACK SERIES and get ready to take flight as skilled X-WING fighter pilot POE DAMERON. Experience battle like never before with a surround sound speaker system that amplifies X-WING and TIE FIGHTER vehicle sounds and transmits communications from loveable sidekick BB-8. This unique helmet features exquisite deco and movie-accurate detail, putting collectors right in the middle of the action. Requires 3 1.5V AAA batteries, not included. Available at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.
Regardless of what era of ‘Star wars’ you prefer, with all of the celebration for both ‘Star Wars’ old and new, it’s an excellent time to be a fan of this epic ongoing saga that has spent the last four decades uniting generations of people together.
Jordan is a Toy Columnist & Staff Writer here at ScienceFiction! Journalist, Musician, Toy Collector, and Overall Awesome Guy! For more on Jordan’s thoughts, toys, and wacky adventures, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
