Review: Star Wars BB8 Sphero Droid - is the Force strong with this one?

Sphero's BB-8 is a bundle of Star Wars joy

IS THE Force strong with this hugely anticipated Star Wars merchandise? Or is it about as entertaining as a screening of The Phantom Menace?

• Pros – Cute Looks and Solid Build Quality. Easy Set-Up. Fun
• Cons – Too Expensive. Driving Controls Can Be Cumbersome. Head Comes Off Too Easily

 

Star Wars mania is gripping Britain – and crippling UK cinema websites.

The latest instalment in the Star Wars saga is weeks away and one of the most talked about tie-in toys for the new movie is Sphero's BB-8 droid.

This little bundle of Star Wars joy bumbles and rolls around your house causing chaos. The fun is all powered by the smartphone in your pocket.

 

Out of the box, the Sphero BB-8 looks fabulous with a movie-quality finish that'll no doubt please fans of the new Star Wars film.

The BB-8 is also a clever piece of kit, with the pocket-sized droid's head attaching magnetically and free to move in all directions across the body.

Set-up is a piece of cake – simply download the BB-8 smartphone app and hold your handset near the droid to connect.

 

The Star Wars BB-8 droid has an eye-watering £129 price tag

After that – your spherical Star Wars 'bot is ready to roll.

The BB-8 not only races around your room but can also show a range of expressions and even perk up when you give it voice commands.

You can either drive it yourself – using the slightly tricky controls – or set it to patrol and rumble around your home on guard duty by itself.

And BB-8's unique attitude and actions will evolve overtime the more you interact with it.

 

Another neat trick up the BB-8's sleeve is the ability to beam messages from it's head.

However don't expect to any holographic wonders to appear in your living room as unfortunately the "Obi-Wan you are my only hope" virtual videos they are merely virtual videos which are displayed on your smartphone.

Battery life is reasonable with around an hour of playtime from a three hour charge and it's easy to fill with juice via a unique docking station.

This ball of fun is clever, cute and your kids will love it …  for a short while.

 

If you're avid Stars Wars fan with deep pockets, no doubt you'll love the BB-8

Despite its small size, the little droid packs an impressive three hour battery life

The problem is, with tricky controls and a head that continually drops off, we’ve got a feeling the love won’t last very long.

You’ll also lose your phone every time your children want to take BB-8 for a spin.

And with its eye-watering £129 price tag, it could become a very expensive intergalactic ornament.

 

If you're avid Stars Wars fan with deep pockets, no doubt you'll love the BB-8.

We just don't feel the force is strong enough to justify the high cost.

With a price-tag of £50 to £70 this would be a Five Star toy but at £129 there's better Star Wars merchandise for your money.