Sphero BB-8 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Sphero |
|---|---|
| Model | BB-8 |
| Year | 2015 |
| Category | Entertainment |
| Autonomy | remote-controlled |
| Environment | indoor |
| Weight | 0.2 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Works with | iOS, Android |
| Rating | 4.5/5 (12483 reviews) |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- DISCONTINUED — secondary market only
- Official Star Wars BB-8 licensed droid toy
- Magnetically-hovering head on rolling ball
- Star Wars app: voice commands, holographic video
- Millions sold — best-selling licensed robot toy
- Sphero's most iconic consumer product
- Secondary market widely available
What is it?
Sphero BB-8 was the official Star Wars-licensed app-controlled BB-8 droid toy — one of the best-selling robot toys in history, now discontinued with strong secondary market availability.
Status
DISCONTINUED — No longer manufactured. Secondary market (Amazon resellers, eBay) widely available.
Key specs (historical)
- Form: Two-part — rolling sphere + magnetic hover head
- App: Official Star Wars BB-8 app
- Controls: Bluetooth; voice commands; patrol mode
- Features: Holographic video projection; Star Wars audio
- Year: 2015 (The Force Awakens tie-in)
FAQ
How much does the Sphero BB-8 cost?
The Sphero BB-8 is priced at approximately $129–149 new and is available on Amazon and through major toy retailers. As the official Star Wars-licensed BB-8 robot launched alongside The Force Awakens in 2015, it remains one of the most recognisable robot toys available.
What is the Sphero BB-8 used for?
The BB-8 is an app-controlled Star Wars replica robot for entertainment — rolling in any direction while its magnetically coupled head tilts to face the direction of travel, replicating the distinctive BB-8 movement from the films. Features include autonomous patrol mode, holographic simulation, and authentic BB-8 sounds triggered via the iOS/Android app.
What makes the Sphero BB-8 unique?
The BB-8's magnetically coupled detachable head — which tilts and stays upright while the sphere body rolls — authentically replicates the Star Wars droid's movement and is an engineering achievement at its price point. No competing product has replicated this locomotion mechanism with comparable fidelity. Sphero was the official Disney/Lucasfilm licensee for the 2015 film.
Who is the Sphero BB-8 designed for?
The BB-8 is designed for Star Wars fans of all ages wanting an authentic remote-controlled replica, and for children and collectors seeking a premium robotic toy. The app-controlled interface and optional Force Band wristband (sold separately) extend its play value beyond basic remote control.
How does the Sphero BB-8 compare to the Sphero R2-D2?
BB-8 ($129–149) and R2-D2 ($169–179) are both Sphero Star Wars robots but with different locomotion: BB-8 rolls as a sphere with a magnetically-coupled head; R2-D2 uses wheeled tripod/bipod locomotion replicating R2's movement modes. BB-8 has a larger review base and is considered Sphero's best-executed Star Wars robot. R2-D2 replicates more of R2's sound and light personality and supports the Force Band accessory.