New Hasbro Toy Lightsabers

[Tan Djarka]

I've been in Target and Walmart recently, and things are looking up. Target is now stocking the Yoda UFX and they've brought back the Obi TPM and non-color change Vader ANH as well. Walmart has the Kanan Jarrus saber, and apart from the telescoping blade, it doesn't look bad.

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Now if only they would make a Force FX one...

If you'll settle for an Ultimate FX, you could always buy one and transplant the blade and electronics into the Ezra saber.

 

[Blue Leader]

If you'll settle for an Ultimate FX, you could always buy one and transplant the blade and electronics into the Ezra saber.

Yeah, that's true. But something would still have to be figured out for the blaster part. But a Force FX would still be pretty neat. It's been a while since there have been any new Force FX lightsabers. Is Hasbro even making them anymore?

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Yeah, that's true. But something would still have to be figured out for the blaster part. But a Force FX would still be pretty neat. It's been a while since there have been any new Force FX lightsabers. Is Hasbro even making them anymore?

They are still making the FX sabers because the online stores have been restocking them. Such as http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS30499#.VDblGd33arU

The fx saber just keep inching up in price.

 

[Blue Leader]

They are still making the FX sabers because the online stores have been restocking them. Such as http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS30499#.VDblGd33arU

The fx saber just keep inching up in price.

Well, at least they're still being made. I remember hearing about a couple new ones that were planned a couple years ago-- Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee, if I remember right, though I can't swear to that, and for some reason it seems like I remember Hasbro was thinking of making some generic Force FX sabers-- but I guess those ideas were scrapped.

I was always kind of disappointed that they never made an Ahsoka Tano Force FX sabers, seems like that would have been an obvious one to make. I guess they disagreed, heh heh.

 

[Tan Djarka]

I was always kind of disappointed that they never made an Ahsoka Tano Force FX sabers, seems like that would have been an obvious one to make. I guess they disagreed, heh heh.

I don't think that would have been a "great" idea, considering the target audience. The FX is a little pricey for what's ultimately going to be used for whacking things. An Ultimate FX version would probably have been a sure thing though.

And MJF is right, the price is really getting up there. That's what I like about the UFX series: All the technology and all the fun at 25% of the price, and that's at retail. They've started showing up on the used/thrift shop market and I've picked up a slightly worn Vader and a virtually mint half Maul for $5 and $4 respectively.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

I don't think that would have been a "great" idea, considering the target audience. The FX is a little pricey for what's ultimately going to be used for whacking things. An Ultimate FX version would probably have been a sure thing though.

I cannot agree with that reasoning. The cost of the FX is higher than before but it is still affordable. The target audience for this lightsaber is adults who are collectors, especially prop replicas or costumers (I refuse to use the word "Cosplayer"). The did an Asajj Ventress FX and it did well on the market and it was not even a removable blade version nor is she someone I would consider more popular than Ahsoka. The eFx Ahsoka LE hilt is catching a really good price on the secondary market; $600-$1200. That's because collectors do not have issues with collecting over gender lines. And for that reason, it would be very popular if it had a removable blade. I have some FX sabers in my collection. FX sabers are not really something I go gaga over but I got a few either due to good deals, or nice to have because I have a costume it goes with. However I did buy the Kit Fisto for the reason that with the blade removed, it also makes a great static piece.

The UFX toy sabers are pretty cool. The reason I have an interest is because I like seeing them make toys like this that I would have wanted as a kid. I picked up the Luke Return of the Jedi for my son when it came out and later two Maul sabers because of the discount prices as TJ Maxx. He likes them but they are not among his favorite role play toys and is my case, they don't have a place in my prop replica collection. The UFX target audience are boys. Sure, they would like to sell to girls as well but they know that the number of girls (12 and under) out there who are interested in Star Wars RP toys is too low. Your average boy does not want to RP a girl character nor do they really care to have any toy associated with a female character. This is why toy companies chart pack or avoid female action figures. I reference the 6" Slave Leia peg warmers that have been out for the last year. You might be able to sell Ahsoka UFX lightsabers to a select few people: Young girls who like playing Star Wars, complete-ist collectors, and people who like prop replicas but are on a low/tight budget.

 

[Tan Djarka]

Well, given that Hasbro rolled out an entire line of girl oriented Nerf guns, an Ahsoka UFX couldn't have been too big a risk. Besides, you can still rely on clueless parents to buy their sons a girly saber by accident. It's not like it's hilt is pink or has a purple blade (Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink. Know what I mean?).

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

The fact that Hasbro made the Rebelle Nerf line just supports my point. Hasbro had to make a separate line of products in pink with softer lines just to get girls to play with nerf guns. Even though there are girls out there who like the boys nerf and maybe prefer them, they are not enough to capture the demographic. It not about limiting toys to genders it is about that girls will want girl toys and boys want boy toys. I have a daughter who is 17 now. I made a great effort for her to except Star Wars toys. Some things she liked and some she did not but for the most part, Star Wars toys like lightsabers came into her possession because I just bought them and gave them to her, not because she went to the toy section and said, "I want that." Lego had to do pretty much the same thing.

I know now there are some little girls out there that may be more acceptable but those numbers and the number of parents who accidentally would pick up a female character saber for a boy are not a demographic that would support the product. To get more girls interested in Star Wars toys, they would have to make a separate line that would be put into the girls section. Even then, you have to ask... Are there enough little girls who like Star Wars? Sure, we probably could site example of numerous examples but then again we tend to know people who like Star Wars and are introducing it to their kids. But we are a small group when you look at the entire world or country. I am even surprised at how many men out there are close to my age and when confronted with something classic Star Wars, they draw a blank.

 

[Blue Leader]

The Star Wars girls toy line is an interesting thing. Disney actually did this, or at least tried to do it, and released some Star Wars fashion dolls with interchangeable clothing a few years ago. They were only available in Disney parks, but they were clearly targeted toward little girls. I have no idea how well they did, though I did pick up a set of each for my collection... It was an interesting attempt. I wonder how well they went over with girls?

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Yes, there was to sets, a Leia and a Padme. They were like Polly pockets. I bought a set for my daughter but I forget which one. I wouldn't term it a line because a line usually has its own name to distinguish itself. Like Legos "Friends". But I think Disney would be the ones to do it in the future.

There was also an attempt by Kenner back in the late 70s to develop an Luke/Leia fashion doll line in the style of Ken/Barbie but it stopped at the prototype phase.

Also, there were a few fashion Padme dolls and higher end dolls that hit the shelves during The Phantom Menace. But if I remember correctly, they did not do very well and did not have a second wave.

It's not like they don't try. In the case of Padme, above, these were carried in with the Boys toys. Although this favors a girls toy, it was not made into a separate line which placed it in the Girls department, It may have done better there.

 

[BudaFett]

The Star Wars girls toy line is an interesting thing. Disney actually did this, or at least tried to do it, and released some Star Wars fashion dolls with interchangeable clothing a few years ago. They were only available in Disney parks, but they were clearly targeted toward little girls. I have no idea how well they did, though I did pick up a set of each for my collection... It was an interesting attempt. I wonder how well they went over with girls?

They were very expensive for what they were, if I remember correctly. They were also very cheaply made. I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing more items from Disney targeted at girls, especially in the parks.

 

[Tan Djarka]

For what it's worth, I noticed the Ultimate FX sabers are on clearance at Target, marked down to $30 and change. All that was left at the location I visited was a standard Vader ANH. If you want one (any one of them), now might be a good time to grab one.

 

[usajdm]

Disneyland now has this Leia/Padme combo pack.
Sold in the girls toy section all around the park.
Cool to see how many girls were shopping in the Star Wars section of the Star Traders store.
They are definitely getting into it.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Cool that they combined the packs. I struggled with deciding which one to buy my daughter when they first came out.


Back to topic...

The Ezra lightsaber is in stores. It is the electronic style so it makes sounds for the blade and boater and shoots plastic darts. Of course this suffered from the same electronic lightsaber issue, the blade does not collapse all the way into the hilt which is weird if you are weilding it around as a blaster. I know it is a kid toy but I think it would have been an issue for me as a kid.

 

[Contec]

Disneyland now has this Leia/Padme combo pack.
Sold in the girls toy section all around the park.
Cool to see how many girls were shopping in the Star Wars section of the Star Traders store.
They are definitely getting into it.

What? no slave leia outfit....:thumbsdown

 

[Blue Leader]

I definitely want the Ezra lightsaber. Gonna have to see if I can find one.

Though I'm still hoping that Hasbro releases a Force FX Ezra lightsaber. I would scream like a little girl.

 

[Shadowfox21]

Id love for Hasbro to release a line of force fx sabers for star wars rebels. This fan boy would be extremely happy to own Kanan's lightsaber

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Hasbro has released a listing of Star Wars 7 products. Not a lot of specifics but you get an idea of the various lines.there are lightsaber toys on the list.

http://www.rebelscum.com/story/front/Hasbro_The_Force_Awakens_Product_Rundown_161773.asp

I believe that as far as the signature series goes (adult sized Fx) there looks to be only one since it does not say assortment and I am guessing it's the Kylo Ren since it seems to be the standout design.

 

[Tan Djarka]

i believe that as far as the signature series goes (adult sized Fx) there looks to be only one since it does not say assortment and I am guessing it's the Kylo Wren since it seems to be the standout design.

Funny, I thought the Hasbro Signature Series was formerly MR's Force FX, but if you look further down the list there's entries for both Force FX lightsaber, both single and assortment. Odd. Do they actually mean Ultimate FX, or are they bringing back those huge spring loaded? I hope it's not the latter.

 

[Mara Jade's Father]

Funny, I thought the Hasbro Signature Series was formerly MR's Force FX, but if you look further down the list there's entries for both Force FX lightsaber, both single and assortment. Odd. Do they actually mean Ultimate FX, or are they bringing back those huge spring loaded? I hope it's not the latter.

I think FX = Ultimate FX.

I also think that the two line items are as follows:

• Star Wars 7 Force FX Lightsaber = Kylo Ren/Villian
  
• Star Wars 7 Force FX Lightsaber Assortment = Various other lightsabers from the movie
  

The reason I believe this is that you note that all the other lightsaber categories have to separate the villains design from the other assortments because it has the elaborate hilt so it needs a higher price point I think there are some inconsistencies in the listings which makes it hard to follow.

• Star Wars 7 Signature Lightsaber = Adult FX lightsaber. Since it is not an assortment, I think this might just be one hilt design, probably Ren's
• Star Wars 7 Deluxe Villain Lightsaber = Electronic variant of Ren's with telescopic blade, higher $$$ due to elaborate hilt
• Star Wars 7 Electronic Lightsaber Assortment = All other character Electronic lightsabers
• Star Wars 7 Extendable Lightsaber Assortment = non-electronic variant of Ren's with telescopic blade, higher $$$ due to elaborate hilt
• Star Wars 7 Villain Extendable Lightsaber = All other character non-electronic lightsabers
  [*]Star Wars 7 Foam Lightsaber Assortment = Most likely similar to the Nerf swords
  [*]Star Wars 7 Force FX Lightsaber = Ultimate FX for all other character, higher $$$ due to elaborate hilt
  
  [*]Star Wars 7 Force FX Lightsaber Assortment = Ultimate FX variant, higher $$$ due to elaborate hilt
  
  

Not Lightsaber related but interesting:

• Nerf Star Wars 7 Villain Trooper Blaster 1
  
• Nerf Star Wars 7 Villain Trooper Blaster 2
  
• Nerf Star Wars 7 Alien Blaster
  
• Nerf Star Wars 7 Ammo Refill
  

Although Hasbro has done several dart firing SW blasters, this is the first time they have associated them under the Nerf brand. This gives me hope that the designs, size, and functionality might be a lot better than previous offerings.