You Can Now Actually Feel Like a Jedi With This Amazing New Gadget

By Ann-Marie Alcántara
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara
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Every Star Wars fan has at least once in their life quoted or made some joke about wishing they could control objects with the Force. That dream became a slight reality when Sphero released a BB-8 droid last year that could move around — all through a smartphone app. Now, you get to actually control BB-8 as if you were a Jedi (or Sith) with the release of the Force Band, a bracelet that dictates the moves of BB-8 with your hand movements.

What's the Force Band?

Are you wondering if you read that right? You did. Yes, Sphero actually topped itself and made the coolest Star Wars toy ever — again. With the Force Band, you can use "the Force" to push, pull, and control BB-8. You can make it roll across the room, move it to the right, and even beckon it back to you.

And that's just Droid Control mode. The device has five total modes: Droid Control, Force Training, Combat Training, Force Awareness, or Robot Control. The first controls BB-8. Force Training uses BB-8 to teach you certain moves to become a "Master Jedi Knight." In Combat Training mode, you can set certain sounds to your Force Band, like a lightsaber or TIE fighter, and have an imaginary battle or fight. With Force Awareness, you can collect "Holocrons" around you. Think of it is as Pokémon Go, except you don't need to keep the app open or do anything to get a Holocron.

Check out photos of both BB-8 and the Force Band ahead, as well GIFs of it in action. This won't be the last time you see it; it'll definitely be at the top of everyone's holiday wishlist this year.

The Force Band exists because people wanted it.
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

The Force Band exists because people wanted it.

The idea of the force band came from you — yes, you. "People were asking us to give it a controller 'cause they didn't want to give up their phone to their kid," said Adam Wilson, cofounder and chief software architect at Sphero. Of course, if you're anything remotely of a Star Wars fan, you know the Force flows through someone; you can't just slap on a bracelet and have it. So Sphero needed the band to "match something from the universe of Episode 7" and that actually interacted with BB-8. "So it left us with two possible characters: Rey wears zero bands on her arms so it needed to be something that Poe would wear," said Wilson. The result is a design and color scheme inspired by the best pilot in the resistance. If you don't have a BB-8 droid yet, you can buy the "Battle-Worn" version, which matches how BB-8 looks in the movie.

This time, both BB-8 and the Force Band will be marketed toward girls.
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

This time, both BB-8 and the Force Band will be marketed toward girls.

Sphero is hoping the demand is high for this new iteration of BB-8 and the Force Band. Unlike last time, when the BB-8 was marketed toward young boys and adult men, the company is pivoting to also include women. Sphero's promotional video for the Force Band is a step in that direction. Young girls are playing around with the Force Band and BB-8 — an image missing from Star Wars products for a very long time.

But, is the Force Band actually worth it?
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

But, is the Force Band actually worth it?

When I tested it out, it definitely takes awhile to get used to the motions needed to control BB-8. But you learn that in five minutes and then become super addicted to playing around with BB-8. To me, the Force Band finally makes owning a BB-8 droid worth it. Confession: I totally bought a BB-8 last year and then returned it within five minutes because I didn't want it to just sit in the box forever — and now it won't.

This toy isn't just something that will sit on my nightstand or watch the movie with me, but a toy that's interactive and that lets me live out my Star Wars dreams. I don't know how much I'll use the Force Band in Combat Training or Force Awareness modes, but those two functions make it worth purchasing the Force Band. And hey — we all saw what happened when people's dreams of catching Pokémon in the real world came true with Pokémon Go. It's the same concept at play with the Force Band and one that Star Wars fans have been waiting for a very long time for it to finally happen.

Take a peek ahead to see BB-8 being controlled by the Force Band.

Here's a look at how you can "Force push" BB-8 away from you . . .
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

Here's a look at how you can "Force push" BB-8 away from you . . .

. . . Or "Force turn" BB-8 from left to right.
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

. . . Or "Force turn" BB-8 from left to right.

And of course, you can always "Force pull" the little droid back to you.
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

And of course, you can always "Force pull" the little droid back to you.

When you open up the Force Band app, you'll learn how to control BB-8.

When you open up the Force Band app, you'll learn how to control BB-8.

You also get to play a game to learn the right moves.

You also get to play a game to learn the right moves.

How can I buy one?
POPSUGAR Photography | Ann-Marie Alcántara

How can I buy one?

You can buy the Battle-Worn BB-8 with the Force Band ($200) or just the Force Band ($80). Two special edition sets will be available; one box in black and another in white at Apple stores. Once you buy it, you'll also need to download the Force Band app (free).