Margin Makers: Guide to Star Wars merchandise

That’s no moon: that’s one of the biggest brands in entertainment targeting the games market once again.

As Battlefront lands at retail, MCV looks at merchandise with the greatest Force

The galactic might of Star Wars has returned to the world of games.

Star Wars Battlefront is arguably the biggest title set in George Lucas’ iconic sci-fi universe to launch since 2011’s The Old Republic.

But it’s far from the only Star Wars game released in that time – there’s been Angry Birds Star Wars, Kinect Star Wars and myriad mobile spin-offs. Of course, there’s also the Star Wars additions to this year’s Disney Infinity and mobile tie-in Uprising, as well.

Released this week, Battlefront is one of the most anticipated titles of the year, thanks to its combination of Star Wars and the most popular console genre going – the first-person shooter.

9.5 million gamers played the Battlefront beta, making it the biggest pre-release teaser in EA’s history.

Six million of that number reached the beta’s maximum level and, collectively, gamers played the demo for over 1.6 billion minutes – a sure sign of the massive pre-launch hype.

While franchises such as LEGO Star Wars and Angry Birds Star Wars have kept a younger demographic interested in the space-set IP, Battlefront is likely to renew its appeal among an older audience.

With their ability to invest in add-on accessories and merchandise, retailers should be paying close attention to the interest in Star Wars from now until the end of the year.

The launch of The Force Awakens on December 17th means that consumers are sure to be on the hunt for Star Wars merchandise ahead of Christmas, making the right selection of products vital.

There’s plenty to choose from. Disney has kept the Star Wars brand strong in the decade since the last major film instalment, but Battlefront’s hype has resulted in a brand new wave of products specific to gamers, such as headsets, controllers and even PS4 consoles.

Clearly, the Force of Star Wars remains as strong as ever.

Sphero BB-8 Droid

This remote-controllable version of the fan-favourite robot from new film entry The Force Awakens proved to be a huge hit upon launch, selling out at retail. Users can guide BB-8 using a smartphone or tablet, but the mini machine will actually learn by itself, adjusting its actions over time. It can also be used to record and view virtual holographic videos – finally giving Star Wars die-hards the chance to recreate the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope’ scene from the first movie.

SRP: 129.99

Manufacturer: Sphero

Distributor: Widget

Contact: 01438 842 350

Star Wars: Armada Tabletop Miniatures Game

Two players take on the role of the Imperial and Rebel Alliance forces in this tabletop game of tactical space battles. Commanding iconic ships such as the Super Star Destroyer, TIE Fighters and X-Wings, players can add to their fleet with additional expansion packs. The core set includes three pre-painted capital ships, ten unpainted fighter squadrons and over 130 cards and tokens.

SRP: 79.99

Manufacturer: Fantasy Flight Games

Distributor: Esdevium Games

Contact: 01420 593 593

It Is Pointless To Resist Snapback Hat

One of Darth Vader’s most iconic quotations is immortalised on this cap. It’s also the ideal headwear for a first date.

SRP: €19.99 (14)

Manufacturer: Bioworld Europe

Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK

Contact: hello@gamingmerchandise.co.uk

LEGO Star WarsAdvent Calendar

Kids (and adults) can count down the time to Christmas with a new Star Wars-themed LEGO model every day thanks to this calendar.

SRP: 24.99

Manufacturer: LEGO

Distributor: LEGO

Contact: 01753 495 000

Star Wars: The Force AwakensRey Wacky Wobbler Bobble Head

Standing 15cm tall, this loose-necked recreation of Episode VII’s heroine is a quirky way to celebrate the new film.

SRP: 13.99

Manufacturer: Funko

Distributor: Underground Toys

Contact: kenny@underground-toys.com

Star Wars CharacterCars Five-Pack

With Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, R2-D2 and Stormtrooper models, these cars offer a unique twist on Star Wars characters.

SRP: 25.99

Manufacturer: Hot Wheels

Distributor: Chester Toy Wholesalers

Contact: 01492 516 929

Episode VII First OrderStormtrooper Nerf Blaster

Lovers of the Empire can eliminate rebel scum with this blaster, which fires foam darts up to to 65 feet (20 metres) away.

SRP: 12.99

Manufacturer: Nerf/Hasbro

Distributor: AB Gee of Ripley

Contact: 01773 570 444

Kylo RenExtendable Lightsaber

Episode VII’s villain continues the series’ trend of wielding eye-catching armaments. Who doesn’t want to swing this around and go ‘vmm’?

SRP: 12.99

Manufacturer: Hasbro

Distributor: AB Gee of Ripley

Contact: 01773 570 444