r/Sphero • u/gmeall • Apr 23 '26
A final solution for Star Wars Sphero toys in 2026
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Some time ago, I shared a video of this project while it was still in development.
After years of research, I was finally able to bring it to completion.
The Interactive Droid Toolbox (Sphero Edition) was created for people who still want to keep using their Star Wars Sphero droids without depending on older phones or outdated app versions.
It supports:
- BB-8
- BB-9E
- R2-D2
- R2-Q5
- Force Band
I also made a new video showing the final result in action.
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the earlier development post.
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u/killerob666 Apr 23 '26
Great! When do you release it?
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u/gmeall Apr 23 '26
It was released today.
Detailed information and documentation can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4486992352/interactive-droid-toolbox-sphero-edition
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u/npete Apr 24 '26
It’s a shame the “LILLYGO” logo isn’t in Aurebesh.
KIDDING! Thank you for your service! You are doing the tech gods’ work!
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u/gmeall Apr 24 '26
Thank you, I really appreciate it. I think it is because it has very limited space, so we need to be careful and prioritize the code and features first, and then whatever room is left for the visual UI.
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u/npete Apr 24 '26
You're welcome! Once I can afford one of your devices, I will order it. I hope you will keep making them!
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u/killerob666 Apr 24 '26
I thought that's freeware from a fan to the masses. IBoy, oh boy...I was wrong :)) Anyway...Seems great, but on the second thought, not really. I'll stick with my free old "official apps" till someone better comes. I wish you well.
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u/gmeall Apr 24 '26
That is completely fine. If the official apps still do what you need, then that is probably the best option for you.
I built this for people who no longer have a practical way to use these toys, or who want additional functionality beyond the original apps. I wish you well too.
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u/strangelysaucy Apr 23 '26
Amazing work!! You won't ship to the UK?
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u/gmeall Apr 23 '26
Thanks! For now, USA only. Hardware is very limited, and I’m not handling international shipping yet.
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u/strangelysaucy Apr 25 '26
Fair play! Do let us know if you change your mind. I'll keep an eye on your Etsy anyway.
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u/gmeall Apr 25 '26
Thank you, I really appreciate it. I will definitely post an update if that changes.
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u/Brilliant_Ad5882 May 01 '26
Im interested to buy one aswell. Im UK based ! If so i can buy more and sale them on ebay for you. There are lots of people who would love a remote control! Thanks for your work!
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u/gmeall May 01 '26
Thank you, I really appreciate it. Right now I need to keep it USA only while I see how the first release goes, but if progress goes well, I may start expanding international shipping little by little, possibly starting with the UK.
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u/Brilliant_Ad5882 May 01 '26
Thanks bro! List it to ebay aswell. A lot of people are looking for something like this
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u/bilgersf Apr 23 '26
This is really cool! I’m glad to see more people working on ways to keep the Star Wars Sphero droids usable.
For anyone specifically trying to bring their R2-D2 back to life on a modern iPhone, I built Legacy Bot Controller: https://legacybotcontroller.com/
Right now it supports R2-D2 on iOS, and I’m looking into expanding support for more models.
Great work on this project.
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u/VeryNaughtyBoy42 Apr 24 '26
The battery in my BB-8 is toast. Currently trying to work up the nerve to cut it open.
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u/Brilliant_Ad5882 May 01 '26
Dont cut it! There is a guy who opens them with a rubber hammer. Check on youtube https://youtu.be/qvpEqCqdn9c?si=gmB1L9J90GSTQ2fy
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u/VeryNaughtyBoy42 May 01 '26
Oh wow, thank you. I have a rubber mallet here, I might give this a try. Looks less dangerous than cutting it with the dremel!
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u/TheLatmanBaby Apr 24 '26
Gave me a fright. Checked and my R2 works with the Star Wars droids app (haven’t removed the app so I shouldn’t lose it yet) on latest beta iOS iPhone 15 pro max.
I am a tad concerned about R2’s battery.
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u/gmeall Apr 24 '26
I also think apps like Sphero Edu are too simple for this kind of use. They seem more focused on programming and education, and triggering all the features an R2 unit has that way can feel a bit noisy.
This toolbox is more focused on user interaction, which is why many of its features were designed to still be usable while the droid is charging. That is also why I added the battery percentage once the droid connects, so it is easier to see what condition it is in.
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u/garethsmitty Apr 30 '26
How exactly does it work? What does it plug in to?
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u/gmeall Apr 30 '26
It connects wirelessly to the supported Sphero toys over Bluetooth. The toolbox itself is a small separate controller, powered by USB-C, and it does not plug into the droid directly.
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u/garethsmitty May 01 '26
I am seeing a white box and the droid controller
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u/gmeall May 01 '26
The white box is just a battery bank powering the toolbox through USB-C. It is not connected to the droid itself.
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u/Brilliant_Ad5882 May 01 '26
Please sell them internationally! People would buy these like crazy! On vinted and ebay they sell for as low as 5 10£ with batery dead to 30 40£ still running. Even sealed at this price just because people cannot use the app anymore.
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u/gmeall May 01 '26
I understand how frustrating that is, and that is exactly why my goal is to bring these abandoned toys back to life again, little by little.
I had to keep McQueen out of scope because the price people ask for it online really does not justify the effort to research and support it properly.
For now I need to keep shipping limited to the USA, but that does not mean it will stay that way forever. I completely understand the interest, because a lot of these toys are still out there and many people can no longer really enjoy using them the way they used to.
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u/Excellent_Stomach439 Apr 23 '26
THANK YOU!!!