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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHasbro never released an automatically retracting Star Wars lightsaber toy. The company explored inventor Yair Shilo’s concept, worked on it for about two years, then stopped development and returned the rights. Shilo later brought a related product to market with Nextoy and Goliath: the Power Saber, an automatic extending and retracting toy without Star Wars branding.
What happened to the Star Wars retractable lightsaber toy?
Israeli inventor Yair Shilo spent years developing a toy saber whose blade could extend and retract under power. In 2020, he sent a prototype to Hasbro through toy inventor and agent Robert Fuhrer. Hasbro worked on the idea for about two years, but did not take it to market. Shilo later partnered with Nextoy and manufacturer Goliath to produce the Goliath Power Saber, which uses the concept without being an official Star Wars product. The Verge’s August 2024 account is the main published narrative of the development and interviews.
The patent record provides a separate timeline for the rights. US patent US11980827B2 lists a priority date of June 4, 2019, an assignment to Hasbro on December 1, 2021, and a reassignment from Hasbro to the listed inventors or assignees on March 2, 2023. Google Patents cautions that its current-assignee and legal-status data may be inaccurate and are not a legal conclusion, so those dates document the recorded transfers rather than settle any broader legal question. The patent record describes the invention as a toy sword.
Why did Hasbro stop working on it?
Hasbro has not publicly identified a specific reason. Senior publicity manager Whitney Spencer told The Verge: “We greatly value our partnerships with inventors who bring us their ideas for toys and games. For a variety of reasons, we were unable to move forward with this particular concept.” The company, Shilo, Fuhrer, and Goliath did not explain further in the reporting.
#1 Best Overall
- LUKE SKYWALKER: Luke Skywalker was a Tatooine farmboy who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known
- TRUE TO CONTENT HILT DESIGN: Kids can act out imaginary duels with the Star Wars Non-Electronic Luke Skywalker Lightsaber, featuring a hilt inspired by Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber from the Star Wars galaxy
- FLICK TO EXTEND: This Lightsaber for kids features a blue extendable 4-segment blade that opens with the flick of the wrist (approximately 30 inches extended, 76 cm)
- FULLY RETRACTABLE BLADE: All 4 segments of the blade collapse into the hilt for easy and portable play (approximately 10 inches retracted, 25 cm)
- STAR WARS COSTUME: Use this Lightsaber toy as part of a Luke Skywalker costume for kids -- look for other roleplay toys like Star Wars masks to add to a collection (Sold separately. Subject to availability)
Fuhrer told The Verge there was “no hard reason,” adding that Hasbro had not cited a safety or cost issue. He also speculated about pressures on the company, retail price expectations, and an early safety-test issue; those are his theories, not Hasbro’s stated explanation. Shilo recalled being told the idea would be the “biggest toy ever,” but that recollection is not a sales forecast or evidence of projected demand. No published market-size or sales-volume figure establishes how commercially successful the toy might have been.
How does the self-retracting blade work?
Unlike a common toy saber that opens with a flick, Shilo’s design uses a motor to drive hollow, telescoping blade segments along a threaded spindle. The patent describes flexible interfaces inside the segments that engage the spindle as the blade extends. If enough pressure is applied, those interfaces can slide over the spindle so the blade can collapse. The design also describes powered and manual versions. The patent’s mechanism description presents that yielding action as a safety feature; it is not proof that the product is safe in every situation or a substitute for following its instructions.
Rank #2
- The light LED space swords set: including 4 colors (red,purple,green and blue). pick up your favorite color sword to clash with the motion sensitive sound effects, giving your kid a real feeling of being in the space dueling.
- Silent sode & fx sound sode: press the button to switch three mode: 1st press for light and sound effects mode which match with battle, 2nd press for light and silent mode which parents love, and 3rd press for trun off.
- Full retractable handle: our glowing blade can be fully retracted into the handle which same as the movies. perfect for cosplay, halloween costume props.The star you will become in the fierce war.
- Easy to carry: It is made of high quality durable plastic with portables telescopic extendable designed! the light up sword toy can be expands from 11.6 to 31.5 inches in length. suitable for children girl boy ages 3 years old and up.
- Glow in the dark party: great for xmas parties present, stocking Idea, last minute gift, galaxy war fighters and warriors, dress up accessories, role playing. also, it is a good gift for birthday or christmas for adults and teen.
The Verge’s reporter opened the consumer product and compared its construction with patent images. That is a reported observation, not an independent durability test or safety certification. The mechanism is the invention’s distinguishing idea: powered extension paired with a blade designed to give way under pressure.
What is the Goliath Power Saber, and is it an official Star Wars toy?
The Goliath Power Saber is the commercial product that followed the abandoned Hasbro effort. It has a motorized segmented blade, lights, and motion-based sound effects, but it is not officially Star Wars-branded and does not use authentic Jedi or Sith hilts or official Star Wars sounds. It translates the retracting action into a toy, not the licensed Star Wars product Shilo originally hoped to make.
Rank #3
- POWER CRYSTAL LIGHTSABER: This officially licensed Star Wars Lightsaber features 7 different blade colors, sound effects, and for the first time -- crystals that can be swapped in and out of the hilt
- INCLUDES 10 KYBER CRYSTALS: Inspired by the kyber crystal found at the heart of every Lightsaber, this set includes 10 different crystals for ultimate Lightsaber customization. Watch the crystals glow when inserted into the hilt
- 50+ UNIQUE COMBINATIONS: Change blade and hilt colors by trying different crystal combinations! The top crystal lights up the blade and bottom crystal lights up the hilt
- EPIC DETAILS & SOUND EFFECTS: This Lightsaber for kids features a translucent glowing core and a removeable Force blast effect for the blade. Plus, the sound effects change depending on your crystal combinations
- CREATE THEIR OWN LIGHTSABER: This electronic Star Wars toy is comprised of 10 crystals and 5 parts -- an extendable blade, Force blast effect, cap, cover, and core -- so kids can assemble their own light up Lightsaber
At the time of The Verge’s August 2024 report, the toy was listed at Amazon, Walmart, and Target for $60. That was a time-specific reported price, not a current quote. The Amazon listing describes a green-blade version extending to 35 inches (90 cm), with motion-based sound effects, for ages six and up. Retail listings and availability can change; check the retailer’s current listing for the exact variant and terms. The Amazon listing supplies those product details.
How long did development take?
The timelines refer to different parts of the story, not one continuous Hasbro product launch:
Rank #4
- STAR WARS LIGHTSABER MULTIPACK: This 2-pack of officially licensed non-electronic Lightsabers includes a Lightsaber inspired by Darth Vader's signature Lightsaber and one inspired by the Mandalorian's Darksaber
- TRUE TO CONTENT HILT DESIGN: Kids can act out imaginary duels with these toy Lightsabers, featuring hilts inspired by the Star Wars galaxy
- FLICK TO EXTEND: These Lightsabers for kids feature extendable 4-segment blades that open with the flick of the wrist (approximately 30 inches extended, 76 cm)
- FULLY RETRACTABLE BLADES: All 4 segments of the blades collapse into the hilt for easy and portable play (approximately 10 inches retracted, 25 cm)
- STAR WARS COSTUMES: Use these Star Wars toys as part of a Mandalorian or Darth Vader costume for kids -- look for other roleplay toys like Star Wars masks to add to a collection (Sold separately. Subject to availability)
- About five years: Shilo’s estimate, reported by The Verge in 2024, of how long he spent finding a formula for a blade that could extend automatically and collapse safely.
- About two years: The Verge’s estimate of how long Hasbro worked on the concept before stopping.
- 2019–2023: The patent record’s listed sequence of priority date, Hasbro assignment, and reassignment: June 4, 2019; December 1, 2021; and March 2, 2023.
These milestones help explain why a toy that looks like a Star Wars invention eventually appeared under another name: the concept’s development, Hasbro’s rights period, and the later consumer product were connected, but they were not the same release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the story does—and does not—establish
Shilo told The Verge that the lightsaber was “the only weapon that brings light to the world.” That personal description captures why he pursued the idea, but the available reporting does not establish that Hasbro abandoned it for any single technical, commercial, or safety reason. The patent documents a mechanism and recorded rights transfers; the consumer listing describes a product. Neither supplies evidence of sales performance or a controlled comparison with conventional toy sabers.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- FROM A GALAXY FAR AWAY... Well, not really. But these 31” light up sabers sure look like they’re from outer space. Hold up the thickened telescopic handle and switch on the LED blade, and you’re the star of the war.
- 3 COLORED LIGHTS: Both of these sabers have three light modes - red, blue, and purple. Choose your favorite color to pick your skill level and to show off what side you’ve picked in this interstellar battle.
- MOTION SENSITIVE SOUND EFFECTS: Start dueling with a friend, and every time your sabers clash, you’ll hear electric sound effects that match your movements. It’s perfect for immersive games or realistic cosplay.
- Durable & Security: All the LED light up swords weapon are made of high quality plastic and components in high grade security, 100% non-toxic, odorless, durable, long lasting and easy to use.
- TOY LIFE Promise: We take great pride in providing toys that are safe, educational, interactive and most importantly fun! Your product satisfaction is core to our business. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your purchase, please contact us directly through Amazon's messaging system so that we can assist you. Thank you for your purchase!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
