The toy weapon is spring-activated and the blade is made of translucent blue plastic. View larger. View Side - Top.

The blade itself lights up and makes realistic lightsaber sounds. View larger.

Realistic Sounds
For over 30 years, Stars Wars fans the world over have been inspired to make their own lightsaber sound effects, but now, the Force Action Lightsaber does it for you. The toy creates the distinctive power-activated "humming" drone that creates anticipation in moments between swings. This lightsaber also replicates the burst of electricity as the saber turns on and the blade extends as well as the "wave" of the blade as it hovers through the air.

Using the Force
Unlike the lightsabers of the Star Wars movie, the toy doesn't retract with the push of a button. After turning the weapon off, the blade can be collapsed by hand -- but be careful not to jam the blade too tightly into the handle. A couple of times while playing with the lightsaber, the blade did not extend when the power was activated; the sound effects started up, but the "on" button had to be pressed more than once to get the blade out. The on/off button looks as if it should also control the volume of the lightsaber -- but it does not. Parents who get sick of the "humming" can remove the batteries, as the lightsaber requires three AA batteries (not included) for its lights and sounds. But Obi-Wan Kenobi's Lightsaber wouldn't be half the fun without its glowing arc-wave energy blade, and the blue light is especially mesmerizing in the dark. While it's always exciting to fight against villains, the lightsaber is a great toy for young Jedis learning to wield the Force on their own.