Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 3,344: Imperial Droid (With Probe-Mate Hyperspace Pod, Droid Factory, Boxed)

IMPERIAL DROID with Probe-Mate Hyperspace Pod
Star Wars Droid Depot
Item No.: ???
Manufacturer: Disney
Number: n/a
Includes: Droid, stand, pod
Action Feature: Removable dome
Retail: $29.99
Availability: August 2025
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: All different types of droids populate the Star Wars galaxy. Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors. These two were first featured in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. May the Force be with you... and your Droids! (Taken from the packaging. Wait... these two?)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at eBay now!

Commentary: The Empire Strikes Back was released 46 years ago! This Imperial Droid would probably better known as a Probot or Imperial Probe Droid by most fans, but hey, that's what the box says. The main figure mold is the Viper Probe Droid [FOTD #2,980] from Obi-Wan Kenobi, released in 2022. I consider it to be a pretty good figure, and almost identical. Disney tweaked the silver highlights on the droid in a few spots, but they're largely very similar. It would seem the silver paint is much brighter, and the red is a little brighter, but otherwise? It's more or less the same figure. If you have one, you may not need the other. And I use the word "may" because the Kenobi Probe came with 3 other droid figures, and this The Empire Strikes Back Probe comes with what effectively amounts to the first all-new The Empire Strikes Back vehicle mold in over 15 years and the first all-new classic trilogy ship since - someone correct me if I forgot something - the Sail Barge. Yes, we really haven't had many new original trilogy-era vehicles from Hasbro in quite some time.

Is the droid the right size? It's hard to say - the measurements on Wookieepedia say 1.5-1.6 meters, which means about as tall as Leia, probably. But where you you measure from? The longest leg? Hover height? Do you count the antenna? It's hard to tell, and looking at behind-the-scenes photos frequently have the droid hovering, elevated on a stand, in front of other characters or actors making it difficult to get a straight comparison with a normal sized person. Hasbro has made their Probe Droids bigger, and fans tend to react strongly to "corrections" even if they're correct. Things like Han's jacket or Jabba's height seem obvious to some and beyond argument to others. For the sake of brevity, let's say it's close enough for jazz.

That last probe droid sold for $50 in a 4-pack, which was a pretty decent deal. Give or take inflation, let's say he'd be about $15 today, making the Probe-Mate Hyperspace Pod about $15 - an excellent price. For me to consider something worth about $20, it needs to be roughly Speeder Bike size. And it is! According to Wookieepedia, the hyperspace pod is about 3.4-3.5-meters long. The toy is about 7-inches long. Ballparking 3 3/4-inch scale figures as 1:18 scale, that means the pod is about the right size. Functionally, it's a little tight. The droid fits inside with his display stand, but the interior panels nudge the antenna. If the antenna could telescope, I'd say it's perfect - but it's not. I do not recommend storing your droid in the pod.

The pod itself is kind of remarkable. As a kid I could never make it out in the movie, as it was small and blurry. Looking at Jazwares' Micro Galaxy Squadron toy or Wookieepedia's image, it looks like it's closer to the latter. Is it right or wrong? Let's say it's good enough, as I don't have sufficient reference handy that I can recall. The toy is a base, a lid, and 5 identical fold-down panels. It's incredibly efficient, and you can see Disney has effectively made a whole ship out of 3 fairly simple parts that can be assembled by hand with no screws or fasteners. Is it cheap or brilliant? I'd say both. The light paint on the panel is really all I need, and while weathering would be nice I can't argue with the price. Even with the theme park mark-up, it's a decent ship and I don't know if a Hasbro equivalent would be under $50. The plastic feels nice, and it has a nice hollow "chonk" sound to it that reminds me of Kenner's old mini-rigs.

Would Hasbro be held to a higher standard? Probably, because fans expect too damn much and Hasbro really wants to sell top-of-the-line stuff. Disney seems to be going for more of a middle ground, and I'm thrilled to have an all-new Hoth figure-scale toy for the first time in decades. It's so rare to see anybody pull out a figure or especially a ship from the original trilogy that hasn't been done one or two (or 14) times, so I would say this was worth my while of calling in a favor so I could get it after missing the initial sale. I'm sure your model maker buddy could do a better job painting it, but for a theme park souvenir I couldn't ask for much more. Given the typical 3 3/4-inch figure at a store is $20, $30 is fine for something like this and I hope Hasbro considers making some slightly compromised but cheaper toys in the future. I don't need perfection - I just need something cool and fun.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Greg (hi Greg) who stopped by a Disney park to get me one in Spring 2026. It sold out online almost immediately, so thanks much for the help there.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 3,344: May 12, 2026

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,980: Viper Probe Droid (Droid Factory / Disney)

VIPER PROBE DROID Smaller
Droid Factory Obi-Wan Kenobi Boxed Set
Item No.: No. n/a
Manufacturer: Disney
Number: n/a
Includes: 3 more droid figures, stand
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $49.99
Availability: September 2022
Appearances: Obi-Wan Kenobi

Bio: All different types of Astromech droids populate the Star Wars galaxy. Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors. These four are featured in Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi. This is the way... for you and your Droids! (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: The Viper Probe Droid figure is one of those things that are both awesome and upsetting. Kenner and Hasbro have shown the Probot as this big thing, huge, imposing. There's very little in the movies or reference photos to deny that - in The Empire Strikes Back it's not like you see them right next to a human, and the perspective of any behind-the-scenes photos make him look huge. The same was true of Jabba the Hutt, who is by all accounts not a tall slug without his throne, and Max Rebo, who Kenner (and cartoons) gave legs and feed in addition to the arms that play the keys. Toys are very capable of changing our perspective, and according to most resources a probe droid is about 1.6 meters tall. That means Disney's new, smaller droid is probably the most accurately sized model you can buy as a 3 3/4-inch fan.

This is a good figure, but may disappoint in terms of articulation. It's stunning in terms of sculpt and deco, with great paint wear that's subtle and looks superb - there are other painted elements too, like the shiny black eyes. You don't see the stuff under the eyes that are in various photos - it's just black. I love the sculpted detail arund each eye, and the tiny rivets are a nice touch too. A few subtle red shapes are scattered all over the figure, giving it a bit more visual variety without being distracting. It's a good design and Disney translated it nicely.

In terms of articulation, it's peak "good not great." As a display piece? Perfection. As a toy? It doesn't move the same as previous droid. The antenna don't go in and out. The legs are removable for some reason, but won't swivel on the body despite what appears to look like a sculpting joint. Each arm has two to three points of articulation to bend, though - some are just ornamental, and none of the claws open. It's a good figure for the money, but there's always room for improvement. Back in the 1980s, kids with the Turret and Probot playset had arms that only moved at the body - and that was it, and we liked it dagnabbit. We didn't get a clear stand, we rammed a white pole up the droid's underside and then used the same pole to blow him up.

So assuming this is the right height, it's a pretty good figure and the entire set is an all-around decent value. Now that Hasbro will be charging what I think I can safely say is an absurd $17.99 per The Vintage Collection figure, a Disney 4-pack of Droids for under $50 seems like a steal - especially with new molds. This is a good figure in a good set, so I suggest picking it up if the price is at or around $50. If Hasbro made a similar droid and slapped it on a regular Vintage cardback - even at $18 - I'd say it was a worthwhile purchase.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from my pal Greg! Thanks Greg.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,980: November 24, 2022

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,696: Imperial Probe Droid (The Black Series 6-Inch)

IMPERIAL PROBE DROID Probot, no Turret and
The Black Series 40th Anniversary 6-Inch Figure
Item No.: No. E7656
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: #D3
Includes: Display stand with clear pole and white snowy base
Action Feature: Telescoping antenna
Retail: $29.99
Availability: January or April 2020, depending on who you ask
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with the Imperial Probe Droid figure.  Tenacious hunters, probe droids are armed with powerful blasters. (Taken from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary: It's gorgeous!  But why is it here?  The Imperial Probe Droid is a curious figure to celebrate the movie that you're required by law to say is your favorite, even if it isn't true.   It's a big one, so it can't fit in a normal box - hence the higher price.     With the stand, the droid's dome is at 8-inches tall.

As with most Probe Droids, the head is big and rotates freely.  The antenna on top can telescope, and the blaster on the body can move.  The legs all combined give you about 22 points of articulation, which is super cool but ultimately not necessarily valuable - once you put the figure on the stand, you probably won't play with it.  The detail is perfect, the sculpting is top-notch, and the paint has little chipped silver bits and red highlights.  It looks really good, and will look great on your shelf of Hoth stuff with the Tauntaun and Wampa you hopefully bought several years ago.

The sculpt seems to be from the same 3-D files that gave us The Last Jedi edition a few years ago, so if you loved that one you'll probably also love this one.  It was a bit simpler, but also had a Vader figure as well as a sound chip for $10 less.  That's life these days.   I doubt anyone is going to say that this $30 probe droid has more heft than a $20 basic 6-inch figure, but it's taller, it's wider, and you'll probably need it to menace your other figures.  Given what other big probe replicas cost, this is on the lower end of things.  I'd say it's worth the regular asking price, but even more worth a hypothetical sale price.  If it passes your field of vision, consider picking it up.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.  

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,696: June 4, 2020

Star Wars Figure of the Day: Day 2,399: Imperial Probe Droid (The Last Jedi Line Look)

IMPERIAL PROBE DROID with Darth Vader
The Last Jedi Class A Vehicle Assortment
Item No.: Asst. C1245  No. C1246
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Lightsaber, Darth Vader, Display Stand, Projectile
Action Feature: Launching Rocket, Force Link sounds
Retail: $19.99
Availability: September 2017
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Tenacious hunters and searches, probe droids (or probots) have a variety of sensors, and the ones employed by the Empire are armed with powerful blasters and, in some models, shields.   (Can from the figure's packaging.)

Image: Adam's photo lab.

Availability: Click here to buy it at Entertainment Earth now!

Click here to buy it at Amazon now!

Commentary:  Since I was a kid, I've loved the Probot, or Imperial Probe Droid in the modern vernacular.   We've had precious few toys from Kenner or Hasbro of this one, like the original in the Turret and Probot Playset, the tiny one in the MicroCollection Hoth Wampa Cave, one in the MicroMachines/Action Fleet ranges, and of course Kenner's deluxe 1996 model which got a decent redeco around 2008.  This new one?  It's better.  It's what you want.  If you're happy with what you have stop reading this, because you might end up blowing $20 on this over the weekend.  Provided you can find it - it's one per case against three of the superbly weird Rathar.

This is the probe I've been wanting.   It comes completely assembled, all you have to do is turn around the legs into a pleasing position and pop him on the display stand.   He has a launching rocket and Force Link sound capabilities.  (Basically, you wear a bracelet that remotely sends power to the toy rather than putting batteries in the toy itself.)  You'll recognize various sounds from the movie as you hold it, and if you shake it you'll get other noises.

The droid has a big articulated head with fake silver wear and tear, red markings, glossy black "eyes", and this perfect dark grey metallic skin.  It's great. It's the best.  I was stunned to find that the antenna on top of its head telescope up and down like in the opening moments of The Empire Strikes Back.  I was also stunned to see that the rocket doesn't fire worth a crap.   You can't win them all.   The undercarriage arms have many joints, but not every "joint" moves - be careful to not damage anything.  Some of the little claws move, and some do not.  At $20 I would prefer they all move, but it's not about what I want, is it?  Is it Hasbro?  (Well, you did a fine job all the same.)


The clear display base has an Empire logo motif while standing up super sturdy.  My little droid friend sits on it without feeling the slightest bit unstable, which is not normal for most figures I buy.  Hasbro did a good job here and other than maybe the price, I can't complain.  (Given Darth Vader alone would probably sell for $7-$8, an extra $12 for the Probot ain't too shabby.)   This robot is better than you might expect in a 5-jointed figure line, so go run out and get it with my blessing.   With a Wampa coming too, it's shaping up to be a good season for The Empire Strikes Back fans... and frankly, I'd rather they spend more time on "legacy" movies for Force Friday and save the new stuff for movie time.   Give me a reason to be excited to buy some toys, I've got plenty of ciphers as it is.

Packaging Notes: Playmobil may have a new competitor for biggest waste of space.  The abundance of open air in the box will confound you, as the robot could tuck behind Darth Vader - it'd be a tight fit - with about 50-60% of the space inside going unused.  I'm sure it wouldn't look impressive for $20, but they could probably have given us a smaller (or more interesting) box as you really feel like you got taken when you open it and there's so much nothing inside.  It's a good piece, but the presentation leaves much to be desired.

Collector's Notes: I got mine from Entertainment Earth.

--Adam Pawlus

Day 2,399: September 1, 2017

Figure of the Day: Day 909: Probe Droid (Probot)

IMPERIAL PROBE DROID Hoth Recon Patrol
The Legacy Collection Battle Packs
Item No.: Asst. 87752 No. 87789
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Number: n/a
Includes: Firing rocket, 4 additional figures
Action Feature: Spring-loaded rocket, head "ejects"
Retail: $19.99
Availability: July 2008
Appearances: The Empire Strikes Back

Bio: Used for reconnaissance and deep space exploration, Imperial probe droids gather data and transmit it over long distances. (Taken from the figure's box.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' table.

Commentary: It took over 10 years, but Hasbro finally released an Imperial Probe Droid with paint more or less accurate to The Empire Strikes Back. Way back in 1997, Kenner cranked out a deluxe Probe Droid figure which had a grey body and a big orange missile-- which was actually accurate to some Lucasfilm photography, just not to the droid we saw in action. The figure has a jointed head, five jointed limbs, an articulated blaster, and a hidden cannon under its neck-- just push it up, and there you go. The set didn't include a manual, but the droid does feature two spring-loaded features. One is a firing rocket in one of its eyes, the other is a "self-destruct" lever right under its body. While there certainly are ways Hasbro could improve this figure, paint isn't one of them. Its silvery finish complete with dusted snow makes it fit in with any Hoth diorama, although it may look strange next to a bunch of non-snow dusted figures. While it would be nice to see one with a better range of articulation and maybe some sort of display stand one day, this is actually a pretty solid figure. Especially in a $20 boxed set, you really can't go wrong.

Collector's Notes: This is the best modern probe droid money can buy. Unless you decide you want the vintage Kenner one from the 1980s, you should go get this one and be secure in the knowledge that, most likely, this is probably as good as it's going to get for a very long time. Oh, and the video below? Yeah, that's me doing this. I'm a firm believer in zero budget marketing.

Day 909: December 8, 2008

Figure of the Day: Day 33: Probe Droid (Probot)

PROBE DROID with proton torpedo and self-destruct exploding head Power of the Force Collection (1997); Revenge of the Sith Collection Assault on Hoth Battle Pack (2005) Item No.: Asst. 69610 No. 69677; No. 85841 Number: n/a Includes: Head, rocket Action Feature: Self-destruct blast-off head, spring-loaded "eye" missile Retail: $9.99; $24.99 Availability: January 1997, Fall 2005 Appearances: Primarily The Empire Strikes Back; also appears in the Expanded Universe Bio: Probe droids (also known as probots) were reconnaissance automatons. These droids were dispatched by to gather information, reporting anything of significance. Some models were equipped with a self-destruct, to prevent enemies from studying them and determining their source, as well as a small weapon for defense. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.) Image: Adam Pawlus' shelf, on top, where it's just a bunch of crap thrown up there. This is the 1997 version of the figure. Commentary: One of the first deluxe action figures that wasn't a figure fans had with a new backpack, the Probe Droid was quite popular for quite a while. It tended to sell fairly well, and for fans of vintage toys like the Hoth Wampa cave from the Micro Collection and the Turret & Probot Playset, it was fun to see the return of the Probot, even without the old-timey name. (The name "Probot" was used for the 2005 re-release.) With a blast-off head and a firing rocket, this was not just a great figure, but a pretty nice toy as well! The figure was capable of having several moving parts, a head that could raise to reveal added weaponry, and a tiny extra gun as well. In short, it's everything you could want in a Probe Droid and then some, although it is lacking a certain "magic" quality that the vintage toy seems to carry with it to this very day. Still, it's a fun figure, and a must-add to every collection. Collector's Notes: The 1997 and 2005 releases are virtually identical. Some of the 2005 ones have the legs assembled differently, and a slightly different level of black spray. While your mileage may vary, I do not consider these to be significant enough differences to buy the Battle Pack just for the variation for my "complete set." A fairly common figure these days, you can probably add this to your collection for less than original retail. If you can still find the 2005 Battle Pack, it's a wonderful value with several great toys and overall, is probably a better buy.

Day 33: June 8, 2006