PROTOTYPE ARCHIVES
THE ULTIMATE COMMTECH GUIDE
What is CommTech?
In 1999, Hasbro revolutionized the world of toys by unveiling its innovative CommTech technology, developed by the British tech wizards at Innovision Research & Technology. This groundbreaking innovation allowed fans to bring the iconic sounds of Star Wars to life through special action figures.
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Hidden inside each figure was a CommTech chip that doubled as a display stand. When connected to the accompanying CommTech reader, these chips came alive, electronically transmitting authentic voice clips and sound effects straight from the legendary films. From Darth Vader's ominous breathing to R2-D2's excitable beeps, fans could now immerse themselves in interactive Star Wars roleplay like never before.
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The technology provided an unparalleled level of interactivity that ushered in a new era of smart toys. While legal issues forced the system to be renamed CommTalk in some countries, its impact was undeniable. CommTech captivated fans and expanded the frontiers of imaginative play.
Star Wars CommTech Commercial
How does it work?
CommTech uses a technology known as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This technology utilizes radio waves to accomplish this. At a simple level, RFID systems consist of three components: an RFID tag, RFID reader and an antenna. RFID tags contain an integrated circuit and an antenna, which are used to transmit data to the RFID reader.
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The reader broadcasts signal through the antenna. The RFID tag receives the signal. It is charged with enough energy to send back an identifying response. The reader collects the data sends to a computer to process and convert the data into an electronic sound.
Early Conceptual Designs
The early days of CommTech chips were filled with possibility. Nicknamed “DataTalk,” these small discs held big potential. At first just a simple round chip with a hole for a ball chain, the CommTech design soon expanded. Engineers realized the chip could also act as a stand, allowing action figures to come alive through voice and sound effects. This improved play experience revolutionized the toy world, bringing science fiction to imaginative young minds. Though starting as humble discs, CommTech chips unleashed a galaxy of adventure.
Chip Development
Early conceptual models of the CommTech chip appeared rather unassuming. Nestled inside a nondescript black case was a bulky circuit board. But upon closer inspection, one key feature stood out: the RFID antenna, strategically placed on the left side of the board. Though still in its infancy, this prototype marked an important milestone, the genesis of a technology that would one day revolutionize communication. The humble beginnings of the CommTech chip belied the immense impact it would have, enabling people across the world to connect in new and powerful ways.
The engineers made remarkable strides in miniaturizing the circuit board as development marched forward. Through ingenious design, they managed to cram the microelectronics into a space no larger than a fingernail. This feat of micro-engineering was achieved by nestling the tiny components inside the antenna itself, liberating the rest of the board from its former overcrowding. The once-sprawling circuit was now condensed to an area barely visible to the naked eye. The compact innovation brought the technology tantalizingly close to being packed into everyday wearables and unleashed into the mainstream.
Variations
CommTech chips come in a variety of flavors. The original English version has since been translated into Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Now CommTech users around the world can access the technology in their native language. With multilingual offerings, CommTech broadens its global reach and ensures more people can benefit from the innovative technology.
The first CommTech chips were true marvels of miniaturization, featuring a tiny holographic photo of the character inserted within the chip housing. These early chips brought characters to life in a groundbreaking way. But Hasbro was always innovating, they soon transitioned to a sleeker chip with the photo set against a crisp white background. For a time, some characters came in both variations - the original holographic version and the new white background style. Collectors could enjoy the evolution of this innovative product line firsthand. The CommTech chips exemplified Hasbro’s spirit of imagination and progress that kept fans coming back for more.
Standard Circuit
Flat Circuit
Holographic Character Photo
White Character Photo
The last variation of the chip design is incredibly uncommon. Only a handful of these special chips had two minuscule electronic parts attached to the backside of the circuit board. This gave the front of the chip a deceptively ordinary, flat appearance that belied the advanced components hidden on the flip side. Though few in number, these ingeniously crafted dual-sided chips stand out as truly exceptional among the masses of typical single-sided chips. Their rarity makes them all the more intriguing to those who stumble across them.
2nd Generation CommTech Chips
Exciting news was in the works for Star Wars action figure fans. Hasbro planned to roll out a major upgrade to their popular CommTech chips, the nifty sound effects built into many figures. These new and improved "CommTech 2.0" chips would harness a beefier Winbond chip to enable twice the dialogue and sound effects. The potential was thrilling. Both classic Power of the Force characters and new faces from Episode I could talk fans' ears off. These souped-up chips were slated for inclusion in upcoming figure releases and rereleases. Best of all, the new chips would remain fully compatible with the existing CommTech reader, so fans wouldn't need to buy any new hardware to enjoy the experience. While sadly never realized, the plans represented a bold step forward that would have brought more sights and sounds to every fan's shelf.
Unfortunately, Hasbro pulled the plug on the highly anticipated 2nd generation of CommTech chips, instead transitioning the packaging to the new "Power of the Jedi" line. This was a major letdown for fans who were eager to see the next evolution of CommTech. Though early Power of the Jedi concepts teased the inclusion of CommTech chips, this innovative technology was scrapped entirely, replaced by the underwhelming "Jedi Force File." Many second gen CommTech chips were nearly complete when Hasbro decided to axe the project, but sadly none ever made it to market.
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The disappointment is palpable - fans were on the edge of their seats for CommTech 2.0 before Hasbro yanked it away, leaving only memories of what could have been. But Power of the Jedi offered hollow gimmicks instead of the groundbreaking chips. It was a real bait and switch that left collectors disillusioned with Hasbro's direction. If only those advanced CommTech chips had seen the light of day as intended...
Step into the workshop and behold early prototypes representing the evolution of this creation. Observe a design pivot within the initial development phase - early iterations display an inverted emblem on the rear. Functional models were then built, containing the scarce vocal sample. Tracing the genesis of this artifact, we find refinement through testing, tweaking towards an ideal form. The prototypes chart an intriguing journey from concept to finished product.
Foam Conceptual Mock Up
First Shot V2A
Working First Shot
First Shot V2B
Unreleased CommTech V2 Chips
Hidden deep within CommTech V2's files lies a treasure trove of voices never meant for public ears. Though most prototypes met their end when the chips were cancelled, a few working samples survived. Let's crack open the vault and have a listen to these rare gems. Click that play button now to hear one-of-a-kind phrases and sounds from figures destined for greatness, before their stories were cut short. Their circuits may be dusty, but their voices remain intact. It's time to finally give these forgotten figures their moment in the spotlight.
#17 Qui-Gon Jinn (Jedi Master) Rerelease
Play Sounds
#17 Qui-Gon Jinn chip was originally released as a first generation chip. This V2B design has additional speech lines. This sample was found in orange tint and frosted white.
Original CommTech V1 Speech:
"Obi-Wan, he will bring balance. Train him."
"Obi-Wan wait! We must attack as one force."
"You over-estimate your skills." (lightsaber battle)
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CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Obi-Wan wait! Control your anger. We must attack as one force."
"You over-estimate your skills." (lightsaber battle)
"Obi-Wan promise."
"Promise me you will train the boy."
"He is the chose one."
"He will bring balance. Train him."
#30 Naboo Royal Guard (Rerelease)
Play Sounds
This CommTech V2 example is the only working example known to feature the early V2A design shell. The chip inside appears to be the same speech lines as the original V1 production version.
Original CommTech V1 Speech:
"Yes sir!"
"Blast that tank! Now!" (explosion)
"Battledroids! It's a counter attack! Open Fire!" (laser blast)
"Wait for the queen's signal, before we attack."
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CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
Same as above. It is unknown what lines were to be added.
#39 Gungan Warrior
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Mackineek energy blasts no gettin' through!
"The droids they are broken. Yahoo!"
"Wesa in big doodoo."
"Starting up, da shields!"
"Fire!"
"General Jar Jar, da droids are breaking through da energy shields!"
(Blaster fire short)
"Da droid army is attacking!"
Target da mackineek machines..."
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Alternate CommTech V2 Speech Considered:
"Gungan Warriors! Prepare for ground assault!"
"Wesa must hold our position until da droid ship tis destroyed!...Wesa must not fail!"
"Energize da shield generators!"
"Yeh! Da shields aresa holdin'! Mackineek energy blasts aresa not gettin' through!"
"Da machineek droids aresa penetratin' da energy shield!"
"General Jar Jar! Da Droids are attackin'! They have broken through!"
"Target da mackineek machines... Cadapultsa, stand by... Launch."
"Reload weapons! Fire!"
#47 Tusken Raider (Sniper)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
(Tusken growl)
(Blaster fire, Tusken growl, blaster fire)
(Tusken growl)
(Tusken growl, blaster fire)
"Looks like a few Tusken Raiders are camped out on the canyon dune turn!"
#48 Battle Droid Security
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Roger, roger. Blast them!" (blaster fire)
"Viceroy we have captured the Queen."
"Weapons loaded and charged. Fire!" (blaster fire)
"These Gungans are no match for our forces. They will be destroyed quickly sir."
"Viceroy, the Jedi have broken through our defenses." (lightsaber battle)
#52 Nute Gunray (Hologram)
Play Sounds
This CommTech V2 chip was planned for a figure that was never released.
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"One Naboo cruiser got past the blockade."
"Process them."
"This is impossible!"
"She has disappeared my lord."
"Destroy what's left of them."
"Ah, victory!"
"Close the blast doors."
(Blaster fire short)
"They must be dead by now."
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Alternate CommTech V2 Speech Considered:
"What is going on down there?"
"I want droid decars up here at once!"
"Process them."
"This is getting out of hand."
"Now there are 2 of them."
"We have taken over the last pockets of primitive lifeforms."
"We are in complete control of the planet now."
#53 Coruscant Guard
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Chancellor Valorum, the starship from Naboo has entered our airspace."
"Security craft have been sent to escort the Queen's ship."
(Blaster fire short)
"Central control has confirmed that the flight path for the cruiser has been cleared."
"Chancellor, the guards are in position and the landing platform has been secured."
#54 Mas Amedda
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Control of the senate must be maintained."
"The Queen's request must be challenged!"
"You must appoint a commission!"
"The supreme chancellor requests a recess."
"Order! We must have order!"
"Chancellor Valorum, you must do something!"
#55 Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi Cloak)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"I will train Anakin. Without the approval if I must..."
"Qui-Gon believed in him."
"You will be a Jedi, I promise."
"Master Yoda, I gave Qui-Gon my word."
"Counsel has granted me permission to train you."
"I am ready to face the trials."
#57 R2-D2 (Battle Damage)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
Various beeps & whistles
#60 Sabé (Queen's Royal Decoy)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Queen Amidala, we will create a diversion so that you can capture the Viceroy."
"Viceroy, your occupation here has ended." (blaster fire)
"I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo."
"We have searched you out because we wish to form an alliance."
"My name is Sabé. I'm the Queen's royal bodyguard."
#61 Jar Jar Binks (Tatooine)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Ooooh... ickey... icky goo!"
"Me no watching!"
(Sticking out tongue sound)
"Wit no-nutten mula to trade."
"Dis is bery, bery bad."
"Oh, dissen gonna be messy!"
"Come on Annie!"
"Dis sun doen murder to mesa skin."
"Pee yousa!"
#66 Anakin Skywalker (Mechanic)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"I'm building a droid."
"Will I every see you again?"
"I'm the only human that can race pods."
"It's working!"
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to finish you."
"Cho skrunee dopat, sleemo."
"I've built a racer."
"I will come back and free you Mom."
"I can fix anything!"
"What will happen to me now?"
#67 Shmi Skywalker
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"I don't want you to race... It's awful."
"Now be brave, and don't look back... Don't look back."
"We must survive on our own."
"We will see each other again."
"I may not like it, but he can help you... He was meant to help you."
"Is he to become a Jedi?"
#68 Sebulba (Boonta Eve)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Oh oh (laughter)... Bazda wahota, shag."
"Una notu wo shag, me wompity."
(Blaster fire short)
"Neek me chawa, wermo, mo killee ma klounkee."
"Yoka to Bantha poodoo (laughter)."
#75 Boss Nass
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Peace!"
"Yousa all bombad."
"Ke ke ke ke ke."
"Ke ke ke ke ke, mesa like dis."
(Shaking head noises)
"So, wesa maken yousa Bombad General."
#76 Fode & Beed
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"O grandio lust, Jabba Du Hutt."
"Gasgano."
"Sebulba is in the lead, followed closely by Skywalker! It's Skywalker!"
"I see Ben Quadinaros."
"Inkabunga!"
"Granee champion Sebulba, and young Anakin Skywalker, a local boy."
#78 Darth Maul (Final Duel)
Play Sounds
CommTech 2 Proposed Speech:
"I will destroy you!" (lightsaber battle)
"Your master is defeated!"
"I sense your weakness."
"Now Jedi you will die!" (lightsaber battle)
"Fear is my ally."
"Your destiny now lies with me."
#C10 Chewbacca (Dejarik)
Play Sounds
Prototype chips can be found be found with a photo insert or a paper insert marked "931" signifying Group #93, Figure #1.
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CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
(Chewbacca growl)
"He made a fair move, screaming about it can't help you."
"It's not wise to upset a Wookie."
"That's 'cause a droid don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose."
"Let the Wookie win."
(R2-D2 sounds)
(Chewbacca growls)
(R2-D2 sounds)
(Blaster fire short)
(Alien sounds from dejarik game board)
(Chewbacca growls)
#C12 Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi Knight)
Play Sounds
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"It's your father's lightsaber, this is a weapon of a Jedi Knight."
"The force is what gives a Jedi his power."
"In my experience there's no such thing as luck."
"It's an energy field created by all living things... It surrounds us and penetrates us... It binds the galaxy together."
#C13 Jek Porkins
Play Sounds
Prototype chips can be found be found with a photo insert or a paper insert marked "923" signifying Group #92, Figure #3.
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CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"I've got a problem here... Eject... I can't hold it... Pull up... No! No !... Aaaah!
"Red six standing by."
"We've picked up a new group of signals, enemy fighters coming your way."
"I'm going in! I'm right with you red three!"
(Blaster sounds)
Other CommTech V2 Chips Considered
#19 Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi Knight) with Lightsaber & Commlink (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#32 Darth Maul (Jedi Duel) with Double-Bladed Lightsaber (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#34 Rune Haako #34 (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#35 Battle Droid with Blaster Rifle
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#37 OOM-9 with Blaster & Binoculars (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Yes sir!"
"Blast that tank... Now!"
"Wait for the Queen's signal, before we attack."
"Battledroids! It's a counter attack! Open fire!"
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#38 Destroyer Droid (Battle Damage) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#40 Lott Dod
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"This is outrageous.."
"I object to the Senator's statements!
"I object, there is no proof!"
"We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo."
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#44 R2-B1 (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
(Various beeps & whistles)
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#45 Darth Maul (Soft Goods) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"You are no match for the Sith!"
"...You are powerless against the Dark Side..."
"Prepare to die... Jedi!"
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#47 Queen Amidala (Light-Up). This number was also assigned for the Tusken Raider (Sniper)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#49 Daultay Dofine (Neimoidian) Unproduced
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#50 Sio Bibble (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"How will you explain this invasion to the Senate?"
"Your negotiations seem to have failed Ambassador."
"They wouldn't dare!"
"Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us..."
"...Senator Palpatine will need your help."
"This invasion will gain you nothing."
"...The people have decided."
"They will not live under your tyranny!"
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#51 Bail Antilles (Unrleased in this series). This number was also assigned to the pit droid 2-pack.
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#51 Pit Droid (2-Pack) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#56 Jar Jar Binks (Swimming) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Oy mooie mooie I luv yous."
"I spake."
"No no mesa stay."
"Messa called Jar Jar Binks, Mesa yous humble servant."
"Oh boot it is."
"Tis demunded by da guds tis a live debt it is. Oh no."
"Well yousa Jedi not so special as yousa cracked to be."
"Where wesa going?"
"Oh maxie big da force."
"How Wude!!"
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#58 General Ceel (Unproduced)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#59 Padme (Original) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#62 Wald with Droid (Unproduced)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#63 Ketwol
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#64 Qui-Gon Jinn (Farmer Poncho) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#65 C-3PO (Take Apart) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#69 Kitster with Droid (Unproduced)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#70 Quarrens (Squid Face)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#71 Queen Amidala Battle (Soft Goods) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"...Our two great societies have always lived in peace."
"I ask you to help us."
"The battle is a diversion.."
"The gungans must draw the droid army away from the cities."
"Without the Viceroy they will be lost an confused."
"We'll send what pilots we have to knock out the droid control ship orbiting the planet."
"Well that is why we must not fail to get the Viceroy..."
"Let's go!"
"Now Viceroy we will discuss a new treaty."
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#72 Anakin Skywalker (Naboo Pilot) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#73 Darth Sidious (Hologram) Rerelease
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"And Queen Amidala... Has she signed the treaty?"
"This is my apprentice Darth Maul"
"He will find your lost ship."
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#74 TC-14 (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#79 Plo Koon
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#80 Ben Quadineros (Unreleased in this series)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#116 Pit Droid Cinema Scene (Unproduced)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech Unknown
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#C8 Princess Leia Organa Blockade (Rerelease)
Original CommTech V1 Speech:
"I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board."
"Will someone get this big walking carpet out of my way?"
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CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Darth Vader, only you could be so bold."
"I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board."
"Will someone get this big walking carpet out of my way?"
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#C9 Admiral Motti (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
"Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you conjure up the stolen data tapes.
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#C11 Wuher (Rerelease)
CommTech V2 Proposed Speech:
Droid Alarm (sound effect)
"Hey, we don't serve their kind here."
"Your droids, they'll have to wait outside."
"We don't want them here."
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There were more chips proposed, but not assigned a number and the speech is unknown. These include a Spirit Dagobah, Luke Bacta Tank & C-3PO. There were also plans for a Toys R Us promotion. Special CommTech chips would reveal whether the consumer won or not. There were plans to have both "winner" & "loser" CommTech chips.
CommTech 4.0 Battle Station
The CommTech reader was only the beginning. Hasbro had big plans for an advanced deluxe version called the CommTech 4.0 Battle Station. This souped-up reader was designed to truly immerse fans in the world of Star Wars Episode I, with interchangeable sound cartridges that would transport you right into the middle of iconic scenes. Alas, this innovative prototype never made it to full production, robbing fans of the chance to experience Star Wars in a bold new way. Though the Battle Station reader remains a pipe dream, its ambitious vision speaks to the creative passion that went into developing next-level Star Wars merchandise. Uncover the untold story of this unrealized masterpiece and the features that could have been.
