GNK Power Droid (Gonk Droid) - Light Bluish Gray
sw0868 · Star Wars
The LEGO Batman Movie / Star Wars Episode IV-VI · 2017 (debuted in set 75183)
Figure ID
sw0868
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2017 (debuted in set 75183)
Rarity
Uncommon. While the build is simple, the specific printed 1x2 tile with Aurebesh text is limited to a small selection of Star Wars sets.
Head
The 'head' is technically a 1x2 Light Bluish Gray tile with two trapezoidal eye/vent markings. It is not a standard minifigure head mold but a brick-built component.
Torso
The main body is constructed of 2x2 Light Bluish Gray bricks and plates. The middle section features a 1x2 Light Bluish Gray tile printed with Aurebesh characters (translating to 'GNK').
Legs
The legs are composed of two Light Bluish Gray 1x1 round plates stacked on two Light Bluish Gray robotic feet/mechanical claw pieces (Piece 49668).
Accessories
None included. The droid is an accessory/side-build in itself for larger sets.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Light Bluish Gray. This reflects the utilitarian, industrial nature of the GNK power generator series in the Star Wars universe.
Printing Details
Pad-printed onto a 1x2 tile. The printing includes the two top vents/eyes and the central Aurebesh GNK logo. The alignment is centered and uses dark gray ink.
Variants
There are over 10 variants of Gonk Droids. Older versions used a single molded 2x2x2 brick (sw0073), while newer 2023 versions (sw1261) use a darker gray or different leg techniques.
Condition Notes
Check for 'clutch power' issues on the droid feet and scratches on the printed tile face. The Light Bluish Gray plastic is susceptible to yellowing if exposed to sunlight.
Estimated Value
Used: $3.00 - $5.00 USD. New: Part of a larger set or valued at approximately $7.00 USD as a stand-alone assembly.
Price (New)
N/A. Originally packaged in sets ranging from $24.99 to $199.99.
Compatible Sets
75183 Darth Vader Transformation (2017), 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina (2020), 75222 Betrayal at Cloud City (2018).
Character Background
The GNK power droid is a walking battery manufactured by Industrial Automaton. They are famous for their signature 'gonk' sound and appear in nearly every Star Wars film as background set dressing.
Design Notes
This version represents the shift from specialized molds to 'brick-built' figures, allowing for more accurate scales and the inclusion of printed tiles for detail.
Similar Minifigures
sw0073 (Original Gonk), sw1261 (75365 version), sw1102 (Holiday SW Gonk).
Collectibility
High for droid completionists. The Gonk droid has a cult following in the LEGO community, often appearing as a meme character.
History
Debuted in the 2000s as a single tall brick; evolved into this SNOT (Studs Not On Top) construction in the mid-2010s to add more texture and printing.
Interesting Facts
The Aurebesh text on the tile literally spells out 'GNK'. This is one of the few droids that can be easily recreated using spare parts, with the exception of the printed tile.
Display Suggestions
Place in a hangar bay MOC or next to a Jawa minifigure. Use a 1x2 trans-clear brick under the body if you want to pose it mid-stride.
Modification Potential
Highly modular. Builders often add 'greebling' (small technical details) to the back or change the legs to dark gray for more contrast.
Overall Assessment
A charming and essential background character for any LEGO Star Wars scene. Its simple construction is iconic, and the printed tile makes it feel premium compared to earlier versions.