BB-8 (Small Photoreceptor)
sw0661 · Star Wars
The Force Awakens · 2015 - Debuted during 'Force Friday' for the release of Episode VII
Figure ID
sw0661
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2015 - Debuted during 'Force Friday' for the release of Episode VII
Rarity
Common - Appears in over 12 different sets since its 2015 introduction
Head
Half-sphere dome piece (approx. 1x1 size) with a small black photoreceptor (eye) print and orange/grey technical detailing
Torso
Unique spherical droid body piece with a single stud on top and a post at the bottom. Features 360-degree printing of orange circles and grey mechanical panels
Legs
None - The figure utilizes a specialized spherical body mold with a bottom attachment point rather than traditional legs
Accessories
None typically included with the figure itself, though often paired with tools or lightsabers in sets
Color Scheme
White base with Orange, Silver (Flat Silver), and Black accents
Printing Details
High-quality 360-degree pad printing on the spherical body and detailed top-down printing on the head dome
Variants
Standard version (sw0661) and a Large Photoreceptor version (sw1091) found in more recent sets; there is also a Christmas sweater version (sw1110)
Condition Notes
Watch for misalignment of the orange circle prints and yellowing of the white plastic if exposed to UV light. The neck stud can develop minor stress marks
Estimated Value
Used: $1.50 - $3.00 USD; New: $4.00 - $6.00 USD
Price (New)
Most commonly available in sets ranging from $10 to $200; individual retail value is low due to mass production
Compatible Sets
75102 Poe's X-wing Fighter, 75105 Millennium Falcon, 75149 Resistance X-wing Fighter, 75187 (Minifigure scale), and many others
Character Background
A loyal astromech droid belonging to Poe Dameron, carrying a map to Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars sequel trilogy
Design Notes
A revolutionary two-part mold system for LEGO at the time to capture the unique 'rolling ball' shape of the character
Similar Minifigures
BB-9E (sw0855), BB-8 with Large Photoreceptor (sw1091), R2-D2 (various sw IDs)
Collectibility
High popularity but low market value due to high supply; considered a staple for any modern Star Wars collection
History
First introduced in the 2015 wave of Star Wars: The Force Awakens sets as a key marketing figure for the franchise
Interesting Facts
The BB-8 minifigure was one of the most anticipated reveals of 2015; it is one of the few figures to feature a central axle-pin connection
Display Suggestions
Best displayed next to Poe Dameron's X-Wing or inside the droid socket of the Millennium Falcon
Modification Potential
Low for purist collectors, though the head can fit on any standard LEGO stud for fun 'mashup' builds
Overall Assessment
An iconic and innovative piece of LEGO engineering that perfectly captures the character, though its high availability keeps it from being a high-value investment piece