R2-R3
sw0388 · Star Wars
Star Wars: The Clone Wars · 2012; released in May to coincide with the LEGO Star Wars May the 4th promotion and the 10225 UCS R2-D2 launch.
Figure ID
sw0388
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2012; released in May to coincide with the LEGO Star Wars May the 4th promotion and the 10225 UCS R2-D2 launch.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare; restricted to a single set and an older wave of The Clone Wars line.
Head
Dark Red Astromech Droid Dome with silver, black, and white printing for sensors and logic processors. The head is a hemispherical rotating piece.
Torso
White Astromech Droid Body with Dark Red and Silver panels/vent printing on the front. No back printing was standard for this era of droids.
Legs
Two standard White Astromech Droid Legs with no printing; attached to a white body piece with no third leg included.
Accessories
None included; standard astromechs of this era did not come with tools/equipment.
Color Scheme
Mainly White and Dark Red (Bordeaux) with silver/light bluish grey accent printing.
Printing Details
Pad-printed dome and torso front. Fine detail on the vertical panel lines and circular sensors. Typical of 2012 quality, though prone to misalignments on the circular dome.
Variants
This specific R2-R3 variant is unique; other red droids like R2-D5 or R5-D4 have different dome shapes or printing patterns.
Condition Notes
Watch for fading or yellowing of the white plastic. The dark red printing on the dome can sometimes scratch or flake if played with heavily.
Estimated Value
Used: $12.00 - $18.00 USD; New: $22.00 - $30.00 USD depending on the market platform (BrickLink/eBay).
Price (New)
Included in set 9497, which retailed for $44.99 USD in 2012.
Compatible Sets
Set 9497 Republic Striker-class Starfighter (2012).
Character Background
R2-R3 was an astromech droid that served the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars, specifically assigned to Satele Shan's starfighter in the Old Republic era context of the set.
Design Notes
Utilizes the standard 4-part astromech mold. It represents LEGO's expansion into Expanded Universe/Old Republic content using Clone Wars-style aesthetics.
Similar Minifigures
R2-D2 (sw0217), R2-D5 (sw0223), R5-D4 (sw0142), and R2-Q5 (sw0213).
Collectibility
High for droid completionists and Old Republic fans. Stable value with moderate appreciation over the last decade.
History
Part of the 2012 wave where LEGO experimented heavily with different astromech colorways to populate diverse starfighter sets.
Interesting Facts
Despite appearing in a set labeled for 'The Old Republic' game/era, the droid's design follows the modern R2-series aesthetic rather than the vintage T3-series droids seen in the games.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside the socket of the 9497 Starfighter or on an astromech lineup stand with other R2 units.
Modification Potential
The dark red dome is highly sought after for custom 'MOC' droids; can be swapped onto a dark bluish gray body for a more 'Imperial' look.
Overall Assessment
A solid, aesthetically pleasing droid variant. Essential for collectors of the Republic Striker-class Starfighter and a great splash of color for an astromech collection.