Hasta La Gadget!

Everyone’s favorite Astromech droid, R2-D2, has saved the galaxy a fair number of times, never mind that he is but a hunk of metal bits and pieces with relevant circuitry within without a single midichlorian flowing through its body. Still, it has managed to see the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker, and managed to survive through the Great Jedi Purge and to see Luke Skywalker redeem his father, Darth Vader, at the end of the day, marking the end of the Emperor’s reign (in the movies at least).

Here we are with the $11.99 LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Keylight which might not save the galaxy, but what it will do is this – it is capable of sending some light to your handbag, allowing you to search through its contents in a cinema or when you have arrived at home and need to dig for your keys. The light can be posed using R2-D2′s legs and feet, and unfortunately, it is not powered by the Force, but rather, it will run on batteries. The LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Keylight happens to be an official Star Wars merchandise and will be powered by a couple of CR2025 3V batteries.
[ LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Keylight makes Artoo all the more indispensable copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

I am quite sure that all gamers who consider themselves seriously would have had a go at Space Invaders in one form or another in the past, but this time around, we have something which could very well take the cake where the uniqueness of gaming is concerned – in the form of the $12.99 Space Invaders Keychain Game. With this unique keychain, it not only holds all of your precious keys in a single bunch, it will also allow you to kill some time without requiring the need to carry around a smartphone.

Basically, the Space Invaders Keychain Game is a different take from that of a regular “Whack A Mole” game, as the invaders are depicted by a slew of buttons, and whenever these buttons light up, all you need to do is smash the respective buttons, and the invasion will be prevented. To add to the authentic feel of the old era of video games, actual sound effects from Space Invaders are thrown into the mix. I think that most adept gamers will most probably “complete” this game fairly quickly and easily, since it comes with just three levels of challenging fun.
[ Space Invaders Keychain Game copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, here’s another thing to add to that never-ending collection of turtle toys. It’s an official TMNT keychain speaker from Sakar.

Pictured above is Leonardo, but as you know, ninja turtles always travel in fours, and you can also get Raphael, Donatello or Michelangelo speakers too. Though from the looks of the pictures here, the versions with the keychains are the final production speakers, while the brighter green ones were the earlier prototype designs.

You can find the TMNT speakers over at Toys R’ Us for $14.99 (USD) each.

[via Nerd Reactor]

I’ve lost plenty of keys, off carabiners as well, so I’m always looking for a more secure option for my keys. Unlike carabiner keychains, KeySquare wasn’t designed to help you climb mountains, but it was specifically made for carrying your keys.

KeySquare is cut and machined from a solid block of stainless steel, and hand-finished for durability. There’s a long slit which will attach securely to a belt loop, but it’s still small enough to slide into a pocket. It also doubles as a bottle opener.

KeySquare was launched as a Kickstarter project, and with 26 days left in funding, they have amassed over $31,000 – blowing through their $10,800 goal. It will most definitely be made and in order to snag yours, you’ll have to pledge $36 (USD).

[via Uncrate]

The latest in a long line of completely unnecessary gadgets from Japan lets you pretend you’re carrying around a lit piece of fire wood. Why, because it’s something that hasn’t been done before, that’s why.

TakaraTomy Arts’ FireWood Pocket is a keychain gadget that simulates the crackling sound and shimmering light of a real fire. And in case that wasn’t enough, blowing on this fake fire will actually make it glow more brightly – as if you’re giving added oxygen to your virtual flame. It also simulates a chunk of wood, for those of you who don’t have any real wood lying around.

There’s also a desktop version of the FireWood, which simulates an entire miniature bonfire. It also has a “music mode” which will respond to sounds from your MP3 player or smartphone. I found a video of the larger model in action over at Amazon Japan that’s so cheesy that I’m surprised it wasn’t shot with Vaseline on the camera lens.

You can find the FireWood Pocket for ¥1,080 (~$13 USD), and the desktop model for ¥5,800 (~$74 USD) over at Nigishow (JP). Chances are you’ll be able to find them soon over at worldwide exporter Strapya-World, since they are affiliated.