A consumer watch dog group has declared that Hasbro’s mass-produced replica of Star Wars’ Darksaber is the ‘worst’ toy of the year due to the potential danger it poses to children.
Related: The Complete History Of The Darksaber
Every year, the World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) releases a list of the “10 Worst Toys” available during a given holiday season, ranking included items in order of the potential danger they could present to children.
“Although intended for fun and entertainment, many toys contain hidden hazards unnecessarily putting children at risk of injury or death,” W.A.T.C.H. wrote in the introduction to their list. “Shockingly, classic toy dangers, such as small parts, strings, projectiles, toxic substances, rigid materials, and inaccurate warnings and labels, continue to reappear in new generations of toys putting children at risk.”
Related: The Mandalorian Season Finale Retcons Star Wars Rebels Continuity
To that end, the organization has found that children are most at risk for injury when fighting over the right to rule lead the Mandalorian people, as according to the 2020 edition of W.A.T.C.H.’s annual list, Hasbro’s “Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber” is the most dangerous toy of the year due to its “potential for blunt force and eye injuries”.
“W.A.T.C.H. OUT!” warns the list. “Young children are encouraged to ‘SWING FOR BATTLE….!’ with this ‘ancient, black bladed lightsaber’ made of rigid plastic, with the potential for facial and other impact injuries.”
While caution should always be exercised during any physical activity, the Darksaber’s inclusion on a list next to choking hazards and potentially poisonous material is curious, as ultimately the toy presents no extra ‘dangers’ that haven’t already been present among sword-like toys for decades.
Like the numerous lightsaber replicas that came before it, Hasbro’s Darksaber is merely a pretend sword made out of hard plastic, which while painful to be hit by, is not nearly as inherently life-threatening as W.A.T.C.H. makes it out to be.
Yes, children will swing it in emulation of Moff Gideon and Bo Katan, and yes, someone will inevitably be injured during the course of play.
However, such accidents should not be blamed on the item itself, but rather on the reckless candor and feelings of indestructibility held by nearly every human being when playing pretend in their formative years.
For those interested in testing their mettle as the rightful ruler of Mandalore, Hasbro’s Darksaber is currently available for $29.99 MSRP at various outlets.
What do you make of the Darksaber’s latest accolade? Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments down below!