The kind of power you supply electronics will dramatically alter their performance and lifespan; Hasbro’s Force FX lightsabers are no exception.
It’s important to use the right kind of batteries in your lightsaber. Making the right choice will give you bright blades, crisp sounds, and a long battery life.
So, what batteries do Force FX lightsabers use?
And how do you change them out to get the best performance out of your lightsaber?
What Batteries do Force FX Lightsabers Use?
All modern models of Force FX lightsabers take the same kind and amount of batteries: three AAs.
Older Force FX models may vary, though, so it’s important to check.
Table of Contents
Current Force FX Lightsaber Batteries
Force FX lightsabers don’t come with batteries, however, so which type of AA batteries you use is up to you.
The two prominent types of AA batteries are alkaline and lithium-ion. Alkaline batteries tend to make lightsabers brighter, while lithium-ion batteries last longer.
Older Force FX Models
You may not be buying a Force FX lightsaber brand-new, though. If so, you need to know that some older models took AAA batteries.
The listing you bought it from may have information on what batteries you will need.
If it doesn’t, it’s easy to find out what batteries you’ll need yourself.
Determining the Battery Type
With the lightsaber in-person, you can check the battery compartment. If it has batteries in it already, you’ll know immediately.
If it’s without batteries, you can read the text that’s imprinted onto the battery holder.
Otherwise, the best way to know what batteries your lightsaber takes is to read the user manual that came with it.
If you don’t have it, the information is readily available online by looking up the name of your lightsaber.
How to Change the Batteries in a Force FX Lightsaber?
No matter what kind of batteries you use in your lightsaber, you need to change them out.
The Force FX line of lightsabers changed hands from Master Replicas to Hasbro in January of 2008.
Despite the change, the overall design of Force FX lightsabers stayed the same. So, if you have a Force FX lightsaber made by Master Replicas, you can follow the same steps.
Changing Force FX Lightsaber Batteries
The process to take out and replace Force FX lightsaber batteries is very simple! Different models will have slight variations due to their design, but the process is the same.
First, unscrew the pommel of the lightsaber. Depending on the model, other hilt parts may come off with the pommel and/or require a screwdriver to remove.
Remove the cylindrical battery holder from the hilt and check what type of batteries it uses. All Force FX lightsabers typically use three batteries and use either AA or AAA.
Next, take the batteries out and replace them with new or fully recharged ones.
Finally, put the battery holder back into the hilt, slide any additional parts back on, and screw on the pommel.
More Information
If the guide has not worked, don’t worry. There are a few resources to help you identify which steps you need to take instead.
The best resource for this is to consult the user’s guide that came with the lightsaber. It will show you how many and the type of batteries you need and how to replace them.
There are also guides on how to change the batteries of different lightsabers. These can be useful if your lightsaber is an old model or if you’re not sure what kind it is.
If you know what model you have but no longer have the manual, you can look online for a digital copy of it! Hasbro offers a wide selection of online replica lightsaber manuals that you can download.
What are the Best Batteries for a Force FX Lightsaber?
Force FX lightsabers take AA or AAA batteries, but there are many options between these two.
Depending on the type of battery, your lightsaber can last longer, be brighter, or be rechargeable. Which one you choose depends on what you want for your lightsaber.
Best Batteries for Long Lifespan
Certain lithium-ion and alkaline batteries fall into the long lifespan category. These batteries have been designed to hold a charge for as long as possible.
Long lasting lithium and lithium-ion batteries are also rechargeable, giving them a longer effective lifespan.
The trade off is that these batteries don’t illuminate the lightsaber as brightly.
Energizer Ultimate Lithium
Energizer’s Ultimate Lithium batteries boast extreme temperature resistance and a leak-proof casing, perfect for lightsaber duels!
These lithium-based batteries have a 3500 mAh capacity; meaning you’ll be able to use it for many hours before needing to replace them.
Duracell Optimum
If you’re looking for a long lasting battery that packs a punch, Duracell’s Optimum batteries are perfect.
Although they have the capacity of most alkaline batteries, 2500 mAh, their unique design gives them the upper hand.
Using these batteries, you’ll have a bright blade that’ll last.
Panasonic Eneloop
Although they’re on the lower end with 2000 mAh of capacity, Panasonic’s Eneloop batteries more than make up for it.
Their Ni-MH composition allows them to be recharged up to 2,100 times! It also gives the batteries extreme temperature resistance.
Eneloop batteries get delivered fully charged using solar power, they’re perfect for using right away.
Best Batteries for Brightness
Alkaline batteries are the best fit for maximizing your lightsaber’s brightness.
These batteries don’t last as long, but their output is unparalleled.
Energizer MAX
Energizer’s MAX batteries were designed to last long and deliver as much as possible at the same time.
Like most Energizer batteries, they’re rated for extreme temperatures and have leak-proof casings.
Although they won’t last as long as other batteries, they’ll give you a bright blade in exchange.
PKCell NiZn
By using a NiZn composition for their batteries, PKCell has made rechargeable batteries that’ll keep your blade bright!
Although these batteries have a lower capacity of around 1500 mAh, it gives them the upper hand.
With the decreased capacity, they’re capable of outputting 1.6 volts! It may not sound like much, but it makes a big difference in the brightness of your lightsaber.
Best Rechargeable Batteries
Tired of constantly buying more batteries? Rechargeable lithium-ion and Ni-MH batteries are the solution.
Your blade won’t be as bright, but it’ll stay lit longer and the batteries can be recharged when they die.
Energizer Recharge Power Plus
Energizer’s rechargeable battery line is a great choice for balancing long battery life and power.
The Recharge Power Plus rechargeable batteries come pre-charged with 2,300 mAh of power. They can be recharged to this power level up to five hundred times!
AmazonBasics Rechargeable Batteries
AmazonBasics has two types of rechargeable batteries: high capacity and performance.
The high capacity batteries can hold a charge of 2,400 mAh and be recharged up to four hundred times.
Each performance battery holds about 2,000 mAh of charge and can be recharged up to one thousand times!
Conclusion
Almost all Force FX lightsabers take AA or AAA batteries, usually three of them. Using a different type of battery isn’t advised, but you have other options.
There is a wide variety of options for AA and AAA batteries and their properties.
They usually specialize in one of three categories: long lifespan, power output, or rechargeability. There are also ones that balance their properties between the three.
A long lifespan is great for using your lightsaber continuously for a long time. This is perfect for use at conventions or for filming.
Higher power output will make the blade of your lightsaber much brighter. They are better suited for short-term use because the higher power draw drains the battery more quickly.
If you care more about using your lightsaber frequently, rechargeable batteries are the way to go. They usually don’t last as long, but you’ll be able to use them time and time again.
Selecting the right kind of battery is a great way to get exactly what you want from your lightsaber!