Audio-Technica’s Star Wars R2-D2 earbuds play beeps and bloops for audio alerts

Ahead of Star Wars Celebration Japan getting underway on April 18th in Tokyo, Audio-Technica has announced four new limited edition versions of its ATH-CKS50TW2 wireless earbuds that originally debuted at CES 2025. Functionality is the same, but the earbuds have gotten a Star Wars-themed makeover with new colors and details inspired by R2-D2, Grogu, the Mandalorian, and Darth Vader plus custom audio alerts that play sound effects like Vader’s ominous labored breathing or a sad whistle when the Artoo version disconnects from a device.

The limited edition Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 are priced a bit higher than the standard versions: $179 up from $149. They’ll be available at Star Wars Celebration Japan but can also be pre-ordered through Audio-Technica’s online store starting on April 21st with an expected release on May 4th, 2025.

The earbuds still offer up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC turned on and a “Magnetic Switch” feature that automatically powers them off when the earbuds are attached to each other using magnets. They each feature several different unique sound effects, themed to each character, used to audibly indicate when different functions and features have been activated or turned off.