Remote smackdown: Phaser vs. Lightsaber

(Credit: Gearfuse)

The battle of the ages is nigh: In one corner is the Star Trek "Phaser Universal Remote Control," fending off potential romance in all directions. Opposite awaits its younger challenger, the Star Wars "Lightsaber Remote Control."

Japan's Taito is the latest to expand the empire into the living room, according to Gearfuse, though we wouldn't have even recognized the remote as a Lightsaber were it not for the Star Wars logo on the box. (Which we we're proud to say.) Other replica remotes have been around for years, though they're usually more expensive than this one. Besides, the Taito version's color scheme goes far better with the matching phone, MP3 player and, of course, umbrella.