Star Wars Themed Droid 2 Launching Thursday

Verizon is launching the limited edition Star Wars-themed Droid 2 on Thursday.

Monday Verizon Wireless said that the limited edition Motorola DROID (2) R2-D2 smartphone will be available to purchase starting September 30. The device will feature a graphic design on the back depicting the famous Star Wars Astromech Droid, and come packed in a custom box resembling carbonite.

In addition to the R2-D2 phone, consumers will also receive a Star Wars-themed media dock, a wired stereo headset, and exclusive, pre-loaded content including R2-D2 notification sounds and ringtones, four live wallpapers, an R2-D2 clock widget, an exclusive Binoculars app, and "The Best of R2-D2" video with the original Cantina music.

Not to leave the other DROID owners out, Verizon is also launching an exclusive Empire Strikes Back app for those with Android 2.1 and above. For a one-time fee of $2.99, fans will be able to preview and download ESB-related content such as live wallpapers, widgets, a trivia challenge, sound and photo galleries, and more.

Fans wanting to get their hands on the R2-D2 smartphone will be required to sign up for a new two-year contract (and data plan) and initially shell out $349 before sending off the $100 mail-in rebate (making the phone $249). Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.