Star Wars-themed Cardboard sets being offered by Google for free (Update)

Update: Less than 5 minutes after publishing this, Google ran out of stock. Sorry guys!

Update 2 (3PM CST): Keep checking and refreshing. There are reports that stock is slowly returning in small number, so with a little patience, you might still have the chance to snag one. I was even able to snag one myself!

Earlier this month Verizon gave away awesome Star Wars-themed Google Cardboard VR viewers for its subscribers that stopped by their local Verizon store. For those who missed out, the good news is that Google is now directly extending an invitation to pick one up for free from the Google Store. The same range of models that Verizon offered originally are available, including old favorites like R2-D2 and Stormtrooper themes, while bringing the new BB-8 and Kylo Ren textures to the table.

On the downside, the demand for these viewers is likely very hot and that’s probably why every time I (and a few fellow Android Authority team members) have encountered errors when attempting to check out. Some of the luckier guys at AA managed to make it through okay though, so your mileage may vary.

As for what the Stars Wars-edition Cardboard does? Aside from having a nice Star Wars themed coat of paint thrown on, this is just an ordinary Google Cardboard VR kit that utilizes your phone as the brains. That means any Google Play app designed for cardboard will work with this one, including Google’s new Star wars VR experiences, such as the official Star Wars app and the “Awaken the Force Within”.

Looking for more to do with your new Cardboard once it arrives? Check out the following:

• 7 best Google Cardboard VR apps and games
• Google’s Cardboard camera app lets you make VR photos