Thankfully that’s about to change, with news that a faithful 1:6 replica of R2:D2 is due to be available in June 2010 — that’s just five-and-a-bit months away.

This limited edition model will feature eight special attachments including a periscope scanner, gripper and saw. There are slots for a light sabre and scopes in the head, while the torso has opening panels and the arms can be removed.

Each R2-D2 is hand-painted, numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

It’s not clear how many will be made, but if you’re keen it’s definitely worth pre-ordering now.

Cost $158.99.

Product page (Via)

Knowing this, the sad thing is that it’s so very easy to visualize how you’d flip his domed head up and pop in some old candy wrappers, bits of fluff, useless receipts and such like.

I suppose you could restore a little dignity to him and use him for storage rather than trash. He has accepted worthier causes in the past (R2-D2 wireless USB camera) as well as other demeaning tasks (R2-D2 pepper mill) so the choice is yours.

R2-D2 stands nearly 10 inches tall and is constructed from vinyl. A “foot pedal” placed in a rather intimate position is used to tilt his head up,

Here’s the kicker. Not only will it not be available until November, but it’s labelled “Japan Only”. Huh? Anyone on Etsy fancy making a knockoff version? How hard can it be?

See it at Geek Stuff (Via)