The Star Wars: Episode I toy series, produced by Hasbro, was available from 1999 to 2000. This line showcased various characters and vehicles featured in the movie Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace[/article/star_wars:_episode_i_the_phantom_menace).
To coincide with the cinematic debut of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, a completely new set of 3.75-inch action figures was launched under the Episode I banner. What made this collection stand out from other lines was its exclusive focus on characters and droids specifically from the new film. As a promotional build-up to the movie's release, and to generate excitement, two exclusive items were offered in 1998. One was a mail-in offer for the Jedi Master Mace Windu figure. The other was a larger Battle Droid figure mounted on a STAP, sold at retail with the label "Episode I coming in 1999".
The main release of figures, vehicles, and creatures occurred at midnight on May 3rd, 1999. The toy line boasted enhanced paint applications and more detailed sculpting, along with an increased number of articulation points on certain figures. A new accessory called COMMTech chips was introduced; these chips served as figure stands and, when used with a separately purchased reader, allowed the figures to play sound clips from the movie. The final, small wave of Power of the Force figures also included this feature. However, in certain European Union and Asian countries, COMMTech chips were not distributed because of safety concerns or a lack of interest in the new technology. In these instances, Hasbro included either a bonus battle droid or a pit droid with the figure. In the United Kingdom, the name COMMTech was changed to COMMTalk due to licensing restrictions.