BERLIN—Using a smartphone to power a virtual reality headset is not a new concept, but the idea of using it for augmented reality is certainly unique.

Unlike other smartphone-powered headsets on the market, like the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View, the Lenovo Mirage AR headset is geared toward providing users with an augmented reality experience that combines a smartphone-powered headset, touch controller, and tracking sensor.

Using a pair of built-in fish-eye cameras, similar in some ways to the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, the Mirage AR provides users with inside-out positional tracking. The included Tracking Beacon acts as a stable base to track the user's location. Combine that with the Lightsaber Controller, essentially a real-life lightsaber with haptic feedback that doubles as a controller and a pointer, and you have the basis for Star Wars: Jedi Challenge, the new AR game Lenovo partnered with Disney to support.

"With Star Wars: Jedi Challenges, Lenovo and Disney are bringing Star Wars to fans in ways they could previously only imagine,"says Jeff Meredith, SVP and General Manager of Consumer Business Segment, Lenovo PCs and Smart Devices. The game will be user-friendly for all ages while still having multiple levels of immersive gameplay focused on the use of Jedi Holocrons, gaining knowledge of the Jedi, and perfecting lightsaber skills.

A strategic element will also be involved with the ability to command armies to fight the Empire, Sepretaists, and First Order. Holochess, the holographic board game that's periodically been seen in Star Wars movies will now appear in real life. "Augmented reality has always been an important part of Star Wars, and it's exciting to bring these key moments to life with this product," said Meredith.

We've tested AR games before on the Phab 2 Pro and the Asus ZenFone AR. If there's one issue we've had with both devices it's that having to hold a large and heavy phone up in the air for long periods of time makes for an unwieldy and uncomfortable way to play games. Putting the same phone into a headset makes a surprising deal of sense when you take into account that at 1.04 pounds, the Mirage AR will be quite a bit lighter than VR headsets like the HTC Vive. You also don't have to worry about wires because the headset has a 2,200mAh built-in battery, keeping you untethered while playing.

"We believe augmented reality will usher in a new era of storytelling and play an important role in the experiences we create for our fans," said Kyle Laughlin, SVP of Games and Interactive Experiences, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. "With Star Wars: Jedi Challenges [we] fulfill the wishes of anyone who's ever wanted to wield a lightsaber or take on empire forces on the battlefield."

The game is priced at $199.99 and sold as a bundle consisting of three pieces of hardware: the Lenovo Mirage AR headset, the Lightsaber Controller, and a Tracking Beacon. A compatible smartphone is also required. Star Wars: Jedi Challenge will be available for sale online and Best Buy stores nationwide starting in November. We're for sure going to put our Jedi powers to the test, so stay tuned for our full review.