VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System Review (& Giveaway Ends 6/25)

ABOUT:

MobiGo Touch Learning System – Ages 3 to 8 years

Young learners mimic Mom and Dad with their very own touch-screen learning system. Major fun meets classic school skills to create the perfect edu-gaming experience.

• Touch-screen: Applying touch control that includes tap, flick, pat and drag & drop, kids learn with fun on the same technology as parents do with their touch-screen devices.
• Educational games: From coloring, drawing and playing instruments, kids can discover a wide variety of fun and engaging learning games. MobiGo teaches a wide range of skills including math, vocabulary, spelling, logic and categorization. The slide open QWERTY keyboard introduces older kids to text typing skills.
• Downloadable Content: Additional games and content will be available for download so kids can customize their MobiGo with the latest innovative games and continue the learning and fun for years to come.
• Portable: Handheld robust gaming console makes learning fun on the go for little hands and is equipped with headphone and AC adapter jacks.

Developmental Benefits:

• Letter Names & Phonics
• Basic Math Skills
• Problem Solving
• Science Concepts
• Cognitive Development
• Visualization & Memory
• Independent Play
• Creative Play
• Motor Skills

Initially 11 licensed title game cartridges at SRP: $19.99 Each (more will be added in the near future):

• Ben 10
• Disney Fairies
• Dora the Explorer
• Mr. Men & Little Miss
• Shrek
• Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3
• Disney/Pixar’s Cars
• Disney Princesses
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• NASCAR
• Super Hero Squad

What’s Included:

• MobiGo Touch Learning System (Dimensions:  7”Wx3”Hx1”D)
• User Manual
• Game cartridge
• USB Cable (works with both PC and Mac)

MY THOUGHTS:

I loved video games as a child and whenever I get a chance I love to play my Wii.  I am one of those parents that love technology and can’t wait to expose my children to it.  My 3 year old, loves anything with batteries, if it lights up, makes music, or has buttons it is right up his alley.  Well until now I thought he might be a little young for the responsibility of a video game system.  I couldn’t bear to spend $60 (and more when you buy the games and accessories) for something that he is too young for.   I will say though he is a master at working my iPod Touch – he re-arranges and loads his games, watches movies, and even plays music on it!

So when I heard about the VTech MobiGo I was skeptical that he might be too young for it (he just turned 3 in January) but I was secretly hoping he would love it so I could have my iPod Touch back!  Well guess what, he loves it!  After a day of playing it, he immediately figured out the game it came with and I think he actually understands how to play it.

The MobiGo comes with one cartridge called the “Touch & Learn Game Pack.”  Within that game is actually six games.  One game wants you to tap the number on the pull-out keyboard (like those fancy cell phones out there) that corresponds with the number on the floating duck.  Another game wants to you pick which doesn’t belong, you have to draw shapes with another, use critical thinking skills in a puzzle-like situation, use simple math and more!  At first, yes he pushed buttons and touched the screen – yes it is touch screen!  (Think of it as an iPod Touch for kids!)  Then I noticed he understood what the games were requiring from him and he was trying.  For example, the one game he just kept tapping the keyboard then he realized when the duck floating by had an “A” on it, he needed to find “A” on the keyboard.

Aidan is doing so well and I love that he is learning and doesn’t even realize it!  He also thinks he is super cool and carries his MobiGo all over the house with him.  I also will say that the rubber around it and size makes it quite durable as my 2 and 3 year old have been a little rough with it this week!  I also can’t wait for all the games to come out, not that Aidan is even close to being sick of this game, but now that I know he likes it, I want to encourage it and not let him get bored!  I applaud VTech too for basically including the six games as not everyone can afford games right away and all the games included cover basic school skills in a fun way.  This is definitely my favorite so far of our VTech toys and I love that it is touch screen since the buttons and control  panel is not the easiest to grasp for a 3 year old.  Now for an older child, the arrows are no problem and they probably prefer that because it makes it seem more grown up!

Honestly I have yet to see a flaw with this system.  My son absolutely loves it and it is so easy for him to use and hold in his little hands.  It does require 4 “AA” batteries (not included) but I am using rechargeable batteries or you can purchase a AC/DC 9V 300mA adapter (or you might already have one from another toy!)  Now Aidan is not so much into an actual computer yet, but when he is I love that I can hook up the MobiGo via USB and show him his scores to receive awards and extras!  Overall, we do love this toy and with its durability and list of games I see it being a favorite for a long time!

BUY IT: The MobiGo will be available exclusively at Toys R Us stores and online beginning June 7th. MobiGo will be available nationwide in August at key retailers and online at www.vtechkids.com.

GIVEAWAY: (1) winner will receive a VTech MobiGo ($60 Value)

WIN IT:  Comment on what you like best about the VTech MobiGO or what game you would buy first!

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#GIVEAWAY: Win a VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System ($60 Value) @mamasmoney (Ends 6/25) http://bit.ly/b8pDRD
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Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on June 25, 2010. Thanks everyone and good luck! Also, if you just put a generic comment like “I want to Win” then I will have to disqualify you. This contest is only open to US residents.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure:  I was given a MobiGo by VTech for my review. I was allowed to keep the product, but the opinion I am sharing remains my own