VTech MobiGo Learning System {Review & Giveaway}

My daughter is not typically into video games, but I noticed recently that she is developing an interest. So when I got the chance to review the VTech MobiGo Touch Learning System, I was curious to see if she’d like it.

The product just looks cool with its slide-out keyboard and touch screen. The MobiGo is the latest portable educational gaming system from VTech. It features sturdy, rubberized grips on either side, a 3” LCD touch screen, and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard to familiarize children (ages 3-8 years) with computer skills.

Now you see it…. (the keyboard, people!)

Now you don’t!

The MobiGo games hone the skills of vocabulary, math, problem solving, music, math, letter and phonics, fine motor, and visualization and memory. In addition, it teaches science concepts, boosts cognitive development, and encourages independent and creative play.

MobiGo comes with the “Touch and Learn” game cartridge. Six adorable games are featured: “Ice Escape,” “”Fantastic Forest,” “Music Maestro,” “Space Challenge,” “Shooting Gallery,” and “Wild Fun.” Each game can be played in “Easy” or “Difficult” mode. My favorite games were “Ice Escape” and “Music Maestro.” “Ice Escape” involves helping a little penguin move blocks of ice to form a bridge so the penguin can cross the water to eat a fish. This is a great spatial visualization exercise and just plain cute.

“Music Maestro” is reminiscent of Rock Band-esque games. The player chooses a song (“Old MacDonald,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Ode to Joy,” “This Old Man,” “Oh Susanna,” and “Bingo”) to play along with. As the song plays, music notes float down over piano keys, guitar strings, or drums, depending on the song. The player is to tap the keys when they light up to play the song. This game can also be played in “Free Play” mode, where the player may tap the keys and compose music of her own choosing!

“Space Challenge” and “Shooting Gallery” teach number and letter recognition, as well as discerning patterns. “Wild Fun” involves picking out which wild animal is different, and “Fantastic Forest” helps the little monkey along by drawing his path. These games seem to be mostly oriented to younger children (like my 3 ½ year-old) but there are other games you can buy. The latest games available include favorites such as Dora the Explorer, Shrek, Toy Story 3.

A fun feature – MobiGo comes with a USB cord so you can connect to the MobiGo website to upload your kids’ scores and download awards and extras. The MobiGo is also equipped with a headphone jack and AC adapter port; these may be purchased separately.

My daughter LOVED it. I let her try it out while she was getting her hair and makeup done for her dance recital. She was completely absorbed and could not put it down. Also, it was easy for her to learn how to slide the keyboard and use the touch screen. This is definitely a good toy for car rides and appointments, and is small enough to carry in your purse. This is an all-around great product: educational, entertaining, portable, AND affordable. I’d definitely recommend it!

Buy it: The MobiGo has a suggested retail price of $59.99 while the licensed title game cartridges have a SRP of $19.99. This system will be available nationwide at major retailers and online at VTech starting in August. For more information about the MobiGo please visit VTech Kids. Get your hands on it first at Toys ‘R Us exclusively beginning today, June 7th!

{ Giveaway}

Vtech would like to offer one reader a MobiGo Learning System!

MAIN ENTRY: Tell me specifically what is most exciting to you about the MobiGo!

Want more entries? (I can’t imagine why not!) After answering my question do any of the following and leave a comment telling me what you did. Each is worth one entry unless otherwise noted. Your comment is your entry so please leave the appropriate number of comments for each extra entry.

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Win the VTech MobiGo Learning System for 3-8 yrs worth $60! @babylovingmama from @vtechtoys http://bit.ly/bi8hPy #giveaway PLS RT!

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This contest will end on 6/22/10 at 11:59 pm CST. U.S. residents only. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 72 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.

Disclosure: I received a sample for review but no type of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions and experiences I’ve shared with these products are my own and yours may differ.