Tools for this page
Print

ION Educational Gaming System

(2006, Smart Toy - Preschool, Rated NR, Play it on: ION Educational Gaming System)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Eye Toy-type games get preschoolers moving.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Offers fun ways to learn colors, numbers, letters, and how to follow instructions.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Branded characters are featured in games.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of ION Educational Gaming System was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that this is a gaming system that requires young children to get up and move. In addition to motivating activity, it also offers fun ways to learn colors, numbers, letters, and how to follow instructions. Unfortunately, some of the dialogue in the SpongeBob SquarePants game "Krabby Patty Showdown" is a little iffy -- the bad guy yells "Curse you, SpongeBob!" when he loses. Parents of younger kids may want to skip that one.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how it feels to see yourself inside the TV. Because there are many kinds of games that involve movement, what kind does your child like best? Dancing? Moving through mazes? Cooking? Soccer? Families might want to talk about how important it is to exercise.
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on ION Educational Gaming System

What’s the Story?

Playskool's ION EDUCATIONAL GAMING SYSTEM for children ages 4 to 7 taps into youngsters' natural desire to move by designing games where kids dance with characters from Blues Clues, play soccer goalie with Dora the Explorer, and cook with SpongeBob SquarePants. In addition to encouraging children to sway, wave, squat, dance, and bend to control what happens on the screen of these video games, kids will be learning about colors, numbers, and letters and following directions. Close

Is It Any Good?

From the kids' perspective, what's so incredible about this system is that it makes them television stars. They aren't just playing the game -- they're IN the game as well.

When kids stand in front of their TV, not only will they see characters that they love (Dora, Blue, SpongeBob, and others), they will see themselves on the screen inside the video game. For example, in a game with Dora, your child's image will appear inside of a soccer goal. To save goals, your child will need to move his or her hands to various spots inside the goal. While it takes a few tries before kids figure out how moving their hands in the real world transfers to blocking goals inside the game, most learn very quickly.

Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/28/2006, price $100, not online enabled
ESRB rating: NR

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about ION Educational Gaming System?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 8 and give it 0.0

    THIS SUCKS!!!

    DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY, IT'S NO GOOD.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title off for age 8 and give it 0.0

    absolute trash

    We have been able to get some of the games to do what we want but the Sponge Bob games have been impossible. You hit one thing and the game hits something totally different than what the person hits. You try to make Sponge Bob walk, impossible! I think the idea is great but the game has a mind of its own and does what it whats and not what my son or I do. Its very frustrating. It has been a waste of money.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name