Video Games

Latest news and reviews about the best video games on the market. Everything you want to know about Nintendo Switch, xBox, Playstation and computer games.

Play Retro Games With The Analogue Pocket

by admin April 15, 2021

Retro games have such a lingering appeal . The fact that they are still available even makes them interesting to many young modern gamers of today. While most may have experienced playing these nostalgic gems through PC emulators, other gamers still yearn for those portable game consoles of old to play them on. Unfortunately, these classic gadgets are becoming hard to come by. But that will change with the arrival of the new Analogue Pocket.

A Modern Take On A Classic

The Analogue Pocket is a modern take on the very popular Nintendo Game Boy portable handheld game console. Actually it closely resembles the said classic handheld. You might even consider it an updated Game Boy of sorts. That is what the Analogue Pocket is about in terms of appealing to the younger crowd. But there is more to it than that.

The Analogue Pocket comes with a 3.5-inch 1,600 x 1,400 LCD display. It has ten times the resolution offered by the original Game Boy when it came out. That, in itself, will be interesting to try out. The new gaming handheld is compatible to run and play the over 2,780 Game Boy, Game Color, and Game Boy Advance game cartridge library. Not only that, it can also play other similar legacy game handheld systems like the Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color, and Atari Lynx game cartridges if you have the appropriate cartridge adapters (will be sold separately).

For Young Music Creators Too

If you think that the Analogue Pocket is just for games, then think again. It is also designed to be a portable synthesizer and sequencer for making digital music. It comes built it with a digital audio workstation called the Nanoloop that will allow users to stretch, shape, and morph sounds. Even digital music creators would love the Analogue Pocket.

Analogue Pocket also comes with features that allow users different ways to enjoy their games. It comes with the Analogue Dock that allows gamers to play Pocket on the big screen. There is also a means to enjoy wireless play by directly synching any 8BitDo Bluetooth or 2.4G gaming controller to Dock. It can also provide multi-player support up to four Pockets.

Custom Game Creation Mode

If kids want more of a challenge, then the Analogue Pocket can also make them into game creators. The handheld gaming system partnered with GB Studio, to allow kid users of this portable gaming console to create and generate .pocket files using the software, store it on an SD card, and then run it off through an available port on the device. It may be kind of challenging for younger kids, but those older one may find it an exciting addition to what this portable gaming console has to offer.

The Analogue Pocket also comes with a lithium ion 4300 mAh battery that allows from 6 to 10 hours of game time. It charges via a USB-C connector for faster charging. The Analogue Pocket is currently available for pre-order for around US$200. The Analogue Dock is sold separately for around US$100 while the cartridge adapters go for around US$30, each.

Image Source: Analogue

Play Games On The Go With The GPD WIN Max Handheld Game Console

by admin March 29, 2021

Video games have come a long way from just the early pixelated games of the early 80’s. Many video game titles have advanced with better quality graphics as well as gameplay. And from being available just for consoles, people now have the means to play them anywhere. That is why devices that are able to run these new video games without hiccups are becoming more and more popular. Most people normally expect such devices to be big. But then they may not have yet been introduced to a niche device like the GPD Win Max.

The GPD Win Max is a handheld game console similar to a handy notebook or laptop in terms of looks and design. Its unique feature is based on its portability. It does not belong to what may be considered as the current standard console.

The GPD WIN Max comes with an 8-inch IPS display with a 10-point touch support and a body that can fit right into the palm of your hand. But despite its size, the GPD Win Max comes with robust specs that make it perform on the level similar to that of gaming laptops.

The GPD Win Max uses an Intel 10th Gen i5-1035G7 processor along with an integrated Intel Gen11 Graphics Iris Plus 940 processor. This handheld gaming console also comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD. It has also gamepad controls- a pair of joysticks, ABXY keys, a D-Pad key, and L1/L2 and R1/R2 buttons- conveniently situated above the keyboard, along with a touch pad. Other features include a built-in Thunderbolt 3 port, a USB Type-C port, a pair of USB Type-A ports and an HDMI port as well. It also comes with a 3 x 5000mAh high capacity polymer lithium battery pack that packs 3 hours for heavy use and up to 14 hours for light use. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 technology and Bluetooth 5.0.

Despite all of these powerful specs, the body of the GPD Win Max fits right into the palm of your hand and weighs just 790 grams. The combination built into it allows gamers to use it to play like using a console controller or like playing on a desktop, whichever one may prefer on which games being played. It is also convenient for typing up notes or even documents while on the go. The GPD Win Max is now available at the GPD site for around US$885 retail.

Image Source: GPD

Nintendo Is Removing Super Mario 3D All-Stars

by admin January 8, 2021

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a compilation of 3D platform games that have been launch on September 18, 2020 for the 35th anniversary of Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise. The bundle include three games: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. You can play these three classic games at home on the Nintendo Switch.

These games aren’t remakes or remasters. Each of the three games is almost exactly as it was when it first debuted. Nintendo hasn’t changed their gameplay to make them more Switch-friendly

If you don’t buy Super Mario 3D All-Stars by March 31, 2021, you will have hard time to get a copy. Because, Super Mario 3D All-Stars will stop being shipped to stores and removed from the Nintendo Switch eShop after that date.

Source: Nintendo

Nintendo Labo For Switch

by admin December 19, 2020

Kids at their different development stages begin with full of creativity and imagination. We as parents need to help nurture those skills as the kids grow. If not, these traits can slowly fade away in time. There are different ways to nurture a child’s creativity. If you are looking for some modern options, then the Nintendo Labo for Switch is something to consider.

The Nintendo Labo for Switch is a modern take to what kids might consider as creative play. They come in several kits that allow kids to play with very cool creations or even build up their own. The kits come with everything the kids need for coming up with their creative ideas. It even comes with games. All they need to do is add their own Nintendo Switch console and the fun begins.

The different Nintendo Labo kits provide a variety of options for kids to hone their creative skills. Each kit comes with a physical version of the software needed for the different projects. All parts and materials needed to create each project contained in the kit are already provided. Kids can immediately start on with the fun.

Depending on a child’s interest, there are a number of Nintendo Labo kits available. There is a kit for building robots, another for making vehicles, and still another for those who wish to dabble in virtual reality using their Switch consoles. There is even a Nintendo Labo variety kit that offers a wider range of creative options for kids to build.

The Nintendo Labo for Switch kits are ideal for kids from 6 years old and above, depending on their ability for making things and understanding instructions provided on each kit.

The different kits are available for purchase online on select retailers, with prices of the kits ranging from around $40 to $80.

Image Source: Nintendo

Super Mario Maker 2

by admin May 17, 2020

Kids young and old love to play classic games like Super Mario. Pretty much any game title in the popular series that comes out is something worth expecting.

For those with the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Maker 2 is a game many kids would really like to play with. It comes with similar gameplay most players would be familiar with. But there are other new features that make it an even more exciting game to explore.

The popular side-scrolling adventure that many players are accustomed to playing the Super Mario games is still present in the new Super Mario Maker 2. But now, this game adds the ability for players to create their own courses based on their preference for difficulty or fun levels. In the Story Mode, there are 100 built-in courses that players can readily play and enjoy.

In Course Maker Mode, players can use a variety of tools, parts, game elements, and more to be able to create customized courses. Courses can be constructed for one or more players to enjoy. Players can even enhance the excitement with an online membership to gain access to Course World. Here, players can track their rankings, share their customized courses they built, engage in multi-player courses and even interact with other online players.

The Super Mario Maker 2 for Nintendo Switch is available on the Nintendo online store for around $60.

Image Source: Nintendo

Marbotic Smart Letters

by admin January 7, 2016

Kids need to learn the alphabet early. It will certainly help them eventually develop their spelling and reading skills faster. But those first steps towards learning them can be challenging. It helps if kids find the first stages of learning the alphabet fun. It will surely help keep their interest to learn up. The Marbotic Smart Letters learning system can help in this aspect.

The Marbotic Smart Letters combines classic wooden letters and apps to create a learning system that many kids will find fun. It makes use of colorful wooden blocks shaped as letters. But there is more to it than just that. These smart letters combine with an iPad app to create a fun and interactive learning interface where kids use the letter blocks while using the app. Kids can use the wooden letters much like a stamp. When kids press a wooden letter into the touch screen display of the iPad running the app, the same letter appears digitally into the screen, giving the effect of stamping an answer into the tablet screen.

With educational lessons and tests, kids can then use each smart letter to stamp answers to corresponding questions. Through this interactive learning system, kids will find learning letters fun and exciting. The interplay of using physical wooden blocks with digital devices like the iPad serves to help kids love learning all the more. The Marbotic Smart Letters is now available at the Marbotic site for 50 Euros or around $54.

Image Source: Marbotic

Lexibook TV Game Console

by admin May 14, 2015

Kids always love to play games. But they can easily get bored playing a single game over and over again. Video games particularly appeal to kids because they offer different games to play with. But parents are not always excited about buying a new expensive game title for video game consoles each and every year the new ones come out. The Lexibook TV Game Console may offer a more affordable alternative as it already contains 200 built-in games to play.

The Lexibook TV Game Console is a fun and interactive TV entertainment system designed not only for kids but for the whole family as well. It features 200 built-in games stored on a mini-SD card. That is more than enough games for kids to enjoy for hours and even days. It features 161 arcade and mini games that feature racing, adventure, cards and brainteasers. There are also 39 interactive sports games like basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, bowling, skiing and a whole lot more. It also contains 110 games in 32-bit graphics quality for those who long for playing those classic games of the past. The set comes with a wireless console and two wireless controllers. The games can be played by one or more players at a time. Photo, video and music apps are also available to provide the console with added features aside from just using them for fun gaming.

With a wide selection of games to choose from, the Lexibook TV Game Console offers a fun and ready-to-play experience for kids at home. It connects to your TV using an AV cable. There is no need to head to the store to buy new video game titles just to enjoy it. The built-in games are more than enough to provide the kids with all the games and activities they can do for the day. The Lexibook TV Game Console is currently available for pre-order at Toys R’ Us for $50. They are expected to be available around mid-July of this year.

Image Source: Toys R’ Us

LeapTV Educational Active Video Game System

by admin October 6, 2014

The new Leapfrog LeapTV is a game console targeted at kids ages 3 to 8. It uses motion control.

LeapTV will have three ways to play, including a classic controller or a pointer. You can also play with motion-sensing controls, getting kids to be more active and off the couch. The machine aims to change the way kids learn by combining activity and movement with educational curriculum. You can transform the device into the type of control that fits the game. The games adapt the learning to your child starting with age, then auto-adjust the level for just the right challenge. The games teaches reading, mathematics, science and problem solving skills.

LeapTV has its own platform, with its own games that come in cartridge or download form: $29.99 for a cartridge, between $5 and $15 for downloads. There will be nine cartridge titles available at retailers at launch time. The rest will be available through digital means. The console has 16 gigabytes of flash memory to store digital content.

The audio instructions is made for kids who don’t yet read and a controller made for small hands, even the youngest can play.

Cost: $149.99
Only available on October 24, 2014

Image credit: Leapfrog

Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Kit for Xbox 360

by admin December 24, 2013

Kids would love playing their video games. Some kids would love playing with physical toys instead. It would be a great if there is a toy that combines both into a single playing experience. One new option that many kids will surely love is the Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Kit for Xbox 360.

The Skylanders SWAP Force is a unique gaming experience for kids who love to play the Xbox 360 as well as toy figures. This toy set combines both to give kids a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that is both fun and creative. The starter pack comes with a video game, a Portal of Power, 3 Skylanders figures, 3 trading cards, 3 sticker sheets with cheat codes and a character collector poster.

Kids can use each Skylanders figure in the video game by putting it on the Portal of Power while running the game on the Xbox 360. Each figure comes with its own powers and abilities. Kids can use these qualities to go through and complete the different stages of the video game. But that is not all. Each figure comes with all its data and saves during the game. What makes them unique is that kids can swap one-half of the each figure for another. Each figure comes with a removable half that can be swapped with that of another figure. What comes out is a new or combined figure that gets the both the attributes of the previous figure and that of the swapped half. It gives kids an entirely new figure with added powers and qualities to play with. With several different character figures available, there are lots of figures to choose and combine for added fun and enjoyment. The Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Kit for Xbox 360 is available at Toys R’ Us for $60.