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2 April, 2008
Explaining Brain Training
The Nintendo DS is the most innovative platform for next-generation entertainment development. In the Nintendo DS home country of Japan, the most popular type of game is something we don't see in the United States. They're called "Brain Training" games.
I used to live in Japan, and study video games and mobile entertainment. Still I have no idea what brain training games are. That is, until Eric Zimmerman sent me this link:
It's a terrific explanation of this phenomenon - a new genre of game that might not even be a game. WarioWare plus Sudoku equals cram school? Doing simple puzzles, mental gymnastics with a electronic companion that grades your performance.
Brain Trainters are definitely bringing non-traditional gameplayers to the Nintendo DS in Japanj; I wonder how well they would succeed in the United States? I think theidea that your mind gets soft and it should be trained appeals to all sorts of folks.
Posted by justin at January 27, 2006 11:29 AM
Comments
painfully simpl but nonstoppable
Posted by: yuechuan ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://interactive.usc.edu/members/jhall/nav-commenters.gif)
at January 27, 2006 11:55 AM
Crossword puzzles, reputed to be brain trainers (or, from studies, Alzheimer chasers) are enormously popular in the U.S.
Posted by: pweil at January 27, 2006 12:25 PM
Peggy beat me to the punch - yeah, it seems like now that puzzles are supposed to fight off senility and Alzheimer's, these games are something that would really appeal to adults.
Posted by: Jess at January 27, 2006 2:12 PM
Low price + simple play + healthy excuse => ownage
Posted by: Jenova at January 27, 2006 6:57 PM
I'm all about my brain expanding. I'm going to have to buy a Nintendo DS so I can try this out.
Posted by: nanogirl at February 1, 2006 5:10 PM
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