I am in awe. As a high tech junkie and previous high tech entrepreneur, I consider myself pretty tech savvy and always on the look out for the latest & greatest tech toy. This week I had the opportunity to attend the Microsoft Xbox Kinect reveal of the newest games coming into the market place. To say I am speechless is an understatement. To say that I feel like we have surpassed the Star Trek age and blown past it in technology (although I would still prefer to teleport than fly) is no exaggeration.
I am now officially part of the Kinect fan club (do we get a geek badge or anything?) because they proved to me that they are willing to push the envelope and yet still make a game that I am happy to have my kids interact with.
Some of the highlights of this weeks press conference included:
Haven’t had the chance to take the kids to Disney yet? Still working on the budget to be able to afford the trip? This game is for you. Not only does your child get the opportunity to experience Disneyland park through this game, they now get to do it using their own bodies and voices. It’s amazing. Kinect will scan your image and insert it into the game so you, not your avatar, now get to hug Snow White. How cool is that?
Kinect Fun Labs allows you to turn yourself into a bobblehead, bring your favorite stuffed animal to life, mutate your shape (although I’m convinced my mirror already does this) and rock out with your air guitar in this controller free game. I know, you are in total disbelief. When you see it live, you will really understand how utterly amazing this technology is.
So, ok, a few cool games but really, why should I spend the money on yet another gaming system? Well, frankly these are just the tip of the iceberg. Microsoft has partnered with some pretty amazing companies to bring you and your kids the ultimate in fun, education and interaction. Pixar? Heard of them? Yup, they’re a partner so expect games featuring your favorite characters from Toy Story, Cars, A Bug’s Life etc. Pixar is renowned for being innovative, imaginative and storytellers beyond their times so naturally this is an amazing fit.
My top 2 favorite announcements out of this event were the introduction of something called Kinect Sesame Street TV, and Nat Geo TV (National Geographic).
Let me explain why these stood out. So in case you weren’t wowed enough by the fact that you could put your actual image into a game, perhaps the ability to interact with a TV show with your own image will wow you? Yup, you heard it here first (I hope). With Sesame Street TV, kids can watch the TV show like they usually do, but instead of Cookie Monster counting cookies on his own, your child can participate in the counting and can throw cookies at Cookie Monster which sometimes may or may not bop him on the head depending on your aim. But not only are they interacting with it, there are times that they (or their image at least) are in the show! If this is confusing because its so new, then imagine that looking into the TV will be like looking into a mirror at your reflection, only your reflection will be surrounded by your favorite characters like Elmo or Cookie.
National Geographic TV is for the naturalist in all of us (ok, maybe except for me who is even afraid of dogs!) but really, this game is all about teaching our kids ab
out the world around them and the wildlife that exists. Roll around with a grizzly bear like Casey Anderson, the host of National Geographic does. Travel the world using the amazing visuals that National Geographic has inspired us with over the years and learn about what exists beyond our four walls of our homes. Casey wowed me with his charm, his love of nature and his obvious kindness and respect for the animals which allows him to have a bear as a best friend! Not kidding! He actually showed us a picture of his bear joining them for supper. Yup. Makes my fear of dogs seem a wee bit silly.
It is pretty rare
for me to get so excited about a new technology but what I have to say I loved most about this press conference is that Kinect (Microsoft) has put within reach a world that only a few years ago seemed ages away from reality. At the same time, they are making sure that education is at the forefront of the games they are focused on. The experts they are relying on to develop these games (like the team at Sesame Street) are people who are experienced at making sure our kids minds are being stimulated. At the same time, Kinect’s controller-less system allows young children who might otherwise not have the dexterity to use a controller, to participate in a new world of learning. I for one, can’t wait to bring these magical games into our home and into our family game time. Also, I’m hoping that someone extends this platform to watching Greys Anatomy so maybe McDreamy and I could decide together whether he should stay with Meredith or not.
What kind of games do your children enjoy and do you put a limit on how long they can play with video games?
117 Responses to Kinect takes Elmo to a whole new dimension
Wow, those new Kinect games look incredible!!
My 3 year old prefers iPad games but he does play some LeapFrog games on our TV. I’m admittedly pretty bad at limiting screen time…
My daughter is going to love the Sesame street game! We are hoping to buy it for her for Christmas!
Okay, the Kinect Sesame Street TV game is very cool. Amazing what this system can do. Now I want one. lol.
My kids love to play racing, adventure, roll playing, futuristic games together and I will let them play for an hour a day if their chores and homework is done.
It doesn’t bother me to let them play for a little bit because most of the games we buy are educational and it helps them learn, but they think they are playing
We have a leapfrog system but we only hook it up for one day at a time. And only about once every 3 months or so.
Otherwise we let the kids play Starfall or Nick Jr. on the computer from time to time.
I let my children play Nintendo Ds. I choose the games that they are allowed to play and we usually don’t have to put a time limit on them as they only play for a bit and then move onto the next activity.
Ihave 3 kids, 7 boy, 12 girl, 14 boy and they all love differents games. but for sure ma 7 yo boy will love play to elmo he loves elmo he got a elmo plush who move and talk for his 4 yo xmas and he loves it. to play xbox kinect game we just need the console…. I’m alone with my 3 kids and no money to buy this I don’t have any console, they just have each a DSi. great new elmo game !!!!!
we totally want a kinect. The new games coming out for kids are awesome!
cindy0462@gmail.com
My son loves when I play Angry Birds but still needs help with our roller ball mouse for the computer. He likes playing games on my hubbies cell phone. We had let him play some games on ps2 but then he got to obsessive about it, so then I had to say it was “broken.” I really want to get the wii system soon.
Well, my 2 year old has only been exposed to games on the iPad and most of them have been relatively simple games. One of them is the electronic equivalent of the old Memory board game. The other teaches him shapes by asking him to select a certain shape. He also has a variety of flash cards apps that he uses (animals, Spanish). I recently downloaded a Sesame Street App with games but quite honestly I haven’t used it myself though I hear him playing with it all the time so I’m assuming he must like it (he uses the iPad either under my or my nanny’s supervision).
Through he uses the iPad every day I do limit his use of it by engaging him in other activities throughout the day.
Wow…I just love the Sesame Street game. My son loved Elmo. Wish that had been out then! I might get that for my niece.
This new Kinect system looks so neat! I don’t have an Xbox to play it on but this might convince me to get one.
My boys love all things gaming especially the interactive dancing ones on Wii like Just Dance. We haven’t tried the Kinect system yet, but it looks really cool!
This looks awesome. We had the Wii, but now only the Xbox 360 with the kinect. It works out well because my husband can still play his games and the kids have some great games as well. Plus it’s always fun on a Friday to have a family game time. Our two are 5 and soon to be 4 and they would LOVE this.
My daughter really enjoys playing kinectimals on our 360, but her favorite would be playing her DS and pokemon game. I limit her playing time by weekends only and I physically take the game away on school days. I don’t limit how long she plays, but all of her chores have to be done first, within reason. My 3 yr old boy doesn’t play any games yet but he likes to watch his sister play.
My baby is too young but my 16 year old just loves Final Fantasy, Pokémon & sports games. At this point, I don’t limit his playing as I think he can make that determination on his own…though sometimes I will certainly comment on it!
I’m so glad to hear this review of the Sesame St. Game, we are planning on getting it for our kids @ Christmas time, they love the regular games we have also, I hadn’t heard of that NatGeo game so thanks for the heads up!
We let him play a little on the playbook. Just basic shapes and number games. Time is very limited for him.
My kids loving gameing stuff and would love this very much! We usually tell them they can play for 1/2 hour to 1 hour and then it’s outside time!
Our daughter enjoys nesting cups and peekaboo. She likes to watch the astronomy app on the iPad but we limit this to no more than 10 minutes at a time.
We let the kids play video games but only with our supervision and only up to 1 hour – nothing violent. Usually one of the active wii games and games like Mario Kart. We also enjoy playing angry birds when on long car rides — well not my hubby since he usually drives LOL
We don’t have a kinect at least not yet. But we do love the new leapPad, my daughter just got it 3 weeks ago and loves playing with it and the games on it especially the disney princess game.
My kids loves the dance games. We usually play for about an hour but I will let them play a little longer if they want since they are exercising.
My son is 22 months and loves playing the piano on the IPad. He’s a natural when it comes to music
My 3 year old loves playing all different types of games on our tablet, Ipod touch and the xbox 360 with Kinect. That was the reason I bought it. I try to limit her time to about an hour max. If she even plays that long.
Wow nice love the Elmo game and disneyland game. My little one plays on the iPad and we have the Elmo app
I honestly cant wait to get the new Sesame Street game for my son! Hes totally obsessed with Elmo so for him to get a chance to play with Elmo (or maybe even be?) Would make him one of the happiest little boys in the world! Hes only 2 and 1/2 so he doesnt play any video games yet BUT I can definately say Santa will be bringing this game into our house at Xmas time!!
My kids do not play video games as I belive in going to the park and playing with other kids. I think riding a bike is more fun than pretending to do it on Tv
they like the wii games, especially mario brothers ones. Those were my favorite as a kid. There’s a time limit, because I’d rather have them outside playing instead of playing video games.
My son doesn’t play video games yet but when we play just dance for Wii he immitates all the moves we do . It’s just the cutest to watch.
My kids like to play all kinds Kobo games! Like the Mario games on the wii, or animal care games Kobo their ipods or even “old fashion” board games! We limit the kids to no more than one hour per day each!
The Disney Kinect looks so cool-may have to get a Kinect just because of that
I try and limit what my kids play and how much- just wish hubby would also follow my lead.
Wow, that sounds incrediable! I wonder how this would help a four year old with many delays! Would love to take her to Disney, but we worry…thanks for the update! Might have to look into buying a system!
Sofartheyrallyenjoymarioforwiiorkinectimalsforxbox.Asforplayingtimenomorethananhouradayandusuallyonlyintheevenings
I think Santa knows what he is bringing the boys…our Xbox 360 just died….so we can buy this! Love it…and Elmo really sold it for us. Good post Sharon!
We don’t play video games yet, but it’s great to know a bit more about some of the games that I would be interested in looking at. I will definitely have limits, but I don’t know yet what they will be.
My kids love role playing vedo games
jofo120 at yahoo dot com
Our kids have only been exposed to the V-Smile and to some computer games. We don’t limit however we don’t offer them very often either. During the Winter months they get more exposure versus when it’s nice out! We have considered purchasing a “gaming system” but have not done it yet. Price has been a big issue and just the fact that it’s not a “need”.
My sons like Cars Mario Kart. Yes, we limit them to how long they can play.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I will be shopping for christmas
My kids enjoy doing arts and crafts!!!!
My kids are (just-turned-) 4 and almost 2, so they’re not really into video games yet, but my husband’s trying to get them interested. He has games from his childhood, like Super Mario Bros., etc, that he sets my son up with once in awhile just for fun. I definitely set a limit for time (& content), but I know it will become much harder in the future…especially with all of this exciting technology that’s coming!
My oldest (3.5) likes playing simple games on my ipod touch. He’s really only at it for about 20 minutes and then gets bored. I think I’d set a limit of 30 min though. Seems enough to me!
Currently my children do not paly video games but some of the new systems and preschool friendly games that are coming out look pretty good and i wouldn’t mind giving them a try!!
Our girls are fans of iPet and Wii Disney Princesses – we limit to 15-20 min if needed – they often don’t last much longer, and they don’t play very often either. Video games are more of a special activity than an everyday one. So glad to hear that there are more kids games coming out on other platforms – would love to try out kinect!
My kids enjoy puzzle games and racing games. I usually don’t put a limit because they usually only play 30-45 minutes or so every couple of days. If they were to start staying on longer, I might.
My kids like racing games and games like rock band.. singing karaoke type games. If my kids were always wanting to play the wii or their ds’s then yes, they would have a limit but my kids play occasionally..
xxbeccaannxx@gmail.com
We love playing Wii Sports. I joined High Score House and my 8 year old has to redeem stars to get some game time.
My kids like WiiLego Pirates of the Carribbean for Wii.We play once a week and I usually play with them.
My son loves Mario!! And we do limit time. House rules is no video games during the weekdays, weekends only, and not until chores are done!
My 2 year old plays some Knee Bouncers online with me
We have a little bouncy horse that connects to the tv and interacts as a game for our son
My 4 year old daughter loves kinectanimals! She amazes me at how well she can maneuver through all by herself! I put a limit on my older children to no video games on school nights. There is a clear difference of how my kids sleep when we limit them!
My kids are too little for video games (though my 2 year old does like to push the buttons on daddy’s old-school gameboy), but there will definitely be limits on time spent when they are old enough!
super mario never seems to go out of style in our house with a 14 year old 12 year old and 9 year old
My 4 year old plays the Sesame Street games on the laptop and loves them. She has a Mobigo, but it doesn’t get played with very often. We aren’t at the stage yet that we need to limit her time playing games- but will use games as a reward system when the time comes!
I can’t wait to try the Sesame Street game with my daughter:)
mclemore102 at gmail dot com
My girl is only 20 months, so we’re a bit far off of gaming just yet! I do plan on limiting gaming though. Instead of setting a limit (30 minutes a day is still 3.5 hours a week), I hope to maintain some sort of trade off system for outdoor play/exercise. You want to play your game? Go outside and run around for half an hour first!
my kiddos love the wii, im sure Kinect would be a better fit considering it does not have a controller!! I do limit the time they spend playing video games.
My Son enjoys playing Wii sport games and the angry birds on our ipad.We don’t really put a limit on them because we join him in the fun. He also loves to play soccer & basketball outside on a daily basis
We recently introduced our 26-month old son with wii. We never really put a time limit yet for now as he prefers playing with his cars and other toys. So far his favourite game on wii is wii play and he likes watching us playing mario kart. Im sure he’s gonna love the kinect sesame street as he loves the tv show too!
My daughter likes to play adventure games on her Nintendo DS, but she doesn’t play in excess. So far we haven’t had to put any limits on her.
My daughter loves to play games and we just recently got the Kinect! The game sounds amazing and I can’t wait to get it for my daughter! She loves Elmo!!
The boys love tony hawk skateboarding on the wii
my baby is only 5 month old but i will try to limit her time to games that either train the brain or the body
We don’t have the “techie” games so we do the old fashioned board games scrabble yhatzee and sorry
My son likes to play Wii but only after he’s done his homework. He likes Mario Bros. and Cars games.
Right now they are a little young, but my oldest who is 4 just got a SpongeBob game. It plays for about 20 minutes and then wants to move on, but these Kinnect games look like a lot of fun – I’d like to try them!
They like puzzle type games…like Brain Age. I don’t like them playing for more than an hour…but they usually don’t want to play much longer than that anyway.
Interesting question and topic starter. My 19 year old son is currently in his second year of college. His goal is to be involved in the video gaming industry. When he was small, I bought him all the gadgets he needed and then had parental pause. What was I doing? He should be outside playing, exploring, not inside playing these games. I created a video lug. Oh no! But his passion for video gaming is so intense that I have no doubt that he will reach any goal he sets for himself. In hindsight, I am glad I did not limit his gaming time. I am glad I spent (way too much) money on gadgets, games, etc. But, with my grandkids? That’s a different story. When they are with me, we play outdoors or do anything but play games. The reason is: Their father plays games way too much. He will never get anywhere doing so. He just does it to avoid doing anything else. This is my future son-in-law I’m talking about. He is 31 and does need someone to limit his gaming time.
I limit my kids play time to an extent as long as it doesn’t affect school work or grades. Both my kids enjoy the Kinect games like the kinect animals.
My 6 year old can play Wii games but I think the Kinect games would be perfect for my 4 year old who REALLY wants to play games like his big brother and his Father
My family loves the Wii games…and I admit I am pretty terrible at setting limits when we are playing as a family!
My boys love the Lego video games! I try to only let them play on the weekends as a treat!
My kids like action games. They love the wii sports. We do not limit them per say. We do keep them busy on other things if we think they have played to long.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
In a way I can’t wait to play
My kids have a limit of 30 mins a day if they do all of their chores and school work.They like racing games and building games the most.I can’t wait to get them an xbox so we can try these(we have a ps2 now).Thanks!
lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com
My daughter loves the Mario games and I limit her time to weekends and once a week for an hour.
My kids love pokemon and mario games and I’m not really good on setting time limits, but with my kids I’ve found that they get a bit obsessed when they have a new game for about a week and then it’s a few hours a week. They prefer to play outside with their friends!
They like the sports and adventure games the most. No time limit because they don’t abuse it at all.
my nephew and i love rockband together, or ddr. at least ddr is a good workout. we limit him to an hr a day.
I don’t have little ones any more but I see that my nephew has time for video games, but not unlimited time. He also is involved in sports and other activities.
Thanks for the info, I wanted to get Elmo but now I want the Disneyland also. Good thing her birthday is just before Christmas. We have the Wii and XBOX360 and my 4yrs prefer by far the XBOX360 with Kinect, it’s so easy for her to use.
My kids enjoy a variety of games and I limit them to an hour a day!
MY GRANDCHILDREN ALREADY LOVE SESAME STREET AND THIS IS GOING TO BE GOOD
Kinect is my absolute favorite! Can’t wait to try out these games thanks to this review. Love the pictures!
Dancing games. I dont limit too much since they are at least getting exercise
My Grandson has Sesame on his ‘list’!
I have children of all ages so a variety of games are played at our house. We have a Wii, Xbox 360 w/Kinect, and a PS3. I have been looking for a teaching game for my youngest, this looks great. No real time limit is set on game playing, I just make sure it’s not the only thing they do.
puzzle games
Blogtacular contest! Thanks so much! Janna Johnson Jannajanna@hotmail.com
Janna@feedyourpig on GFC
My kids love almost all electronic games, and yes, absolutely you have to put limits. They can play their DS in the car on the way to and from school (this keeps them well behaved in the car), then they can play from when they wake up till noon on Sat & Sun, then the rest of the time no video games
Plus, on the car rides, they have to have completed their homework first.
play disney games, only 1 hour a day
Yes time on video games is limited but once and a while if someone isn’t feeling well or the weather is terribe extra time is given.
My daughter likes games with math.
these look amazing- we love learning games
Nate loves all music-themed games, like Guitar Hero and American Idol Karaoke, as well as racing games and word games. I usually put a limit to 30 minutes on weekdays and 1 hour on weekends, unless he’s playing an educational game, which I’m more permissive about. Thanks!
My kids love the Just Dance games! I do put a limit on how long they play the games. They usually get about 30 minutes on a weekday and longer on the weekends. They can earn more time though.
My ILs gave the kids DSs for their birthdays this year. They love the Mario games.
It just amazes me how for video games have come. These are so cool.
We do limit types of games kiddos can play and how long they can play. Right now they love the Kinect Carnival game.
My 7 son wants a DS this year from Santa
my nephew got a wii and likes donkey kong country and super mario galaxy, don’t know what limits he has
Looks like it was a fun event to attend. I would love to try the Kinect. The fitness games I’ve seen advertised look good.
My son loves games espically the kinect. This looked like a lot of fun.
nickieisis3atgmaildotcom
We love video games and we just bought the Xbox-Kinect system and we are amazed by it. They love all of the Xbox Lego games (Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, etc).We want to try the Disney and Sesame Street games. I let my kids play video games after they have finished all of their homework and chores and they can play for about 1 hour.
my daughter loves playing her wii(wii sports resort).i let her play about an hour
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
We are a gaming family- when the girls were younger of course we set limits, but now that they are 18+ they all have balanced lives- work, school, gaming, ec, volunteering etc. With my grandson Ian, of course we set limits.
Faves of the girls are RPG, multi player & get up & move games etc, faves of Ian are all of them he’s allowed, he’s only 4 lol.
My son likes to play sports games on his Xbox and he spends a couple of hours a day on it.
THese Kinect games look like a lot of fun! My kids would love them!
Well, my son is only 14 months right now, but his favorite game is Tickle Me
We spend time each day doing that!!
My son loves to play any Super Mario game. I don’t limit his playing because he likes to do different things so he doesn’t play for long amounts of time.
My boys love playing Mario Kart racing while my oldest daughter loves playing Just Dance. I limit there time playing so that they will get outdoors more.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
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my kids like action and sports games
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
sorry of course i out a limit of how long they play
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
My monkies like to play Wii games and we don’t have to limit them, because they would actually rather read a good book.
ezmerelda at mail dot com
We limit video games to weekends only and my son like mario wii games.