If you would like to use your console for more than just pass the time , we give some clues about what the most interesting educational games of the moment.

One aspect that has traditionally characterized the market for game consoles, and that has been criticized by parents and consumer groups has been the only claim of electronic games to entertain and amuse, with titles where the player merely had to overcome some tests , fighting or running, without developing any special ability rather than reflexes. The usefulness of video games has been a very contentious topic for a long time, considered ” a waste of time “for many parents and educators.

Until recently, the wide catalog of games consoles of all the marks are distributed only among platformer , adventure sports or fighting . However, the latest generation of consoles has promoted a kind of game that was increasingly forgotten and very important in this digital age: educational games . Manufacturers have understood that parents , often those who buy games for their children , seek a kind of entertainment to provide their children more than just a pastime , which computing and well-targeted new technologies are a great tool education. In order to entertain and amuse also binds to learn. In addition, such games has helped to expand the potential audience potential of the consoles, the game engaging populations that are not normally entertained by video games.

Nintendo, on the head with the DS and Wii
Nintendo is currently the manufacturer that has positioned leader in this new trend , taking advantage of the potential of their consoles to support or develop games that activate the mind , expand vocabulary and even to learn a language while users are having fun.

The new Nintendo games , framed under the name of Touch! Generations titles have become indispensable for all those who enjoy the attractions of the console but want to take advantage of leisure time they devote to this hobby improving intellectual abilities. Besides Nintendo games are focused on the general public, meaning that each user can set the game mode or use the one it deems most appropriate for their age. We highlight the most interesting titles for Nintendo consoles :

* Brain Training and More Brain Training from Dr. Kawashima

A revolution in the field of educational games . It is the brain-training method developed by Dr. Kawashima to keep the brain young. The Game offers a series of exercises to boost memory and calculation speed of response. The first came in 2006 and the second installment of the series a year later. A game suitable for everyone , but especially useful for elderly users who want to keep the brain young.

* Maths Training

It focuses on the stimulation of the brain where math skills are concentrated . Suggests simple math problems , review of concepts and calculation speed . Besides the ‘ Review of today’s raises three exercises appropriate to your grade level to go up on stage.

* Español English Training and Practice

Both are methods to improve the standard of English ( not to learn from scratch ) through exercises and games to be complicated as we move through the various levels . Français Practice is a bit more complex, and allows you to listen to thousands of English phrases in everyday situations . Both can record yourself to hear your own pronunciation and correct you.

* Training for your eyes

Curious way to stimulate the sense of sight : peripheral vision , coordination, eye-hand coordination , immediate recognition , dynamic visual acuity and eye movement . You can practice daily exercises and challenges of sport. All of these games are only available for Nintendo ‘s portable console , the DS.

* Big Brain Academy

Another way to value your brain power. This , unlike the Brain Training exercises used to exercise the mind intuitive . The faster and better answer , the more difficult the challenges and the higher your ” brain weight . ”

* My Word

A game designed to improve vocabulary and develop speaking skills . The idea is to drive around 150 new words every day with a 20-minute workout , and learn at least 4 or 5 words per session. The game measures your level expression expressive poses new challenges . These last two games are available for the Nintendo DS to the Wii.

* Triivial

A Wii game that combines the traditional board game with interactive tests appropriate to each age. It contains 20,000 questions divided into eight categories and allows up to 80 players simultaneously. This game is only available for the Wii.

Games for PSP, PS2 and PS3

Sony’s consoles are much less nurtured educational games that Nintendo , although there is a curious title is worth highlighting :

* Mind Quiz

Use a method similar to the DS Brain Training , but adapted to the Sony handheld console . Difference calculation exercises , reflection, trial and memory, to measure the player’s brain age . A disadvantage of this game for the title of the Nintendo console is that control is less simple and direct, since that’s limited to the buttons.

* Capcom Puzzle World

This game takes the best video games from Capcom puzzle in the history of game consoles , along with the compilation of three games Buster Bros. Collection , better known as Pang. It is available for the PSP.

* Buzz! The Mega Quiz

A game for the PS2 that raises questions of general knowledge 5.00 , tv , movies , music, science … Includes keys for the competition is a real contest, limiting to a maximum of eight players per game. It is a question-answer game very competitive and exciting. There are several titles Buzz! different themed diverse.

* Go! Puzzle and Go! Sudoku

They are two of the few educational games for the PS3, which clearly demonstrates the limited target audience who heads Sony this console. Both games are very simple to do Sudoku (multiple levels) or racing against time to remove mines , moving color pictures and earn points.

Microsoft Xbox 360, just for fun

The Microsoft console has virtually no games that can be classified as educational , most are about action and adventure, but a few months ago launched a quiz about movies that reminds Buzz! , the Scene It?

* Scene it ? ”

This title presents over 1,800 questions and is inspired by the classic board game with the same name. Wireless also uses four buttons to respond the quickest.

Anybody who wants to buy a console for learning and exercise should choose mainly between the two Nintendo consoles . If you already have a console and you’re thinking of buy some educational game that they have appointed are the highlights of the platforms currently on the market.