When Mattel's Mindflex game was introduced at the 2009 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, it made quite a stir. We joke about using Jedi mind powers, but in reality the act of being able to imitate a coveted skill from one of your favorite futuristic sci-fi movies seems too out there for most. That is until now. Mattel has been able to take brain wave technology and create a game that lets you move an object just by thinking about it. Unbelievable, you might say. However, stores are having a difficult time keeping Mindflex in stock since its September 2009 release.
The basic premise of Mindflex is that when you concentrate on a task, your brain becomes very active. Mindflex utilizes EEG technology – which is a type of ultrasound – that evaluates brain activity by measuring the strength of your brainwaves. The brainwaves are measured through sensors placed on your forehead and ears. Your brainwaves, literally, are the catalyst that moves a small ball through customizable courses. Once Mindflex measures the strength of your brainwaves, a signal is sent to a fan within the game unit. The better your concentration, the stronger the fan blows, thus moving the ball with greater force. You might think that once you get the ball through the obstacle there isn't much else to it. However, with hundreds of different combinations to the nine obstacles, you won't get bored anytime soon.
Consumers nationwide can't wait to get their hands on the Mindflex. The Facebook fan page is a flurry with posts from people desperate to purchase their very own Mindflex game. The game appears to be popping up at different retailers throughout the U.S. before quickly selling out. With a tagline of “Think it. Move it. Believe it,” it's no wonder that this game is one of the must have toys of the 2009 holiday season for both kids and adults. Even the five different game modes sound intriguing. They include Freestyle, Mental Marathon, Danger Zone, Chase the Lights and Thoughtshot.
Mindflex comes with a battery-operated game unit, headset, four balls and a slew of other pieces to create mazes and tunnels to keep you occupied for hours. The game is recommended for up to four players ages eight years and older. If you're lucky enough to find a Mindflex, it is available for approximately $79.99 plus shipping at online retailers, as well as in stores nationwide.
