ME2: Handheld Video Game that Encourages Kids to Exercise
Anyone want to get in shape while playing video games? I’m not talking about the Wii, but the ME2. The ME2 is a lot like Wii Fit, as it rewards physical action with points. I suppose the big difference between the two systems is that the ME2 is a handheld portable.
Another difference is that the ME2 requires physical activity before you play on the ME2 handheld or the affiliated website. There is a built-in pedometer on the handheld that you need to develop points by walking, running, or jogging. The more you travel, the more points you will accrue.
Yeah, you could shake the ME2 rigorously and cheat to get more points, but you would definitely be the Biggest Loser. (I know there is an NBC show where being the Biggest Loser is a positive thing, but not in this case.)
Once you have your points, connect the ME2 to the PC with a USB cable. Points will be uploaded to the ME2 site, and you can play in a 3D interactive world, even download new titles to the handheld.
I’m not certain kids would be interested in this. They might be able to see through their parents’ ploy to make them get out and exercise more. Maybe kids will use that shaking method that I parenthetically mentioned earlier.
The best part about the ME2 is the price. There has been a recent fifty percent price cut on eToys from $34.99 to $17.50. It’s affordable, and encourages kids to be physically fit.
Join 5 reviews or comments
scott geiger Says: January 29, 2010 at 8:19 am
I got mine at the $dollar$ store for just one buck but what the former poster stated cannot update game which sux, but it was just a buck. It’s still annoying
Mike at Vindictus Forum Says: August 30, 2010 at 6:49 pm
My friend has it. I don’t know how effective it is but he said it’s pretty fun =)
Tanya Says: December 29, 2010 at 5:48 am
We got one of these today for $6.20 not too bad, but the website that they supply doesn’t exist and we are having trouble finding a site where it does work .. can anyone help?? Would be much appreciated!!
Thanks
Deena Says: December 29, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Someone got one of these for our son for Christmas, and I’m trying to set it up, and the website isn’t working for us.. 
Anyone know anything?
me2mom Says: January 1, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I got each of my children one of these for Christmas. The website game is full of imagination, but there are snags in this system.
The packaging gives you the impression that the kids would play outside, then download games and use them on their handheld. But the maingame is on the website and the little games aren’t that great.
Serious draw-backs: 1. a chatroom with an always-open window during website play, 2. the web-game has poor graphics that are ram hungry, 3. confusing to navigate the site and find the info you need, 4. cannot change the avatar as promised, 4. no customer support contact info– not even snail mail or phone number, 5. downloaded games indicate that they have completed the firmware update, but the games do not appear on the handheld, 6. no way to turn down the sound on the hand-held. (I’m not kidding; the music is annoying).
The biggest draw-back is that the games are too old/hard for younger kids and older kids are not going to fall for “If I jump around for 20 minutes I get to play more!”
It’s a great relief I didn’t pay the 39.95 original sticker price! I paid $10 in a clearance bin and am still left wondering if that was too much.