Games that have the practical application of helping people learn are quite rare. They don’t come out very often, but when they do, they typically have a big splash for those looking to grow cognitively. One of the best series in the educational sector has been Brain Age. The series has been huge in Japan and saw similar success in Western areas with a Nintendo DS release.
Although this series has been on a hiatus for quite some time, it appears to have life again. That’s according to Nintendo. Early in the day, they announced that the Brain Age series is making a comeback in Japan for the Nintendo Switch. That’s incredible news if you live in Japan and have always wanted to try this series using the Switch’s hybrid design. There wasn’t an official confirmation about the series coming to Western audiences, but it’s pretty safe to assume that it is.
What’s particularly unique about this latest installment in the brain-teaser series is it will have Switch exclusive features. For example, the infrared camera sensor on the right Joy-Con controller can be used to play a wide variety of mini-games. The purpose here is to help gamers learn in a more interactive manner.
Studies have shown that video games can be a valuable instrument for teaching people new things. It seems like Nintendo is taking advantage of these studies to provide fun experiences with emphasis on learning, where gamers can actually grow and take their education into their real lives in some way. That’s pretty noble of them.
Sometimes, video games aren’t all about defeating the bad guy or shooting a bunch of things. Every once in a while, a video game comes along that gives gamers practical skills that will come in handy some day. Brain Age seems like a Switch game that could do just that.
In addition to these Switch exclusive features, some classic Brain Age activities will also be offered. The stylus from the Switch can be used with them, such as math-based activities. A trailer was just released by Nintendo highlighting some of the activities that the game will feature. Some of these include simple addition and rock-paper-scissors.
According to Nintendo, the brain-teaser game will be available in Japan starting December 27. For Western gamers, they’ll just have to wait until Nintendo comes out and gives a hard confirmation. If it’s successful in Japan, a Western release would be a no-brainer.
