The Bottom Line
The first Brain Age was great, and this updated version is even better. Each time you take the tests and play the games on Brain Age 2, it'll tell you how old your brain is. "Watch" your brain get younger as you train daily on a wide variety of activities. It is addictive and fun. Of course, you'll need the Nintendo DS system to play it.
Pros
- Carry it everywhere and train your brain in your spare time
- Variety of games/activities keeps things interesting
- Gives you a sense of how old, sharpness wise, your brain is
Cons
- The Nintendo DS System will set you back around $300
Description
- Handheld, fun, easy-to-use brain training
- Really does work out your brain, and you can track the results
- Can compete with other DS owners in group competitions
Guide Review - Brain Age 2 Review: Brain Training Fun
The first Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! was a huge success for Nintendo and its DS System. This new version was 17 new activities and more tracking options to watch your progress.
How It Works
The Brain Age 2 game is designed to give you brain a work out. You will be taken through a series of training exercises. At the end of each session, you'll be told how old your brain is. This is an estimate based on your performance of tests and games. As you improve, you'll watch your "brain age" get younger.Some of the games involve tapping out songs on a tiny piano (testing memory and pattern recognition) or deciding who won a race (testing attention and memory). These games are extremely engaging and addictive (you have been warned!)
Brain Age 2 was developed by Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, a Japanese neuroscientist. It was a rage in Japan before coming over to the United States. The claim is that daily use will improve your mental function. Use it to protect an aging brain or boost a young, learning one.
Need the Nintendo DS System
Unfortunately, Brain Age 2 only plays on the Nintendo DS system, which costs several hundred dollars. The good news is that this is a game system "for grown-ups" that is very small and portable.