We may be stuck in the thick of winter, but warmer weather is only a few months away, and that means it’s almost time to play outdoors again!
Picoo is a new outdoor game console that is debuting at the 2022 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas beginning today. The portable, screen-free console is designed to reverse the decline of fitness and physical literacy caused by excessive screen time. Encouraging active play will help kids stay fit and healthy, decreasing the risk of childhood obesity. The Picoo Starter set includes four Picoo controllers that kids can use to play five interactive games: Lightning Bolt, Zombierun, Kaleidoscope, Hide & Seek, and Whack-a-Mole.
The device is recommended for kids between the ages of 4-12 years old. Each Picoo controller includes a core processor, a memory chip, a speaker that plays sounds and audio, an accelerometer to detect and measure movement, a vibration motor that “buzzes,” a tag scanner to scan the game cards, a radio network to communicate with other Picoos, LED lights and an on/off button. Parents will need a network connection to an accompanying Picoo smartphone app, as well as Bluetooth for version updates, but kids do not need any Internet connection during playtime.
Picoo adapts the challenge for each player based on the kid’s detected proficiency level during a game to automatically balance the playing field by increasing or decreasing challenges depending on how adept kids are at the game. Picoo automatically creates teams to eliminate favoritism and the feeling of being the last kid chosen for a team. There are also games for kids with special needs available.
The starter set is available for $249 and there are also education kits and pro kits available with 12 Picoo controllers and even more games for use in school or afterschool programs. Parents can purchase additional games as well. Visit shop.picoo.com/ for more information.
