Hasbro ION, Eye Toy-based educational gaming console

Toymaker Hasbro will produce its first video game, er, electronic learning toy, the ION Gaming System. Using technology based on Sony's EyeToy camera, Hasbro's system will allow preschoolers to interact with characters such as SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer. The game, er, educational toy will compete in a crowded field that already includes products from LeapFrog, Mattel, and VTech. While Hasbro is quick to talk up the unit's educational benefits, we're sure Sony is quietly celebrating the opportunity to hit the next generation of customers early. Won't be long until these kids are ready for something that does more than help them spell, and the PSP (or it successor) will be right there waiting for them.

[Via Joystiq]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I actually met the guy that invented ION for Hasbro. He was presenting in a venture capital conference almost three years ago. 30 something years old and convinced that mothers would buy this for little kids. Excellent presentation.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Hasbro ION was invented by a young tech wizard named John Boucard. I think his company is located in Los Angeles.
http://www.infinitemachines.com
Seems like there is quite a bit going on in that company besides toys.
The camera technology is cool, but hopefully Hasbro ION will open the console up to more than just the camera.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Looks like a pretty cool toy.