On-the-Go Play with the VTech MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System ~ Review

Almost anywhere we go, I see small children playing with smart phones and tablets of some kind. My kids are no different! In fact, there are times they seem much more tech savvy than myself... even at nearly 3 years old and 5 years old! I don't blame them for being so fascinated with technology, as there's a whole world of learning and entertainment at their fingertips...but the problem with most devices like this, is that they are delicate and not very kid-friendly. They often don't offer the durability that a child's play requires or the multi-media entertainment to hold their attention either. That's why I love VTech and the fact that they've introduced the MobiGo 2, expanding on the original version.

Containing a wide array of interactive and educational updates and features, the MobiGo 2 is sure to entertain your child both at home and on the go. For those familiar with this device, you probably know that it's an educational handheld system for children 3-8 years old. With Kaden just a month shy of 3 years old and Kaelyn nearing 5 years old, my kids fall right within this range. That's why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the VTech MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System.

As I read and learned more about the MobiGo 2, I was even more excited to check it out and have Kaelyn and Kaden use it. Offering kids the opportunity enjoy on-the-go play, the MobiGo 2 handheld touch learning system is a multi-functional device providing fun and education in different ways (through games, ebooks, etc). Teaching basic learning skills like math, vocabulary, spelling, reading, logic, drawing and more...I knew this handheld device was exactly what my kids would enjoy.

We have never owned the original MobiGo, but know people who do and this one offers some new features such as a motion sensor and microphone, adding to great ways for kids to explore...and all for the same price! That means there are four ways for kids to explore with the MobiGo 2: the touch screen, keyboard, motion sensor and microphone! I don't know about you, but just learning how much the kids were going to be able to do with this had us all excited when it arrived on our doorstep.

When ever it comes to technology, I'm always a little hesitant not knowing how easy it will be to get set up and ready to use...especially with two eager children waiting to play with it. Thankfully though, VTech makes it very easy with step by step instructions. I began by inserting the Learning Lodge Navigator Installation CD and got it installed to my computer. I then connected the MobiGo2 to my computer with the included USB cord.

There were 3 free downloads available for this device, so I went in and downloaded three games I knew both Kaelyn and Kaden would enjoy. It was so easy to transfer them to the MobiGo 2, in no time they were on the main menu screen and ready to play.

On top of the three games I downloaded, there are many built-in apps as well (games, an art studio photo album and more!). Everything is conveniently located on the main screen which makes it easy for the kids to find the game they want to play.

My kids have had the opportunity to use the MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System a lot over the past couple of weeks. We have found it to be a great thing for them to do both at home and on-the-go. We took a couple of mini vacations and it was really nice for them to have something to do that engaged them in learning and fun...all while being kid-friendly and appropriate for their ages. Even their cousins got in on the fun!

The first thing I was impressed with is the user-friendly size. It's perfect for little hands and easy to slip in the diaper bag when we're out and about. It's my new go-to item when the kids are bored while grocery shopping, at appointments, etc.

Kaden at the motel enjoying his MobiGo 2

The quality is also top-notch and something I can tell will last us a long time. And, with over 100 cartridges and downloadable apps, available for purchase separately, I am certain this will be something they will be able to use and enjoy for many years!

Aside from the design, ease-of-use and quality...I have been most impressed with all that the VTech MobiGo 2 can do! Between the touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard (which gets kids familiar with computer skills), they have a world of learning and independent play at their fingertips.

Both Kaelyn and Kaden have enjoyed all that the MobiGo 2 offers as well. Kaelyn's favorite feature is definitely the motion control and sound-activated games! Motion games allow children to shake, tilt pat or turn MobiGo 2 to play their games with motion sensing technology. For instance, with the built-in game Hamster Highway, they help Henry the Hamster win a race by tilting the device from side to side to help him stay on track and miss hitting anything in his way. It's such a neat, interactive way to get them engaged in these games. Even my nephews enjoyed them on a recent vacation we took!

The sound-activated games use the built-in mic to reveal clues and enrich game play as well. Children can blow into the mic to move objects or even speak commands. 

The MobiGo 2 also offers writing games, a photo viewer (where you can transfer pictures from your computer), and an e-reader! I'm looking forward to downloading some of these, as well as buying a few cartridges for the kids to use and enjoy.

One of my favorite features is the Learning Lodge Navigator. Now that it's installed on my computer, I can log on to purchase games or apps. I can also check the progress log which shows me their progress. How neat is that!?

Overall we've been thrilled with the MobiGo 2! The quality is fantastic, and this handheld touch learning system is multi-function and provides fun ways to play and learn through games, ebooks, etc. I appreciate that it teaches basic learning skills and concepts like letter names and phonics, basic math skills, reading development, problem solving, science concept, creative play, visualization/memory, etc and I can already see that both Kaelyn and Kaden are learning a lot! They both adore this handy device and ask to play with it daily. It's perfect to take along on road trips and vacations. It keeps the kids entertained, having fun and learning. We love it! 

I would definitely recommend the VTech MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System to any parent looking for on-the-go, independent play for their children between 3 and 8! It's something I am so glad we were introduced to and look forward to learning more about all that it can do and enhancing my kids' learning with all of the apps and cartridges available.

Buy It: The MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System retails for $59.99.

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**I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for VTech. I received product samples to facilitate my review.