Smart Cycle Extreme
© 2009 Fisher-Price, Inc.
First released two years ago in 2007, this year's Smart Cycle (due in June) is nearly identical to the older version. In fact, if you already own the '07 version, don't bother getting this newer version. Besides having handlebars that rumble and some new lights, there's little that is very "extreme." The six new cartridges work just fine when plugged into the older cycle, although the "rumble enhanced" features only work on the newer bike. After you assemble the snap-together base and seat (a screwdriver is required) and find four fresh D batteries, you plug the AV cable into your TV. The included cartridge, called Learning Adventure Extreme, contains three modes of play: Driving, Learning Arcade Games and The Big Race. We didn't see any significant change in the game play or graphics quality, although we have yet to test this newer version. As you drive along, you collect letters and numbers, or pull off to the side to play games. The six new titles include Pixar Cars, Toy Story, Hot Wheels, Sponge Bob, Bob the Builder and Planet Heroes, sold for $25 each.
$100, Smart Toy
Teaches: physical fitness, logical thinking, movement, letter and numeral recognition, counting to 10, alphabet