Club Penguin (for iPod Touch or iPhone)

iPhone, Kindle

Teaches: A virtual world for children, math, creativity, language

CTR Rating: 74%

CTR Review

Note: The Android Version is now available Disney's popular virtual world, Club Penguin, first came to the iPad in December of 2013. But this April 2014 update (for which the ratings apply) now includes compatibility with the smaller screen devices many elementary-age children have: namely the iPod Touch. The app is free with TV vignettes and in-app sales, with features available to subscribers only, at a cost of about $8/month, or $60/year. Our experience with Club Penguin on the small screen (an iPhone 4S) was disappointing for three reasons:1. The fonts and icons were not effectively designed for small screens. For example, there is no zoom feature. 2. There is much more sponsored content, now seamlessly integrated with your penguin. For example, Disney's upcoming Muppet movie was promoted in the version we reviewed. For example, you could dress your Penguin as Ms. Piggy. The virtual world is also now a portal for video segments from Disney Television, with ads for upcoming episodes of Disneynature Explore. 3. Some of the games are poorly leveled; either too easy or too hard. This poor design, combined with the small screen size, could create a frustrating experience for some children. Features include six language options and the ability to adopt up to 40 pet puffles, including the new dog and cat puffle, the ability to walk puffles and play "dig for cool clothing or coins", and six new rooms like the Puffle Park, Hotel Rooftop and Pet Shop.