The family used to gather around the kitchen table and play board games for entertainment. However, with the internet and television becoming more technologically advanced, family board game night is almost gone. If it exists, family members may complain that it’s not fun and go out of their way to try and get out of the family event. However, a new game may be breaking the boring board game rule, as there are few people who can argue that Mindflex is bordering on boring. Mindflex was introduced by Mattel Inc. last year and quickly became one of the most sought after toys for the holiday season and for good reason.

There are several important things to note about Mindflex, but here are some of the most fascinating:

• Mindflex players use their brain to move balls through an obstacle course like a game with plastic hoops.
• The players wear a hat that looks like a scientist and the player’s mind feeds a fan of the game through the use of EEG. EEG is related to electrical activity in the brain.
• Once the hat is tied, the player concentrates on making the fan move and the fan then blows the ball around the field.
• Although the game has only one goal, it is interesting to play as the person playing the game uses his brain to move parts of the game.

Mindflex is a bit expensive, priced at around $100.00 if purchased online. During the last holiday season, several retailers increased the prices of the game as consumers were willing to pay a higher price for the game just to get it delivered in time for the holidays.

Simple board games don’t seem to be the standard anymore. Various board manufacturing companies are introducing games that weave technology into the game to make it feel more up-to-date and more interesting to play. Some games use text messaging and mobile technology as part of the game plan. This is a new niche in tabletop gaming and it will only advance in the future as consumers demand technology-based gaming.