NEWS FEEDBrain Training DS Doesn’t Train Your Brain
01.03.08
In a funny article about how stupid celebrities like to promote stupid fads and how it’s harmful to the public, Brain Training DS is pretty much crucified for being worthless.
“Nintendo’s Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training computer game received many celebrity endorsements. Players carry out various cognitive exercises to stimulate blood flow to the brain. Those quoted as backing the game include Patrick Stewart, Julie Walters, Phillip Schofield, Fern Britton, and Zoe Ball. But Dr Jason Braithwaite, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham, said the claim was debatable. “There is no conclusive evidence that the continued use of these devices is linked to any measurable improvement in cognition,” he said.” The TeleGraph
Even the Pac-Man creator is worried about Brain Training claims as was revealed over a year ago at Eurogamer:
“It is necessary to verify that the claims are valid from a scientific viewpoint. As the impact of games on society grows, they will be subject to criticism,” he told Famitsu.
So there ya have it, Brain Training is Nintendo’s version of the late night infomercial. All hype and no evidence to back up the products results. It’s a particularly ingenious version of the infomercial product as there’s absolutely no way to conclusively prove that it does or doesn’t help your brain functionality.
Doesnt matter either way. the Games sell and they fun.
If those two ever had played the game, they’d noticed that virtual Dr. Kawashima states that the exercises MIGHT improve general brain power. So the game isn’t making a definitive claim at all. If they did get that impression, then they should blame that on marketing.
LOL your kidding your offended at this marketing? HA! Yup your right this is the 1st product to ever hit the streets with false Advertising claims… Brilliant use of your blogging time mate.
Scientists say that the claim is unproved. That is not the same thing as saying the claim is disproved. The title “Brain Training DS Doesn’t Train Your Brain” is incorrect summary.
“there’s absolutely no way to conclusively prove that it does or doesn’t help your brain functionality.”
This is also an incorrect reading of the linked article. The Pac Man creator quoted actually implied just the opposite — that verifications of the claim were possible. They just haven’t been done.
It is good to be skeptical, but you should still be rigorous and fair about it.
I agree this information certainly does not disprove anything. In my opinion, its better to play it than to not play it,.. aside from actually taking a class or something.