Miuchiz
Product Review




My son has been looking at a hand held game, called Miuchiz which can be connected to the internet via a USB port.

I told him I would research the product a bit; the website, etc. to find out if the product was something that was violent, noisy, required more parts that were not able to be purchased any more, etc.

I went to http://www.miuchiz.com/ and found that children can hook up with other users or play alone.

The handheld unit retails for $3.97 at Giant Tiger, this is a regular price, not a sale. Models range from Bratz (pink controller), a yellow controller (a cat) and a dog with an orange controller. One other model is available, but not at our local store (monsters).





The controllers are about 5" wide and 3" high; with a thickness under an inch. They weigh roughly 137 grams. They have full colour screens and push button controls.

The package comes with instructions, controller, USB controller hook-up for updating the unit and 3 AAA batteries.

Multiple controllers can play together (which we haven't tried yet, as we just purchased a second unit today as a gift for a friend). This is done through built in infared technology which allows other units to connect wirelessly. Friends may choose to give or trade items with other pawz and collect more treasure. The unit is equipped with a motion sensor and push button screen.

Miuchiz are marketed for children 6 years old and up.

You can train your pawz, go to the groomer and play games. Download other games and chat with friends online with the unit (something I won't allow, so I haven't seen this feature work).

From the packaging:
Planet Mion is a wondrous world of Adventure, Magic, and Mystery. A far-off place where anything can happen and surprises wait around each corner. Filled with all manner of creature, Mion is the ultimate getaway a destination for excitment. Play games! Explor alien landscapes! JOurney with your Muichiz and embark on a whole new game experience.

Each unit comes with a ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to the online world/website.


Personal use:
My son, 10 years old, has enjoyed playing with the Miuchiz handheld (since yesterday when we bought it); he finds the game easy to use and he says that it reminds him of the toy called a Tamgochi, where you care for the pets or they die. The goal of the game is to take care of your pet, feed, house, let it sleep, play with it, buy gifts, etc. By playing games on the handheld unit, the user gains 'creditz' which are used to 'buy' items for the pet (food, gifts, etc.)

For the money, (under $4) they are not a bad value. They seem to work find (however the first unit froze up after opening the package, within about 30 minutes. Giant Tiger returned it, and this replacement has been fine. We were satisfied that we returned to the store today (following day) and purchased a controller for a friend as a gift.

Compared to other toys on the market (I'm very selective), the cost is incrediable. The value (bang for your buck) is very reasonable too.

I have already purchased a second unit for a friend, so that speaks to the satisfaction we feel with the product. (we bought the cat unit for my son's best friend)


More information is available at their website. (there is a lot of noisy music on the website, which can be turned off on the top right side of the screen under the main title)

Comparison shopping and more information:
According to Wikipedia.org, the Miuchiz originally sold for about $20. More general information is available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miuchiz


According to Walmart.com, the Miuchiz are presently selling for $10 online (originally $19.97)
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=5007288

According to Amazon.com, units originally sold for over $30 are being sold for $10.50 online.
http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Monsterz-.../dp/B000F901F0

According to Shopping.com, unit may presently purchased for $15-$19 online.
http://www3.shopping.com/xPF-MGA-Ent...Game-Pawz-Dash

Found on eBay for $8.99.

Your best buy, Giant Tiger at only $3.97!



CentrallyCalm


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