Nintendo 'Brain training' does not improve memory according to Which? magazine

Posted by on Thu 26 Feb 2009

Been doing your daily training? Research reveals it's probably a waste of time.

The panel of experts gathered by Which? Magazine have concluded that ‘Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training’ for the Nintendo DS will not enhance our brainpower at all, and that chatting to a friend or surfing the Internet is just as beneficial. Good news for teenagers then.

We’re not sure why it’s taken Which? Magazine almost three years since the best-selling game launched to take such a radical view on it, but they’re claiming there’s no evidence to “any functional impact on life whatsoever”.

Which? Magazine editor Martyn Hocking claimed “if people enjoy using these games, then they should continue to do so – that’s a no-brainer. But if people are under the illusion that these devices are scientifically proven to keep their minds in shape, they need to think again.”

Brain Training has sold over 90 million units since it launched here in the UK in June 2006, and is advertised by a range of celebrities including Nicole Kidman and Julie Walters.

Good job they asked Patrick Stewart to advertise the game as well. Girls Aloud would be distraught with this news. Best stick to shilling Nintendogs, girls…

Link: Nintendo (via Which?)

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