Why You Can Trust CNET Simon Optix is a board game for your face
Hasbro's newest version of Simon is glowing, wearable headgear.
- Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Dancing lights flashed in my eyes. I heard familiar beeping sounds. I waved my hands in front of my face.
Welcome to board games, 2017-style.
Shop for Simon Optix
See all pricesHasbro's Simon used to be a classic tap-the-button music memory game when I was a kid in the '80s, but the brand's gone through some recent revamps. The Simon Air was a motion-controlled tabletop spin on Simon that arrived last year. But the Simon Optix is a whole other level of weird.
Wave your hands in the light, don't be afraid.
The Optix connects with multiple players to sync games so everyone can try their hand at matching the patterns together. Also new to the Optix are some swipe moves: a rainbow of lights appeared, and I waved my hand across the colors. Different proximity-aware zones recognize when your hand is close to the visor, and register that with a beep.
I played a few rounds at the New York Toy Fair and found it weirdly addictive. The headband's not tremendously comfy, but it fit. The Optix is also, at least, hands-free. Welcome to the age of wearable games.
The Simon Optix arrives this fall for $25. (UK and Australian availability weren't announced, but the price converts to about £20 or AU$30.)
