The Playstation 3 was released November 11th, 2006. Made by Sony, it has a lot to offer in your home theater. I personally use mine as a Netflix device and a Blu-Ray player. Frankly, at first it was challenging to find educational games for this console, but after a while, I discovered a lot of great content.

1. Little Big Planet – This is truly a creative game, and I believe that inspiring imagination is as important (if not more important) than developing strictly academic skills. And others must agree, as this game has won a “Game of the Year” award. In a world where violent video games have become the norm, I can appreciate a game where you have to create a world for a character named “Sackboy”.

2. Buzz! Quiz World Bundle – This package includes the game plus 4 buzzers that can emulate a real game show. The part that I especially like is you can add players and it remembers them, plus you can download additional quizzes or make your own!

3. Eye Create – This (inexpensive) camera allows the PS3 to be used to create and edit movies! This would be a terrific way to bring to life any presentation that a student is working on. And, the camera can be used with other games / features of the Playstation 3.

4. Trivial Pursuit – This game was huge when I was a kid; I remember groups getting together to play. The video game version takes it to a much more interactive level. The questions get pretty challenging at times! Plus you can download expansion packs, which keeps things interesting. I also really like that 4 players can participate… making this a great game for a family night or classroom setting.

5. UDraw Tablet with UDraw Studio – I am so excited to see drawing tablets for these game consoles! The PS3 is a great system to use for more advanced activities because of its beefy processor, and this drawing tablet can open the door for many aspiring graphic artists! The tablet itself is pretty advanced; it is pressure sensitive and you can even use “pinch and stretch” gestures. Upon further investigation I see you can print and share your drawings as well.

6. Create – This game can best be described as a creative puzzle game that uses Playstation Move. Players draw, animate and design scenes any way they want. The best part is that these designs can be uploaded to the Internet to share (or turned in for a grade). I also like that it tracks individual players’ progress. Academically, this game will develop problem solving skills as well as teach basic physics.