Is this toy ever convenient! Disney TV Games 5-in-1 is a plug-and-play controller featuring five Disney games that kids can play on their TV.

Setting it up is a no-brainer. The controller plugs directly into the TV through ATV input jacks, without the need for a game console. It does, however, require 4 "AA" batteries.

The convenience of the TV Games series from Jakks Pacific is one of its best features. It's something kids can bring along to their grandparent's house, for example, without hassle. Of course, it is ideal for families who don't already own game consoles, but those that do can still enjoy the TV Games unit. A sibling can enjoy games on another television, for example.

The five games each star, of course, Disney characters. We love the Aladdin game, Aladdin and the 5 Gems of Agrabah, which reminds us of an old Aladdin game for the Super Nintendo and another for the Sega, both of which were family favorites in their day.

Another favorite is Simba and the Tree of Trials, a screenshot of which is directly above. This one is Tetris-like, and because it moves a little more slowly than Tetris, it is a perfect fit for kids.

Timon to the Rescue is a game in which Pumbaa is sleepwalking and needs to be guided through a maze. This one requires some thinking skills—always appreciated by parents. Donald's Golf Tournament and Stich's Search for Paradise are the other games included, and they each have merit as well as replay value. They are a little harder to get into, however. 

Remember, there are no game cartridges to fuss with—the games are incorporated in the unit. Again, this is extremely convenient.

The controls are more than adequate. In addition to the joystick, there are two buttons used for gameplay. Depending on the game, these buttons are used for such things as jumping, throwing things at enemies, rotating puzzle pieces, and the like. Full onscreen written instructions are provided for each game, but most kids will jump right in and play. The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, even without instruction, for most of the games.

Our kid testers thoroughly enjoy Disney TV Games. The only downside is the fact that you'll need to replace batteries now and again, but the unit's portability, convenience, and entertainment value make it a worthwhile purchase for many families. 

Also available are Namco II: Ms Pac-Man with 5 TV Games and Spider-Man Controller with 5 TV Games.

Our Rating:   A

For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Disney 5-in-1 TV Games

Reviewed January 2005 Comments? Email us.