This is the next generation of remote control racetracks! You use a real race track with real cars (about the size of matchbox cars) and race them around the track. This isn't the old school remote control racing where you hope to crash on the one spot of the track where the cars cross,
NO!
There is no slot for the cars, they are free reign.
You control them on the track with an app on your phone or tablet. While on your device, you see options on your car like adding weapons and speed boosts that play out on the real car. No, a physical weapon isn't added to your car, but if you shoot at another car on your phone and hit it, the other physical car spins out! If you use a speed boost, your car speeds up!
Amazing.
I have learned that you can't run OFF the track, so there is a bit of a helping hand as far as that's concerned. Also, if you're the only one racing, the other cars can be set to AI mode, like playing against the computer on a game console.
The drawback of the old school racetracks have always been that your kids open it up, put it together, race a few times... then they're forever done with it.
That isn't the case with Anki. The digital aspects of the race adds such an element of fun that kids can't get enough of it.
Even better, Anki is always tweaking their designs. The track pictured above is the original Anki Drive track. Now, they have Anki Overdrive which isn't just a mat. Now, you can put it together like an old school track, meaning you can design the track differently every time you race.
Anki has add on pieces you can get that include ramps, jumps, and banking curves!
The only way your kids will be disappointed with Anki is if you take it for yourself!