2-XL
| Other names | 2-XL Robot, 2XL Robot, 2XL |
|---|---|
| Type | Educational toy robot |
| Inventor | Michael J. Freeman |
| Company |
|
| Country | United States |
| Availability | 1978–1981; 1992–1995 |
| Official website | |
2-XL (2-XL Robot, 2XL Robot, 2-XL Toy), is an educational toy robot that was marketed from 1978-1981 by the Mego Toy Corporation. The toy was then re-introduced by Tiger Electronics in the 1990s. 2XL was the first "smart-toy" in that it exhibited rudimentary intelligence, memory, game play, and responsiveness. It won many prestigious awards. It was infused with a "personality" that kept kids concentrating and challenged as they played and interacted with the robot. This made learning fun through use of jokes, funny sayings, and verbal reinforcements. During its time in the marketplace, and even to this day, 2XL is heralded as a very important step in the development of toys and in particular, educational toys. Two-decades after 2-XL was discontinued for manufacture, it is still remembered by millions of fans. 2-XL was considered one of the top 10 toys ever developed by Playthings Magazine because it could educate.
2-XL was considered the first smart-toy and exhibited rudimentary intelligence, memory, game play, and responsiveness. Dubbed the "Toy with a Personality," 2-XL could respond verbally to the user depending upon which "input or answer" buttons were chosen. 2XL during its run was one of the most popular toys in terms of market revenue and was dubbed the Talking Robot with a mind of its own. The toy's voice was done by inventor Michael Freeman. It was a great way to make learning cool and fun." 2-XL was first introduced in 1978 by the Mego Toy company, a US based corporation. It was brought back in 1992 by Tiger Electronics a division of the Mattel Corporation..
Mego Corporation, a publicly traded US based toy company based in New York City was introduced the 2-XL toy to the public in 1978 and became a success. The toy was sold in different countries and the tapes were translated into seven foreign languages. Games were also developed for the toy. In 1981, the toy's popularity waned, and it was later discontinued.
Mego Corporation, that was otherwise known for its production of dolls and classic action figures in the 70s was seen as an innovator combining toys and education. The toy's name literally meant "To Excel". The toy was voice capable; was able to tell stories and sing using its special 8-track tapes. The toy's tapes asked multiple choice questions (MCQs) based type of tape chosen according to its subject. This was operated by pushing a YES/NO button that changed the tracking of the tape. It was crude, but reportedly innovative use of the technology that was present in that era.
In 1992, 2-XL was re-introduced by Tiger Electronics, a toy company based in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The toy was changed into a more modern design, and new programmed toy cartridges were also introduced. The voice for this version was done by Freeman as well, and all programs were translated into many different languages.
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