Magnext 100 Count MagnaCase 360

The convenient carrying case is also a construction base. View larger.

With 100 pieces, the MagNext offers endless magnetic building options. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Building system offers infinite possibilities for construction fun The Bad: Small metal balls can roll away and get lost In a Nutshell: The MagNext system inspires hours of imaginative play At a Glance Ages: 6 and up

The carrying case converts to a platform for construction that can be arranged in several ways, allowing inventions to hang in the air or climb up and down a slanted platform. Several compartments help keep small parts from getting lost when the set is not in use.

Colorful, Easy-to-Combine Pieces
Plastic pieces in red, blue, orange, lime green, and gray combine with shiny silver balls to make bold, colorful creations. A mixture of square and triangular base pieces increases the geometric possibilities of this system, while special pieces that snap into the middle of those base pieces allow the addition of interesting features. Translucent faces can be snapped on for a smooth look, and snap-in connectors that spin or hinge add movement to favorite creations.

We found that the pieces were durable and easy to handle. Both assembly and deconstruction came naturally, making it easy to begin new projects.

Encourage Creativity
Innovation and creative thinking come naturally to children, and building toys stimulate their desire to create new things and explore the world around them. With the MagNext system, kids can choose between recreating the things they see each day, like houses and vehicles, and inventing entirely new machines.

MagNext also offers a hands-on way to explore geometry and magnetism. The only downside we found with this building system was that metal balls occasionally escaped off of smooth tables or across hardwood floors. Playing on carpet or being careful to store the balls in the carrying case when they weren't in use quickly solved this problem.

Since there are plenty of pieces for simultaneous construction projects, this set is perfect for cooperative play or a single child with a huge imagination. It can be combined with other MagNext systems, increasing building possibilities and adding to the fun.

What's in the Box
Case, two plastic base pieces, 100 plastic and metal construction elements, fold-out instruction sheet.