When I heard about Space Pong – a laser-light game designed to reinvent table tennis – I was intrigued. The promise of turning any dark room into a futuristic game zone sounded too fun to pass up. But after putting it to the test, I discovered that while the concept is innovative, the execution leaves something to be desired.
Where to Purchase
I found Space Pong at a local Marshall’s, although its availability it waning as of late 2024. I recently saw it at Kohl’s and eBay.
What Is Space Pong?
Space Pong by Sharper Image is a $40 game that uses infrared technology to create a virtual game of table tennis. Here’s how it’s supposed to work:
- A base unit projects a “light ball” onto the ceiling (or walls, as advertised).
- Players use red and green paddles to “hit” the light ball back and forth.
- The system keeps score automatically, with three difficulty levels and both single-player and two-player modes.
The idea is exciting in theory. However, as I discovered, the reality was less polished.
Unboxing and Setup
The package includes the base unit, two paddles, and instructions, but you’ll need seven AA batteries (not included). Setup was simple: insert batteries, power on the base, select your game mode, and start swinging.
While the instructions were clear, I immediately noticed a disparity between the product’s marketing and reality. In their video, the light ball is bright and projected on the walls. In my experience, it was dim and only visible on the ceiling—a crucial difference that impacted gameplay.
Gameplay: Promises vs. Reality
My first session was a mix of amusement and frustration. I enlisted my son Brandon for a two-player match, and we dove in.
The Good
- Concept: The idea of a virtual game of pong is undeniably cool.
- Score Tracking: The base unit’s ability to keep score automatically was a nice touch.
- Fun Factor: Despite its flaws, we couldn’t help but laugh at how chaotic it got.
The Bad
- Dim Projection: The light ball was barely visible, even in a dark room. The green light (player one) was brighter than the red (player two), giving one player an advantage.
- Ceiling-Only Projection: Unlike the advertised wall projection, the ball only appeared on the ceiling. This made gameplay awkward and less engaging.
- Erratic Scoring: Sometimes, the system registered hits when we didn’t swing or missed actual hits.
- Limited Time Between Turns: There was virtually no pause between light projections, making it difficult to track the score or prepare for the next shot.
Observations After Multiple Rounds
As we played, the flaws became more evident:
- Paddle Sensitivity: The infrared sensors didn’t always register swings accurately.
- Difficulty Levels: Increasing the difficulty sped up the ball, but it also highlighted the system’s limitations—erratic movement and inaccurate scoring.
- Room Setup: This game requires a specific room setup to work well. Even in optimal conditions, it didn’t live up to its claims.
Final Thoughts
Space Pong feels like a prototype—a cool concept that needs refinement. The dim light, ceiling-only projection, and erratic scoring made it frustrating to play for extended periods. That said, it’s not without its charm. If you’re willing to embrace the chaos, it can be fun for a laugh with friends.
However, at $40, it’s hard to recommend unless you’re a fan of novelty gadgets or want a unique gift for kids who might overlook its flaws. For a polished experience, this product needs brighter projections, wall compatibility, and improved scoring accuracy.
Have you tried Space Pong or a similar product? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!
Video Review
Watch the full review below!