2-XL Educational Robot

2-XL is Mego's 1970's entry into the educational toy category, invented by Dr. Michael J. Freeman - an honest to goodness educator.  Pop in one of several special robo-cartridges, and the voice of 2-XL will ask you questions on the cart's topic.  Each question has three choices, and you select your answer using one of the three buttons on the robot's front.  2-XL's voice will either sing your priases, or gently razz your defeat.  Neat little bit of interactive media, eh?

Eagle-eyed Retrothingers may notice that the cartridges are in the much beleaguered 8 track tape format.  It's actually a clever use of 8 track - the questions are on one track, and your keypresses change tracks on the tape.  You get different responses based on your selection.  2-XL was a rather clever interactive toy - it was even reintroduced using audio cassettes in the 90's.

I never had a 2-XL as a kid, and in later years wondered why they never showed up in thrift stores; they were quite popular as I recall.  I found my second one yesterday for $2, and not only is it a great way to play back regular 8 track music tapes, the 2-XL educational tapes are interesting and fun even for an adult.  An adult like me, anyway...

2-XL fan page

another one

Comments

[otama]

My brother had a 1990 2xl, the one with audio casettes, and i didnt know that there was an older model...

thank you, you has brought me a little piece of our past :)

[Martin Goldberg]

I still have mine (1970's version) I had from a kid. Was a lot of fun back in the day, and yes - great for playing 8 track tapes. Though it was sold through the early 80's as well. It was released by MEGO, once a name synonymous with all the doll size super hero and tv/movie figures.

The 90's re-release by Tiger was based off of the earlier 80's Tomy UK version of 2XL.

Here's some links to fan sites:
http://www.2xlrobot.com/
http://www.pickletreats.com/2XL/

[RUSKULL]

God bless 2XL. I spent many years with him, but not as an education device, just as a talking robot. Make no mistake, he played second to my action figures. He'd be more of a super computer that nobody cared to listen to, just look at. :)

[john]

hi ive got one of these wonderful robots had many hours of fun anyone knows where to get the tapes and charger send me email

[denny]

Have a 1970 2xl with 11 tapes and 5 accompany booklets for sale. If interested, email me. unit in excellent condition, rarely used.

[Trisha]

My brother and I had a 2XL but it didn't look like that. I imagine it was newer from the mid to late 80's. We LOVED that thing, I just called him asking what it's name was. I was just thinking that I'd love to have one for my son who's due in August. Thank you for this post, I couldn't remember what this robot's name was, I kept thinking something 2000 haha. Thank you!

[Lidia Lourenço]

Comprei um 2XL para meu sobrinho por volta de 1995, não me lembro exatamente, mas era o máximo, encantava até os adultos, hoje estou a procura de um para meu filho, onde posso encontrar.

[MIKE]

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE OF THESE FOR THE PAST 5 years.

I HAD ONE GROWING UP AND WE USED TO PLAY MY DADS NAZIRATH AND ZEPPELIN 8TRACKS ON IT.

I LIVE IN THE CRAPPY STATE OF MICHIGAN IF YOU BY CHANCE KNOW A WAY THAT I CAN FIND ONE I'D LOVE TO KNOW.

THANKS FOR THE LAUGH...I REALLY NEEDED IT!!!

[eric jones]

both my brother and i had a 70's 2xl each and still have them with a few catridges and in their boxes for sale

[Adam]

Lets try this again without 10 typos. I would love to purchase the 8 track version of 2xL with tapes. Please email me @ ablank1798@aol.com if you are interested in selling.

Thanks

[Kim]

I too remember 2xl from childhood, i would love to own him again! if you're interested in selling the 70s version and some 8 track games, please email kimputer2004@yahoo.ca

Cheers!

[Tofuik]

I have one of the mid 90's cassette versions thats gray with big red eyes... greatest toy ever... eventually I learned how to work around getting the wrong answers with quick button presses