From the Toysit archive
Top It
Top It: distinguish Flip, Flop and Top, compare the three electronic games and try an untimed command-matching activity.
The play at a glance
Listen for the destination of the next catch
Top It combines spoken cues with a beanbag-catching device. The challenge is to recognize the requested action, orient the cups and catch the bag before the game moves on.Three cues, three different catches
- Flop It: toss and catch the beanbag.
- Flip It: toss, rotate your wrist and catch on the opposite side.
- Top It: toss and catch in the top cup.
The rule-sheet drawings are useful here: similar-sounding words refer to different orientations of the same device. Identify the cups before trying to follow a fast sequence. The supplied soft bag belongs to this catching system; a household ball is not an equivalent replacement.
Choose a response game or a sequence challenge
The basic Top It game is solo cue-following. Top It Challenge adds groups of four or more commands to remember and perform in order. Top It Pass It is for two or more players: pass the unit when directed and try to remain in the game.
These choices change what a player must keep track of. In an immediate response, the latest cue is enough. In a challenge sequence, remembering the earlier cues becomes part of the task. Group play also adds the handover between people.
Try a command-to-cup sketch
For this optional Toysit activity, draw a simple side view and top view of the catcher. Label each destination in words; color is optional.
- One person says a command slowly. The other points to the intended catch and describes whether the handle must turn.
- Swap roles and use the two similar-sounding commands in a different order.
- Try a short sequence, then compare the remembered order with the caller’s written list.
This is an untimed conversation about interpreting instructions. It does not reproduce the electronic scoring or establish an improvement in reflexes. Someone who enjoys the naming puzzle may still prefer a different pace when using the actual toy.
Identify an older set before playing
The documented edition is for ages 8 to adult and uses four AAA batteries. Its solo score is announced through sounds rather than an ordinary number display: horn, drum and guitar represent hundreds, tens and ones. Consult the guide’s example when interpreting a result.
Check the actual unit, bag and battery compartment against the matching instructions. Give the catcher room to turn and retrieve a dropped bag without reaching across another player. Treat the pace as a preference, not a test of someone’s ability.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product description and beanbag-play essay remain below. The general discussion of benefits and all-age suitability is historical commentary, not evidence of tested outcomes for this electronic game.
Put the beanbag in, toss it in the air, catch it on top, then on the other side!
Quick thinking, rapid reflexes, and skilled hand-eye coordination are required for the fast-paced game of Top It. One or more players are challenged to keep up with the electronic voice giving the commands Flop it! Flip it! or Top it! It's a bit difficult at first to differentiate Flop from Top, but the game picks up in tempo and fun once your ear is accustomed. Should you drop the ball or take too long to respond, the voice becomes a taunting laugh, making you want to play again and again to prove it wrong. When not in use for several minutes, Top It automatically shuts off to prolong the life of the four AAA batteries. Catch it; don't drop it; it's Top It, the fast-paced electronic catching game from the makers of Bop It and Bop It Extreme. Put the beanbag in, toss it in the air, catch it on top, then on the other side! Spoken and musical commands come at you in random order...can you keep it up? Better pay attention, because you will never know what will happen next! Three different games. For solo or group play...and Top It keeps score!
Games that involve tossing and catching beanbags offer a blend of physical activity, skill development, and pure fun. These games are usually simple to understand and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making them perfect for family gatherings or playtime with friends. The weight and texture of beanbags make them easier to handle than balls, which is especially beneficial for younger children who are still developing their motor skills. Moreover, these games often require focus and coordination, helping to improve both physical dexterity and mental concentration. Whether it's a simple game of catch, a more structured activity like cornhole, or even educational games that incorporate math or spelling, beanbag toss games are versatile, engaging, and offer endless possibilities for creative play.
Sources and editorial notes
Hasbro’s complete three-page Top It rules were read visually, including the cup diagrams and game descriptions. They identify product 41377, ages 8 to adult and four AAA batteries. The paper activity is Toysit’s own suggestion; no physical toy was tested.
- Hasbro: Top It rules (PDF) — Command diagrams, three games, score sounds and product identification.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
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