Video games and toy cars collide in Anki DRIVE

Anki DRIVE is a robot battle racing game that combines video games with toys. What you do is use you smartphone to control a toy car in the real world against friends or fight robotic race cars that think and rive for themselves.

Each car is controlled by a smartphone and played through the Anki DRIVE app, and you race around a flat, vinyl track. Free software updates and AI mean that the more you drive the smarter the cars get, so the game grows with you.

As you race, you earn points, which you can redeem to upgrade your car's weapons and capabilities. Up to four vehicles can race at once.

It's not cheap, though. The Starter Kit goes for $149.99. With it comes two Intelligent Cars and charging cases, a 3.6' x 8.5' race mat, tire cleaner, and a fast charger. If you want more, each car costs $49.99, and each of the expansion tracks cost $69.99.

These are the iOS and Android devices currently supported by the Anki DRIVE app:

• iOS
  • iPhone 6
  • iPhone 6 Plus
  • iPhone 5s
  • iPhone 5c
  • iPhone 5
  • iPhone 4s
  • iPad 3
  • iPad 4
  • iPad Air
  • iPad mini (all models)
  • iPod touch (5th generation)
• Android
  • Google Nexus 5
  • Samsung S4
  • Samsung S5
  • Samsung Note 3
  • Samsung Note 4
  • Samsung Note 10.1 (2014 Edition)