Pop the Pig Game: A Review

My kids, ages 8 and 5, had seen the ad for Pop the Pig by Goliath at least a half dozen times before Christmas. Thinking that it would be an entertaining family game for the four of us, I picked it up at Amazon for less than $20. There were several options, but I chose the upgraded version, which Goliath claims is new and improved. The kids were excited to play it, especially after they saw the adorable mini hamburger pawns. I consulted the directions to make sure we were setting things up correctly and we began a game. Here are our honest thoughts.

How Pop the Pig Works

Here’s how the game is supposed to work. During their turn, players roll the die and pick a burger that corresponds with the color shown. There are four colors (red, green, yellow, and purple) on the die, plus a wild option that lets players choose any color burger they want. Next, you flip over your selected burger to reveal the number on the bottom, which ranges from one to four. Finally, you press down on the pig’s chef hat the number of times indicated on the burger.

The pig’s stomach (which has a balloon-type device underneath it) is supposed to get bigger and bigger with each press of his hat. After about 30 presses, he finally “pops,” causing his belt to open. My kids thought this concept was hysterical and could not wait to see the pig “pop.” 

Pros of Pop the Pig 

My kids really enjoyed this game and said they’d love to play again, so that’s a big win in my book. Finding games that are entertaining enough to keep both of them engaged can be a challenge, so I’m happy they’re in agreement about Pop the Pig. 

In the previous version of the game, you couldn’t really notice the pig’s stomach swelling, which disappointed some reviewers. We’re glad that Goliath fixed the problem with this edition. We were able to see the pig’s tummy visibly grow after each turn. This feature helped build the anticipation and made the “pop” at the end even more exciting.

My kids wanted to play again right away, and luckily the game is easy to reset. All you have to do is press on the chef’s hat once to flatten the pig’s belly and clip his belt back together. All of the game’s parts, including the die and burgers, fit inside the pig for easy storage. 

I also appreciate the educational aspects of Pop the Pig. It’s a great tool for teaching kids about colors and numbers. Pushing down on the chef’s hat can help children improve their dexterity and build fine motor skills. Even if your kids are a bit rough with the pig, it feels durable and sturdy enough to withstand many games. Just make sure to keep an eye on the mini burger pieces, because they’re easy for kids to drop and lose.

Last but not least, I love that Pop the Pig comes with a bonus card game called Greedy Granny. It’s an Old Maid style matching game with a cute cookie theme. Even without this extra content, Pop the Pig would still be a great value at under $20.

Things to Consider Before Buying Pop the Pig

Although my family loves Pop the Pig, there are a few things you should be aware of before you buy it. My five-year-old found it difficult to push down the chef’s hat and had to use both hands to do it. I can’t imagine a child much younger than him having the hand strength to pull off this maneuver. So if your kids are still toddlers, it may be better to wait and buy the game when they’re a little older. Goliath states that Pop the Pig is suitable for 2-6 players who are 4 or older, which I agree with after trying it out.

Another thing I noticed during our test is that the pig seems to pop after roughly 30 presses. The mechanism is apparently designed to pop once it reaches a certain level of inflation. Although the pressure of each press can lead to slight variations in the popping point, you’ll definitely notice a pattern after a few games. My kids didn’t seem to mind, but I wish there was more randomness to create a bigger surprise factor. However, I do appreciate that the inflation mechanism is entirely manual, so it doesn’t require batteries. 

What Others Are Saying

According to Goliath, Pop the Pig is a top-selling game for preschoolers. The reviews on Amazon reflect the game’s widespread popularity. Over 800 happy customers gave Pop the Pig an average rating of 4.7 starts out of 5. Most of the comments proclaimed that it was fun, exciting, and perfect for toddlers. One person even noted that “they can’t stop popping with the kids.” They went on to say the game was not only bursting with excitement for little ones, but also nostalgic for the adults. 

The bottom line? This game is new, improved, and fun for the whole family. The concept is charming, and customers agree that Pop the Pig delivers tons of “pops” and laughs!

Have you played this game? What was your family’s experience?

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Shay Huntley

Shatel Huntley has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. In her spare time, she works with special needs adults and travels the world. Her interests include traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations, shopping, couponing, and saving.