The game of Pictionary is 34 years old and provides fun for all the family using the combination of erasable markers and boards. But it's 2019 and everything needs to be given a digital twist, so Mattel decided to update Pictionary and remove those erasable boards and pens from the box.

The new version is called Pictionary Air and it was unveiled just as the New York Toy Fair is about to kick off at the Jacob K Javits Center. As Engadget reports, instead of doodling on as erasable board using an erasable marker, Pictionary Air ships with a light pen for drawing in mid-air.

In order for others to see your drawing, the pen will cast your mid-air strokes to a nearby TV screen using a Chromecast or AirPlay. Alternatively, a mobile display can be used if there isn't a TV available. Mattel also decided to introduce social features such as the ability to share your Pictionary sketches with others on social media or record video of the person drawing.

Other than that, the game remains the same, which has me wondering why even bother doing this? The erasable pads and markers work just as well and they are much easier and cheaper to replace than a broken light pen. The original game can also be played anywhere as it doesn't require a display. It doesn't even require any power and there's nothing to setup beyond getting the bits out the box!

If you'd like to try this modern take on Pictionary, then Target is expected to stock it from July 1 at a cost of $20. Alternatively, you can get the original today for the same price including two erasable markers and boards.