Similar to the Brain Age series, each game features a number of activities designed to test, measure, and improve the player's mental skills.

Each game features a character named Dr. Lobe, the headmaster of Big Brain Academy who acts as a guide for players.

Each game in the series asks players to complete tests in which they must answer questions or solve minigame-style puzzle activities in order to calculate and measure the "mass" and "age" of their brain.

The game utilises the Wii Remote as a pointer device and takes advantage of Mii avatars and the WiiConnect24 service for online multiplayer and score sharing.

[1] The first two games have received "Double Platinum" sales award from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA).