Tools for this page
VSmile Pocket Learning System
(2005, Educational Handheld - Educational, Rated E, Play it on: VSmile)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Educational handheld for ages 5 to 8.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 5 and Up
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of VSmile Pocket Learning System was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
Parents need to know that game is an educational handheld that can also be played using the TV screen. It's a competitor to the excellent Leapster and Leapster L-Max. Parents will want to evaluate the software available for both the Leapsters and the VSmile Pocket systems to determine which system is best for their kids. If you already own the VSmile TV Learning System and some of last year's smartridges, those same smartridges will play on this new handheld system.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about whether games that combine entertainment and education are as fun as games without an educational component. Why or why not?
More on VSmile Pocket Learning System
What’s the Story?
VTech's VSMILE POCKET LEARNING SYSTEM, which plays software called VSmile smartridges, works best for kids ages 5 to 8. It comes bundled with the Zayzoo My Alien Classmate smartridge. Kids join Zayzoo, a cute alien, in an adventure that consists of four solid educational activities with three levels of difficulty. The smartridge also offers three more arcade-type games separate from the adventure (use the "Learning Zone" button), but they aren't as good.
Close
Is It Any Good?
The features of this handheld are impressive: The high-resolution screen (320 x 240 pixels) is easy to see, and the sound is good. The unit fits comfortably within a child's hand (it measures 7.5 by 5 inches), and the outsize controls can be adjusted to accommodate right- and left-handed kids. There are also four colored buttons for expanded educational opportunities, a "help" button, an exit button, and one that launches "Learning Zone ABC," a special play mode. The VSmile Pocket runs on four AA batteries, but an AC power adaptor is available separately.
Earlier smartridges were pretty mediocre. Zayzoo, however, provides a high-quality educational gaming experience for kids ages 5 to 8. Watch for reviews as new software titles for this system are released.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 08/29/2005, price $89.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E
ESRB rating: E
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Do you play it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
