 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
VSmile TV Learning System
Common Sense Media says
Gaming system is too hard for preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that gameplay in this system is too difficult for the preschool crowd. Kid testers younger than 5 quickly lost interest because they didn't have the hand-eye coordination and patience required to make characters jump at just the right time to land on moving platforms.
What's it about?
Hoping to appeal to preschoolers as young as 3, VMSILE TV LEARNING SYSTEM touts learning through video game and showcases a controller with outsize buttons and an over-large joystick. Kids play through side-scrolling games that require them to walk, crawl, jump, and dodge as Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Scooby-Doo, and even Spider-Man. The system comes with "Alphabet Park Adventure" software; the adventure part of the software offers some educational aspects, but they are clearly secondary to the gaming aspects. A separate section called Learning Zone offers stronger educational content.
Is it any good?
The gameplay is too difficult for the preschool crowd. Kid-testers younger than 5 quickly lost interest because they didn't have the hand-eye coordination and patience required to make characters jump at just the right time to land on moving platforms. The system provides a two-player option, but VTech missed the boat here too, because instead of having them play at the same time, it makes each child wait to take a turn.
With the current software, this system isn't a good fit for preschoolers, but can be fun for 5- to 7-year-olds looking to play video games. You might want to consider it if you have a child who is between 5 and 7 years old and he/she has older siblings who are gaming -- this is a way to help the younger sibling fit in. However, if your objective is to provide quality learning in a gaming format, choose Leapster instead.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether games that combine entertainment and education are as fun as games without an educational component. Why or why not? Families can also discuss playing the roles of their favorite characters. Which character do you like to play as?
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AGE
Too difficult for those with poor learning skills
our kids received this game system for a birthday gift and have used it 3X's. They did not understand how to work the system (since we do not have game systems in our home). They tried to play it recently, but the system no longer works. I put new batteries and then bought an adapter...no luck.
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AGE
Has worked great for my little learning
My son is very shy about learning his letters, numbers and shapes. If you just ask him to say them he gets very upset. But the Vtech has really enhanced his learning of these items. He got this when he was 3. He loves it. Has 3 games for it now and I feel like I've finally found a way to work with him on learning without him feeling put on the spot. It is engaging for him
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AGE
It was love at 1st sight, then it faded
My son loved it. It was great. I'm not sure what happened but we had to replace it. With this 2nd one we cant get it to work half the time. We use our monitors adptor, & batteries
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AGE
My son loves it!
My son received this for his 3rd birthday and he absolutely loves it. He spent the next week playing it everytime he woke up. The only reason he stopped is because I stored it away, so we have to pull it out as a special treat to play. His favorite game is the Lion King game.
I agree that the graphics could be a little better, but I think there is enough of an educational value that I don't mind him playing it for a half hour at a time.
Overall, I think this is a very fun product and I would recommend it to others.
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April 9, 2008
AGE
Educational and fun
My daughter got her Vsmile for her 4th birthday and she loves it. My 8 year old also enjoys it, I have even played. My daughter will start kindergaurden in 2 years and this system is not too hard. There are different programs and settings that allow adjustment for each child. This is a wonderful system!
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AGE
perfect for age 3-9
i love v smile learning game system . this is totally educational. my kids love to play this. i bought them all this game's cartridges to them. appropriate for age 3- 9.
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| Platforms: | VSmile |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Preschool |
| Developer: | VTech Electronics |
| Release date: | December 3, 2004 |
| Price: | $59.99 |
| ESRB rating: | NR |
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