VTech V-Smile TV Learning System Review: Educational Video Game System for Children

If you think that the world of video games is only for older children, think again. VTech’s VSmile TV Learning System is a kid-friendly video game system created especially for children as young as three years old.

With the V-Smile system, your preschooler can learn basic hand-eye coordination by working the game’s adjustable joystick. The system also has an easy setup – even a three year old will be able to turn the system on and off with ease. But the games are the big news with this system, as all of the titles require problem solving, basic math or language skills.

Indeed, each and every game will help your child learn or practice basic preschool and elementary level skills. The games, dubbed “smartridges” are easy to insert into the console and can be stored in a convenient compartment on top of the console.

One of the best things about the V-Smile system is that it hooks up directly to your television – which means you don’t need any extra cables or wires. The system is very easy to set up, so you won’t have to spend hours reading through the instruction manual. The console plugs into the wall or it can be battery operated (the AC adaptor is not included with the basic set, but can be purchased separately if you don’t want to use batteries).

The basic system comes complete with the game console and one joystick as well as one game (a very gender neutral game called Alphabet Adventures). Other V-Smile titles include Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Hunt, Scooby Doo’s Funland Frenzy, Spider Man and Friends Secret Missions, Dora the Explorer’s Fix-It Adventure and Cinderella’s Magic Wishes.

The games have age recommendations listed on them (usually broken down for ages 3 to 5, 4 to 6 and 6 to8). Most games have the option to be played at two different levels, so once your child masters the “easy” level he or she can play at the more difficult level.

The graphics on some of the games are better than others. Also, the graphics look much better if you have the system hooked up to a small screen television in lieu of a big screen plasma.

The basic game system retails for under 50 dollars and cost of the game “smartridges” cost under 20 dollars. A pocket version of this system is also available, for on-the-go-gaming. And although the smaller pocket version costs more than the regular console (it retails at around 80 dollars) all of the regular “smartridges” work in it so you won’t have to go out and buy new games.