Amazon.com Review Keep kids moving, learning, and having fun with the award-winning V.Motion Active Learning System from Vtech. This educational gaming system is designed to keep kids aged three to seven amused and motivated for hours at a time. They will have plenty of fun using the wireless controller to practice hand eye coordination, solve puzzles, and win races.
What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Educational gaming system encourages creativity and problem solving
The Bad: No option to use non-battery power with the console
In a Nutshell: This unique game system promotes active play and makes learning fun
At a Glance
Ages: 3 to 7 Requires: 4 AA batteries and 3 AAA batteries (included); TV; PC to use V-link features
Includes everything you need to get started with healthy, educational fun.
Included "Action Mania" Smartridge features six types of games . View larger.
Easy to Setup and Control Getting ready for your child's first game is easy. Simply insert the included AA batteries into the game console and the included AAA batteries into the controller. Then connect the console to your TV using the include A/V cable, slide a Smartridge cartridge into the game slot, and you're ready to go.
For each game, there are two control options. Kids can pick to use the joystick as a directional controller, or they can pick to use the motion of the controller itself. This means that tipping the controller left, right, forward, or backward inspires a corresponding motion on screen, letting kids get up and move around instead of staying stationary in front of the TV.
This is extra fun when your on-screen character is doing something fast-paced, like racing down a bobsled course. On the flip side, games that require more nuanced controls are often easier to navigate using the joystick. There's even a switch that lets you decide which way is "up," so the controller can be customized to accommodate right and left handed players.
Lots of Ways to Play Educational Games It's easy to see why this system won the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval and the Creative Child Seal of Excellence. A variety of age-appropriate games teach concepts like numbers, letters, and shapes for younger children and let older children work on skills like counting, vocabulary, and matching.
These games feature popular characters like Dora the Explorer, Spiderman, Kung Fu Panda, and Scooby Doo, and they include features that range from races to puzzles to sing-alongs. When kids want to play with a friend or a sibling, there's a two-player mode. And a switch on the bottom of the controller lets you ensure that signals aren't being crossed if the second player comes with his or her own controller.
The included "Action Mania" Smartridge means that your child will have six distinct types of games to choose from right away. One option is to engage in a bobsled race where passing through gates requires answering questions related to counting or more advanced topics like understanding greater than and less than. Another option involves using the controller to balance on a ball and select healthy foods, like pineapple, and avoid "unhealthy" snacks, like sweets. The third game is situated on a tennis court and does an especially good job promoting the development of hand eye coordination.
Club VTech lets parents and kids connect online and participate in a family-centered learning community. The included USB V-link device makes it easy to move data from your home computer to your Active Learning System. Web connect features allow for bonus gameplay downloads that keep kids excited about this learning system, and parents have access to educational advice and special promotional offers.
Overall, the whole Vtech experience is designed to promote interaction and healthy lifestyle choices while making learning fun. Our one minor complaint is the fact that the console uses battery power instead of having a wall adapter, which would eliminate the disappointment of batteries dying in the middle of a game. But if you don't have a convenient outlet, or you want to use the same console on several different TVs, this feature can actually be a bonus.
What's in the Box Console, controller, wrist strap, 4 AA batteries, 3 AAA batteries, Smartridge, V-link, and user's manual.
REVIEW
Not Enjoyed I gifted theis Product to my Daughter who turned 4, but she didn't like it that much, the Control is not very easy, the Joy stick specially. She had no Interest at all.
Amazon.com Who says education and fun don't go hand in hand? The portable VTech V.Smile Pocket Learning System combines video games and educational content for brain-building, on-the-go game play or connecting directly to a television at home. Specifically designed for children between ages five and eight, the Pocket V.Smile is a fun way to learn for both enthusiastic and reluctant students.
Built For Kids The Pocket V.Smile's full-color LCD screen with a 320-by-240 pixel resolution competes with the "big kid" video game systems. A unique alternative to other systems, the V.Smile is built inside and out with young children in mind. The big buttons are made for a child's hands, and the games build skills in spelling, logic, counting, problem solving, phonics, and vocabulary. Kids get so engrossed with the V.Smile that they won't even realize how much they're developing their minds in language, science and math. Because they can carry the handheld device wherever they go, kids can learn and play independently while parents can rest assured they are providing something healthy, age-appropriate, and educational.
At Home Or On-The-Go With the included A/V cable, the Pocket V.Smile hooks up directly to televisions as well, requiring no additional equipment. Not only does this option keep kids in one place and allow them to learn and play using a larger screen, but it also makes it easier for them to share the in the fun with friends and siblings -- even parents.
More Favorites The Pocket V.Smile plays all the same "Smartridges" for the original V.Smile system. This learning system comes bundled with one Smartridge called Zayzoo My Alien Classmate, which teaches skills in math, shapes, time concepts, music, directions, English, and more. A wide selection of other wholesome video games are available separately, involving many favorite characters like Scooby Doo, Dora, Thomas, and Shrek. The Pocket V.Smile requires four "AA" heavy duty batteries (included); alkaline batteries are recommended for longer life and optimum performance.
What's in the Box Pocket V.Smile, one Smartridge, A/V cable, wrist strap, manual, and four "AA" batteries.
A portable learning system that goes anywhere or connects directly to the television for gaming at home.
The battery-operated pocket console plays a variety of imaginative games, including all other V.Smile Smartridges.
REVIEW
VERY EDUCATIONAL GAME BUT NOT VERY DURABLE Our kids loved playing the V-Smile Pocket. Most of the games are great because they teach while they play. However we constantly had problems with this system. The power cord is cheaply made and a couple tugs on it caused it to short out. We purchased a replacement power cord for it and about a month later it done the same thing. So we figured we would simply use batteries in it and we did for a while and then one day it just wouldn't even turn on at all with a cord or batteries.
Program your preschooler for early learning with the Tote and Go Laptop Plus. This realistic looking computer features big style for little learners. Complete with a colorful keyboard and detachable mouse that's designed for both left- and right-handed users, the Tote and Go Laptop Plus features 30 engaging activities that teach language, math, games and music. Comes with a nifty handle for easy fold-up-and-go learning. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, included. Measures 11" x 14" x 3.5".
REVIEW
Toddler Laptop Computer The computer is colorful, but the screen is tiny and black/white. With my two-year-old granddaughter, adult help is needed to use it effectively. An older child may be able to use it without assistance.
The Write & Learn Letter Pad makes learning letters fun and easy. Children learn how to form letters step by step on an interactive, erasable letter pad while they get positive coaching from the encouraging Write & Learn "Spokespencil." With the Write & Learn Letter Pad, you don't have to wait for the ink to dry for your child to be writing letters! Includes three different activities. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, included. Measures 9.5" x 10" x 2.3".
REVIEW
A+ My daughter just loves this toy. She is 3 and it is something that will grow with her, it allows her to learn her letters, draw shapes and also doodle - it makes learning really fun and we both really enjoy it together, it's great in the car on trips too! Great buy for the money and I would give this as a gift also because it's really fun and for some reason kids just love the big yellow pencil character on it very cute!
Amazon.com Finally, a video game system that parents can feel good about! With children asking for video games at younger and younger ages, the VTech V.Smile TV Learning System is designed to make makes both kids and parents happy, combining entertainment and education with age-appropriate games and activities. Designed especially for kids ages three to eight, this learning system even offers different levels of play, allowing the educational output to grow along with the children.
Kid-Friendly Features With an included A/V adapter, the V.Smile hooks up directly to televisions, requiring no additional equipment. Built for small hands, the innovative joystick controller adjusts to accommodate both right- and left-handed users and features four flashing buttons and an oversized enter button. The joystick even has a stylus and writing pad for writing activities to teach proper letter stroke order. With a spot for a second joystick, kids can invite their friends over for two-player game play. The V.Smile also comes with a microphone for sing-a-long fun.
Learning Made Fun A unique alternative to other systems, the V.Smile is built inside and out with young children in mind. The games build skills in spelling, logic, counting, problem solving, phonics, and vocabulary. Kids have so much fun with the V.Smile that they don't even realize how much they're developing their minds in language, science and math.
The games -- called "Smartridges" -- feature popular favorite characters like Scooby Doo, Dora, Thomas, and Shrek. Each Smartridge includes four or five additional learning zone games aimed at improving specific scholastic skills. This system comes bundled with one Smartridge. A wide selection of games are available separately and are organized into three levels of educational play: Early Learners (ages 3-5), Junior Thinkers (ages 4-6) and Master Minds (ages 6-8). With this range of educational output, children can advance to new games as they learn and grow. The Smartridges play in both the V.Smile TV Learning System and the handheld Pocket V.Smile.
What's in the Box V.Smile TV Learning System, one Smartridge, joystick, microphone holder, A/V adaptor, and manual.
With an included A/V adapter, the V.Smile game system hooks up directly to televisions.
Innovative joystick controller adjusts to accommodate both right- and left-handed users.
Each Smartridge includes four or five additional learning zone games aimed at improving specific scholastic skills.
REVIEW
fun when working I have bought 2 of these v. smile consoles, and neither are working anymore. The first one quit several months into play, and the second one lasted a little longer at about 6 months. They weren't dropped or anything like that and just died. Considering the cost for each one, I expected them to last much longer and was extremely disappointed when they did not. I gave it 3 stars, because my son loves playing the games. My son still wants to play, but I refuse to continue throwing my money away on something that doesn't last long.
Amazon.com Review Keep kids moving, learning, and having fun with the award-winning V.Motion Active Learning System from Vtech. This educational gaming system is designed to keep kids aged three to seven amused and motivated for hours at a time. They will have plenty of fun using the wireless controller to practice hand eye coordination, solve puzzles, and win races.
What We Think
Fun Factor:
Durability:
(what this means)
The Good: Educational gaming system encourages creativity and problem solving
The Bad: No option to use non-battery power with the console
In a Nutshell: This unique game system promotes active play and makes learning fun
At a Glance
Ages: 3 to 7 Requires: 4 AA batteries and 3 AAA batteries (included); TV; PC to use V-link features
Includes everything you need to get started with healthy, educational fun.
Included "Action Mania" Smartridge features six types of games . View larger.
Easy to Setup and Control Getting ready for your child's first game is easy. Simply insert the included AA batteries into the game console and the included AAA batteries into the controller. Then connect the console to your TV using the include A/V cable, slide a Smartridge cartridge into the game slot, and you're ready to go.
For each game, there are two control options. Kids can pick to use the joystick as a directional controller, or they can pick to use the motion of the controller itself. This means that tipping the controller left, right, forward, or backward inspires a corresponding motion on screen, letting kids get up and move around instead of staying stationary in front of the TV.
This is extra fun when your on-screen character is doing something fast-paced, like racing down a bobsled course. On the flip side, games that require more nuanced controls are often easier to navigate using the joystick. There's even a switch that lets you decide which way is "up," so the controller can be customized to accommodate right and left handed players.
Lots of Ways to Play Educational Games It's easy to see why this system won the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval and the Creative Child Seal of Excellence. A variety of age-appropriate games teach concepts like numbers, letters, and shapes for younger children and let older children work on skills like counting, vocabulary, and matching.
These games feature popular characters like Dora the Explorer, Spiderman, Kung Fu Panda, and Scooby Doo, and they include features that range from races to puzzles to sing-alongs. When kids want to play with a friend or a sibling, there's a two-player mode. And a switch on the bottom of the controller lets you ensure that signals aren't being crossed if the second player comes with his or her own controller.
The included "Action Mania" Smartridge means that your child will have six distinct types of games to choose from right away. One option is to engage in a bobsled race where passing through gates requires answering questions related to counting or more advanced topics like understanding greater than and less than. Another option involves using the controller to balance on a ball and select healthy foods, like pineapple, and avoid "unhealthy" snacks, like sweets. The third game is situated on a tennis court and does an especially good job promoting the development of hand eye coordination.
Club VTech lets parents and kids connect online and participate in a family-centered learning community. The included USB V-link device makes it easy to move data from your home computer to your Active Learning System. Web connect features allow for bonus gameplay downloads that keep kids excited about this learning system, and parents have access to educational advice and special promotional offers.
Overall, the whole Vtech experience is designed to promote interaction and healthy lifestyle choices while making learning fun. Our one minor complaint is the fact that the console uses battery power instead of having a wall adapter, which would eliminate the disappointment of batteries dying in the middle of a game. But if you don't have a convenient outlet, or you want to use the same console on several different TVs, this feature can actually be a bonus.
What's in the Box Console, controller, wrist strap, 4 AA batteries, 3 AAA batteries, Smartridge, V-link, and user's manual.
REVIEW
An Excellent and Fun Alternative to Sedentary, non-Educational Game Consoles for Kids This is a great educational game system for young children who like to learn with characters they recognize and like, and is affordable.
The library is not limited to the games for the V-Motion, either. The V-Motion is fully backwards compatible with the V.Smile console games, but is designed to take advantage of wireless motion sensing controllers similar to (but not as advanced as) the Nintendo Wii. It has its own software lineup and the games are intended to get a child up and moving along with the game. For instance, when a child jumps, the controller will detect the movement and the character on-screen can also jump, or move sideways, based on the way the child moves his or her controller. This is limited to games with the "V-Motion" label.
There is a wired port on the V-Motion so you can use a wired controller or one of the several wired accessories for the V.Smile like the Smart Keyboard, Art Studio or SmartBook. There is no motion sensing portable version of the V-Motion, but there is a stylus and touch-pad enhanced new version of the V.Smile Pocket called the Cyber Pocket.
It is important to note that while the V-Motion has games designed specifically for the motion-sensing controllers, the V-Motion games can also be played on the Cyber Pocket, V.Smile or V.Smile Pocket if you also have one of those systems. Of course, if you happen to play a V-Motion game on a V.Smile, don't expect to be able to use the motion sensing aspect of those games.
Also, if you own a specific game with a movie character in it for the V-Motion, I would not expect it to differ much aside from the motion sensing parts of the game (which would be disabled on a V.Smile - similar to how microphone and touch pad elements in newer games are disabled on old first gen V.Smile systems) from the V.Smile version of the game by the same name (same movie or TV kid's character), so I would not recommend buying the V.Smile regular version of any game title that you already have a same-named V-Motion cartridge for. There are many V.Smile games that have not been offered on the V-Motion, however, such as Little Red Riding Hood.
You can also buy a wired controller with touch pad + stylus to allow for use with "New and Improved" V.Smile Smartridges, but I'm not sure how or if you can integrate a microphone into the V-Motion, except perhaps by using the "PC Pal" keyboard from that variant of V.Smile. if you had one of those. Due to that, a CyberPocket would make a good portable companion system to the V-Motion, allowing for all aspects of V-Motion and V.Smile games to be enjoyed across both libraries.
On the downside, the graphics on the V-Motion and V.Smile games are just so-so, and comparable to a 1990's game system. Two player gaming is also rather limited since many titles for the V.Smile at least are intended for a single child to learn with. Don't expect to be blown away by 3D graphics or the sophistication of much more expensive top gaming consoles, either. The fun is in the motion activated controllers, and the satisfaction a child can get from learning.
My child loves such games, and really gets into the learning (she loves matching games). I hope yours does, too.
Amazon.com Kids today live in a world of instant gratification: DVDs that skip to a favorite scene; CDs that play and repeat a favorite song; digital cameras that show a picture seconds after taking it. And while the VTech Kidizoom may not teach the valuable lesson of patience, it is a cool camera meant specifically for small children so they can experience the immediate joy of taking pictures, making movies, and playing games.
Ideal for ages 3 to 6 years, this toy lets your child explore and cultivate their creative streak. The digital camera has fat bumper handles perfect for small hands, big buttons for manageability, a dual viewfinder and a 1.8-inch color LCD screen for easy subject alignment, and two interchangeable face plates so kids can make it their own. It’s also made ultra-tough to handle the guaranteed mishaps that come with the territory. But enough about its attractive looks and kid-friendly features.
A dual viewfinder, large LCD screen, and chunky buttons make this ideal for young ones.
The Kidizoom is able to capture up to 120 still photos or up to 5 minutes of video thanks to its 16MB internal memory. If that’s not enough space for your little shutterbug, the camera also provides an SD card slot. Once pictures are snapped (or motion is filmed), you can plug the device into a PC or the family TV with the included cable. From there kids can crop their photos, give images crazy effects, add wacky frames, or watch their video footage.
If you’re on the go and there’s not much picture-taking interest, the Kidizoom may still be your child’s preferred toy. It has three fun built-in games geared toward preschoolers and comes with a set of headphones that plug into its side. Say "Cheese!" (Four AA batteries are required but not included.)
VTech Kidizoom features:
.3 megapixels with 1.8" color screen
Double viewer or LCD screen for easy photo taking
Connector cables for TV or PC hook-up
Photo editing capabilities
SD card slot for extra memory
Three preschool games
Changeable faceplates
16MB internal memory
REVIEW
The Best.... This was the best thing I brought this Christmas... It's durable and works great... My 3 year old grandaughter has no problem using it... And the pictures are great...
Amazon.com Kids today live in a world of instant gratification: DVDs that skip to a favorite scene; CDs that play and repeat a favorite song; digital cameras that show a picture seconds after taking it. And while the VTech Kidizoom may not teach the valuable lesson of patience, it is a cool camera meant specifically for small children so they can experience the immediate joy of taking pictures, making movies, and playing games.
Ideal for ages 3 to 6 years, this toy lets your child explore and cultivate their creative streak. The digital camera has fat bumper handles perfect for small hands, big buttons for manageability, a dual viewfinder and a 1.8-inch color LCD screen for easy subject alignment, and two interchangeable face plates so kids can make it their own. It’s also made ultra-tough to handle the guaranteed mishaps that come with the territory. But enough about its attractive looks and kid-friendly features.
A dual viewfinder, large LCD screen, and chunky buttons make this ideal for young ones.
The Kidizoom is able to capture up to 120 still photos or up to 5 minutes of video thanks to its 16MB internal memory. If that’s not enough space for your little shutterbug, the camera also provides an SD card slot. Once pictures are snapped (or motion is filmed), you can plug the device into a PC or the family TV with the included cable. From there kids can crop their photos, give images crazy effects, add wacky frames, or watch their video footage.
If you’re on the go and there’s not much picture-taking interest, the Kidizoom may still be your child’s preferred toy. It has three fun built-in games geared toward preschoolers and comes with a set of headphones that plug into its side. Say "Cheese!" (Four AA batteries are required but not included.)
VTech Kidizoom features:
.3 megapixels with 1.8"color screen
Double viewer or LCD screen for easy photo taking
Connector cables for TV or PC hook-up
Photo editing capabilities
SD card slot for extra memory
Three preschool games
Changeable faceplates
16MB internal memory
REVIEW
Good for kids but pictures are way too dark My son loves this camera but the pictures it takes are way too dark - you can hardly see what he has taken pictures of unless there is a LOT of light. My son loves the little "extras" on the camera like the games and the picture editing options (adding a big red nose or viking helmet style horns, etc to a picture). Overall this is a great product at a reasonable price. The reviews I read on this and other sites led me to select this product over some of the other brands and I'm glad I did.
Build your mind with at-home or on-the-go gameplay. The new V.Smile Pocket turns game time into brain time by combining a video game platform with educational content, all in a portable learning system. Or connect it directly to your television for gaming at home. A truly unique way to approach learning, V.Smile is popular with the most reluctant student and the most eager learner. Favorite characters guide students through age-appropriate skill levels and developmental activities, so kids won't even realize they are learning essential lessons in language, math and science.
V.Smile Pocket easy-to-grip console features a flip-up high-resolution screen, touchable writing pad, attached writing stylus, microphone for singing activities, and lefty/righty switchable controls. Brain-building V.Smile Smartridges sold separately. Requires four "AA" batteries, included. Measures 2"L x 5.25"W x 7.75"H.
REVIEW
V- tech cyberpocket My 4 year old son received this toy for his birthday. He really enjoys playing with it. He needs some help with the games but after a few times he is able to play them by himself. The toy seems pretty durable. Would recommened this toy.
Save your batteries, and use this AC Adapter for unlimited learning fun. It turns battery power into AC power. For use with V.Smile Learning System (sold separately).
REVIEW
miz fitz The product is fine but I was disappointed that it wasn't included with the V-Smile kit I ordered, since I would eventually have to have it to operate the system.
