V.Smile: V-Motion Active Learning System
© 2008 VTech Electronics North America
There's been an increase in motion-sensitive wireless controllers like the one included with the V.Smile: V-Motion Active Learning System available at www.vtechkids.com. The $70 educational gaming console plugs into the A/V jacks on your TV set and plays past titles. The responsive 2.4 GHz controller detects motion on an x, y, and z axes, plus there's a joystick for the traditionalist. Nearly all the games have two player modes, although you'll need to purchase a second controller, or you can use one from an older V.Smile console. This year's V.Smile editions employ a sneaker-network web connectivity by way of a customized USB drive that you plug into your Windows computer. Once you've logged in, you see your child's scores, compared with others, in thrillers like Street Race, Bobsled or Bouncing Ball — games that let you sort, count or spell with a lean to the left or right. You can also choose to use the joystick if you want, which we found is easier to use in some games. One game is included; others are $25. The console is battery powered (4AAs), and a $10 AC adapter is recommended. The games are tedious but addicting; a reminder that when learning facts, a spoon full of sugar and perhaps a quick lean to the left can help the medicine go down.
$70, Smart Toy
Teaches: math, reading, science, spelling
CTR Rating: 86%