Vtech has revamped their game console, the VTech V.Smile TV Learning System (recommended for children ages 3-6) by adding microphones and smaller doodle pads to the main joystick. Console comes in two color combinations: pink and purple, orange and blue.

Description: The item comes with one joystick and an Alphabet Park Smartridge game cartridge. It plugs into your TV audio and video jacks. An AC adapter is available separately, but batteries may be used. A joystick is available giving the option to use the two-player mode on many V-Smile Smartridges. Also available is the doodle controller for coloring games.

Review: Your children will enjoy the simple graphics and the large colored controller buttons. With a huge range of activities including learning the alphabet and lessons in friendship, your child will get hours and hours of entertainment from this toy. There are many games available for the game system for younger and older children. The over-sized controllers are reversible to accommodate left or right handed children. Games need to be purchased based on age requirement printed on the package until you have a “feel” for your child’s level of play. Many games, such at “Ratatouille” combine cognitive learning with lessons on proper food habits and food groups. While I don’t recommend playing catch with any gaming component, ours did survive some drops from to the floor.

Criticism: The Battery life is a bit short and the second joystick and AC adapter pack must be purchased separately. The cartridges can be a snug fit. A three year old may have difficulty removing and inserting some of them.

Overall, the VTech V-Smile Learning System Plus is a fantastic system that will help your child to grow and learn. This system is simple and fun. Lots of giggles and hooray’s in every game. It builds hand-eye coordination while reinforcing the basics of the alphabet, counting, adding, problem solving, mazes, and stimulating their creativity. Adding a second joystick provides a new opportunity to learn the importance of taking turns and being a good sport. If you cannot find an AC pack at the store, check into a universal adapter. We had to use a universal adapter and it has worked perfectly.

Keep in mind that all children are at different starting points. Set up the games, sit down and play with them for a while, and you’ll be surprised at how soon they are doing it all by themselves! Can someone say “Mommy Time”?

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 19th, 2007 at 11:45 am and is filed under Great Gifts, Good to Know, Product Reviews, Mommy Auctions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.