Vtech V Smile TV Learning System – Is It Worth Buying?
Vtech is one of the leaders in the toy industry with its products suitable for many age groups. Among its most popular products is the Vtech V Smile TV Learning System or V Smile. Generally speaking, the consumer and professional reviews for this educational system for children in the 3-9 age brackets is on the positive side with a few bumps along the way.
As its name implies, the V Smile can be directly connected to your home television set without the need for additional equipment, wires and plugs. You will then be able to see television in a different light – as an educational tool instead of a medium where your kids learn undesirable habits.
If you love the education that the V Smile gives to your children, they will love the many games and activities on the console. Each Vtech V Smile TV Learning System is sold as a bundle with one particular game featuring a favorite cartoon character like Dora the Explorer, Spider-Man, Thomas the Engine and even Shrek.
But as is often the case with children, the existing games can quickly bore them. Fortunately, you can ward off the tantrums, shrieks and wails for new games with the addition of other ROM cartridges, known as Smartridges, sold separately from the main unit. You many think of it as additional expenses but when it comes to the education of kids, we often hear parents say that no expense should be spared especially when it comes to the critical stage of early development. Besides, if the Smartridges can buy you a few hours of happy children in the house, then it’s an investment well worth your tired body.
Two children can actually play the Vtech V Smile TV Learning System. Just purchase another joystick and connect it to the console for two-player games, which means that your child will be able to learn the social skills necessary in co-operative play. No worries about dexterity as the joysticks can be adjusted to accommodate south and north paws alike. After all, there is no use in teaching kids new things if you have to force upon them your own sense of which hand should be the dominant one.
So, what exactly can your children learn with the V Smile aside from smiling due to enjoyment with the games? According to the official websites and the consumer reviews, your children will learn math and logic as well as new words and spelling. As your children progresses in the games, specific skills necessary for good learning in school are added to the program. In short, kids smile with the games while you smile with the quantity and quality of learning they can get from the Vtech V Smile TV Learning System.
There are a few wrinkles in the system, however. You will pay a few more dollars over its competitors so you have to decide if the money is well worth the comparable benefits. You should also stock up on batteries although if you want to plug it into the main grid, buying an AC adapter is an excellent idea.
So, will we recommend the Vtech V Smile TV Learning System to our family and friends? Yes, we will because it is a good investment in your children’s education but if you want a better product than what the V Smile can offer, we suggest looking at other products like ClickStart.