V.Smile

Lore & Background

The V.Smile is a standard cartridge-based system that will play the title inserted. Without a cartridge, it loops back to the startup screen. The system can run using either an AC adapter or batteries. A V.Smile generally has on and off buttons, two joystick ports, and a compartment for keeping cartridges in addition to the cartridge slot; it can hold up to six titles in its compartment. The console was released in several countries with different names.

A second generation of the V.Smile console was launched in 2007 (Model 752), bundled with a microphone and a redesigned controller. In 2008, a translucent-faced V.Smile TV Learning System Limited Edition console was released including two joysticks and the Alphabet Park Adventure game cartridge, with reversed body colors (translucent orange face with purple body) compared to the normal solid purple face with orange body. The last revision (Model 1086) was the smallest of the main line, becoming shorter and square in shape; it retains two controller ports, adds V-Link functionality, and has a smaller cartridge storage on the back with space for only four games. It drops stereo sound, having a video and mono audio jack, and instead of looping back it shows 'please insert a learning game'.

Handheld variants include the V.Smile Pocket (released September 10, 2004), featuring a built-in passive matrix color LCD and a monaural speaker, but no connector for an additional joystick, so many two-player games disallow that mode. A second V.Smile Pocket model in 2007 added a microphone and repositioned the speaker. The V.Smile Cyber Pocket (2008) introduced a smaller flip-open screen (still passive matrix) and an integrated graphics tablet, plus a proprietary port for the V-Link flash drive-like device that could transfer game data to a PC. The PC Pal (June 20, 2008) is a variant with an integrated accessory: a more colorful and functional version of the Smart Keyboard with built-in joystick and tablet controls, and a port for the V-Link. The V.Motion Active Learning System (Model 788) or V.Smile Motion (September 2007) uses built-in wireless controllers with accelerometers detecting three axes of movement; its storage compartment holds up to nine Smartridges.

Reader's Guide

The V.Smile line occupies a distinct niche as an educational console aimed at young children, using licensed characters such as Scooby-Doo, Bob the Builder, The Little Mermaid, Go, Diego, Go!, and The Wiggles. Its Smartridge cartridges were translated into various languages for different countries. The V.Motion was introduced as a low-cost, educational alternative to the popular Wii console, to which it has been compared due to its use of motion controllers. The V.Smile Pocket's direct competition was the handheld Leapster by LeapFrog. Rough comparisons in technological capability with the V.Smile consoles in terms of graphics and sound can be made to Nintendo's SNES console, thus generally the V.Smile is technologically comparable to most fourth generation consoles despite being released in the seventh generation era. The system's accessories expanded its functionality: the V.Smile TV Learning System Plus Joystick includes a built-in writing pad and stylus; the V.Smile Smart Keyboard is a PC-like keyboard; the V.Smile Smartbook uses a stylus and activity books; the V.Smile Art Studio is a large touch pad and stylus device; the V.Smile V-Link tracks progress and unlocks online bonus games; and the V.Smile Jammin' Gym Class is a soft exercise mat similar to dance pads. The V.Smile's legacy lies in its extensive line of variants and accessories that sought to combine video game engagement with educational content, making it a notable entry in the history of edutainment consoles.

Did You Know?

• The V.Smile was first released on August 4, 2004.
• Its cartridges are called 'Smartridges', a pun on the system's educational nature.
• The V.Motion variant uses wireless controllers with accelerometers that detect three axes of movement.