V.Flash
A 3D educational console for children aged 6 to 10.
The V.Flash Home Edutainment System, also known as V.Smile Pro in Europe, is a seventh-generation educational home video game console and a spinoff from the V.Smile series developed by VTech and Koto Laboratory. Designed for children aged 6 to 10, it distinguishes itself from the V.Smile by using 3D graphics. Critics praised the V.Flash for improving on the V.Smile's base, but its sales lagged behind the former, leading VTech to discontinue the console shortly after and shift focus back to the V.Smile.
Quick Facts
- Generation
- Seventh
- Release Date
- September 2006
- Discontinued
- 2007
- Manufacturer
- VTech
- Media
- Customized encased CD-ROM "V.Discs"
- Cpu
- ARM9 from LSI Logic
- Graphics
- 3D Capable
- Storage
- Memory card
- Controllers
- Joystick
- Predecessor
- V.Smile
- Successor
- InnoTV
- Marketing Target
- Children aged 5-10
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The V.Flash was revealed at the 2006 London Toy Fair and released in September 2006, retailing for $100. Unlike the V.Smile, this system uses 3D graphics and is designed for children aged 6 to 10. The console uses 12 cm CDs enclosed with plastic to protect from damage and piracy, similar to 3.5-inch floppy disks or UMDs. The discs use the ISO 9660 file system without copy protection other than a simple sensor in the case jacket, making it possible to create disc images. The V.Flash can also play audio CDs and user-recorded CD-Rs using a supplied disc adapter. The processor is an ARM9 from LSI Logic, and files are stored in .mjp (Motion JPEG), .ptx, and .snd (PCM WAV) formats. Capable of rendering 1.5 million polygons per second with a 32-bit CPU, the system is directly comparable to fifth-generation consoles such as the PlayStation. The system may use a memory card to save games.
Reader's Guide
The V.Flash represents a notable but short-lived attempt by VTech to bring 3D graphics to the educational console market, targeting children aged 6 to 10. Although critics praised it for improving on the V.Smile's base, its sales lagged behind its predecessor, and VTech discontinued it shortly after release to refocus on the V.Smile. The console's limited commercial success resulted in only 10 known titles being released, with regional variations: most games launched in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Germany, but exceptions include Bratz Fashion Pixiez: The Secret Necklace (not released in the UK or Germany), Multisports/Defis Sports (exclusive to Germany and France), and Scooby-Doo!: Ancient Adventure (not released in Germany). Additionally, three titles were released in Mexico. The Princeton Review contributed to educational content for some games. The V.Flash's use of plastic-enclosed CDs and its ARM9 processor, comparable to fifth-generation consoles, made it technically distinct, but its legacy is primarily as a footnote in VTech's product line, demonstrating the challenges of competing in the educational console space.
Did You Know?
- The V.Flash is also known as the V.Smile Pro in Europe.
- The console can play audio CDs and user-recorded CD-Rs with a supplied disc adapter.
- Only 10 titles are known to have been released for the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the V.Flash?
The V.Flash is a seventh-generation educational home console built for children between six and ten years old. It serves as a 3D-capable spinoff of the V.Smile line, jointly developed by VTech and Koto Laboratory.
When did the V.Flash launch and what was its price?
It hit shelves in September 2006 with a retail price of one hundred dollars. In European markets it was sold under the alternate name V.Smile Pro.
What kind of hardware powers the V.Flash?
The system runs on a 32-bit ARM9 processor manufactured by LSI Logic. Its graphics pipeline can render up to 1.5 million polygons per second, a notable step up from the 2D-focused V.Smile.
How did critics and consumers receive the V.Flash?
Reviewers generally applauded the console for building on the strengths of the original V.Smile while adding true 3D visuals. However, consumer demand stayed below the V.Smile's, and sales never caught up.
Why was the V.Flash discontinued?
Because its sales consistently trailed the older V.Smile, VTech pulled the console from the market shortly after launch. The company redirected its resources back to the more popular V.Smile line.
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