Sep 27 2008

Vtech V-Motion: an educational Wii for younger children

Published by Anne-Marie at 5:27 pm under Games, Product Review, Sponsored Post

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Vtech Vmotion The Vtech - V.Motion Active Learning System arrived on our doorstep a few weeks ago thanks to Vtech and the Parent Bloggers Network. You should have heard the commotion when I opened the box – squeals of delight, crazed jumping up and down, and lots of “thank you mommy” from Nathan and Lucie.

The V.Motion Active Learning System is an educational video game for children ages three to seven years. Basically, it’s like an educational Wii system for little kids. It incorporates learning about basic math, reading, science, and spelling with motion-activated gaming.

Features

The console plugs directly into your TV, DVD or VCR and while it can run on AA batteries, you should spend an additional $10 and get a 9-volt Vtech - V.Smile Adapter adapter to plug it into an outlet. (The adapter also works with Vtech - V.Smile Pocket Learning System, the LeapFrog® Leapster® Learning Game System, and a variety of other electronics.)

The V-Motion game console is also 100 percent compatible with the entire V.Smile Smartridge library. So if you already have a Vtech - V.Smile Pocket Learning System, you have games compatible with the V.Motion Active Learning System. (We’re a Leapster family so we don’t.)

It’s more expensive than most gaming systems for kids as it retails for $69.99 with the games going for around $24.99, online from Amazon as well as retail outlets like Target and Wal-Mart. However, it’s way cheaper than getting a Wii, which is around $250 if you can find one.

The V.Motion Active Learning System also includes a VTech V.Link that connects kids to VTech’s secure online site for kids to track their scores and unlock bonus gameplay.

Our review

Vtech Vmotion Kung Fu Panda game The console was very easy to set up and the children quickly learned how to change the controls from dual to single play. The console has a storage area for games, is very portable and light (great to take to grandma’s or on trips). It can also take a beating. I accidentally knocked it off the mantle and it came crashing down on to the tile in front of the fireplace. I was surprised that the plastic didn’t shatter. There wasn’t even a scratch in it. (It’s mom proof!)

The game that came with the V.Motion was o.k., but since we had to go to Target to buy the adapter, I decided to treat the kids to another game. I chose V-Motion: Kung Fu Panda since we loved the movie and the children are enrolled in martial arts. V-Motion Smartridges games are for children ages three to seven and sell for around $24.99 each.

The kids LOVED the Kung Fu Panda game and were very excited to demonstrate it for their dad. I tried it out myself – I’m not much of a gamer – and it was fun trying to figure out how to play. Geez, if I can play it anyone can!

Learning wise, the math and spelling is challenging for Lucie since she’s in kindergarten, but still fun for Nathan who’s a third grader. If you had a younger child, you probably would need to help them a little bit. All the V-Motion Smartridges games teach children about shapes, colors, matching, problem solving and logic. There are nine  V-Motion Smartridges in all including Kung Fu Panda, WALL•E., Thomas & Friends, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Dora the Explorer.

We didn’t try the VTech V.Link as my children’s computers are not hooked up to the Internet and I’m too busy on my PC to let them play on it.

Should you buy a Vtech - V.Motion Active Learning System?

It depends. If your children already have the Vtech - V.Smile Pocket Learning System, why not upgrade? For younger children, the V.Motion Active Learning System is a good video game console system. Not only will they learn from the games, they will move their bodies while playing. For a lot of kids, this feature will make learning much more exciting and fun.

However, if you have slightly older kids who already have LeapFrog Leapsters, save your money and buy a Nintendo Wii if you’re in the market for a motion gaming. Yes, a Wii is much more expensive, but the V.Motion Active Learning System has its limitations. It only has a few games, no accessories, and your children will eventually grow out of it. You can’t really play it as a family either, since it’s a learning game for young kids, and will bore older kids and adults.

Share your thoughts about gaming!

So are you buying a Nintendo Wii or Vtech - V.Motion Active Learning System for your family this holiday season? Do you already own one? Who in the family games – mom, dad, grandparents, kids or everyone? Or are you anti-gaming no matter what? Share below!


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3 Responses to “Vtech V-Motion: an educational Wii for younger children”

  1. Steve Cerrution 11 Nov 2008 at 4:50 pm

    I just got a call from my five year old who wanted to spend his birthday money on this system. He is an avid Leapster user and my concern was the age levels of the game. Thanks to your evaluation we were able to make the decision to wait for Christmas and get a Wii.

  2. Anne-Marieon 12 Nov 2008 at 10:46 am

    Steve, You may want to reconsider the Leapster for a five-year-old. He still has 3+ years of games to play using that system. Plus it’s portable. He can take it in the car on trips, etc. The Wii is great for family fun since you all play together. And yes, it covers a wide age range. But you cannot take it in the car or play it while waiting at a restaurant or at the dr.’s office.

  3. Brianon 17 Nov 2008 at 1:32 pm

    Here’s another review of the system.

    http://www.kidstechreview.com/review-vtech-v-motion-active-learning-system

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