The Spin & Sing Alphabet Zoo musically introduces babies to letters and animals while encouraging language development and motor skills. The colourful spinning wheel matches individual letters with 26 different animals, in three fun learning modes, including letters, animals and music. Introduces: Letters A-Z with animals, animal sounds, alphabet song and cause and effect. Batteries included. 6 Months +

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

This authentically detailed model of the moon hangs on your wall and shines moon light just like the real moon. With twelve illuminated lunar phases which can be automatic or manual via the remote control. A built in light sensor illuminates the moon when

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Connect to see the learning and share the fun! Play anywhere and learn everywhere with the Pink handheld Leapster 2! With a huge amount of animated software games available, featuring your favourite characters, learning is fun and exciting.

Kids

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Connect to see the learning and share the fun! Play anywhere and learn everywhere with the handheld Leapster 2! With a huge amount of animated software games available, featuring your favourite characters, learning is fun and exciting.

Kids can

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Explore the wonderful worlds of maths and reading with Princesses Belle and Ariel. Discover the beauty of numbers, shapes and letters as you help the two gather valuable items and adorn their rooms with amazing treasures. 4 - 7 Years

Embark on dangerous rescue missions as Anakin, R2-D2, C3PO and other jedi knights to free members of the Republic imprisoned on federation cruisers and increase your jedi ranking. Fly to enemy ships, engage in star flight battles and duel with light sabers while learning basic mathematics and telling time skills. The order of the galaxy depends on your success! Leapster2 players can connect online for extra activities and rewards. And with the LeapFrog Learning Path, parents can see what their child is learning. Works with all Leapster Systems. 5 Years +

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Really fun!, 26 Oct 2008
My 6yr old son loves this and plays it for ages at a time. Its educational but he finds it loads of fun.

Sing along fun is the easiest way to play and learn. Grab the chunky, orange Sing Along Microphone and get ready to give your best performance! This colourful Vtech microphone introduces little ones to animals and their sounds using fun sound effects and

Learning is child's play with the new and improved TV pre-school console that turns gaming into a learning adventure! Learn spelling, object identification, colours, counting, shapes and problem-solving with Thomas and Friends. Teaches children all the pre-school basics (English, maths, logic, science, etc.). Connects directly to your TV (not included).

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Really fun!, 26 Oct 2008
My 6yr old son loves this and plays it for ages at a time. Its educational but he finds it loads of fun.

V tech V smile - V Unhappy!, 26 Jul 2008
I had been trying to think of ways for our 3 and half year old to start recognising his alphabet - unfortunatley he hasn't taken to the jigsaws my older son enjoyed and I didn't want to push him into anything, but wanted to make it fun.

When I saw the V smile I thought 'Bingo!' - this will interest him as he is already familiar with playing basic games on cbeebies website and I noticed there was an alphabet game available (together with his interest in Thomas - I thought I'd cracked it!!!!)

So - I read 1 or 2 vague reviews here and there - but convinced myself that this was definitely the toy to have.

I decided to get everything working when the boys were in bed - so that I could avoid the inevitable impatience of me unwrapping and setting everything up. I cannot put into words how disappointed I was with the whole thing. Thank goodness they didn't see it (and never will).

Firstly the most noticable thing is the awful quality of the graphics
Secondly the sound quality isn't up to much at all and how a child is supposed to follow the vocal instructions I'll never know
Thirdly the controls for the games and the variation of what they need to understand to control the game is so confusing - I cannot comprehend that we're in the 21st century and a major toy company can get away with selling this as a quality educational toy.

As far as I'm concerned V-tech have created this cheap to manufacture but relatively costly toy (especially as you think you should buy the mains adaptor and the 2nd joystick and not to mention the phenomonally dear games)as an introduction to 'gaming' and not a quality educational toy.

I have definitely learned my lesson - going forward I will thoroughly research a toy before getting drawn into the hype.

If you're happy with the 1980's quality of the 'ZX' computer then go ahead and buy it - but I strongly advise you to re-think how you are spending your hard-earned cash.

Disappointing..., 04 Jan 2008
V-tech promises an award winning learning platform with entertaining graphics and funky coloured consoles but in reality the product is somewhat of an enigma.

The console and joystick are all well styled, feel durable and the whole system is easy to set-up. My kids were really excited at the look of it and even more engaged with all the enticing images on the packaging and individual games.

It looks like they spent a lot of time and effort designing it....and then you turn it on!!

The graphics are appalling with a fuzzy distortion which makes it very difficult to sit in front of for more than a few minutes. Added to this is a muffled sound navigation which is barely audible and text navigation which isn't always easy to read against the background.

I completely concur with a previous reviewer who likened this console to an early 80's computer and, whilst I didn't expect something that delivered XBOX or Nintendo gaming, it really disappointed against the most basic of expectations.

Keeps the kids quiet., 11 Dec 2007
Not sure what the previous reviewer was expecting for less than £40 - an XBOX 360 perhaps? Clearly this isnt a games console its a learning *toy* which our children like very much. We had the vision to buy the 2nd controller which was bundled with a game so was almost free anyway.

Graphics and sound are basic but not as bad as made out by previous reviewer - think Sega Master System rather than Vic20!!

All in all not a bad buy, the main downside is that the kids will grow out of it in time so think of it as having a lifespan of about 5 years max.

Not recommended..., 08 Dec 2007
We were really disappointed with this console.
Our pre-school children find the controller confusing. Its got big buttons and little buttons, and coloured buttons, and a pen pad, and a joystick. If I'm honest I find it confusing too.
On screen, the user interface is very inconsistent. The children can't work out which buttons to press.
The graphics look like something from the mid 1980's, think Vic20/ZX Spectrum quality and you won't be far wrong. The sound seems muffled, making it difficult to hear what's being said. The music is ZX Spectrum quality - you'll want to make it stop after 2 minutes.
Inserting the games requires more force than our kiddies can muster.
Many of the games and navigations rely on text... which is fine for older children, but pre-school kiddies can't read. Though some navigation items are also spoken, the sound is so poor its often hard to make out whats being said.
There is only one controller in the pack (even though some games for the console are two player). Which provokes fights between our two. Additional controllers are ~£15 new (half the price of the console!).
Overall, we were very disappointed. If you're looking for a Christmas or birthday present think hard before you buy this.
Good PC games are generations ahead of this console (try Bob the Builder's Castle Adventure for example! I like playing that one, so do the children).

Learning is child's play with the new and improved TV pre-school console that turns gaming into a learning adventure! Teaches children all the pre-school basics (English, maths, logic, science, etc.). Connects directly to your TV (not included).

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Really fun!, 26 Oct 2008
My 6yr old son loves this and plays it for ages at a time. Its educational but he finds it loads of fun.

V tech V smile - V Unhappy!, 26 Jul 2008
I had been trying to think of ways for our 3 and half year old to start recognising his alphabet - unfortunatley he hasn't taken to the jigsaws my older son enjoyed and I didn't want to push him into anything, but wanted to make it fun.

When I saw the V smile I thought 'Bingo!' - this will interest him as he is already familiar with playing basic games on cbeebies website and I noticed there was an alphabet game available (together with his interest in Thomas - I thought I'd cracked it!!!!)

So - I read 1 or 2 vague reviews here and there - but convinced myself that this was definitely the toy to have.

I decided to get everything working when the boys were in bed - so that I could avoid the inevitable impatience of me unwrapping and setting everything up. I cannot put into words how disappointed I was with the whole thing. Thank goodness they didn't see it (and never will).

Firstly the most noticable thing is the awful quality of the graphics
Secondly the sound quality isn't up to much at all and how a child is supposed to follow the vocal instructions I'll never know
Thirdly the controls for the games and the variation of what they need to understand to control the game is so confusing - I cannot comprehend that we're in the 21st century and a major toy company can get away with selling this as a quality educational toy.

As far as I'm concerned V-tech have created this cheap to manufacture but relatively costly toy (especially as you think you should buy the mains adaptor and the 2nd joystick and not to mention the phenomonally dear games)as an introduction to 'gaming' and not a quality educational toy.

I have definitely learned my lesson - going forward I will thoroughly research a toy before getting drawn into the hype.

If you're happy with the 1980's quality of the 'ZX' computer then go ahead and buy it - but I strongly advise you to re-think how you are spending your hard-earned cash.

Disappointing..., 04 Jan 2008
V-tech promises an award winning learning platform with entertaining graphics and funky coloured consoles but in reality the product is somewhat of an enigma.

The console and joystick are all well styled, feel durable and the whole system is easy to set-up. My kids were really excited at the look of it and even more engaged with all the enticing images on the packaging and individual games.

It looks like they spent a lot of time and effort designing it....and then you turn it on!!

The graphics are appalling with a fuzzy distortion which makes it very difficult to sit in front of for more than a few minutes. Added to this is a muffled sound navigation which is barely audible and text navigation which isn't always easy to read against the background.

I completely concur with a previous reviewer who likened this console to an early 80's computer and, whilst I didn't expect something that delivered XBOX or Nintendo gaming, it really disappointed against the most basic of expectations.

Keeps the kids quiet., 11 Dec 2007
Not sure what the previous reviewer was expecting for less than £40 - an XBOX 360 perhaps? Clearly this isnt a games console its a learning *toy* which our children like very much. We had the vision to buy the 2nd controller which was bundled with a game so was almost free anyway.

Graphics and sound are basic but not as bad as made out by previous reviewer - think Sega Master System rather than Vic20!!

All in all not a bad buy, the main downside is that the kids will grow out of it in time so think of it as having a lifespan of about 5 years max.

Not recommended..., 08 Dec 2007
We were really disappointed with this console.
Our pre-school children find the controller confusing. Its got big buttons and little buttons, and coloured buttons, and a pen pad, and a joystick. If I'm honest I find it confusing too.
On screen, the user interface is very inconsistent. The children can't work out which buttons to press.
The graphics look like something from the mid 1980's, think Vic20/ZX Spectrum quality and you won't be far wrong. The sound seems muffled, making it difficult to hear what's being said. The music is ZX Spectrum quality - you'll want to make it stop after 2 minutes.
Inserting the games requires more force than our kiddies can muster.
Many of the games and navigations rely on text... which is fine for older children, but pre-school kiddies can't read. Though some navigation items are also spoken, the sound is so poor its often hard to make out whats being said.
There is only one controller in the pack (even though some games for the console are two player). Which provokes fights between our two. Additional controllers are ~£15 new (half the price of the console!).
Overall, we were very disappointed. If you're looking for a Christmas or birthday present think hard before you buy this.
Good PC games are generations ahead of this console (try Bob the Builder's Castle Adventure for example! I like playing that one, so do the children).




Great Fun, 02 Oct 2007
I brought these for my niece and guess what? She absolutely loves them. She can spend a considerable amount of time banging them together, switching it on and off, watching the lights change colour and listening to them. When she is being a bit difficult , I give her the maracas and it does the trick.
I think that they are a great purchase.

Early learning is easy and fun with a huggable friend! Little Singing Alfie features a friendly and soothing voice designed to encourage learning and language skills. Babies can press the 3 light-up buttons on Alfies tummy to hear fun phrases and sound e

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Really fun!, 26 Oct 2008
My 6yr old son loves this and plays it for ages at a time. Its educational but he finds it loads of fun.

V tech V smile - V Unhappy!, 26 Jul 2008
I had been trying to think of ways for our 3 and half year old to start recognising his alphabet - unfortunatley he hasn't taken to the jigsaws my older son enjoyed and I didn't want to push him into anything, but wanted to make it fun.

When I saw the V smile I thought 'Bingo!' - this will interest him as he is already familiar with playing basic games on cbeebies website and I noticed there was an alphabet game available (together with his interest in Thomas - I thought I'd cracked it!!!!)

So - I read 1 or 2 vague reviews here and there - but convinced myself that this was definitely the toy to have.

I decided to get everything working when the boys were in bed - so that I could avoid the inevitable impatience of me unwrapping and setting everything up. I cannot put into words how disappointed I was with the whole thing. Thank goodness they didn't see it (and never will).

Firstly the most noticable thing is the awful quality of the graphics
Secondly the sound quality isn't up to much at all and how a child is supposed to follow the vocal instructions I'll never know
Thirdly the controls for the games and the variation of what they need to understand to control the game is so confusing - I cannot comprehend that we're in the 21st century and a major toy company can get away with selling this as a quality educational toy.

As far as I'm concerned V-tech have created this cheap to manufacture but relatively costly toy (especially as you think you should buy the mains adaptor and the 2nd joystick and not to mention the phenomonally dear games)as an introduction to 'gaming' and not a quality educational toy.

I have definitely learned my lesson - going forward I will thoroughly research a toy before getting drawn into the hype.

If you're happy with the 1980's quality of the 'ZX' computer then go ahead and buy it - but I strongly advise you to re-think how you are spending your hard-earned cash.

Disappointing..., 04 Jan 2008
V-tech promises an award winning learning platform with entertaining graphics and funky coloured consoles but in reality the product is somewhat of an enigma.

The console and joystick are all well styled, feel durable and the whole system is easy to set-up. My kids were really excited at the look of it and even more engaged with all the enticing images on the packaging and individual games.

It looks like they spent a lot of time and effort designing it....and then you turn it on!!

The graphics are appalling with a fuzzy distortion which makes it very difficult to sit in front of for more than a few minutes. Added to this is a muffled sound navigation which is barely audible and text navigation which isn't always easy to read against the background.

I completely concur with a previous reviewer who likened this console to an early 80's computer and, whilst I didn't expect something that delivered XBOX or Nintendo gaming, it really disappointed against the most basic of expectations.

Keeps the kids quiet., 11 Dec 2007
Not sure what the previous reviewer was expecting for less than £40 - an XBOX 360 perhaps? Clearly this isnt a games console its a learning *toy* which our children like very much. We had the vision to buy the 2nd controller which was bundled with a game so was almost free anyway.

Graphics and sound are basic but not as bad as made out by previous reviewer - think Sega Master System rather than Vic20!!

All in all not a bad buy, the main downside is that the kids will grow out of it in time so think of it as having a lifespan of about 5 years max.

Not recommended..., 08 Dec 2007
We were really disappointed with this console.
Our pre-school children find the controller confusing. Its got big buttons and little buttons, and coloured buttons, and a pen pad, and a joystick. If I'm honest I find it confusing too.
On screen, the user interface is very inconsistent. The children can't work out which buttons to press.
The graphics look like something from the mid 1980's, think Vic20/ZX Spectrum quality and you won't be far wrong. The sound seems muffled, making it difficult to hear what's being said. The music is ZX Spectrum quality - you'll want to make it stop after 2 minutes.
Inserting the games requires more force than our kiddies can muster.
Many of the games and navigations rely on text... which is fine for older children, but pre-school kiddies can't read. Though some navigation items are also spoken, the sound is so poor its often hard to make out whats being said.
There is only one controller in the pack (even though some games for the console are two player). Which provokes fights between our two. Additional controllers are ~£15 new (half the price of the console!).
Overall, we were very disappointed. If you're looking for a Christmas or birthday present think hard before you buy this.
Good PC games are generations ahead of this console (try Bob the Builder's Castle Adventure for example! I like playing that one, so do the children).




Great Fun, 02 Oct 2007
I brought these for my niece and guess what? She absolutely loves them. She can spend a considerable amount of time banging them together, switching it on and off, watching the lights change colour and listening to them. When she is being a bit difficult , I give her the maracas and it does the trick.
I think that they are a great purchase.

Good for babies young and old , 02 Dec 2008
VTech Little Singing Alfie

Bought this for my 3 month old who loves bashing his belly and making it sing. He is too young to hold this properly himself (relatively heavy) but we have fun playing with it together.

4 out of 5 as there are very few interesting toys suitable for babies this young, but it could be a bit softer in the plush parts. I don't think it's very cuddly.

My 2 year old son loves it!, 03 Nov 2008
My son was given this when he was 2 by his grandma who forgot she had bought it for him when we was 6 months old!(She is getting a little forgetful...) Anyway he loves it! Despite the plastic buttons it is still very cuddly. There are lots of different tunes & phrases (American accent) depending on the combination of buttons pressed. The volume is low, which means it is much less annoying & more soothing for the little ones. Also seems to be very hard wearing & displays no damage or defects even after being affectionately flown accross the room a number of times!

Excellent, 21 Oct 2007
My grandson going to really enjoy this toy,the buttons are little finger friendly,thanks Amazon and Vetec

Hone your math skills while you help Sonic save his friends from the clutches of evil Dr. Eggman and his robots. Jump, run, spin-dash and soar through different zones as you count, add and subtract. Advance by answering maths problems in this fast-paced spinning game. Your efforts are rewarded with gold rings to rescue Amy Rose and Knuckles. 5 - 7 Years

Alphabet Zoo Ball, 25 Jan 2008
Although after about 10 minutes or so every day using this you will wish you never purchased it (I know a song that will get on your nerves, get on your nerves, get on your nerves.....)your baby will love the animal sounds, the repetition and the flashing lights and this will encourage them to start babbling and gurgling......which is just delightful!

By the light of the Moon, 06 Jun 2008
Bought this for my 7/8 year old who is mad about space and astronomy, we all think it's absolutely magical. It's very realistic, gives off just the right amount of light and is suitable to play with or just to leave on to go to sleep to. I can think of a few other kids who will be getting these for presents. Just GREAT!

moon in my room, 10 Mar 2008
got this for my 11 year olds bedroom, he loves it, he leave it to come on on its own when it gets dark. It lights his room up alot. great fun as he said.

like the look and idea, 15 Dec 2007
i havnt seen this in action yet i bought this as a present and it looks good in the box without been turned on but really it is just a glorified nightlite i guess but its the moon! and who doesent like the moon? ide recomend this for parents to buy for there children and for that guy of the sky at night who looks like he hasnt done a days work in his life the tax dodger to buy for patrick moore.

A good night-light masquerading as the moon..., 14 Dec 2007
From an adult perspective this is a nice product. The moon is hemispherical and the size of a small dinner plate. It mounts to a wall using a single screw (not provided) and a keyhole slot on the back. It comes with a remote control that has an on/off switch, a manual moon phase control and an automatic phasing button. The moon will only illuminate in a dark room (light sensor) and can be set to full auto: in which case it'll come on as soon as the room darkens or manual: you control the on/off.
The moon has the ability to illuminate itself to show the phases of the moon (crescent to full). This can be automatic in which case the phase moves every 5 seconds (too fast perhaps) or manual. The manual mode is useful because increasing or decreasing the illumination makes the moon a useful mood-light in a bedroom etc. The illumination turns off after 30 minutes so you'll not fall asleep and drain the batteries. Oh, there's also a CD of moon related information for kids to enjoy.
Children will like this if only for the night light ability and it does look reasonably moon like with the slightly textured surface to simulate craters. I quite like it.

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Stops working so easily, 24 Nov 2008
We have a new leapster 2 for my four year old who is really loving it. But we had only been using it a few hours and when we turned it off for lunch ( 15mins!) the screen was completely unresponsive when we tried to switch it back on just like the reviewer below. I remember reading this review before purchase and got the manual out and recalibrated the screen and it is working for now. Not impressed though. It is not something a child can do and it is a toy that you want them to pick up and be free to use without an adult having to "fix" it every time.

designed for kids who are right handed only, 02 Nov 2008
Bought this for my son who is almost 4 and he loves it and I think it is excellent and educational as well.
However, my son is left handed and found using the pen difficult since it is designed for people who use their right hand, which is a bit of a shame. I think toy makers should make their toys more flexible for people who are both left and right handed.

Good, but has some glitches, 26 Oct 2008
I bought this for my son's 6th birthday. He loves it and it is educational but also so much fun. However, I find that ever other time he turns it on the touch screen stops working, requiring me to recalibrate it. OK, so this only takes a minute, but is frustrating for him and me. More annoyingly, the online connection facility that it boasts does not seem to be working for me. I've followed all Leapfrogs instructions to the letter, but my son's rewards and saved pictures are not appearing on his profile's home page. I am currently in contact with their support team about this, so I'll hopefully get it sorted soon?!

Having said all this, he does love it and would be on it all the time if I didn't stop him!

Really fun!, 26 Oct 2008
My 6yr old son loves this and plays it for ages at a time. Its educational but he finds it loads of fun.

V tech V smile - V Unhappy!, 26 Jul 2008
I had been trying to think of ways for our 3 and half year old to start recognising his alphabet - unfortunatley he hasn't taken to the jigsaws my older son enjoyed and I didn't want to push him into anything, but wanted to make it fun.

When I saw the V smile I thought 'Bingo!' - this will interest him as he is already familiar with playing basic games on cbeebies website and I noticed there was an alphabet game available (together with his interest in Thomas - I thought I'd cracked it!!!!)

So - I read 1 or 2 vague reviews here and there - but convinced myself that this was definitely the toy to have.

I decided to get everything working when the boys were in bed - so that I could avoid the inevitable impatience of me unwrapping and setting everything up. I cannot put into words how disappointed I was with the whole thing. Thank goodness they didn't see it (and never will).

Firstly the most noticable thing is the awful quality of the graphics
Secondly the sound quality isn't up to much at all and how a child is supposed to follow the vocal instructions I'll never know
Thirdly the controls for the games and the variation of what they need to understand to control the game is so confusing - I cannot comprehend that we're in the 21st century and a major toy company can get away with selling this as a quality educational toy.

As far as I'm concerned V-tech have created this cheap to manufacture but relatively costly toy (especially as you think you should buy the mains adaptor and the 2nd joystick and not to mention the phenomonally dear games)as an introduction to 'gaming' and not a quality educational toy.

I have definitely learned my lesson - going forward I will thoroughly research a toy before getting drawn into the hype.

If you're happy with the 1980's quality of the 'ZX' computer then go ahead and buy it - but I strongly advise you to re-think how you are spending your hard-earned cash.

Disappointing..., 04 Jan 2008
V-tech promises an award winning learning platform with entertaining graphics and funky coloured consoles but in reality the product is somewhat of an enigma.

The console and joystick are all well styled, feel durable and the whole system is easy to set-up. My kids were really excited at the look of it and even more engaged with all the enticing images on the packaging and individual games.

It looks like they spent a lot of time and effort designing it....and then you turn it on!!

The graphics are appalling with a fuzzy distortion which makes it very difficult to sit in front of for more than a few minutes. Added to this is a muffled sound navigation which is barely audible and text navigation which isn't always easy to read against the background.

I completely concur with a previous reviewer who likened this console to an early 80's computer and, whilst I didn't expect something that delivered XBOX or Nintendo gaming, it really disappointed against the most basic of expectations.

Keeps the kids quiet., 11 Dec 2007
Not sure what the previous reviewer was expecting for less than £40 - an XBOX 360 perhaps? Clearly this isnt a games console its a learning *toy* which our children like very much. We had the vision to buy the 2nd controller which was bundled with a game so was almost free anyway.

Graphics and sound are basic but not as bad as made out by previous reviewer - think Sega Master System rather than Vic20!!

All in all not a bad buy, the main downside is that the kids will grow out of it in time so think of it as having a lifespan of about 5 years max.

Not recommended..., 08 Dec 2007
We were really disappointed with this console.
Our pre-school children find the controller confusing. Its got big buttons and little buttons, and coloured buttons, and a pen pad, and a joystick. If I'm honest I find it confusing too.
On screen, the user interface is very inconsistent. The children can't work out which buttons to press.
The graphics look like something from the mid 1980's, think Vic20/ZX Spectrum quality and you won't be far wrong. The sound seems muffled, making it difficult to hear what's being said. The music is ZX Spectrum quality - you'll want to make it stop after 2 minutes.
Inserting the games requires more force than our kiddies can muster.
Many of the games and navigations rely on text... which is fine for older children, but pre-school kiddies can't read. Though some navigation items are also spoken, the sound is so poor its often hard to make out whats being said.
There is only one controller in the pack (even though some games for the console are two player). Which provokes fights between our two. Additional controllers are ~£15 new (half the price of the console!).
Overall, we were very disappointed. If you're looking for a Christmas or birthday present think hard before you buy this.
Good PC games are generations ahead of this console (try Bob the Builder's Castle Adventure for example! I like playing that one, so do the children).




Great Fun, 02 Oct 2007
I brought these for my niece and guess what? She absolutely loves them. She can spend a considerable amount of time banging them together, switching it on and off, watching the lights change colour and listening to them. When she is being a bit difficult , I give her the maracas and it does the trick.
I think that they are a great purchase.

Good for babies young and old , 02 Dec 2008
VTech Little Singing Alfie

Bought this for my 3 month old who loves bashing his belly and making it sing. He is too young to hold this properly himself (relatively heavy) but we have fun playing with it together.

4 out of 5 as there are very few interesting toys suitable for babies this young, but it could be a bit softer in the plush parts. I don't think it's very cuddly.

My 2 year old son loves it!, 03 Nov 2008
My son was given this when he was 2 by his grandma who forgot she had bought it for him when we was 6 months old!(She is getting a little forgetful...) Anyway he loves it! Despite the plastic buttons it is still very cuddly. There are lots of different tunes & phrases (American accent) depending on the combination of buttons pressed. The volume is low, which means it is much less annoying & more soothing for the little ones. Also seems to be very hard wearing & displays no damage or defects even after being affectionately flown accross the room a number of times!

Excellent, 21 Oct 2007
My grandson going to really enjoy this toy,the buttons are little finger friendly,thanks Amazon and Vetec

A great introduction to Sonic!, 14 Feb 2008
Both my children play this. It's fast enough to keep the 6 year old interested and easy enough for the 3 year old to move around yet challenging in finding the relevant numbers. They both picked it up quickly and they love it!

excellent for capturing the child's attention, 17 Jan 2008
I bought this game for my son (3 1/2yrs) at Christmas. He absolutely loves it, seeing it as a "grown up" game. The game is based on Sonic, who has to solve simple maths questions to ensure his captured friend is released. The first stages are ideal for this age group - letting them become familiar with numbers and numerical order. Although my son has lots of other Leapster games (Madagascar is also a favourite), this is certainly his favourite - i'm just amazed at how much he has learned already.