Let me start by saying that I really like the concept of an educational system that incorporates drawing, voice, and characters known to the children. This is what V Smile does. However, if it does not allow the children to play the same way they are used to on a Sony PlayStation, a PSP, a Nintendo DS/DSi, or even a computer then they end up being frustrated.

I am talking solely from personal experience and it might be that my children’s V Smile system is defective but I did see a couple of these systems, including the one in the shop.

The main reason of frustration is the controls; they are not precise enough. I gave it to my daughter who is 5 years old and she got frustrated quickly. The drawing pen is way off and ends up not drawing the same character required. I she was frustrated because she could not finished the level so I tried to help her but found out that the controls was not enjoyable. I saw the same thing happen with my two boys (6 & 7).

I see that they have a similar device called V.Flash which is for 6+ years. I am wondering if it has a better experience.