VTech launch Wii-like console for kids – What about PS3, Xbox 360?
Now, more than ever, gaming is for all. Once the domain of the super-geek, it’s a hobby now enjoyed by everyone from young kids to old-age pensioners. But the news that VTech is launching a console aimed at kids fills me with bewilderment. Not only is it a Wii clone, it’s also missing the point that kids are already playing games. They don’t need a toy to mimic the experience.
The Wii has a lot to answer for. Sure, it’s brought rafts of new gamers into the industry, which can only be a good thing, especially in a time of recession. But it’s also brought with it a new mentality of catering for the most casual of gamers, those who wouldn’t know what a Dreamcast was if one bit them on the arse.
I now consider myself quite the casual gamer, being able to play for an hour or so a day, not getting addicted, not being that competitive, etc, etc. But I’m still a gamer at heart and have a furious passion for consoles and gaming. Your typical Wii owner isn’t passionate. They are, instead, latching on to the zeitgeist and refusing to let go.
According to The Telegraph, VTech is now launching a console aimed at kids between the ages of three and seven. It’s called the Smile Motion and predictably uses very basic motion-sensing technology in order to appeal to those parents not quite ready or able to buy a Wii for their little cherubs.
Unlike traditional games consoles, the Smile Motion is merely a toy, and an educational (boo) one at that. The machine comes with a compendium of mini-games, with additional edutainment titles such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Dora the Explorer being available when the kids get bored very quickly with those.
There is some good about this I suppose. It shows how truly mainstream gaming has become and the effect (good and bad) that Nintendo has had on the industry. But I think VTech is missing a key point in the equation: kids are already playing games on not only the Wii but also the PS3 and Xbox 360. Which of us hasn’t had our butts kicked by a five-year-old at least once?
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11 Responses to “VTech launch Wii-like console for kids – What about PS3, Xbox 360?”
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January 22nd, 2009
yeah theres tons of crappy consoles out there in the market… like mattel made or something…
weird thing is… I see more ads for these shit than the PS3…
but thats not the point… the point is… they all suck…
January 23rd, 2009
My kids are growing up with Game consoles and I got the v-smile one for the little ones. They don’t play them because they are too simple. I guess they made them for the slow kids. I didn’t get the Wii clone one but the previous v-smile.
My kids play the DS and the Wii and now the PS3.
January 23rd, 2009
I’m guessing this is aimed at the toddlers (see title: “Wii for Toddlers”) and for parents who don’t want to spend $250+ (if they can find one) on a Wii, let alone a 360 or PS3 for a kid this age that would just as soon lick a controller and see how far it will fly as play a full-fledged game. It is priced at 60 pounds (how do I get that symbol on an american keypad?).
January 23rd, 2009
You don’t have the pound sign on an american keypad?!
The cheek of it – we have your bloody dollar sign on ours.
££$$¥¥££$$¥¥££$$¥¥
January 23rd, 2009
^¨¥†ƒ∫~˚¬∑øª•¶€¥˙~µµ≤Ω¬≈øª•¨¥ç˙©∫~µ≤¬πº¡ºª€•¶#§∞¢≠‘«æ…≥≤µ~˚øπ“π…¬˚
Just some of the random keys on my mac
January 23rd, 2009
Sorry, I’ve got a Dell XPS 1330 without a number pad. I’m sure I could do it but am too lazy to find out how right now.
January 23rd, 2009
THATS CUS!!!
AMERICA… FUCK YEAH!!!
January 24th, 2009
Your puerility knows no bounds dwh. At least you love America. Haha.
January 24th, 2009
Lol CarlB nails it.
January 24th, 2009
ohh yeah cus we need to be so serious and mature about games… because games are an art form…
lighten up Carl… we are talking about video games… doesnt mean we cant be kooky once in a while…
bitch…
January 25th, 2009
aww… did the little dwh pookie get mad? Or do you really believe we need to talk like children in order to talk about videogames? Lighten up dwh, I was just joking around.