V.Flash
The V.Flash (also known as V.Smile Pro in Europe; stylized as V.FLASH HOME EDUTAINMENT SYSTEM) is a seventh-generation educational home video game console and spinoff from the V.Smile series of video game consoles manufactured and released by VTech. Unlike the V.Smile, this game console uses 3D graphics and is designed for kids aged 5+.
Manufacturer | VTech |
---|---|
Type | Educational home video game console |
Generation | Seventh generation |
Release date | September 2006 |
Discontinued | 2007 |
Media | CD-ROM |
CPU | ARM9 from LSI Logic |
Storage | Memory card |
Controller input | Joystick |
Predecessor | V.Smile |
Successor | None |
It was revealed at the 2006 London Toy Fair,[1] and released in September 2006.[2]
Games
Since the console did not sell as well as the V.Smile, not many games were made for it. All games were released in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, France and Germany, with the exceptions of Bratz Fashion Pixiez: The Secret Necklace, which was not released in the United Kingdom and Germany, Multisports, which was exclusive to Germany, and Scooby-Doo!: Ancient Adventure, which was not released in Germany.
There are 10 titles known to have been released;
- Although the name is in English, Multisports was exclusive to Europe and no English version exists.
CDs
Unlike most other CD-ROM-based consoles, this system uses 12 cm CDs enclosed with plastic to protect damage from touching, which is somewhat similar to 3.5" floppy disks or UMDs. The discs use the ISO 9660[3] file system, without any copy protection mechanism other than a simple sensor in the case jacket, making it possible to make a disc image out of the media, although there hasn't been any known cases of piracy involving the V.Flash. Because of this, the V.Flash can also play audio CDs and user-recorded CD-Rs using the supplied disc adapter.
Other hardware
The processor is an ARM9 processor from LSI Logic. Files are stored in 3 main formats: .mjp, .ptx, and .snd. The latter have been determined to be PCM WAV files.
Rated at 1.5 million polygons per second and with a 32 bit CPU, this system is directly comparable to the fifth generation game consoles, such as the PlayStation.
See also
References
- "VTech Unveils a New CD-Based Home Edutainment System – V.Flash at London Toy Fair". VTech. 26 January 2006. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
- Orland, Kyle (October 26, 2006). "Nine year old wins scholarship for edu-game idea". Joystiq. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
- "V.Flash Explorations". Emu Vibes. 26 May 2007. Archived from the original on 5 March 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2010.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
External links
- Official Site
- ARM Processor
- Vtech V.Flash Educational Line
- http://dso.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=177100739
- V.Flash reverse engineering
- VFlash technical details and reverse-engineering
- V.Smile Shop archived from the Way back Machine in December 27th, 2013
- 20th Century Retro Games entry (Gallery page for various VTech V.Smile models, including V.Flash)