CHICAGO, July 11 /PRNewswire/ -- VTech(R) Electronics North America, the creator of the Electronic Learning Products category, today broadened its offerings to include Spanish-language versions of 12 of its most popular Smartridge(TM) educational video games.

V.Smile(TM) Smartridges use entertaining, non-violent game play to teach children ages 3 to 8 language, math, vocabulary and problem-solving skills. Compatible with both the V.Smile TV Learning System (ages 3 to 6) console and with the portable V.Smile Pocket (ages 5 to 8), the new Smartridges are VTech's first educational games for the growing U.S. Spanish-speaking population.

"More than 28 million people speak Spanish at home in the U.S., but they've traditionally been underserved when it comes to electronic learning content," said Julia Fitzgerald, vice president of marketing, VTech Electronics North America. "VTech has responded with a library of fun, high-quality Spanish-language educational games to meet their needs -- and the needs of parents who wish to teach their children Spanish as a second language."

V.Smile Smartridges are divided into two modes of play: Learning Adventure and Learning Zone. The Learning Adventure mode leads kids on three to four missions, engaging them in a sequence of established learning activities. Shorter, arcade-style Learning Zone games allow children to enjoy specific learning activities of their choice and focus on particular areas of interest, such as telling time or learning the alphabet.

V.Smile Smartridge Spanish Language Library Early Learners - Ages 3 to 5 La Gran Aventura de Simba The Lion King: Simba's Big Adventure Grandes Descubrimientos de Elmo Elmo's Great Discoveries En Busca de la Miel Winnie the Pooh's Honey Hunt Junior Thinkers - Ages 4 to 6 El Viaje Fantastico de Ariel The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Majestic Journey Spiderman: Misiones Secretas Spiderman: Secret Missions Scooby Doo: Misterio en el Parque Scooby Doo: Mystery in the Park Toy Story 2: El Rescate de Woody Toy Story 2 Operation: Rescue Woody Buscando a Nemo Finding Nemo: Nemo's Ocean Discoveries Master Minds - Ages 6 to 8 La Aventura Magica de Mickey The Magic Adventures of Mickey El Maravilloso Mundo de Aladin Aladdin's Wonders of the World Batman: Rescate en Gotham City The Batman: Gotham City Rescue Los Suen os Magicos de Cenicienta Cinderella's Magical Dreams ABOUT THE V.SMILE FAMILY

VTech's V.Smile Family of products turns "game time" into "brain time" by combining educational content and loveable characters with a video game platform and hand held system that connects directly to the television. With V.Smile TV Learning System, children navigate each game by using a joystick with oversized buttons, which can be adapted for right-and left-handed players alike. The V.Smile Pocket Learning System provides handheld wireless video gaming on the system's high resolution LCD screen or kids can connect the handheld to the television to play on the big screen.

V.Smile TV Learning System was the recipient of the 2004 Toy Industry Association's "Toy of the Year" and "Educational Toy of the Year" awards, named to the Toy Wishes Magazine 2004 "Hot Dozen" and 20 additional industry awards. V.Smile Pocket was named to the Toy Wishes Magazine 2005 "Hot Dozen" and the recipient of 15 additional industry awards.

The V.Smile TV Learning System (ERP $59.99), V.Smile Pocket (ERP $89.99) and V.Smile Smartridges (ERP $19.99) are available at participating retailers nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.vtechkids.com/ .

ABOUT VTECH

VTech, the creator of the Electronic Learning Products (ELP) Category and the award-winning V.Smile TV Learning System, is a world leader in age-appropriate learning toys. Since 1976, VTech has been developing high-quality, innovative educational products for children from birth to preteen that deliver "smart play" through the combination of entertaining electronic formats and engaging, age-appropriate content that help children learn while having fun.

VTech Electronics North America, LLC is based in Arlington Heights, Ill. VTech Electronics, Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong and is a pioneer in the establishment of China-based manufacturing facilities, selling its products via a strong brand platform supported by a well-established distribution network in North America, Europe and Asia.

Contact: Ashley Fullman 312-233-1217 (work) 773-454-3320 (cell) ashley.fullman@edelman.com

CONTACT: Ashley Fullman for VTech Electronics North America, LLC,
+1-312-233-1217, or cell, +1-773-454-3320, or ashley.fullman@edelman.com

Web site: http://www.vtechkids.com/