The VTech Socrates was an educational video game console

Video game console

A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...

 released in 1988 by VTech

VTech

VTech is the common name of Video Technology Ltd. , a Hong Kong-based manufacturer of consumer electronics...

. The console featured a robot character Socrates, named after the philosopher

Socrates

Socrates was a classical Greek Athenian philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he is an enigmatic figure known chiefly through the accounts of later classical writers, especially the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon, and the plays of his contemporary ...

. The character is visually similar to Johnny Five from the Short Circuit

Short Circuit

Short Circuit is a 1986 comedy science fiction film starring Ally Sheedy and Steve Guttenberg and directed by John Badham. Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton, and G. W...

 movies.

The system featured standard wireless controllers that communicated via infrared

Infrared

Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...

 reception.

In Germany, the system was sold by "Yeno" under the name "Prof. Weiss-Alles" [sic].

Games

Many games cartridges were available for the Socrates including: Facts 'N Fractions, State to State, Memory Mania, Around the World, Hodge Podge, Game Wizard and Amazing Mazes. Alongside this, other cartridges came available with different functions, such as the CAD Design System for designing different objects, and the Touch Pad system, mainly geared towards younger learners.

There were games built into the console as well, including math, language, music and art programs. The system also featured voice capabilities through the use of an add-on voice cartridge which could be purchased separately.

Hardware

The system came standard with a wireless full keyboard with two wired-on controllers. Other optional hardware included a wireless mouse with attached mouse pad (mainly for use with the CAD Design Cartridge) and an electronic touchpad

Touchpad

A touchpad is a pointing device featuring a tactile sensor, a specialized surface that can translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relative position on screen. Touch pads are a common feature of laptop computers, and they are also used as a substitute for a mouse where desk...

 (for the Touch Pad cartridge.)

Price and Phase Out

The system was quite expensive upon its initial release; most consoles saw prices of up to $130. Due to the price and the competition with VTech's other products, including the Whiz Kid systems, the Socrates was phased out after only a few years. Today, it is considered rare, although attempts to emulate the system proceed as part of the MESS project.