My husband wants to get our girls, age 3 and 5 a leapster for christmas. Which is better? The Leapster 2 or the Leapster Explorer? I don't like the idea of video games at this age, but I lost that argument. We want them to get the same system so they can share games.
We got my 2.5 year old a Leapster 2 for Christmas (last year). He is now 3.5 and never touches the thing. The graphics on it are not great. He plays with his sister's old DS. And since she was upgraded to a DSi, the older DS is just his. So while they are only 3 and 5, I wouldn't recommend either one really. It won't last as long...the DS is a better way to go IMO.
Leapsters are amazing....you would be doing your kids a "disservice" by not getting them one IMO. I wouldn't even classify them as video games. They are educational games that happen to be played on a handheld. My kids are way past Leapster now so can't advise on which one though.
I have the Leapster 2 they rarely play with it we have 2 games so far that were from last Christmas they are 20.00 each I don't want to pay that kind of $ on something they don't get any use out of.And also they have a Vtech hooks to the tv played maybe a handful of times it takes batteries they run out so fast they became bored with it the picture is awful on our flat screen so not worth the money don't like video games here either i'd rather have them have a million other toys that are useful than video gameing systems that cost $$ to keep up with them & games not my cup of tea they keep occupied with other thigs & get education else where than video games..
D., these are very educational, I wish they had these when my kids were young, as far as which ones, you need to go look at them they have different games for different age. Most dads would not be thinking like yours, I think it's great. J.
My 7 yr old has had the Leapster 2 for several years and plays with it ALL the time. Especially in the car...it keeps her happy for hours. There are LOTS of educational games (highly recommend Mr. Pencil!). We are getting ready to sell ours and upgrade her to the Nintendo DSi she is dying to have, but unfortunately there aren't as many educational games for that system :(
Lilpiggietoes, your kids may be bored with just those 2 games...and maybe they were not great picks? There are lots of great leapster games and some real duds...you have to do the research to find the "winners".
I don't know which is better. I am friends with the owner of a used childrens consignment store. She gets these systems in all the time because no one wants to buy the games and books. You could save big by going there.
You can also find the games on clearance sometimes at office stores after the holidays(office max and office depot). Sometimes she gets one in the original box. Leave your name, number, and item you want locally. They might find you a set.
I dunno which is better but last year I got my son the leapster 2 and he loves it. He's almost 4 now plays with it a few times a week (when he's not outside playing with his little brother lol) and still loves it. Then I saw the ads for the leapster explore and I kind of want to get him that one now lol. I will say though the leapster producs are great when your a mom like me who want fun but educational video games for the kids. They will love either one that you get I'm sure :)
Seriously don't be bummed about the Leapster. My son has the Leapster 2 and I will say nothing but good things about it! It teaches my son SO many things (letters, numbers, counting, vowels, etc.)! He loves playing with it, and he is learning so much at the same time (remember, if learning is fun they are much more likely to pick it up). I don't know much about the Explorer because I think it is the newer one, but the Leapster 2 is absolutely amazing! Good choice by your hubby!
