4 - 6 year olds Leapster 2 or Leapster Explorer

[happydisneyfamily]

Both are on sale and the games are on sale for both so wondering which is the better one to get. I see a lot of the Leapster games on sale (thinking they will work on the Leapster 2) so I would be able to pick up a bunch of them. However I heard the Leapster Explorer is a newer updated version but the games cost more so I could only get maybe a couple right now. I expect these to last maybe a year or two before I update them to some newer hand held system. Knowing that, what do you suggest between the two?

 

[afeld111781]

I just got the Leapster Explorer at target for 39.99. I got a target coupon for 10 dollars off and read on the leapfrog website that certain boxes of cheerios have a 10 dollar coupon on them and low and behold mine did so it was on sale at Target this week for 59.99 minus the 20 dollars in coupons...a very good deal in my opinion..my daughter is 6 and VERY smart so I wanted something that she would grow with for a couple years and even my 3 year old son LOVES it...we've only had it since Monday and dont have a lot of games but i downloaded a couple with the code it came with and a bonus code on the cheerio box...

To say all that Id go with the Explorer because of the technology, electronics go obsolete so fast...although my kids do still like the v-smile and cyberpocket once and awhil...

 

[taaren]

My in-laws bought my son (for his 4th birthday) last month an Explorer. While this is cool, most of the games were too hard for him. And there are not as many games. He kept getting frustrated with them so my mom ended up buying him a Leapster 2, which has more age appropriate games (ie. identify the letter vs read this sentence!). He plays the Leapster 2 much more now but I have a feeling he'll enjoy the Explorer more in a year-18 months. And hopefully by then they will put out more games for Explorer.
Therefore, if you're only planning on them using it for a year or two, I'd recommend Leapster 2. Particularly if your child is 4. More games is better.

 

[tinkmom2]

I got the Explorer. There was a coupon a few months back and I put it on layaway. I wish I got mine for $39.00! lol My oldest had the original leapster and loved it! My youngest is always trying to steal my oldests DS so I know she is ready for it. Leapster has their own site and they run specials on the games. With Leapster they phase out the older games and they begin to be harder to find but sometimes you can get good deals like buy one get one at Toys r us.

 

[Skatermom23]

I think the Leapster 2 is better for the 4 and 5 year olds. Less stuff to overwhelm them.

 

[kimkoz]

I'd buy an Explorer - My 4.5 son has the Leapster and has been playing it since 3. He loves it but I find he's not challenged anymore. Of course new games have helped but I've played around with the Explorer a bit and I think if I didn't have the Leapster already I would have bought the Explorer instead. I also heard that they are doing away with Leapster 2 but I have not seen anything in writing. I think they are pushing more towards new for the Explorer. I'd go buy the new for my son but he wants a DSI now, he's too young so I'm holding off another year.

 

[kimkoz]

Forgot to mention you can use the Leapster games on the Leapster 2.