Leapster 2, V-Smile, or LeapFrog Leapster Learning Game System

[Nettaboo]

My DD is turning 4 in December and I am looking to purchase one of the three things for her.
She has the ClickStart My First Computer Educational Game so I am leaning more towards one of the hand helds..
Does anyone have any reviews on these?

 

[mickeymaker2003]

My niece has a Leapster and she seems to like it quite well. I would probably get the Leapster 2 since the price isn't much more than a regular Leapster. I would also recommend the extended warranty if it is offered by wherever you purchase it from. Older models had problems with the screens losing sensitivity (I dont' know if they've corrected the problem with current models or not).

 

[The Moonk's Mom]

We have the Vsmile and vpockets. I like the games, like the fact that they can interchange...BUT they are NOT durable. I had to take the Vsmile back twice. but the kids do love it.

 

[kitsch4]

My son loves his Leapster! I like the fact that the games are educational and you can get more advanced games when the child gets older.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

I have a Leapster for each of my boys. DS4 *loves* his, and we'll be picking up the new Wall-E game before our Disney trip to keep him occupied on the plane. DS2 likes his hand-me-down one, but certainly doesn't "play" the games - he just likes that it beeps and whatnot, and the fact that he's being like his brother.

 

[Marek 4]

Definitely the Leapster! Both my girls (now 8 and 5) have LOVED their Leapsters from the time they were 3 years old. We have definitely gotten the full value on the price we paid! And educational on top of that!

 

[tam626]

I have the Leapster for my 3 year old. He's just starting to get into it.

 

[Nettaboo]

Everyone thank you so much for the fast responses!!
Has anyone used the learning system that has the stylus with it or is it the same as the leapster 2 ?

 

[justwinnie]

We have the Leapster L-MAX. While I love the Leapster platform and available games (big age range!), I wouldn't buy the L-MAX if I had to do it all over again. A regular Leapster is good enough. The biggest difference between the L-Max and regular Leapster is the L-MAX's ability to be plugged in to the TV for playing. We've never done that and it costs on average $20 more for the L-MAX.

That being said, the L-MAX is very durable! My daughter has had her's since she was 3 and initially didn't really play with the games... just watched the video (Letter Factory) and played around with the buttons.... She's dropped it countless times-- even from shopping cart height-- and it still works fine.

If she needs a replacement unit any time in the near future, I'd buy her the Leapster2. It's smaller, so I don't know if it's as drop-friendly. It seems to be about $10 - 20 less than the L-Max, so that's good! The on-line progress tracking for parents seems like a good tool. And kids can connect and get points for on-line Leapster games.

My daughter, nieces, and nephews all love their Leapsters!

 

[kitsch4]

Has anyone used the learning system that has the stylus with it or is it the same as the leapster 2 ?

We just have the regular Leapster, and it does have the "stylus" attached to it. So I'm sure the other Leapsters do, too. This is what we have: http://www.leapfrog.com/en/families/leapster/leapster_learning0/leapster.html

I hope this link works.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

I would definitely say the Leapster! DS will be 7 soon, and has had his since he was 3. He STILL LOVES it!!!! We just got DD one for her 3rd birthday, and she is just getting into it now. She loves it, too! And the best part, EVERY SINGLE GAME IS EDUCATIONAL!!!!!! No brainless games whatsoever. So even though they seem like they are playing video games, they are actually LEARNING from it. It's GREAT!

 

[toy]

The best thing about the Leapster is the durability. My kids are rough on toys. Those poor leapsters have been through the ringer and they are still working great. They can be addicting. I have had to pry the game from my oldest child's hand late one night. The games are great.

 

[starann]

Another Leapster vote. We had the Leap game (one that hooks to the TV) and didn;t care for it, so then we got the V-smile for hte tv and that is ok. NOw we have the handheld Leapsters and my 3.5 and 4.5yo LOVE them.

They have been dropped several times and still work, and the new Leapster 2 games work in them as well.