Leapster vs. Leapster Lmax

[elf]

Can someone tell me the differences between the two? I know the LMAX hooks up to TV but if that's the only difference it's not important to me. I'd like to get one for each dd and $49-$54 (pink one) is a lot more affordable. Thanks.

 

[pjtjm]

That's the only difference I could see.

I was trying to decide which to buy, and I finally went with the original version. Not only is the base system cheaper, but the games are as well. Got a few at Walmart for $17.00.

I can tell she'll grow out of it in a few short years, and I think it's enough to spend for now.

Just my .02

 

[jsksjs]

Im pretty sure that both versions play both types of games. The older model plays the Lmax games as well as the older games and the newer Lmax System will play the older games and new ones of course

 

[Dsnymouse]

Heard you can use the L-max games on the original Leapster. Does anyone know if this is true?

 

[jsksjs]

I just read an LMAX game package, it says ALSO WORKS WITH LEAPSTER

 

[java]

I have read that SOME of the games for Leapster L-Max will work on leapster....but some won't. Now I don't know if that means just some of the features of the game or not at all. The only thing about Leap Frog is that when they come out with new versions of things the older ones suffer. They don't make new games ect... That is JMHO but I gues it depends on how long you expect you dd to play with it.

 

[jsksjs]

I did call the Company and the customer service assoc. told me all the Leapster products work on the L-Max hand held, but only some of the Leapster games work on both the L-Max hand held and the tv. Here is the list of Leapster games that he said work on the tv also: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, Batman, Bratz World, I-Spy, Math Baseball, Math Missions, Mr. Pencil Learn to Write & Draw, Moles Huge Nose, & Thomas & Friends

 

[colonels cruisers]

If your child is left handed look long and hard at the L max. The pen ( and the attached 'cord') on the leapster can be a nightmare for a leftie.

 

[littleshamrock]

Thank you for the heads up for lefties. My son is a leftie, and since I really never "looked" at the Leapster, I had no idea. I will have to consider other options....

 

[jsksjs]

So, the lmax doesnt have the pen attached in the center like the leapster? I might have to give her the leapster instead of the lmax, shes lefty!

 

[corie161]

If your child is left handed look long and hard at the L max. The pen ( and the attached 'cord') on the leapster can be a nightmare for a leftie.

From what it looks like the pen is centered on the bottom for both versions. Why would this be a problem?

 

[SueM in MN]

From what it looks like the pen is centered on the bottom for both versions. Why would this be a problem?

Here's a link to the LMAX page. I couldn't make it link to a page with a bigger picture, but you can get pictures from this page. They do show the LMAX pen anchored on the bottom. Some of the navigation buttons are on the left and some are on the right, so some games may actually be easier for left handed kids than right handed (and vice versa). It would depend on which keys a particular game uses.
The Leapster has the same arrangement.

I wonder if the person who posted that the pen might be a problem was thinking of the Leappad, which is a little to the right of being mounted in the middle. (Although, the cord on that is close enough to the middle and long enough that I don't think it would pose a problem for a left handed person).

 

[etwinchester]

The Lmax plays on the TV. That is the only difference from what I can tell as well. I purchased the Leapster since DD mainly plays it buy itself. I don't want to have to hook the darn thing up to the TV all the time. Not worth the additional $$ to me. I'd rather buy her more games. I do like some of the Lmax games and I'm going to get her Madagascar to play on the Leapster.