leapster vs Lmax

[minnie4me]

We are trying to decide what sort of portable game to buy DS (just turned 5) for Christmas. He has a Vsmile for home, but need something for car, grandma's, etc... Was considering Vpocket since already have some games, but read alot of reviews of it breaking easily. DH thinks we should get a Nintendo DS (probably more for himself), but I do not think it has much in the way of educational games for a 5 year old. Am I wrong? I like something that is teaching DS w/out him realizing he is learning. So what are the big differences between leapster & Lmax? (besides price). I am thinking the Lmax can connect to tv? Can the Lmax support leapster games , as there are so many more? Education is my main concern, but practicality and fun are important too. Thanks...

 

[thunderbug548]

I can only comment on the Leapster products but I have a 5yr old who LOVES them. He's been playing with his LMax for probably a year and a half/2 years. The only difference between the 2 is the LMax can be plugged into a TV and when you play an LMax specific game, it has hidden games that you can't play on just the handheld LMax- only on a TV. The Leapster and LMax both play each other's cartridges though. That has to be the BEST toy I've ever bought. And I love that it's all educational.

 

[minnie4me]

bump...

 

[hollyk]

actually, the Lmax can play the leapster games but leapster can't play Lmax. We just went with the Lmax for versitility.

 

[thunderbug548]

actually, the Lmax can play the leapster games but leapster can't play Lmax. We just went with the Lmax for versitility.

Nope, not true- if you go to the Leapfrog website you can see the cartridges(boxes) and both machines can play each other's games. The Lmax games have a hidden game though that can only be played thru the TV.

Here's a direct quote from their website (looking at a LMax game but is on all games):
All Leapster games work with all Leapster Learning Game Systems (Leapster, Leapster L-Max™ and Leapster TV™).

 

[susykt4]

I bought regular Leapsters for my kids last Christmas (then ages 6 and 4.) Neither of them are big video game nuts, but both go through phases of playing Leapster. I was considering whether to buy regular or L-Max, but found a great package deal (Leapster, case, extra game) at Wal-Mart for less money than the Leapster alone usually costs. In our case, I doubt we EVER would have hooked the L-Max to the tv anyway.

The batteries seem to last pretty long. They play enough that I'm planning to buy them each a new game or two this Christmas. The Vsmile on the other hand- they play that so rarely, I'm giving it to my brother for his kids.