Vsmile Pocket vs Leapster?

[kellia]

I keep reading conflicting reviews of the two products. Any suggestions which would be better for just turned 5 year olds? I don't care about them hooking to the tv, just want them for hand held use.

Thanks!

 

[Perditamarie]

Leapster, hands down. The unit is easy to use (not too many buttons)and hold and has a connected stylus. The leapster games are educational, intuitive and fun-- there are multiple levels of difficulty built in,4+ games per cartridge, a nice selection of games to choose from, and several games have videos/stories in them as well.

We had the vsmile unit that connected to the TV but the games are the same as the pocket. The games were boring (repetitive) and graphics weren't great.

Often the leapster games go on sale for $19.99 (sometimes less). This is one of the best toys we have ever bought andall 3 kids play with them.

 

[mrs.beast]

another vote for leapster. superior product. great games. my 2 older ones 4 and 6 have had them for 3 yrs. they use them in the car all the time, and occasionally at home. my 8yr old nephew still plays with the one we gave him 2 yrs ago for christmas. he loves the batman 3rd/4th grade game so i know it is a product that my own kids will use for years.

 

[Dagny]

Another vote for the Leapster. I bought one for my son when he was 4 and he still loves it

 

[EthansMom]

Leapster Rocks! DS6 has handed down his easier games to DD3.5.

If your 5 year-old doesn't know his/her phonics, then I highly recommend "Letter Factory" which is a Leapster video that teaches kids their phonics. "Clifford" has a section on writing letters, as does "Disney Princess".

The "Kindergarten" game is good also for that age.

The games often have difficulty settings (1-3, with 3 being most difficult) and the ages/grades listed on the packaging are usually pretty acurate.

I recommend getting the case. Instead of getting the docking port, get rechargeable AA batteries (it takes 4).

 

[mommy2aprincess4]

Leapster absolutely! My daughter got hers when she was 3 1/2, she still plays it everyday. She loves "Letter Factory", she calls it her "Letter Movie" and usually plays it at night when she's in bed. Also, check out Walmart's clearance aisle's - I got her a game there (can't recall which one right now) for $2.99 a few weeks ago!

 

[vmickey]

We couldn't be happier with our leapster. Actually DS #2 is getting his own this Christmas.

 

[mousemommyx3]

Adding a vote for the leapster...we actually have both DD4 decided that she wanted one with a "pen" after DD7 got her Nintendo DS. THe games for the Leapster seem much more varied and educational. Plus they are more interactive. The games are much more age appropriate too. The games for preschool are really preschool games. My DD likes that it is pink! Our pockets are going in the ebay pile!

 

[kellia]

Thanks, everyone! I guess that is the one I will get my sons for their bday! We have the Vsmile for the TV, so it would be nice to use the same games, but I thought the Leapster looked "better". Especially since my sons keep begging for a Nintendo DS like their big sister, I am hoping the pen will make them happy!

 

[kileybeth]

okay, we want the leapster. Does it ever go on sale? what is the best price? place to get one?

 

[kellia]

okay, we want the leapster. Does it ever go on sale? what is the best price? place to get one?

I'm hoping Black Friday they will! Or, TRU has had a Buy 2 Leapster items, get 1 Free every few weeks.

 

[pamluvsdisney]

Last year after Thanksgiving I got a bundle that had a Leapster and a case and maybe a game too. I don't think it was Black Friday, but they probably will bundle some deal together.

My DD5 loves her Leapster!

Pam

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Watch Amazon. Last week I ordered Scooby-Doo and Number Raiders for $8 each.

 

[kittymarcy]

So your mind is already made up, but here's yet another vote for leapster. We actually have the L-Max which does hook to the tv, which we actually never use as such. We bought it for my eldest when he was 3. He's now 5 and still uses it almost daily, as well as my 2-year old. Their favorite games are Letters on the Loose and Counting on Zero - highly educational. My 2-year old is writing #s and letters using this thing!!! Of course, they also have and love the Sponge Bob and Dora games. You really can't go wrong. Check out eBay for deals too - I've seen some great bundles there, especially for the games.

 

[EthansMom]

My 2-year old is writing #s and letters using this thing!!!

I credit the Leapster with teaching both of my kids their basic phonics.

 

[vmickey]

I just ordered The Incredibles Leapster game from Amazon for $12.50!

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

Love the Leapster! We have LOTS of games that I've found for less the $10.00 at clearance sales..... just keep your eyes open!

 

[mermaidwannabe]

I'm not the OP, but thanks to everyone's opinions, we are getting my DD5 a Leapster for xmas. I already ordered the Letter Factory from Amazon for $12.50 and will look for the others that you all have recommended. I may hold out for a bundle pack on or after Black Friday. Just wanted to say thanks!

 

[StephMK]

Another happy Leapster owner! DS5 got one last yr and loves it! DD7 lkes to borrow it and they both use it in the car. I didn't want the TV capability since they already love their screen time enough as it is.

 

[WeemanMom]

Leapster...anything by Leap gets my vote. My daughter loves her leapster, she got it for her birthday when she turned three, she is turning four in just a couple of weeks. Even though it's been dropped, dragged, and played with heartily, it's still in great functional condition (it still looks good too).

Yes, it goes on sale. Take a peak at the Toys R Us Big Book that just came out today. $59.99 for the regular one...$69.99 for the max. Enjoy!