Leapster 2 or DS??? My twin boys are 4, will be 4 and a half at Christmas time - I know I'm thinking ahead but I like to plan. Anyway - we have a Wii and they don't play it a lot but they do like to play games like Mario Kart, bowling, and Diego Dinosaur Rescue, they also really like the new Sports Resort sword games. They handle the Wii fairly well...I'm now thinking of getting them a handheld system for Christmas and just not sure about the Leapster 2 or the DS. I would like the DS because then I could get games for myself too! But I'm wondering if the Leapster wouldn't be more their speed? I just don't want to buy the DS and have it be too hard, but I also don't want to buy the Leapster 2 and have it be too boring. I saw a review somewhere where someone said if your kids have access to a Wii they'd be bored with the Leapster. Any thoughts??? Thanks! Leapster 2 or DS??? My twin boys are 4, will be 4 and a half at Christmas time - I know I'm thinking ahead but I like to plan. Anyway - we have a Wii and they don't play it a lot but they... » Read More Leapster 2 or DS??? My twin boys are 4, will be 4 and a half at Christmas time - I know I'm thinking ahead but I like to plan. Anyway - we have a Wii and they don't play it a lot but they do like to play games like Mario Kart, bowling, and Diego Dinosaur Rescue, they also really like the new Sports Resort sword games. They handle the Wii fairly well...I'm now thinking of getting them a handheld system for Christmas and just not sure about the Leapster 2 or the DS. I would like the DS because then I could get games for myself too! But I'm wondering if the Leapster wouldn't be more their speed? I just don't want to buy the DS and have it be too hard, but I also don't want to buy the Leapster 2 and have it be too boring. I saw a review somewhere where someone said if your kids have access to a Wii they'd be bored with the Leapster. Any thoughts??? Thanks! « Show Less
879474
Leapster is great. My kids loved the educational games. It lasted a couple of years. While they still play it, they are now ready for the DS. I'd go with the Leapster, and maybe go with some used games. I wouldn't invest too much because around 6-7 they want the newer big-kid games.
879475
Hi H. Sexton-Which leapster do you have? It looks like each new game is $20+ for the Leapster 2. Thanks.
879476
Thanks for your input. I did not get one, I just decided that since we have the Wii - that's enough right now. I don't want to turn them into big gamers at the age of 4. Thanks again for your input, have a Merry Christmas!
879477
Go with the DS all the way. There are plenty of educational games out there for it plus a ton of regular games he/she would enjoy playing!
879478
Get the DS. If your kids are already playing the Wii, they will be probably be bored with the kids stuff on the Leapster. There are TONS of games available for the DS. Many are very simple for young children (Crayola Treasure Adventure), then there are lots of adult oriented games (Brain Age, Professor Layton, etc). .. Then there are lots of games in the middle for all ages.
879479
It depends on how responsible your child is as well. One drop on the hardwood floor and our 5 year olds DS now has a half blank screen. I also didn't find many educational games that he could play without his older brothers helping. We are going for a Leapster 2 this Christmas. He's a sponge with educational games and loves to learn.
879480
I would go with the DS. I had both the DS and Leapster for my son and he definitely played with the DS more. There are plenty of games for a four year old as well as for us adults. All in all the selection of games available for the DS is over 1000, so there's plenty to choose from.
879481
You probably already got one, but my concern would be the dropping. My 4 year old has dropped his leapster so many times and I wouldn't get him a DS for a few years because of it. If they could be responsible I think the DS would be cool. I will upgrade probably when he is around 7ish and maybe get one for his brother depending on if he can do it when he is 5 or just get another Leapster or pass brother's down.
879482
I agree with H. Sexton, Jr. I just got my 7 yr old a DS to replace his Leapster. It was awesome! It is all educational. I've only found 2 educational games for his level so far on DS. He reads on a 4th grade level and is in G&T; and I am having a hard time finding educational games. If you want ed- I'd go to the Leapster. Hope this helps!
1978324
I will have to ask my husband regarding the "facts" question. However, I must admit that I'm not sure I would buy this toy for my 4 year old son again. It's difficult for it to transform. My husband has to do it ever time. And it doesn't really move on it's own. Just says things every now and then. And they are somewhat difficult to turn off. If you have any of the other Switch N Go Dinos - in comparison, this one fails. It's much more flimsy, etc. I know it's a spendy purchase. My son wanted Jagger too, but I convinced him to go a different route. He just doesn't play with it all that often. I will have to ask my husband regarding the "facts" question. However, I must admit that I'm not sure I would buy this toy for my 4 year old son again. It's difficult for it to transform. My husband has to do it ever time. And it doesn't really move on it's own. Just says things every now and then. And they are somewhat difficult to turn off. If you have any of the other Switch N Go Dinos - in comparison, this one fails. It's much more flimsy, etc. I know it's a spendy purchase. My son wanted Jagger too, but I convinced him to go a different route. He just doesn't play with it all... » Read More I will have to ask my husband regarding the "facts" question. However, I must admit that I'm not sure I would buy this toy for my 4 year old son again. It's difficult for it to transform. My husband has to do it ever time. And it doesn't really move on it's own. Just says things every now and then. And they are somewhat difficult to turn off. If you have any of the other Switch N Go Dinos - in comparison, this one fails. It's much more flimsy, etc. I know it's a spendy purchase. My son wanted Jagger too, but I convinced him to go a different route. He just doesn't play with it all that often. « Show Less
304688
I brought mine for my 3 yr old last year. Her new sister, now 18 months, loves to use the coloring action on the Leapster. She drags it around my tile kitchen and bathroom, turns it off and on constantly, and preety much tries to destoy it on her own. That thing takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I am actually trying to find a used one for the little one.
1155859
Even my five year old has problems playing most games on my DS - he's just learning to read, and most games have word-instructions, rather than spoken instructions like the Leapster. While some of the arcade style games he can enjoy for a short time (he can only go a few levels before these games become too hard for him, coordination-wise), and some of the kids games he can play with help from me (reading the in-game instructions for him), he generally prefers his Leapster, as does his 2 year old brother. Also, the Leapster is made to withstand a young child throwing, dropping and banging it around, whereas the DS is built with older kids, teens and adults in mind. Even my five year old has problems playing most games on my DS - he's just learning to read, and most games have word-instructions, rather than spoken instructions like the Leapster. While some of the arcade style games he can enjoy for a short time (he can only go a few levels before these games become too hard for him, coordination-wise), and some of the kids games he can play with help from me (reading the in-game instructions for him), he generally prefers his Leapster, as does his 2 year old brother. Also, the Leapster is made to withstand a young child throwing, dropping and banging... » Read More Even my five year old has problems playing most games on my DS - he's just learning to read, and most games have word-instructions, rather than spoken instructions like the Leapster. While some of the arcade style games he can enjoy for a short time (he can only go a few levels before these games become too hard for him, coordination-wise), and some of the kids games he can play with help from me (reading the in-game instructions for him), he generally prefers his Leapster, as does his 2 year old brother. Also, the Leapster is made to withstand a young child throwing, dropping and banging it around, whereas the DS is built with older kids, teens and adults in mind. « Show Less
2145428
I don't have the V.motion but have both the V.smile and Leapfrogs Clickstart computer which both are for the same age group as the v.motion. I got those two last year when my son had just turned 2 and he was able to use them expertly right from the beginning so I am sure your son will be able to use the V.motion, If your not sure you could always buy one of the original V.smile games that are suitable for younger kids like the winnie the pooh one as the V.motion takes V.smile games and the V.motion can also be used without the 'motion' feature. I am planning on getting this for my son this year and he will be just after turning 3. I don't have the V.motion but have both the V.smile and Leapfrogs Clickstart computer which both are for the same age group as the v.motion. I got those two last year when my son had just turned 2 and he was able to use them expertly right from the beginning so I am sure your son will be able to use the V.motion, If your not sure you could always buy one of the original V.smile games that are suitable for younger kids like the winnie the pooh one as the V.motion takes V.smile games and the V.motion can also be used without the 'motion' feature. I am planning on getting this for my son this... » Read More I don't have the V.motion but have both the V.smile and Leapfrogs Clickstart computer which both are for the same age group as the v.motion. I got those two last year when my son had just turned 2 and he was able to use them expertly right from the beginning so I am sure your son will be able to use the V.motion, If your not sure you could always buy one of the original V.smile games that are suitable for younger kids like the winnie the pooh one as the V.motion takes V.smile games and the V.motion can also be used without the 'motion' feature. I am planning on getting this for my son this year and he will be just after turning 3. « Show Less
1351486
I agree that the InnoTab is going to be a little too easy for her. My son is six and it's not as fun/challenging for him. My four year old loves it. The games for this machine top out at age 8, and especially if she's bright I think she'd be easily bored by the games you can buy for this. Leap Pad2 I think is a little more appropriate for that age, but also she's going to top out pretty quickly. DS is probably a good option for her, though the games are not always geared towards learning if that is a concern. Good luck!
429521
unless you like the camera feature - I say leapster 2.. it is simplier and has more games. My Son got it the month it came out ( his 3rd b day) and has had it almost 2 years.. LOVES it!!
2007217
I called Leapster.com to try and purchase a recharging system just last week and they are on back order. They were on back order over the summer as well, so I'm not sure they're going to be available for the holidays.GREAT NEWS The recharging system is now on SALE for only $19.99 on the leapster.com website. I just bought one! 1/12/09
1155852
Using the DS requires very good fine motor skills. Few 3 year olds have the skills to make the game do what they want, so it is frustrating and gets set aside. I would not get a DS for age three unless the child is already writing letters pretty well.
634198
I've been looking at the Vsmile and the Leapster with the stylus. Is this what you are comparing? I'm wondering if the graphics, game quality, etc. are equal, but I'm also wondering if the Leapster with stylus is easier to run for 3 year olds. The Leapster and its cartidges are more expensive, but the stylus on the Vsmile is used on a screen the is separate from the graphics screen. Do you know anything about these questions? I've only got so much money, and I'm concerned about making the "wrong" choice.Thanks!
415198
I got this game system for my son when he was 4. He was not yet in school but getting ready for preschool. He loved it myself as well. I loved watching him learn new things and answer the questions he already knew. He had the leapster explorer and the leapster 2 way before he got the Nintendo ds and Wii. He wanted all the games so we got him as many as we could including Tangled . He played it and just like the other games he learned from it. We also found out the store Five and Below carries tons of Leapster Explorer games for $5 not the $20 you pay in a reg. Store. But I highly recommend this game especially for a 7 year old girl. Hope this helps. I got this game system for my son when he was 4. He was not yet in school but getting ready for preschool. He loved it myself as well. I loved watching him learn new things and answer the questions he already knew. He had the leapster explorer and the leapster 2 way before he got the Nintendo ds and Wii. He wanted all the games so we got him as many as we could including Tangled . He played it and just like the other games he learned from it. We also found out the store Five and Below carries tons of Leapster Explorer games for $5 not the $20 you pay in a reg. Store. But I highly recommend... » Read More I got this game system for my son when he was 4. He was not yet in school but getting ready for preschool. He loved it myself as well. I loved watching him learn new things and answer the questions he already knew. He had the leapster explorer and the leapster 2 way before he got the Nintendo ds and Wii. He wanted all the games so we got him as many as we could including Tangled . He played it and just like the other games he learned from it. We also found out the store Five and Below carries tons of Leapster Explorer games for $5 not the $20 you pay in a reg. Store. But I highly recommend this game especially for a 7 year old girl. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1821092
We haven't tested it out yet, it's for Christmas. But other games we bought in the past that said "(works with LeapPad Tablets, LeapsterGS, and Leapster Explorer)" have worked in the LeapPad 2. Sorry I couldn't be more specific.
1952923
we own the original leapster but from any knowledge that ive had I am about 90% sure they made the leapster two so it can still play all the old games. but a leap pad and leapster are two different components all together so a leapster2 yes a leap pad im gonna say no.
1216710
I have three children and three different types of DS "game consoles/ systems" --- a DSiXL and a 3DS and a 2DS. All DS games and all 3DS games will play on a 3DS as well as a 2DS. However the first DS we bought (which was the DSiXL) will be limited to only DS games. A plain, regular DS will not play 3DS games. The good news is, if you own a 2DS you can play any of the games offered by Nintendo and a lot of them are fairly inexpensive. A 2DS will play any of the games. A 3DS will play any of the games. Only the original DS -- or DSi or DSiXL --is limited to only DS games. Hope this helps explain. I have three children and three different types of DS "game consoles/ systems" --- a DSiXL and a 3DS and a 2DS. All DS games and all 3DS games will play on a 3DS as well as a 2DS. However the first DS we bought (which was the DSiXL) will be limited to only DS games. A plain, regular DS will not play 3DS games. The good news is, if you own a 2DS you can play any of the games offered by Nintendo and a lot of them are fairly inexpensive. A 2DS will play any of the games. A 3DS will play any of the games. Only the original DS -- or DSi or DSiXL --is limited to only DS games. Hope this... » Read More I have three children and three different types of DS "game consoles/ systems" --- a DSiXL and a 3DS and a 2DS. All DS games and all 3DS games will play on a 3DS as well as a 2DS. However the first DS we bought (which was the DSiXL) will be limited to only DS games. A plain, regular DS will not play 3DS games. The good news is, if you own a 2DS you can play any of the games offered by Nintendo and a lot of them are fairly inexpensive. A 2DS will play any of the games. A 3DS will play any of the games. Only the original DS -- or DSi or DSiXL --is limited to only DS games. Hope this helps explain. « Show Less
1351487
My 7 yr old likes it, but he prefers the DS. You can usually find a used one under $100. Of course you still have to pay for games.
379806
My son is 2 1/2. I bought him the Leapster TV Learning System. He can play that really well since the controls are bigger. Check the games though since for many you need to be able to recognize letters, numbers, etc. His favorite is the Cars one. My daughter (5 years old) has the Leapster L-Max & was 3 1/2 when we got it. It took her several months to get good at it. (The new Leapster comes out this week)
1981304
Thanks! My grandson is 7months old. I was looking at leapster but daughter-in-law says she's heard vtech is better. Which is best & there seems to be different programs which is best for his age?