Leapster2 for left-handed children? Hello. Does anyone have a left-handed Leapster2 user? Do they have any problems or frustrations using the pen?I would love to buy my son a Leapster2, but I'm concerned about the new positioning of the string on the pen. On the original Leapster, the pen is attached at the center. Now it's attached on the right side. This seems like it would be very annoying to a left-handed user.I know I have the option of buying the original Leapster; but it is my understanding that the new one has other upgrades in addition to the Learning Path feature.Thanks for reading this ... I would really appreciate any input. Leapster2 for left-handed children? Hello. Does anyone have a left-handed Leapster2 user? Do they have any problems or frustrations using the pen?I would love to buy my son a Leapster2,... » Read More Leapster2 for left-handed children? Hello. Does anyone have a left-handed Leapster2 user? Do they have any problems or frustrations using the pen?I would love to buy my son a Leapster2, but I'm concerned about the new positioning of the string on the pen. On the original Leapster, the pen is attached at the center. Now it's attached on the right side. This seems like it would be very annoying to a left-handed user.I know I have the option of buying the original Leapster; but it is my understanding that the new one has other upgrades in addition to the Learning Path feature.Thanks for reading this ... I would really appreciate any input. « Show Less
99290
Please, it's just a string! Take a new piece of string a few inches long, tie a loop in both ends, slip out the original string (it's not permanently attached... it loosens very easily, no cuts needed), and loop your extension piece onto either end (exactly the same way the original string is looped around and threaded through the attachment point). Be an example to your kids (like Catherine) by having a positive attitude about solving simple problems resourcefully.
99291
I am left handed and I have done the leapster. Plus my nephew is left handed and has used my son's leapster and I haven't even seen him have problems. I haven't thought about it or seen him have any problems with it either. He has never said anything and everytime we visit my son has it and my left handed nephew wants to play it and is on it for an hour with no complaints.
99292
My son was not able to use it left handed. He was trying, insisting that he can do it because he's stubborn, but it was way too much of a struggle. Anyhow, I just untied the stylus for now, the rubber band is a good idea, I'll probably try that next.
99293
My daughter doesn't complain but I see her struggle with it and then simply use her right hand. Found this thread while trying to figure out how to rig it up for her. I just used a round hairband (like a rubber band) and extended it out. It seems pretty sturdy - we are traveling with it so if it holds up I will let you guys know.
99294
I am also having the same problem, as I'd like to buy a Leapster for my grandson who is a lefty. I bought my granddaughter the original Leapster two years ago and he wants the same one. However I'm afraid there won't be any games available after about a year. Yet with the Leapster 2 doesn't look to be lefty friendly with the stylus on the right backside. The only thing I can think of is to cut the cord.
99295
The cord is very short (at least on ours) and barely reaches. My daughter is constantly frustrated and sometimes switches to her right hand.
99296
I have a lefty son who seems to have no problem playing his Leapster 2. He started with the original and we upgraded to the newer style. I heard no complaints and have seen no reduction in his level of interest or playing time. Honestly, I hadn't even thought about it! But it does not seem to be an issue for my lefty (or my righty son, for that matter). Hope this helps.
2027954
Are you left handed? We push our pens instead of pull. That's why pens always start skipping when we use them!
1125520
I have used mine with both hands. I did fine. I don't know if I have trained myself to shift pressure on them to make them work left handed, but I know I had to cut fishing line off my fins at 70+ feet deep, and they did it with both hands. I have always switched hands for painting or writing when my right got tired, so I don't even give leftie use a thought. That being said, I had NO PROBLEM as a righty or leftie with these. If there is a problem with it, please come back and reply to this so it will negate it for others.
275861
I believe you need the new Leap Reader writing pen for this one. If you check out the Leap Frog website they have information on compatability and their different products. This writing pack has pressure sensitive paper for writing practice that the new pen is specially designed to use.Oh, and the pen is not included in the purchase of this pack. It can be added on separately.
270741
The leap frog is a piece of junk. My muse doesn't work well either. It is not sensitive enough. My kid hates the leap frog. It is so lame. Good luck with yours! Sorry I can't be more helpful.
1633491
My daughter got both Innotab and LeapPad and I am very upset that we can't find the Innotab stylus or a replacement. The LeapPad not only came with a string to attach the pen, but an EXTRA pen!! I have never been a fan of Vtech products because for over 20 years they have created products that are "hot" one year then the following year, you can't find any accessories. Leapfrog products have proven time and time again to be a better investments. If anyone can figure out where to get a stylus let me know, because this is ridiculous!
96660
If you order the custom version from Timbuk2, you can get it in a left handed version. However, the price is a bit higher depending on your configuration.
84966
I believe it's called the reading pen. It's used with the Leapfrog books and reds out loud by touching the words.
1730944
I called FisherPrice about this directly as my child is a lefty. I was looking at this product as well as the Leap Frog Click Start which DOES accomidate little leftys. I was told that this was tested on lefthanded adults, but not necessarily left handed children. The tablet does not move to the other side of the keyboard and my chid would just have to reach across the keyboard to use it. I don't feel this is a natural way of holding her hand to write and would not be beneficial at all. I am opting for the competetive product for her this time.
1948600
The touch is superior to the iPads for writing with a stylus, because it's pressure sensitive, not finger sensitive. Try writing letters on an iPad with a stylus -- you have to buy one of those pens with a spongy fake finger on it, and you still get garbage. Leapfrog products use the sort of system similar to what palm pilots had (some kind of membrane above the screen), which enables accurate writing with anything pointy. That's important because many of the games depend on accurate writing of letters in order to teach kids how to write. This would be impossible on an iPad. As for complaints about resolution, come on. A kid doesn't care about resolution. They care about whether or not the game is fun and the controls are responsive.
1294877
I'm having the same problem! I am so sick and tired of the fighting over the ds but I'm not buying him a ds lol. We have an older gameboy advance and he won't play that so I not sure about getting the leapster, scared of wasting my money if he won't use it! Did you buy your little one the leapster if so does he enjoy it? I'm trying to figure out if I should get the leapster for my son for his 3rd birthday which is in a few weeks.
355114
I thought my daughter broke a piece of cartridge off in her Lepaster2 but it turns out she didn't, every cartridge on the inside has a gap in the metal strip that fits inside the Leapster2 slot. So it looks something like this ___ _______ So if your's has a gap in it like the line I drew above, then you didn't break the cartridge.
879475
Hi H. Sexton-Which leapster do you have? It looks like each new game is $20+ for the Leapster 2. Thanks.
2099127
I bought both the Explorer and LeapPad for my 3 and 5 year olds for Christmas. I bought a couple of game cartridges as well as app cards. How do you install the apps in both? I was told at TRU that you could only install an app on one device. Good to know that he was wrong.
1009267
As far as I know, it does not. Both of my grandsons have a Leapster and love it. I am not an expert on what the Leapster is compatible with, so perhaps I should have answered "don't know." Sorry that I'm not more helpful.
1294879
The Leapster is a good substitute. Both of our boys had Leapsters first and my oldest son still played with his until he got his DS on his 9th birthday (granted, he was getting a little old for it...). I have a 3 year old and she's still a little young for the Leapster, but she can use the drawing feature and will mess around with it. Definitely by age 4.
32555
I'm not certain. However, I checked the QuickStart guide and saw no reference to "left hand." From my view, I can think of no reason why it would not work for a left handed person.