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!
453943
My oldest likes to play on my youngest's LeapPad (she's 11), but she finds the games a bit slow, and knows all the "educational" things in the games...for an 8y/o it would depend on if he's ever had any other gaming system, but probably would get bored with it sooner then you'd want.
1351485
The games would probably not be challenging enough for a very bright 8-year-old; my 7-year old finds it a little too young. This is best for kids 2-6, in my opinion. As far as a handheld for under $100? The DS is a good suggestion; I would wait for a lower priced "adult" tablet to come out.
1253033
You'd be amazed at what kids can do. Give them the tablet and they just take off like a rocket learning. With a few guided lessons and with just the right apps your child will certainly enjoy using and growing with the Leapfrog LeapPad Tablet. we've had ours since my son was 3 1/2 but my God daughter turned 3 this September and she sits down with it and taps away and watches videos, takes photos and tries playing games. great part is they don't grow out of it for a while when they are that long and its so durable that even if a child has the dropsy's its still safe to use. My son has thrown ours several times and it just amazes me that it still works I can't say the same for his other gaming counsel.
634197
Thanks. The graphics seem better with Leapfrog compared to our Baby VSmile, and I'd like to buy the VSmile for the game compatibility but can't afford that and a Leapster.
2063250
I think the ideal age for Leapsters is 4 - 8. My 2 1/2 year old loves watching his older siblings play, but can't quite figure it out himself.
332459
The leapster explorer is a little hard for a 3 year old but it you sit and help them the first few times they should get the hang of it. The ixl and mobigo were very boring, don't waste your money. The leapster explorer is also better than the leapster 2 because you can keep in in pre-k mode so your child doesn't get upset like mine did when it got too hard.
130479
Thank you for the feedback. I went ahead and bought the V-Tech only because I had read the stylus sometimes didn't work on the leapster and I can see my son freaking out when it doesn't work. We are going on a long trip (overseas) so I wanted something to entertain him. The Leapster might be in our future as well however.
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
439223
I would say no. I have a six and a nine year old, both who love games. And I'm just teaching my nine year old how to play these sorts of games. Games I would suggest for 6yo; Get Bit, Robots, King of Tokyo. Good luck! :)
1778292
my son got his 1st ds at 6 and still loves it. I think a ds lite is fine i dont think you need a dsi. It did break at the hinge (his fault) so we bought him a second hand refurb one for 70.00 aud.i can tell you he takes very good care of the hinge now after being without it for a while. Rather than buying mario etc games that can be expensive buy some non trademark games or pre owned games. my son is a tech head and loves his play station 2 and wii but i think he would say he loves his ds best. having said all that i agree also with the itouch or ipad as most of the apps are free and there are loads of educational apps available on the net. my son got his 1st ds at 6 and still loves it. I think a ds lite is fine i dont think you need a dsi. It did break at the hinge (his fault) so we bought him a second hand refurb one for 70.00 aud.i can tell you he takes very good care of the hinge now after being without it for a while. Rather than buying mario etc games that can be expensive buy some non trademark games or pre owned games. my son is a tech head and loves his play station 2 and wii but i think he would say he loves his ds best. having said all that i agree also with the itouch or ipad as most of the apps are free and there... » Read More my son got his 1st ds at 6 and still loves it. I think a ds lite is fine i dont think you need a dsi. It did break at the hinge (his fault) so we bought him a second hand refurb one for 70.00 aud.i can tell you he takes very good care of the hinge now after being without it for a while. Rather than buying mario etc games that can be expensive buy some non trademark games or pre owned games. my son is a tech head and loves his play station 2 and wii but i think he would say he loves his ds best. having said all that i agree also with the itouch or ipad as most of the apps are free and there are loads of educational apps available on the net. « Show Less
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.
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.
870518
I found the second controller on leapfrog.com. It was priced at $19.99. It also said to look for games that said 2 player (Leapster Arcade). Hope that is helpful.
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
1294873
My children who are now all a bit older, went through the same phase. They learned they needed to be X years old to have a DS. I believe the bar was set at age 5 or when they were responsible enough. Granted, the youngest tend to get things younger and younger, but still...it's nice for the oldest to be special. We went the Leapster route and my son was content for about a year....possibly a bit longer. The games were not as challenging as those for DS and he was very proud of HIS own special game system. They do make some games for the younger ones now, but why not be successful with a Leapster first and move up to a DS? You'll be glad you did! My children who are now all a bit older, went through the same phase. They learned they needed to be X years old to have a DS. I believe the bar was set at age 5 or when they were responsible enough. Granted, the youngest tend to get things younger and younger, but still...it's nice for the oldest to be special. We went the Leapster route and my son was content for about a year....possibly a bit longer. The games were not as challenging as those for DS and he was very proud of HIS own special game system. They do make some games for the younger ones now, but why not be successful with a... » Read More My children who are now all a bit older, went through the same phase. They learned they needed to be X years old to have a DS. I believe the bar was set at age 5 or when they were responsible enough. Granted, the youngest tend to get things younger and younger, but still...it's nice for the oldest to be special. We went the Leapster route and my son was content for about a year....possibly a bit longer. The games were not as challenging as those for DS and he was very proud of HIS own special game system. They do make some games for the younger ones now, but why not be successful with a Leapster first and move up to a DS? You'll be glad you did! « Show Less
1155857
Could you expand on what difficulties your 6 year old has with the DS. Is it the size of the screen, buttons, etc? Or the games being too difficult? Or something else?I already own a DS (for myself) and am debating buying a couple of the children's learning games for my son (3yrs but he is advanced) to use on my system instead of buying him his own system like the Leapster.