How does it compare to a Leapster2?
1317022
Having had both I will say battery life, graphics and sound are all much better. Plus it uses the same cartridges as the LeapPads so as they move to that system you don't have to buy an entire new set of cartridges.
1317023
I would say the explorer has better graphics and a seemingly larger screen. And the games are also more fun, more engaging, somewhat closer to a DS than a "kiddie" handheld console.
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.
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.
1653920
The Leappad 2 Power Learning Tablet comes with the rechargeable batteries, where as the Leappad 2 Kids Explorer Tablet just comes with the tablet and the power cord. Other then that there is no difference. I have bought both in the last 2 years. With the Leappad 2 Kids Explorer Tablet you have to buy the rechargeable batteries separate if you do not want to go through batteries often.
208912
My girls have the leappad 2 and the Explorer games is what it works with if that helps you any.
1245429
I also have been debating between both devices. I build PC's as a hobby, so I thought it would be an easy decision to make. Wrong!! I've gone back and forth several times looking over the specifications of each and this is my personal conclusion.I am getting the Leapster Explorer because:The screen area is larger on the ExplorerThe Fisher Price ixl does not have charging stand availableThe ixl doesn't have a program like Learning Path for the Explorer. The device doesn't aid parents in tracking kids progress very well. Due to the construction of the ixl, the Explorer is built to last a lot longer. The flip top on the ixl looks much too easy to break off.Well, that's my opinion.... Good luck to all of you. I also have been debating between both devices. I build PC's as a hobby, so I thought it would be an easy decision to make. Wrong!! I've gone back and forth several times looking over the specifications of each and this is my personal conclusion.I am getting the Leapster Explorer because:The screen area is larger on the ExplorerThe Fisher Price ixl does not have charging stand availableThe ixl doesn't have a program like Learning Path for the Explorer. The device doesn't aid parents in tracking kids progress very well. Due to the construction of the... » Read More I also have been debating between both devices. I build PC's as a hobby, so I thought it would be an easy decision to make. Wrong!! I've gone back and forth several times looking over the specifications of each and this is my personal conclusion.I am getting the Leapster Explorer because:The screen area is larger on the ExplorerThe Fisher Price ixl does not have charging stand availableThe ixl doesn't have a program like Learning Path for the Explorer. The device doesn't aid parents in tracking kids progress very well. Due to the construction of the ixl, the Explorer is built to last a lot longer. The flip top on the ixl looks much too easy to break off.Well, that's my opinion.... Good luck to all of you. « Show Less
910729
We only have the Leapster Explorer and the LeapPad 2 and it works fine on both of them. I have no idea about the GS.
910730
We have the leap pad 2 and it works fine but I did have to return the first one because it didn't work. The second one did work and we haven't had a problem with it.
208910
NO! it works with leappad 2, and leapster explorer. leapster 2 will only work with original leapster cartridges. they are much thicker. The leapster explorer cartridges will not fit in the leapster 2.
1067736
The Leapster explorer, Leapster explorer GS, as well as the Leapster explorer leappads 1 and 2 all take the same cartridges. With the excepetion of the leappad 1 we have all listed above between 4 boys. Any of the explorer games are comapatable with explorer devices :)
1059922
Our daughter had the original LeapPad, now the LeapPad 2. The Olivia game worked with both... and she loves it.
1009266
Sorry but I'm not sure, I bought it for my grandson who just has the Leapster!
787221
I have the LeapPad2 and it works great. Just have to plug it in and it charges. I would assume it would work with both models as mine is from last Christmas. My batteries went quick too. You can call Leappad and ask them direct - they were great when I had questions and when my screen cracked after the first week they replaced the whole thing and I bought mine thru Amazon.
1607147
Thanks! Can you also tell me...b/c I"ve noticed on the leapster site it does NOT give you the info beforehand...How much do apps cost? Basically will buying the card get me more than 1 download?
898369
The original Leapster games should play on the Leapster 2, but the Leapster 2 games will not work on the original Leapster system. To my knowledge, neither will work on the new tablet-type system.The only thing you might discover is that the original Leapster games won't look as good on the Leapster 2 games on that system - lower quality graphics, etc, much like you would see with Nintendo, etc.I hope this helps!
130480
We have both at our house. The V-Tech is a bit cheaper, but the Leapster is the one my kids keep playing with over and over. My kids think the Leapster games are "more fun", and as a parent I see a lot more learning potential in the Leapster titles than in the V-tech.
110230
I use the sanyo eneloop batteries in my son's Leapster--the original, not the Leapster 2. They last as long as regular batteries and the discharge rate is extremely slow when dormant. Regular rechargeables completely discharge within a matter of days when left unused. Plus, the eneloops last up to 1,000 charges, while the charging station is good for something like 300 charges? I purchased my rechargeables for around $15 with a charger included. My son and daughter are each getting a Leapster 2 for Christmas and I have already purchased more eneloops (@ $10 for 4). I don't see why rechargeables wouldn't work in the Leapster 2--I seem to remember reading several reviews where people reported opting for rechargeables vs. charging station. Hope this helps!