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(More customer reviews)** Note: When reading this review, please understand that we were an "early adopter" of the Leapster2 Game System, and certain issues impacted our opinion. By now (06/10) Leapster has likely dealt with some of the intitial issues and difficulties we experienced, and those may no-longer be a concern for new buyers. The price has dropped considerably, which does increase the attractiveness of the system.
Without a doubt, the Leapster2 is a nice, stylish game system that is age-appropriate for young children. It is easy to handle and, for the most part, easy to use. The games available include many popular titles (Cars, Backyardigans, Disney Princesses, Dora, Thomas, etc.).
But that's where the fun stops. The difference between the Leapster2 and the original Leapster is that the Leapster2 was designed to work with the "LeapFrog Learning Path" program, which allows you to see the progress your child has made in learning various subjects and concepts. That was promised in early August, then delayed and announced it would be ready by August 21st. On August 22nd, LeapFrog announced that Learning Path has now been delayed and will launch in "mid-September".
Until the Learning Path becomes active, the online "downloadable" games that are touted will not function and are not available. The ability to see the progress your child makes is not available. There are issues with the Leapster2 "freezing up" which was supposed to be fixed with a software update. If you plug in an SD card so your child can save pictures he/she has colored, they can not save them because that feature "will become active when the downloadable games are available".
We purchased TWO Leapster2 game systems (one pink, one green) from Amazon at $70/each. We also purchased TWO game cases at $15/each, and 3-4 game titles. While the kids are still able to enjoy them to some extent, I can't help but to feel I was sold something that was high on promise but VERY VERY short on delivery. I am very disappointed in LeapFrog in how they have handled this product launch, as I have come to expect better from them.
Update 01/12/09:
After 6 months of use, our Leapster2 is FINALLY functioning the way we had hoped and expected. While the pink Leapster2 functioned well, we had issues with the "Leapster Connect" software recognizing the two Leapster2's that we had purchased. After working with a Leapster support rep (Bill), who was VERY helpful and patient, it was determined that the issue was related to the SD card in our green Leapster2, even though the card functioned for all other uses. Leapster sent us a pre-formatted 128Mb card with the two downloadable games (those were not available until sometime in September/October). Upon installing the new card, everything functioned better.
As for the "LeapFrog Learning Path" website... now that it is finally online and functional, it's really helpful for seeing how much time your child is spending playing the games. It also gives you a decent idea of how they are doing with certain skills, though it would be nice if it identify your child's weaknesses and recommend things to work on. One caveat is that the time-spent is cumulative, based upon when you last uploaded the data. So although it does accumulate play data for a while, you should plug it in weekly if you want to know how much time s/he is playing on a weekly basis (otherwise, you'll get something like 12 hours for one week).
After 6 months and several updates and headaches, I would change my review to 4 stars if I could. However, I am still disappointed that Leapster released a product that was so clearly not ready for market. It appears they have corrected some issues, but still have other issues outstanding. The game systems HAS proven durable, though I would recommend screen protectors to keep the screen from getting scratched, and highly recommend the LeapFrog® Leapster®2 Learning Game Case if your child plans to travel with his/her Leapster2, and the LeapFrog® Leapster®2 Recharging Station if your child uses it often (batteries are expensive!!).
Update 10/28/09 (final update):
After a litte over a year of use, the Leapster 2's that we purchased are holding up. Though we still get some quirky freeze-ups every now and then, we've not had any additional major issues. My son has actually kicked his around quite a bit, and for the most part it has (physically) held up well. I continue to think that we should have purchased some screen protectors, because it slides around on the floorboard of the van as often as it spends in its case. All things considered, even after the introduction of the online "Learning Path", we have not been diligent about uploading the data. Yes, it gives you SOME basic overview on how your child is progressing with certain skills, but it's not something most people wouldn't identify on their own. We have not been inspired to purchase a ton of games for this, but the LeapFrog® Leapster®2 Recharging Station turned out to be a wise purchase. It has probably paid for itself in batteries, and my 5yr-old son can charge it on his own. My daughter, who is now in first grade, actually gets the least amount of use from her Leapster. Of course, the $45 that Amazon is now listing it for is nearly half what we paid for ours! So at that price, it would still be worth it. But she is quickly "growing out" of her Leapster, and is eyeballing the Nintendo DS. She still plays with it on road trips, but it's not a regular play thing for her. My son absolutely LOVES his LeapFrog® Leapster® Learning Game: Cars and LeapFrog® Leapster® Learning Game: Wall-E games. In fact, these games have kept him so entertained that we have not felt the need to buy additional games. Perhaps if there were some title that were geared toward older kids (High School Musical?), my daughter would remain as engaged.
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Leap Frog Leapster2 Learning Game SystemWith this smart handheld system, children learn valuable school skills through a variety of animated games and activities. Kids use the interactive touch screen and stylus throughout 30 educational games featuring characters they love. The Leapster2 System also offers several options for creative play. Little learners can easily connect online for extra activities and rewards. And best of all, parents can use the Leapster2 to connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path, an online, interactive tool in which parents can get updates and see firsthand what their children are learning.
Leapster2 System comes with built-in starter games; additional software sold separately. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 13"W x 10.5"H.
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