LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System - Green

The Leapster2 System also offers several options for creative play. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included. 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. Little learners can easily connect online for extra activities and rewards. With 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. Measures 13"W x 10.5"H.

While it does foster creativity, this program is somewhat clumsy -- your Paint program on your PC does a much better job. Players can select a background scene to "color" using the stylus and "decorate" with fun animated stamps. For example, without the SD card (which offers more memory) you cannot save artwork.

In the meantime, without the SD card, you can still purchase game cartridges, as well as download new games, or take advantage of the online "Learning Path". After this quick set-up, a menu screen will appear, where you can choose to play the pre-loaded games, go online, or insert a game cartridge.

Fun and Learning Leapster 2 games are designed to grow with your child ages 4 through 8. At a Glance Ages: 4 to 8 Requires: Four AA batteries The console has a comfortable, curved shape, although it may be a tad large and heavy for smaller hands. It features a full-color touch screen and sound that's a far cry better than the beeps of old-school handheld consoles. In a Nutshell: Handheld game console offers fun, educational games that accommodate your child's learning curve. View larger. Insert different game cartridges (sold separately) for endless fun. The "Creativity Castle Art Studio" is a rather low-tech art program. But "Dragons" was fun enough to keep even an adult tester enjoyably diverted.

Unfortunately, an SD card is required for taking advantage of some of what the Leapster 2 has to offer -- which is a drawback, because it must be purchased separately. Learning Game," is a "video game" type activity with four different levels, the first helping kids identify letters and numbers, the most advanced giving them spelling and multiplication practice, all while navigating a dragon past monstrous storm clouds and scrambling to collect magic crystals. (This online program allows you to register and upload your children's Leapster 2 profiles to show you their learning activities and their progress.)  And you still can plug your console -- with the included USB cable -- into your PC for your children to view and print "rewards" for completing different game levels (for Dragons to the Rescue, they're certificates of achievement) or to print pictures to color with actual crayons (to encourage some "old-fashioned" creativity!) You must first install the Leapster 2 software on your computer, which comes on the included CD-ROM.

What's in the Box Leapster 2 Game System, USB cable, CD-ROM

PC Requirements All Leapster games work with all Leapster systems. The console is pre-loaded with two games: The "Dragons to the Rescue! It comes with two pre-installed educational games, and many more are available: purchase an optional SD card separately for access to additional online games and to take advantage of other online features; or you can purchase game cartridges to add to your Leapster 2 repository. View larger. What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Battery-powered console goes where your child goes, offers versatile, educational fun. Children will love playing the educational games. The included games have skill levels suitable for children ages 4 to 8. Put innovative creativity and fun at your kids' fingertips -- and watch them learn in the process -- with the The LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System. The Bad: An SD card, which must be purchased separately, is required to take advantage of some Leapster 2 features. PC Requirements Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system Pentium III 500 MHz processor Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768 Available USB port 256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended) 300 MB free disk space Internet connection Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher CD reader Mac Requirements Mac OS X 10.4+ PPC G4 or any Intel-based Apple computer Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768 Available USB port 256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended) 300 MB free disk space Internet connection Safari application CD reader (Parents will appreciate the volume control and a jack for headphones!) Control and manipulate the console with the included stylus and with the videogame-style D pad and other buttons.

We found the initial set-up to be relatively easy: install the four required AA batteries, and navigate through the self-explanatory screens to create user profiles for up to 3 children (which come in handy for accessing online features). This battery-operated handheld game system goes where your children go, and brings plenty of learning fun along.