The Leapster 2 from Leap Frog allows kids to learn through interactive games and activities without them ever knowing it’s learning at all! In the box the Leapster 2 comes with 2 prepackaged educational games, but additional cartridges and an SD card can be purchased for other educational games and fun. Below you will find a rundown of all of the quirky and educational fun that can be had with this easy to use device, as well as a few features that may make you consider purchasing a different product from Leap Frog or a different device entirely.
Leapster 2 design
In shape, the Leapster 2 is a large, curved device that is quite comfortable to hold. While there have been complaints that the device is a bit heavy and bulky for small children to use, it is by no means unwieldy. The color screen on the device is touch sensitive just like your smartphone, and can allow kids to navigate the menu by touching the screen as opposed to using traditional buttons. The bottom of the device is where the headphone jack is located, meaning you can easily plug some headphones in so that if you’re trying to get some work done or drive, you don’t have to be distracted by the noise.
In addition to the touch screen, games often require users to utilize the stylus or directional pad and buttons that come on the device. Similar to a traditional controller, the directional buttons and controls are on either side of the controller and can be pressed with the thumbs. For those worried about losing the stylus, put your fears aside. The bright blue stylus is attached by a sturdy string to the side of the Leapster 2 so that it can’t be lost or ripped off.
The Leapster 2 comes with 2 games preloaded onto the internal hard drive. The first game is a creative platform called “Creativity Castle Art Studio.” Similar to any of the “Paint” programs found on Windows PCs, the “Creativity Castle Art Studio” allows kids to draw and paint on whatever kind of template or background they’d like. Although the idea is to promote creativity and fun, the studio just isn’t much to write home about. Your child would probably have more fun with a paint set than with the digital paint and play.
Luckily, the other preloaded game with the Leapster 2 makes up for the shortcomings of the art game. A lot like an actual video game, “Dragons to the Rescue: Learning Game” is designed to grow with kids as they age. The first level, geared towards kids around age 4, gets kids to learn their letter and numbers. The levels progress in difficulty all the way up to ones requiring kids to learn their multiplication tables and how to spell certain words. Although it sounds boring, the puzzles and word games are wrapped within an overarching game that has kids navigating a dragon through danger and collecting magical stones. It may sound a bit much, but this particular game is designed to keep your child’s attention and help them learn as they do it.
Other Games
Additional games for the Leapster 2 can be purchased if you would like different things for your kids to play. Many of the games are in the same vain as the installed “Dragon” game, as they’re all designed to help promote the learning of different topics. Genre and age specific games, such as those geared towards math for a 6 or 7 year old, can be purchased as well. That way, if your child is struggling with a particular topic in school, you can pick them up a Leapfrog device and help them get better at a particular skill.
Note: It may be worthwhile to note that in addition to games directly from Leapfrog with Leapfrog designed characters, many movie companies have gotten onboard with the Leapfrog company and have helped sponsor games featuring the characters from movies like “Cars” and “Wall-E.”
Additional Connectivity
Included in the box with the Leapster 2 is a USB cable that you can use to connect the device to your computer. Using the included software, it’s possible to interact with the games on your PC as well. While it isn’t possible to play the games on the computer, many games (such as the prepackaged “Dragon” game) come with additional activities that can either be printed off or accessed online from the software.
What’s Not Included
- SD Card: One drawback of the device is that in order to take advantage of saving your game or certain creations in different games, an SD card is required. Because the device is limited on internal memory, the SD card helps it expand its usable memory and save memorable moments or scenes from certain games. Luckily, SD cards have come down drastically in price over the past few years and you can probably buy one with enough space for under $10.
- Batteries: Before you buy the device and expect it to be the perfect holiday gift, remember that you’re going to need batteries. The device requires 4 “AA” batteries and they’re not known to last very long. To combat this problem, Leapfrog offers a rechargeable battery pack and charging station aptly called the “Leapfrog Leapster 2 Charging Station.”
- Screen Protector or Case: Although the device is very well built, the touch screen is as prone to scratches and dents as the one on your smartphone. It’s definitely recommended that you get a Case or screen protector for the Leapster 2. If you don’t, the time the device spends on the floor of your minivan is sure to leave it bruised. Luckily, a scratched screen doesn’t mean a broken device. The Leapster 2 is well built and is definitely designed to take a beating.
Final Thoughts on the Leapster 2
Although the games can be a bit expensive, they’re designed to last a while and help kids progress through different stages of learning without having to outgrow the games as they learn more. Overall, the Leapster 2 is a great game system to get kids introduced to video games and learning in a fun and easy way.
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