Leapsters compatible for 2 AND 5 year olds? Would I want this for my almost 3 year old, considering her 5 year old brother will be getting the Leapster L-Max? (BTW she wants to do everything he does and more). Can those two products work together for a two year old and 5 year old? Meaning, can they be exchanged (easily hooked and unhooked from the TV) when it's the other's "turn" and what are the details about buying add'l cartridges, etc. Are there certain cartridges that ONLY work with certain versions of these products? If so, how do I tell the difference? Can two kids play together on BOTH of these systems? Also, what accessories are needed but rarely mentioned and must be bought seperately, such as recharging stations, etc.?I appreciate any advice. Leapsters compatible for 2 AND 5 year olds? Would I want this for my almost 3 year old, considering her 5 year old brother will be getting the Leapster L-Max? (BTW she wants to do everything he... » Read More Leapsters compatible for 2 AND 5 year olds? Would I want this for my almost 3 year old, considering her 5 year old brother will be getting the Leapster L-Max? (BTW she wants to do everything he does and more). Can those two products work together for a two year old and 5 year old? Meaning, can they be exchanged (easily hooked and unhooked from the TV) when it's the other's "turn" and what are the details about buying add'l cartridges, etc. Are there certain cartridges that ONLY work with certain versions of these products? If so, how do I tell the difference? Can two kids play together on BOTH of these systems? Also, what accessories are needed but rarely mentioned and must be bought seperately, such as recharging stations, etc.?I appreciate any advice. « Show Less
75357
The minimum age for the Leapster TV and L-max products is 4. For your 3 year old I would recommend Vtech's V.Smile TV Learning System, which is appropriate for 3+. In addition, the V.Smile offers 2 player modes in most games while the Leapster TV does not. If you have not already purchased the L-Max for your 5-year old then you should consider the Vtech's V.Smile Interactive Learning Handheld Game, which is the equivalent of the L-Max for a 5 year old. Both systems can share the same cartridges as well.
820034
I just wanted to correct this. Leapster TV does offer a 2nd controller. I'm doing my homework on Leapster TV and Vsmile and I found out that Leapster TV does have a 2nd controller. You have to look at the games before you buy them to ensure the game is two player though
2033575
I think your almost 5 year old would love it. It has play value beyond the age suggestion and would help spur your almost 5 year old into different types of imaginative play. My youngest great-nephew, who is 4, loves it. But his older brother, who is 7, loves it too and together they play happily for a few hours. If those 2 high energy boys can actually play together for a few hours, it makes me believe the toy has lots of play value. I hope this helps.
713145
I called Leapster with that question and they do not rec rechargeable batteries b/c they aren't as strong as reg batteries even when they are new and thus the game may not work properly. Logically though, I'm wondering the diff. in the batt pack and rech batteries. Hope this helps.
1778290
You might check your local game stop and look at a refurbished unit. The last time I was in there they had some units in there for 79.99. I bought a ds lite for my son when he was 6 and he is still using at 8 we just got a nerf case to increase the durablity for it. My niece got hers at 7 and is still using it and she will be 12 christmas eve. It is definatley a investment but she will not grow out of this toy for some time to come. There are very few toys that I buy for the kids that I can say they're still use on a weekly basis 5 years later, but this is one of them.
1521271
I just bought a LeapPad2 and a Leapster Explorer, I was looking at games on Amazon and when I search LeapPad 2 games, it gives me all explorer options. Before I place my order, will Explorer games work for LeapPad2?? Thanks
2007217
I called Leapster.com to try and purchase a recharging system just last week and they are on back order. They were on back order over the summer as well, so I'm not sure they're going to be available for the holidays.GREAT NEWS The recharging system is now on SALE for only $19.99 on the leapster.com website. I just bought one! 1/12/09
320705
I did post a fix for this that has helped many until leap frog gets around to it. I am a parent that has one of these and was not seeing any progress with a fix from leap frog so I took matters into my own hands. I posted my fix here http://jdrwebnow.net/leapster2_fix.html.
1013932
Just checking, the Leapad does NOT play videos or music? We were about to buy it for my 5 years old nephew, but I we want something that can play movies and music, so we don't have carry his portable dvd player along anymore, or use our phones for him to watch videos or listen to music. I had not even considered the Innotab, but being able to play videos and music on the tablet is hands down better than having a built in camera, imo. Could somebody confirm this, thank you.
304688
I brought mine for my 3 yr old last year. Her new sister, now 18 months, loves to use the coloring action on the Leapster. She drags it around my tile kitchen and bathroom, turns it off and on constantly, and preety much tries to destoy it on her own. That thing takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I am actually trying to find a used one for the little one.
99294
I am also having the same problem, as I'd like to buy a Leapster for my grandson who is a lefty. I bought my granddaughter the original Leapster two years ago and he wants the same one. However I'm afraid there won't be any games available after about a year. Yet with the Leapster 2 doesn't look to be lefty friendly with the stylus on the right backside. The only thing I can think of is to cut the cord.
374364
Go to www.leapfrog.com has place for phone assistance for you. I feel they latch us into their systems purchases when not interchangeable ...purchased many online for my sister who has 7 great grands under age 6 ...Grandma's Library.
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.
415197
I got this game system for my son when he was 4. He was not yet in school but getting ready for preschool. He loved it myself as well. I loved watching him learn new things and answer the questions he already knew. He had the leapster explorer and the leapster 2 way before he got the Nintendo ds and Wii. He wanted all the games so we got him as many as we could including Tangled . He played it and just like the other games he learned from it. We also found out the store Five and Below carries tons of Leapster Explorer games for $5 not the $20 you pay in a reg. Store. But I highly recommend this game especially for a 7 year old girl. Hope this helps.
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.
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.
285223
I don't see why not. ALL games marked Leappad or Explorer are compatible (as far as I've been told) with Leappad 1 and Leappad 2. Anything that says Leapster 2 is not compatible.
767853
It only works with Leapster Explorer and up per the game. So, if it's not at least the explorer version, then it will not work with it. It's the thin chip that goes in the new versions.