LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System
Posted By ed2yp79 , on June 12, 2010 at 4:21 PM .Category: Electronics for Kids, Learning & Education, Pre-Kindergarten Toys
- Leapster Explorer offers endless ways to play and learn, so children ages 4 to 9 can discover something new every day!
- A library of more than 40 games and activities includes cartridge games, downloadable learning apps, a camera/video recorder and more.
- Children can learn school skills like reading, math, science and geography, plus creativity and life skills like music, health and problem solving.
- Expand the fun and learning in LeapWorld–a safe, online world of learning games and activities. Children can play unique games that connect their online and on-the-go play and learning.
- Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is playing and learning, and explore ways to expand their child’s learning journey.
Product Description
Introducing Leapster Explorer™, an extraordinary new learning experience that encourages children to discover something new every day with endless ways to play and learn–from games, e-Books, videos, and online play to customizable learning skills and more. •40+ games and activities*– downloadable learning apps, a camera/video recorder** and more. •Children can learn school skills plus creativity, life skills and more. •Expand the fun and learning in LeapWorld™ – a safe, online world of learning games and activities. •Parents can follow their child’s play and learning progress on the LeapFrog® Learning Path. •Appropriate for children ages 4 to 9 years. *Some games and activities available Fall 2010. **Available Fall 2010… More>>
LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System
Our two and nearly four year old tested the Leapster Explorer, and our only question is, “How do you get it off them without a fight?” As an educator combining fun with learning is a priority for me, so we are admittedly huge LeapFrog fans. With the capability to host downloadable apps as well as games, videos, eBooks and flash cards, the Explorer gives you major bang for your buck. Sturdy enough for even our two year old, with a large full-color screen, both children were navigating their way through games and apps within five minutes. Our daughter quickly found”Disney Princess: Pop-Up Story Adventure” emerging herself in the world of Belle and Cinderella. Our son’s favorite game app seems to be “Jewel Train” where he adjusts tracks to keep the train from de-railing. For would-be dentists, users can brush away teeth stains in “Sugar Bugs” in one my my personal top picks. Both children have used the Explorer during restaurant wait time, but be sure to have a game plan in place when you’re ready for them to give it up. With so much to do all in one place, it’s hard to blame our little discriminating Explorer users for wanting to prolong the (learning) fun.
[...] received a sample product for review purposes. All opinions are 100% ours.
Rating: 5 / 5
Our 6yr old loves his Leapster2. Even when he received the Didj, he still only wanted to play with his Leapster2. Now his (and my) new favorite handheld toy is the Leapster Explorer. Here are some of the main reasons why:
1) The color screen is larger and brighter. It can also display 3-d and flash animation. I also like that I can sit next to my son and see what is on the screen, whereas on the Leapster 2, you had to look at the screen straight on.
2) The interface is very user-friendly. I think a 4yr old could use it just fine.
3) I love that the Explorer adjusts to your child’s skill level. This is especially important for my son because he tends to opt for easier activities. The Explorer will increase the difficulty of an activity if your child continues to excel with it. I loved that my son was learning about isosceles and scalene triangles the other day.
4) My son prefers to use the stylus over his finger when using his Explorer. So far the screen has proven to be very durable. Some of the games requires continuous tapping and sometimes my son becomes overzealous and taps a lot harder than he needs to.
5) My son loves to read and I was surprised that he was not more excited about the Explorer’s having an e-reader app. I think he enjoys reading the old fashioned way.
6) Although the Explorer is not heavy, I would like to see the next one be slightly lighter in weight. The reason is because your wrist and arm can tire easily, especially if you are playing with the unit in one hand and the stylus in the other.
(I received a sample unit free of charge from LeapFrog to base this review upon.)
Rating: 5 / 5
My family was selected as one of the VERY FIRST to try out LeapFrog’s latest – the Leapster Explorer Learning System! LeapFrog generously provided with the Explorer free of charge. The opinions stated here are 100% that of my family.
The instant my toddler saw the box it was all over! Luckily for me, LeapFrog sent the Explorer ready to go, preloaded with games and batteries. (Games are sold separately and the Explorer is powered by 4 AA batteries, not included.) In fact, when he got up from the nap the day we received it, he instantly asked for it. Way to go LeapFrog!
The LeapFrog Explorer is for kids ages 4-9 but my 2 ½ year old will happily sit down with it and play. He hasn’t quite figured out the games yet, but he understands how the stylus and touch screen works to navigate the system. I don’t think it will take long – I am confident he will have the preschool games figured out with no problem soon!
This brings me to the vast variety of games and Leaplets (game apps, videos and ebooks) available for the Explorer! From Tinkerbell, Star Wars, Dora the Explorer and Toy Story 3 plus many many more, there is sure to be something that you and your kids will love! Games teach creativity, school basics, geography, life skills, science and more! Not only will your child learn while using the LeapFrog Explorer, they will have FUN too.
The graphics in this little handheld are really impressive! My son liked the Letter Factory video – not only was he exposed to the alphabet (which he loves) but songs too. The graphics stay strong throughout the other games, and exceeded my expectations when I compared them to similar products on the market.
I had the opportunity to try several of the games, but I think my current favorite is ToyStory 3 – where I had to use math skills to help Woody find his way back to Andy and save the toys! Launching just in time for the new Disney-Pixar movie, this game is sure to be a hit with your kids.
Some great things about the LeapFrog Explorer:
-More than one child can have an “account” on the device
-There are over 30 games and activities (and growing) available.
-Games and Leaplets are downloadable – which means less cartridges to carry around (and lose)
-Like other LeapFrog products, you can connect to the Learning Path to see your child’s progress. I love this feature about them!
-A fun game with a LeapPet is included in the box, as well as a Leaplet download card, so play can begin right away!
-It’s a good size, both for little hands and for mom and dad. The Explorer will be easy to toss in a bag for travel.
Some bummers:
-I noticed with the ebooks that you have to be really precise when touching the words, which may be frustrating for younger users.
-While LeapFrog makes a recharger base, it’s sold separately, which means you will burn through a lot of AA batteries.
-The games are a suggested retail price of around twenty-five dollars, which can add up quick. I will say though, this is comparable to similar products on the market.
-Even though you can have multiple accounts on the Explorer, if you have more than one child, you might want to have an Explorer for each! (again, cost)
-I’d love to see a wrist strap included! Since the Explorer is likely to be used on car trips, a sudden stop might mean it goes flying, a wrist strap would help!
Features of the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Experience, forgive me if I am repeating specs found on various websites, I wanted to make sure you all knew!
-3.2″ touch screen with 420×420 resolution, accessible by finger-touch or stylus
-Linux-based operating system
-Processor that can run flash, video and 3D graphics
-Peripheral slot for expandability (oooooooh!!)
-512MB memory
In the box:
-Leapster Explorer handheld
-Leaplet learning app download card
-Pet game
-USB cable
-Quick start guide
-LeapFrog Connect CD
You will also be happy to know that the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Experience is both Macintosh and PC compatible.
Over all I am really happy we got the sneakpeak of the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Experience. I am excited to see the new games and accessories that will be coming out over the next few months!
Rating: 5 / 5