For the kids sake, I was happy to be asked to review some more LeapFrog products..especially their new LeapFrog Explorer.
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“Offering far more than a traditional handheld gaming platform, Leapster Explorer is also a portable hub for dozens of downloadable Leaplet™ Learning Apps, including e-Books, videos, game apps, and flash cards. And the Camera accessory turns Leapster Explorer into a personal photo- and video-recorder. Not only can kids learn with their favorite characters with Leapster Explorer in hand, they can expand the fun in LeapWorld™, our safe, online learning playground. ”
Being that my kids are already playing with Nintendo DS’s, XBox and Wii, I am always a tad skeptical about any electronic products that promises FUN and Education to my sophisticated kids. My kids have been playing with electronic toys from a young age…granted there is not much in educational merits behind the games they play BUT the games did help my son with his reading.
I will also say that this was almost a very negative review due to the fact that I found myself getting very frustrated with the whole production of downloading software, uploading keys for ‘Leaplets’ and “free games” and then trying to find a game that would hold BOTH kids interest….for me it was way to much fritzing around on MY computer for the sake of THEIR toy.
I realize that there are indeed many parents out there who love the idea of the connectivity between the LeapFrog toys and the online products. I believe that many DO believe the educational merits and check their kids progress on the games. Not to mention the freebies that kids can download and play on the computers too.
However….I am not one of those parents. I am glad to see my kids get something out of a product. I am glad to see if it grabs them and makes them think instead of turning them into video drones..but I don’t want to work with a toy myself for this.
Sooooo….I have been very skeptical about this product.
Therefore I waited a bit before writing a review. In that time, I have to say that I have been quite impressed with how much the kids actually HAVE been playing it AND now pestering me to hook it up to see if they can get any freebies etc.
I have not bought any actual games for the system…just the one game through their STARTER LEAPLET DOWNLOAD CARD. That was a counting game called Dice Ahoy and I am sure will be the beginning of terrible gambling issues down the road (JOKE). Out of the limited choices, this seemed the most age appropriate for my 8 and 6 year old. That and the fun they seem to have had creating their Explorer Pet seems to have held their collective interest which alone impressed me.
The counting game was great…one or two players can participate and there are two choices of game play. Oh yes…that is the one really good thing about this machine! ONE will do for multiple kids! You can have three id’s created on the system AND a guest ‘badge’ too. So each one can have their own PET and keep tabs of their scores, etc.
So really…all you have to do is referee whose turn it is with the system and there you go!
I think again, for parents who are dubious about video game systems like the DS’s, the LeapFrog systems are great. The games are age appropriate for kids who haven’t been playing more complicated games, and the ease of use, and nice graphics does lure them in so they don’t realize that they might POSSIBLY learn something while at play.
Even Tara has had much fun with it.
And speaking of Tara, LeapFrog sent along an age appropriate toy for her too!
The Cook and Play Potsy has been LOADS of fun for our busy little girl. There has been much ‘stirrings’ and noise making with this one.
Tara is only a year, but she has grasped the fun behind this one……the songs, the noises, the easy to grab lid and spoon have been great fun for her. Putting things IN and OUT of a pot that makes music is probably close to nirvana for a one year old.
This toy has been used pretty much every day since we received it. I like the way it feels…I like the heft …it doesn’t feel cheap or breakable. It can take a beating. I like that it isn’t huge and that the ‘vegetables’ can’t get easily lost either.
I would recommend this as a great birthday or Christmas gift for the 1 to 2 year old set. It isn’t TOO loud and the small size is great for those parents out there with size and storage concerns.
Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) says
My kids don’t have any handheld electronics yet so I’ve been thinking about trying out the new Explorer for K. It may be his first ever electronic device.
Anthony Reid says
The Leapfrog has been a Godsend. I gave one to two of my Goddaughters and they can’t put them down. Lots of arguements, though, because everyone else wants to play. However, this has helped to improve their reading, spelling and math skills while making them laugh. I just bough another one today for my godson’s 4th birthday. I am a die-hard fan. I love the fact that I can check their progress from anywhere on my computer and know what they need to learn next. The children think it’s a toy. haha Who’s the smart one now???