Leapster Explorer

© 2010 LeapFrog
$70, Smart Toy, Leapster
Teaches: school subjects, reading, math, language arts
CTR Rating: 86%
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CTR Review

Note: See Leappad Explorer (July 2011). Completely re-designed around a Flash-based format (the same as the didj), this year's Leapster Explorer ($70, for ages 4-9) won't run older Leapster cartridges. But it will run older didj software, making this a new beginning for the trusted Leapster line. The didj has been discontinued. The new Leapster screen is clear -- a definite improvement over the older screen, but is smaller and less clear than the iPhone or iPod Touch. The games we tested seemed right out of school curriculum, seasoned with characters from Toy Story 3, Dora, Star Wars, SpongeBob and the NFL. A USB link lets you download additional "Leaplets" (or apps), including ebooks from Leapfrog's TAG library. Unlike the hit-or-miss experience of handing your child an app-laden iPhone, all the Leapster games are configured to a single grade level at once. Up to three differently-aged children can have login names, a feature not available on Vtech's MobiGo. See also the Fisher-Price iXL. Requires 4 AA batteries.