Leapster 2 or DS??? But I'm wondering if the Leapster wouldn't be more their speed?
1478218
The Nintendo DS and the Leapfrog Leapster are two different platforms with mainly two different uses. The Leapster is a learning system and all of the games are directed at developing a young childs mind through fun learning. I have a 5 y/o going on 6 that loves her Leapster. There are titles with characters that will keep your childs attention (i.e. Spongebob, Dora, Diego, Spiderman, etc) She has friends that have a DS but I feel she's getting much more out of the Leapster. The Nintendo DS is a game unit with far more entertaining games than learning. I think it would be better for you to look at the software rather than the platforms to make a wise decision on how your boys will use their systems and if it will satisfy your needs. You can look for video reviews on a number of sites prior to purchasing games to determine if it's a good buy.
1607147
Thanks! Can you also tell me...b/c I"ve noticed on the leapster site it does NOT give you the info beforehand...How much do apps cost? Basically will buying the card get me more than 1 download?
1155857
Could you expand on what difficulties your 6 year old has with the DS. Is it the size of the screen, buttons, etc? Or the games being too difficult? Or something else?I already own a DS (for myself) and am debating buying a couple of the children's learning games for my son (3yrs but he is advanced) to use on my system instead of buying him his own system like the Leapster.
1959930
I'm not sure what to get my almost 9 year old granddaughter she will be 9 in jan she does not currently have anything? should I get kindle fire a dsl nintendo or leap pad help please!
2103086
I have a 3 1/2 yr old girl who loves her leapster!! She plays a few games (Diego & Dora also one of the Letter games for the LMax), but she mostly likes the game that comes installed in the game itself. I would say get him the game and let him learn. It IS leapster after all!! He'll love it!!
1778292
my son got his 1st ds at 6 and still loves it. I think a ds lite is fine i dont think you need a dsi. It did break at the hinge (his fault) so we bought him a second hand refurb one for 70.00 aud.i can tell you he takes very good care of the hinge now after being without it for a while. Rather than buying mario etc games that can be expensive buy some non trademark games or pre owned games. my son is a tech head and loves his play station 2 and wii but i think he would say he loves his ds best. having said all that i agree also with the itouch or ipad as most of the apps are free and there are loads of educational apps available on the net. my son got his 1st ds at 6 and still loves it. I think a ds lite is fine i dont think you need a dsi. It did break at the hinge (his fault) so we bought him a second hand refurb one for 70.00 aud.i can tell you he takes very good care of the hinge now after being without it for a while. Rather than buying mario etc games that can be expensive buy some non trademark games or pre owned games. my son is a tech head and loves his play station 2 and wii but i think he would say he loves his ds best. having said all that i agree also with the itouch or ipad as most of the apps are free and there... » Read More my son got his 1st ds at 6 and still loves it. I think a ds lite is fine i dont think you need a dsi. It did break at the hinge (his fault) so we bought him a second hand refurb one for 70.00 aud.i can tell you he takes very good care of the hinge now after being without it for a while. Rather than buying mario etc games that can be expensive buy some non trademark games or pre owned games. my son is a tech head and loves his play station 2 and wii but i think he would say he loves his ds best. having said all that i agree also with the itouch or ipad as most of the apps are free and there are loads of educational apps available on the net. « Show Less
879477
Go with the DS all the way. There are plenty of educational games out there for it plus a ton of regular games he/she would enjoy playing!
879474
Leapster is great. My kids loved the educational games. It lasted a couple of years. While they still play it, they are now ready for the DS. I'd go with the Leapster, and maybe go with some used games. I wouldn't invest too much because around 6-7 they want the newer big-kid games.
30646
You'd be amazed at what kids can do. Give them the tablet and they just take off like a rocket learning. With a few guided lessons and with just the right apps your child will certainly enjoy using and growing with the Leapfrog LeapPad Tablet. we've had ours since my son was 3 1/2 but my God daughter turned 3 this September and she sits down with it and taps away and watches videos, takes photos and tries playing games. great part is they don't grow out of it for a while when they are that long and its so durable that even if a child has the dropsy's its still safe to use. My son has thrown ours several times and it just amazes me that it still works I can't say the same for his other gaming counsel. You'd be amazed at what kids can do. Give them the tablet and they just take off like a rocket learning. With a few guided lessons and with just the right apps your child will certainly enjoy using and growing with the Leapfrog LeapPad Tablet. we've had ours since my son was 3 1/2 but my God daughter turned 3 this September and she sits down with it and taps away and watches videos, takes photos and tries playing games. great part is they don't grow out of it for a while when they are that long and its so durable that even if a child has the dropsy's its still safe to use. My son has thrown... » Read More You'd be amazed at what kids can do. Give them the tablet and they just take off like a rocket learning. With a few guided lessons and with just the right apps your child will certainly enjoy using and growing with the Leapfrog LeapPad Tablet. we've had ours since my son was 3 1/2 but my God daughter turned 3 this September and she sits down with it and taps away and watches videos, takes photos and tries playing games. great part is they don't grow out of it for a while when they are that long and its so durable that even if a child has the dropsy's its still safe to use. My son has thrown ours several times and it just amazes me that it still works I can't say the same for his other gaming counsel. « Show Less
664020
just different. Most of the games are somewhat eduational. You are limited to the games that you pay. Whereas an Ipad, you can buy many games or get them for free and have a bunch on there to switch between. We have an ipad too, but the leappad has been fun for my kids. It just depends on what you are desiring. Both are great, for different needs.
1351485
The games would probably not be challenging enough for a very bright 8-year-old; my 7-year old finds it a little too young. This is best for kids 2-6, in my opinion. As far as a handheld for under $100? The DS is a good suggestion; I would wait for a lower priced "adult" tablet to come out.
1155853
I agree wholeheartedly that it depends on the child. Our daughter received her ds at 5 and had no problems using it right away. Our son just turned 3 and we're considering purchasing something similar for him because he already knows how to do some things on the computer and work portions of my iphone. If you think the stylus may be too difficult for him to handle at this age, go with the leapster or let them try an old gameboy perhaps.
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.
469074
My mom told me she wanted to get my older girls these [ages 5.5 and 8.5] I told her to get the Leap Pad since they have games to age 9. I would think my 8 year old would be bored.
1317022
Having had both I will say battery life, graphics and sound are all much better. Plus it uses the same cartridges as the LeapPads so as they move to that system you don't have to buy an entire new set of cartridges.
474919
Hi There! I would say...after playing a little with both...that they are quite equal! I like the Leap Frog Learning Path. It is great to see how my son is doing and what he is learning. Vtech has a similar, but not as parent oriented program..its called vsmile world or something. The part I really like about the VSmile is that you can play the same games in their home game systems as well. I am getting my son the new Vsmile Motion for Xmas. It is like a Wii for younger kids. It will play all of the Vsmile games as well. Very cool. I would say they are both excellent choices...but I have always liked Vtech products. I might be a little biased...who knows!??! Good Luck! Hope this helps!
1155856
I would recommend the Leapster 2. I have 4 girls whose ages are 3, 4, 6 and 8. They all love the leapster 2. There are many different games at various levels that keeps them all interested. We have also never had a problem online or with any of the games. The other thing that I like is that my 3 year old has seriously dropped the toy several times and it keeps working perfectly.