My daughter had her DS for 5 yrs now. Thank goodness it still works. My son is 4 yrs old and has been wanting to play with it. I was looking up some options as to what to give him for XMAS. I research some Leapfrog hand held games and they all sound good. Until, they start with having to connect to the computer all the time or having to work for the battery company because the batteries die quickly. I can not be bother with either. I work full time and the last thing I want to do is sit at a computer uploading things. I was wondering what you parent have purchased for your kids and how did it work out for you.
We have had leapster products and the kids still pick them up from time to time but they have got a lot more use out of their DS and then DSIs. We are getting them both the 3DS for Christmas.
I have the Leapster Explorer for my youngest. The only time you have to connect it to the computer is for the initial set up or if you want to download something. My son got his last Christmas and I only did the setup and it hasn't touched the computer since. As for the battery, you can buy a rechargeable pack so you are not buying and changing batteries all the time. It comes with a charging dock so your son would just put it on when he is done and its nothing you have to worry about. It is nice because it always has a place to go if he puts it on the charger. My son is 4, 5 in December and he still plays with his.
We have both or should I say HAD both.
My boys "outgrew" the LeapFrog - although they loved it. The games ended up boring them after a while.
Our DSs are great. Games can be educational or just fun...
I'm thinking about getting my preschooler a leapfrog for Christmas. A leapfrog would be better because its right for his age. He could get mad at a DS and break it.
We have both, but for a 4 yr old go with the leapster explorer or the new leappad. You do not have to plug it into the computer all the time, unless you want updated on how he's doing , what he needs work on etc. Or there's something you or he wants to download. it does not take much time at all. The initial account set up does take time, but that's just like with anything.
My daughter didn't start really getting any good use out of her DS until she was 7.
My daughter has the regular Leapster. Except for the first load, I have not had to download anything from the computer. My daughter loves her Leapster and plays it ALL the time. I do go through batteries a bit quick but not horribly with Duracell batteries. The cheaper ones like store brand or Rayovac do go out sooner.
I agree with Cheryl O. My girls out grew the LeapFrog QUICK!! They both have DSs now.
Our twins got the leapfrog explorer when they turned 5. They are almost 6 and still love them. We bought the rechargeable battery pack and docking station for each and it works out great. Keep in mind that some people may be referring to the the older Leapster. The Leapster 2 and the Leapster Explorer are much better. Also, the only time I have been on the computer with them was for the setup.
If you do get the DS for him, I highly recommend that you get the Nerf case for it in case he drops it. It is also makes it chunkier and easier for them to hold on to. Our son is 8 and has a DSi XL. He has dropped it a couple times but with the Nerf cover it was fine.
My son got his DSi xl last year when he was 4. And he was able to use it with very little instruction. There are lots of games now for younger kids. I think my son is pretty advanced with his, he's beat Lego batman, and has just about done all you can on Pokemon black. He also had wonderpets and crayola adventures which he enjoyed. And no he doesn't sit and play it all day, he gets it in the car or stores and waiting for drs.
we have both. er had both. my son's ds was stolen out of our house - twice (long story).
So right now both are using new games on the leapfrog. We bought the rechargable battery pack and I have never hooked it up to the computer.
Like you, I am about ease - play the game - end of story. My 8 and 4 yo like it. I just get age appropriate games.
now, i am considering a new DS for the 8 yo for christmas - poor guy can't catch a break.
If, you are considering a DS check out Cowboom. They are best buy's resale division AWESOME deals!
My 7 y/o gave his younger brother his Leapster when he turned 6 and got his DS. He got it when he was 4 so it's been around awhile and we've never plugged it into the computer except the very first time. It's been great!
Although, my 3.5 y/o prefers his brother's DS over his Leapster. I think he is still too young for the DS, but there are a couple games (Zhu Zhu pets is one) that he does play quite well. He's just not old enough yet to completely understand/work the DS and all its options.
My son has a leapster and , like you said, the computer part is a hassle, He lost fascination. He loved in for about two months. He wants a DS really bad and I will probably look for one for Christmas.
Had a hand me down Leapster and it was ok. Bought our 5 year old a DS for X-Mas last year and thought the 3 year old could have the Leapster. Boy were we WRONG. 3 year old wanted no part of it and wanted the DS. Crazy us went and bought her a DS...NUTS right?!?!? Turns out, we did the BEST thing! They LOVE their DS and take it in the car and out to dinner all the time. They take GREAT care of them and have nver lost a game. No fighting because they both have one. I would go with the DS...will last longer and will be more age appropriate going forward.
