The LeapFrog “Leapster” Learning Game System and the newer LeapFrog “Leapster L-Max” Learning Game System are educational handheld devices, aimed at 4 to 10 year olds.

The device was originally released in 2003 and is currently the best-selling handheld edutainment device of its kind. The Leapster has undergone multiple revisions, mostly optimizing shape and size.

The only difference between the slightly more expensive Leapster L-Max and the Leapster is an optional TV Output. The TV-Out enables players to connect the Leapster L-Max to a standard RCA Composite Video and RCA Stereo Plug using the supplied A/V cable.

Both Leapster Systems require the purchase of additional game cartridges. Parents can choose titles featuring their kid’s favorite characters to play educational games with. The list of themed games includes TV characters, such as SpongeBob Squarepants, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Dora the Explorer; and movie stars, such as Nemo, Cinderella, Ariel (The Little Mermaid), and Batman. All games are developed exclusively by LeapFrog, who does not allow any Third-Party Developers to write games for their systems. The lack of outside developer input and innovation is apparent in the quality of games. The recent success of educational games published for the handheld Nintendo DS and the Motion-sensing Nintendo Wii console will hopefully cause LeapFrog to commit more attention and funds to the actual game-play.

Leapster L-Max game cartridges and Leapster game cartridges are interchangeable in both devices. However only the L-Max games feature (optional) Dual-Screen Gameplay when connected to a TV thru the L-Max TV-Out. Unfortunately, the Leapster L-Max outputs a much lower screen resolution compared to the 640×480 Standard Television (NTSC) resolution. This not only causes the image to look blurry, it also causes eye-strain. The identical built-in LCD screens on both Leapster devices have adequate resolution for their size, but are not ideal.

Although we found the Leapster not without flaws, we do recommend the device for young kids ages 3-6. The ease of use and size make it an ideal companion when traveling. Parents with children over the age of 6 years are better off purchasing an Edutainment title for the Nintendo DS. If portability is not an issue we also suggest the Nintendo Wii, which will see multiple edutainment releases in the next several month to come.

KidConfidence will post several video reviews of popular Leapster and Leapster L-Max Games. Stay tuned!

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