Game Console: LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game System (Green)

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 12 x 14 x 5.9 inches ; 1 pounds
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B0038APBDA
Item model number: 39100
Manufacturer recommended age: 4 - 9 years
Batteries: 4 AA batteries required.
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: 391 in Toys ; Games (See Top 100 in Toys ; Games)
26 inToys ; Games Preschool Pre-Kindergarten Toys Electronic Electronic Learning Toys ; Systems
29 inToys ; Games Learning ; Education Electronics
30 inToys ; Games Electronics for Kids Educational Computers ; Accessories

List Price : ~~$69.99~~
Price : $58.49
You Save : $11.50 (16%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Hands-On Review
The Leapster Explorer Learning Game System from LeapFrog is an exciting, handheld gaming device that includes preset games and videos, and boasts plenty of downloadable features and cartridges. This durable handheld device for kids aged 4 to 9 years plays Leapster Explorer e-books, games, videos, and more. With the Leapster Explorer, kids practice a range of skills--from reading and writing to math and sciences--through play and entertainment.

Explorer Learning Game SystemAges: 4 to 9 years
What We ThinkFun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: The amazing touch screen shows crystal clear images.The Challenging: Comes with only one free downloadable game.In a Nutshell: A sophisticated handheld gaming system for younger kids that will teach and entertain.
Exploration and Learning in One Exciting Handheld DeviceFrom LeapFrog comes an exciting new handheld game system focused on learning and fun. The light weight Explorer boasts an amazingly clear touch display and a kid-friendly interface.

This touch screen gaming device covers music, math, and other educational topics. .
Kids can engage in a number of fun, interactive activities - including a digital pet. . The Leapster Explorer works similarly to other gaming devices for older kids and adults but plays age-appropriate educational games. Kids will be prompted through gameplay to use certain buttons, but the tethered stylus and touch screen are the main modes of interaction.
The Explorer comes with a free Leaplet download that you'll chose from a collection of games and activities on the LeapFrog site. You can access the free download after connecting the Explorer to your computer with the included USB cable and setting up an account. Other preloaded extras include previews and trailers for current and upcoming Explorer titles and Pet Pad, a digital pet that kids can design, play with, and care for.
Grow Your Explorer Library and Your Child's Learning OpportunitiesThough the Explorer device comes with a free Leaplet download and a few entertaining extras, you'll want to purchase additional cartridges and Leaplets. LeapFrog has created over 30 games and activities and continues to expand its selection.
You'll appreciate the categories for Explorer games, which are focused on specific skills and learning objectives. Games focused on creativity incorporate art, music, and imaginative play, while school basics games integrate activities for math, reading, writing, and spelling. Some select titles will even help your child learn geography, life skills, and science concepts.
Monitor Your Child's ProgressBe active in your child's learning by tracking her progress in specific games and subjects. When you connect the Explorer to your computer the first time, you'll set up a parent account that shows your child's progress in different learning touchstones and how much time she spends playing certain games. The Explorer's tracking feature automatically updates your child's progress whenever you connect the Explorer to your computer. This feature shows your child's strongest and weakest subjects, and you'll get to know your child's passions and preferences. This information will aid you in helping them cultivate strengths and improve weaknesses. And because the Explorer can hold up to three profiles, it can be used by the whole family.
Other ExpandablesThe Leaplet Explorer provides access to Leap World, an online virtual space where kids can create their own character, build spaces, and expand their learning and entertainment opportunities.
With the camera and video recorder attachment, the Explorer transforms into a creative multi-media tool. Kids can take pictures and video recordings, edit the material with fun effects, then email the results to family and friends. These fun projects can even be used in other Explorer applications.

Minimum System Requirements

OS: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X v10.4 or higher
Processor: Pentium III 500 Mhz processor
Memory: 512 MB RAM
Hard Drive: 300 MB available
Video Resolution: 1024x768 or higher

CD or DVD drive
Available USB port
Internet connection

What's in the BoxExplorer Learning System, quick start guide with CD, parent guide, and instructions.
The next generation of Leapster with hi-res graphics, a stylus to practice writing, and a powerful processor that allows for action-packed gameplay and the ability to download games, e-Books, videos and more through LeapFrog's online Leaplet store.

Recommended Ages: 4 years - 9 years

See all Product Description

Product Features

Leapster Explorer offers endless ways to play and learn
A library of more than 40 games and activities includes cartridge games
Children can learn school skills like reading, math, science and geography
Expand the fun and learning in LeapWorld--a safe, online world of learning games and activities
For use only with LeapFrog Explorer software. Not compatible with any other LeapFrog platform software.

Customer Reviews

To be fair, we've only played with one cartridge game and three leaplets so far, but I am thoroughly disappointed in LeapFrog right now. I will come back and update the review if the next few cartridge games end up being incredible.
My biggest beef is with the built in advertising. First off, for every new user you create, the leapster goes through a minute long ad insidiously called the "connect movie" about playing online and downloading leaplets, telling the child "for your included game, ask your parents to connect your Leapster Explorer to your computer, now" and again at the end, "for great games and more on your Leapster Explorer, ask your parents to connect now." Gee, thanks LeapFrog, and since you only get one free game per toy, not per user, this isn't even accurate. Once you're done with that, you reach the main screen where your child can re-watch this "movie" as many times as they want by clicking what looks to be one of the game icons.
A second built in icon on the main screen really jumps out because the little pet you can create always starts out standing in front of it and it looks like a old movie reel. It's the first button my four year old taps each time she turns on the leapster. Guess what? Is it a game? No, of course not, it's just a bunch of trailers for different games and it looks like it's maybe going to be automatically updated with new trailers as new games come out. I'm guessing this because the narrator tells your child "It looks like you've got some new trailers to watch - play away!" in a super excited voice. Back to the question of "is it a game", if you set the filter in the top left corner to only show games, the "connect movie" does disappear but the trailers icon stays. LeapFrog, if you're reading this, please correct this! LeapFrog might think this is a good business model but this kind of marketing to kids just makes me want to walk away from any future LeapFrog products.
As for the games themselves, my daughter so far seems to like the Mr. Pencil game. As for the leaplet games, I agree with another poster that you wouldn't pay more than $1.99 for an iPhone app of similar quality vs the $7.50 that each one costs. In my opinion, the leaplet game Wheel Works isn't even worth a penny. What a waste of money.
All of that being said, the screen clarity is amazing, the interface is easily navigated by my four year old, and LeapFrog has the potential for an amazing product here. That's why I'm giving it a 2 instead of a 1. They just need to respect the fact that we've already spent $70 on the toy and $75 on three more cartridges and $22 on three leaplet games and don't want our children to be marketed to directly to buy more on the darn toy that we've already put $150+ into.

UPDATE 30 AUG 2011:
It has been almost a year since my last update on this review.
I'll try to keep it short. If/when I have some more time available I will update it a bit furhter.
For now the update is that the Explorer has provided many play/learn time for our son, but to be frank, his interest and focus has shifted more to the nintendo DS. He's also discovered games on the internet, PC, Wii, cellphones, smartphones, etc. etc.. But thankfully he's still interested in educational games (no matter what platform).
Anyway, we still think the Explorer is a great educational system, especially for kids 5 and younger. As they get older they'll discover other platforms, ... we can't hide it from them forever, but that's also probably a good thing, since they'll be growing up in a much more 'connected'-world.
Also if you are reading this, it's good to know that LeapFrog has recently (I believe it was this month, august 2011) made available a new system LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (green). I haven't research it yet. Probably won't be buying it (since our son is focused on other platforms right now), but I might research it when I have some time availbale. I've only read one review, which was pretty positive on it. If you are looking into LeapFrog systems you should probably check it out.

UPDATE 3 OCT 2010:
It has been 3 months now and, so far so good. The Explorer is still going strong. Our son still enjoys playing with both systems (Leapster2 and Explorer). And we've now added LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Learning Game: eGlobe (Globe Earth Adventures) to the game collection.
Be aware that connecting the Explorer online the very 1st time will take about one hour! Connecting online is an add-on feature for if you want to go to LeapWorld or check the "learning path". If you have a cartridge game, you do not need to connect online to use it. You can just plug it in and use it. I've added a tip on connecting online at the end of the review (in order to keep this update brief).

REVIEW 3 JUL 2010:
If you're currently looking for an educational handheld system for kids 4-9, then you should consider the Explorer. Let me start by saying I'm a fan of the Leapfrog concept (educational handheld system for young kids). So perhaps I'm a bit biased. But we are also honest, so if we don't like it, we'll say it. Our son got a Leapster L-Max Leapster L-Max Learning Game System when he was 4. He loved it and the games he has for it. Unfortunately the L-Max was not durable (you can check my review on it). We then got him a Leapster2 LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System - Green just last january. The Leapster2 turned out to be much better and durable (you can check my review on it also).
And now Leapfrog has come out with the Leapster Explorer. I'm a bit disappointed and bothered by the fact that LeapFrog just brings out this completely new system, while we just got the Leapster2 six months ago. Still I've become such a fan of the concept I decided to get it anyway. Perhaps you can best check the Explorer, it's functionality and specs out at the LeapFrog site. You will find all specs and functionality there.
There are several games available for the Explorer, including: Toy Story 3, The penguins of Madagascar, Disney Princess, Ni Hao, Mr. Pencil, Sponge Bob, and Dora. Most are available on Amazon, otherwise check the Leapfrog site.
But be aware that the games for the Explorer, as the games for the Leapster2, are pricy. Twenty-five box each. (The Leapster2 games you can get at better prices now.) You need at least one game cartridge. And kids will want to switch games from time to time. You won't need a ton of games but a collection of 3 or 4 games will be nice. For example we have a collection of 6 games for the Leapster2 (collected over a period of 1,5 year). Two he got as a present (thankfully), three we bought, and one we downloaded (free) from Leapfrog. He likes them all, and offers him plenty of variety.
In any case, if you're getting a handheld educational system, remember that you'll need to get a few game cartridges. Consider the cost of the Explorer plus one initial game cartridge. And then be prepared to spend the cost of another game or two in the near future. Be prepared to spend/invest this amount, otherwise your kid(s), and you as a parent, will be greatly disappointed.
What also helped us in justifying the investment in LeapFrog system, is that we rather have our son playing with an educational system, than with mindless addictive game systems, which there are so many around. At least with LeapFrog he's learning.
Another advice I can provide is to get the rechargeable system LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Recharger , or get rechargeable batteries! Really,.... this will save you a LOT of money on batteries. LeapFrog does not recommend using rechargeable batteries, but advertise to use their rechargeable system. I don't understand why. They claim normal rechargeable batteries will not work well with the system. But we use Duracell Value Charger With 4AA Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, CEF14DX4N (they are less expensive than the LeapFrog recharge system), and they work just fine for us. But no matter which option you choose, either one will SAVE you money!
Another tip might be, if you're planning a long trip/travel with the kids in the near future, then maybe you want to wait till just before your trip to get the system. It might be an idea to include it in your budget for your trip/vacation. We got our first LeapFrog system (the L-Max) just prior to a vacation with a long flight. We were so happy we did. It provided a lot of entertainment for our son during the long flight. But also at airports, during long car rides, in malls, and at the hotel. Besides providing him with educational-entertainment, it also provided us with a lot of piece of mind, so we could enjoy the relaxing time during those long flights, car rides, and strolling through malls, till we got to where he could also enjoy the sights and/or vacation activities.
One other thing you need to know is that the games for the Leapster2 and the Explorer are NOT compatible. So the games for the Leaspter2 will not work with the Explorer. You will need to get new games for the Explorer. Apparently the games for the Didj LeapFrog® Didj Custom Learning Gaming System are compatible but you may loose some of the functionality of the games (at least that's what I'm reading). You would need to get new games for the Explorer. This must be a big disappointment for customers who already own one of the other Leapfrog systems (Leapster, L-Max, Leapster2 or Didj). I certainly was. But I decided to try it out anyway.
Beside the fact that the Leapster2 games are NOT compatible, we still do like the Leapster Explorer. It has ton of functionality and better specs than the Leapster2. Bigger and better screen, more memory and faster processor. You can also expand the Explore with a camera. You will have to buy the camera expansion separately though. So that's additional cost. Our son doesn't have a camera yet. So that maybe an option for the future, but for now we'll wait. Maybe over a couple of months or so.
I can't say yet which one our son likes most, the Explorer or the Leapster2. He is very happy with the Explorer. We bought the Toy Story 3 game with the system. It's perfect timing from LeapFrog. We just saw the Toy Story 3 at the movies. At our 5 year old enjoyed it and now he can play with the characters on the Explorer. These days he's playing the Explorer of course, but he's hasn't forgotten his Leapster2. After all he has six games with the Leapster2 and only one with the Explorer. I don't think he's aware of the better screen. He notices it's bigger, but he gets caught up in the games, so I don't think he really cares.
From a kid (4, 5 or 6 year) points of view, I don't think they really care for the better specs or more functionality. They probably just want to play the games. But parents will probably appreciate the better specs and the additional functionality.
We're happy he likes the Toy Story game, and doesn't bother much with the games on the system itself (yet). Nor does he bother with the 'trailer movie'. The pet game apparently requires you to connect to "buy", virtual food, and/or shampoo, but it's with virtual money, NOT real money. In any case,... I have little time to connect and go online for my son with the Explorer. Maybe when he's older. But for now, we just showed him how to get to where he can start a cartridge game. Just click to close the introduction,... and then you get to where you can choose cartridge game. It's pretty easy and straight forward, so our 5 year old has no trouble with this. This way you also skip the `trailer movie',... so he's not bothered with the ads, and reminders to connect and go online.
There's a whole virtual world online for the Explorer. I'm a bit uncertain yet of the virtual earning and spending of virtual money for kids in this virtual world. I'm thinking it can help with educating about earning, spending and saving. But you know,.. we can do that in the real world too. We always to this anyway already, when he sees advertisement on TV, or in stores (not only toy... Read more›