Leapster Explorer – Updated Review

Would you believe I’ve been buzzing the Leapster Explorer for around 3 months now. We got our own Leapster Explorer to try out around May and I wrote a review in June about it. You can read my first impressions here: Leapster Explorer – First Take

Now I wanted to give everyone an updated review of how the handheld is holding up after 3 months of play. First off, even though the Leapster Explorer was designed for ages 4 to 9, I find that my 2.5 year old has definitely claimed it as his. Both my 4 and 2 year old will play it, though. And my older son was already playing with an Original Leapster when he was just two, so it’s not that shocking to see a toddler really grasp how to work a handheld. But I love when you turn it on you can change the setting to what age is using it. I have the Leapster Explorer set for pre-K. Remember, games can be more or less challenging depending on the grade setting you have it on.

Now when I first received the Leapster back in June, I didn’t get a USB cord to connect it to LeapFrog Connect or LeapWorld. But I did get the cord recently, so I’ve done both. Now, I’ve connected LeapFrog products to LeapFrog Connect in the past, so that was fine. I was a little foggy on how to do it since I haven’t connected their toys since October, but I walked myself through it. Once I was on I clicked on the appropriate device (Leapster Explorer), which you can designate to a certain child. And then I was able to use my free Leaplet that comes with the Leapfrog Explorer.

I have to tell you I am so ANXIOUS to download the Scooby-Doo E-book! My boys are CRAZY about Scooby-Doo, but I think the buzz is that it is coming out in October. Most Leaplets require just one Leaplet Download card, but some do need two. I chose to download a Flash Card Leaplet – Land Animals. My son can go through different graphics of land animals, quiz himself on the different animals and even play a game that reminds me of Yahtzee using the animal graphics. He can play versus the computer or with another player.

One thing that I’ve seen chatted on online reviews at Amazon and other retailers  is that not every parent is happy about having to connect to LeapWorld to get more items for the Pet Pad, which is included on every Leapster Explorer. But I think I get it. I never really plugged in the other LeapFrog products to make use of the parental controls, but Pet Pad makes me. If my kids want snacks and food for their pets, I log on and “buy it”. By playing games on their Leapster, they earn coins to use in LeapWorld – so you are not spending extra $$$ like some iPhone apps make you do! LOL! And when I am on, I can see my child’s progress. So it really is doing the parent a favor, in my opinion, to help them keep track of their child’s progress.

Now, my 2 year old’s favorite cartridge game is Mr. Pencil Saves Doodleburg ($24.99). I can not imagine NOT having that. He plays it DAILY. It reinforces skills in developing shapes, letters and colors. He also likes the letter tracing that you can do with the included Pet Pad.

My four year old’s favorite game is Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Plushy Rescue ($24.99). This game helps develop addition, subtraction, animal science and logic/reasoning skills. My four year old’s favorite app varies depending on the day – but Harmonies is a good bet! And Sugar Bugs are great before a dentist appointment!

So, after 3 months of play Leapster Explorer is still going strong in this house. The screen is still vibrant, the handheld is a little scratched up – but my 2 year old hasn’t learned how to be careful yet. And even then, it still works perfectly. I love how I can download Leaplets to keep the device fresh. I love how I can change the settings for “grade level” to keep it appropriate, depending on which child is playing. And I don’t find it an inconvenience at all to log into my LeapFrog Connect or LeapWorld to let the boys use their earned virtual coins to purchase shampoo and food for their virtual pets!

Learn More about Leapster Explorer by visiting LeapFrog.com. The handheld is suggested for ages 4 – 9, but even my 2 year old loves it. I would suggest it for 2 and up. It costs $69.99 and comes in pink or green. Current accessories include a recharger and headphones, but around the holidays be on the look-out for a camera accessory!

Read More about my first impression and details on Leapster Explorer here: Leapster Explorer – First Take

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz received the Leapster Explorer for review and is allowed to keep the review item.