Guest author Jeanette Norman





Once again LeapFrog has answered parents prayers. My son who is now 6 is always asking, “Mom can I please get an Xbox/Playstation/ whatever video game system is popular with my friends right now please please please.” I refuse to buy him a video game system at this age. In fact, I think it is ridiculous to buy a child under the age of 10 any type of video game system (sorry if I offend anyone out there, but this is just my opinion.). I was very thankful and impressed by the release of LeapFrog’s Leapster L-Max Learning System which was an answer to the hand held gaming systems. Now with the Leapster TV, we have an alternative to the gaming systems that hook up to the television.

The Leapster TV doesn’t require the purchase of another line of products. It is compatible with any game that has the Leapster name on it. The system comes with the cables to hook it up to the TV, one joystick, and a Dora the Explorer game called Piñata Party. You will need to purchase batteries for the system to work or splurge a little bit and buy the AC adapter. I highly recommend doing this instead of batteries. When we first got our system, we went through 2 sets of batteries because the kids enjoyed it so much. You will save money in the long run with the AC adapter! A lot of the Leapster games are 2 player games (including the one that comes with the system). So if you have 2 or more children that will be playing this, pick up another controller as well.

The system is very light weight and large. Since it is so light weight, I put it on the floor near the children when they play it to keep it from being jerked off of the table the TV is on when they get excited. The controllers are perfect for little hands to manipulate. Keep in mind the age suggestion on the package is for 4 to 8 year olds. My daughter will be 4 in January. She has a hard time with the eye hand coordination it takes to play the games.

The one thing I really love about this system is having the ability to see what they are doing compared to when they use the Leapster L Max handheld system. It is easier to help them with the games when they get stuck on a part. Also being able to watch what they are doing, you can see exactly what they are learning while they are playing.

My one disappointment in the system is the graphics. The graphics aren’t as clear as they are on the handheld. This probably isn’t that important to the children playing it. The one game that looks truly awful on this system is The Backyarigans. Another qualm I have is the lack of a flap or some other protection over the slot where the games plug into. I make sure to check it or leave a game in it at all times to keep dirt and stuff from getting down in the slot.

For the price, this system is definitely worth investing in. You will be satisfying their want of a video game system along with your want for educational activities for your whole family.

Leapster Titles I recommend


This game is great for teaching math concepts. The number pattern choice came in handy when my son was struggling with this.



Now this one says the age appropriateness of this cartridge is 5 – 7 but 4 years old can benefit from trying to play this game. Just watching the videos and trying helps them begin to understand how words are made.



Follows the movie closely. Great for reading skills.

Don’t forget to get an adapter!