The new Leapster 2 is designed so parents and caregivers can track what their child is learning online as well as allow games to be downloaded onto the handheld unit. The Leapster 2 has a new look and feel that is more up-to-date and in line with the newer handheld gaming units that are out on the market now. They are a few big changes from the Leapster. It has a built in game called ‘Dragon Kingdom’ that has two games: Creativity Castle and Dragons to the Rescue. With the addition of a SD card the newer games work with the SD card to collect data on what the child is playing and how they are doing with the game. This information is used to create a “Footprint” for the child that allows the parent to see how the child is doing.
I had some trouble with the software at first. I could not download games and the learning path never updated no matter how many times I connected the unit. It turned out that my SD card was bad. After I replaced it I had no trouble going in and setting up the player profiles and tracking progress and downloading games to the unit. It is easier then I was expecting. I spent about 15 minutes installing the program and setting up the player profiles and then all I have done was plug in the Leapster 2.
I love the Leapster Connect! It is easy to see how my son is doing playing the games and to see how often he is playing. Everything is easy to use and is easy to understand. Best of all you only need a couple of minutes to look over the learning path to see the progress. I was surprised at just how easy and fast it was to go in and look at. I spent less then 10 minutes connecting the Leapster 2 and looking over the Learning Path.
When you or your child goes into the LeapFrog Connect they can play Number Raiders and Letterpillar online or download them to their Leapster 2. The games are stored on the SD Card. They can also see the rewards they have earned for playing. These include, backgrounds (for the art gallery), collectables, certificates, pintables and stamps.
The only problem I have found with the unit is the string that attaches the stylus pen is a bit on the short side. It works but it takes a bit of getting used.
Over all I love the Leapster 2. The new Learning Path is a great way to track my son’s game play. I like being able to download new games and my son likes to play on the computer as well.
In my son’s words “It’s cool!” I agree.
