Leapster Versus V-smile Pocket

We owned both ( we had two kids and couldn't decide so we bought one of each) the leapster and the pocket v-smile. We loved the games for both but the leapster had so many more games that they could grow into and were still educational. However after about a year the screen on our leapster wore out. It had spots on the screen where it wouldn't work. I called the company and the long of the short of the story was they told me to buy a new one. I personally think that for the money you pay they should last longer than a year, or the company should at least say you pay for the parts and we will fix it. We just sold our v-smile pocket at a garage sale and it still worked. I have seen that they have a new thing out called a diji? not sure if it's for older kids or younger kids cause mine have grown into Ds's now but it might be worth a look.

My father bought my son a Leapster2 for his last birthday (he turned 4 in April) and my son absolutely loves it. Sometimes we have to take it away to get him to put it down. The games usually run about $20 - $25, but I think it's worth the money. Not only is my son having fun, but he's learning, too. I'm amazed at all the info he's picked up from those games. Spelling, grammar, puzzles, and even how to take care of a puppy.

I highly recommend the Leapster2. Parents can hook it up to their computers to see how their child is learning, too, and print off award certificates that your child earns as they play. And if you install a memory card, there are a couple games you can download for it for free, too. And...Surprisingly enough, it's also fun for parents to play, too. The graphics are wonderful and the paint program it comes with is positively brilliant. Personally, I enjoy the Pet Pals game and the Creature Create game (you create your own monster and it's own living quarters and play games with it and stuff, it's really cute!)

leapster all the way. i bought the ds version with the pen and pen touch screen when they went on sale at target only because she wanted the nintendo ds. the leapster was much cheaper. she loves it and can do it all on her own! yea!

They're both good I think. My kids have a vsmile, vsmile cyber pocket with a pen thing, and 2 leapsters. They love all of them. Both the leapsters and the vsmiles have age appropriate games. My kids are 5,4,2. My 2 yr old plays a leapster but just does the coloring thats preloaded on the game. The cyber pocket can also be plugged into computer and you can see what they're learning and they can also play more games online. When I was 1st looking I bought a vsmile and inherited a leapster. My kids took turns playing, that way they got to play a little of both. If I chose, I'd probably go with the Leapster. It seems like it moves a little faster and graphics better and has preloaded games. For my kids it would be a toss up. We have over 20 games for the vsmile. They're pretty cheap on ebay but the leapster games run more on ebay and in stores

Tami,
We have the vsmile pocket and I think its pretty good. My 4 year old really enjoys it. If I had it to do over again I think I would buy the Leapster though. I noticed it has the stylus and they type their name into it before games. The games seem to be a little more advanced and possibly more educational (for the older kids too). Not that the vsmile is bad but I noticed the games and machines getting clearanced out at Walmart so I am guessing the games may become harder to find too. Hope that helps.
C.

Hi Tami
We had leapsters-- girls loved em!!
In fact we're gonna be getting rid of them on craigslist this month- have a bunch of games too.
If you're interested and especially if you're local to Mpls. /St. Paul, email me.

About me: 48 yo perfusionist, nationwide wellness coach and mom to 7 yo twin girls.

B. J
____@____.com

Tami,
Both of our kids have a handheld Leapster and they love them. They are now 5 & 7 (almost 8). They have had them since they were 4 & 5. There is a large line of games to suit age groups from preschool up through mid grade school in the standard educational areas - reading, math, etc. There are also some other great games that are more art/creativity oriented, I SPY, etc. They are battery operated, but you have the option of buying an AC adapter which I highly recommend for home use. You can also plug in headphones - which is great for in the car on trips. We have even brought them along on airplanes. The games are fun and the product is quality. Good luck.