• The preschool gaming handheld that connects to the LeapFrog Learning Path, an online experience that lets you see what your child is learning..
• Play and learn school skills on the go or connect online for extra activities and rewards..
• Library of over 30 exciting learning games featuring characters kids love..
• Included and additional games teach skills in a range of subjects, such as language arts, reading, mathematics and science..
• Parents can connect online to the LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is learning. Kids connect online for extra activities and rewards..

Color:Green .com ---- Put innovative creativity and fun at your kids' fingertips -- and watch them learn in the process -- with the The LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System. This battery-operated handheld game system goes where your children go, and brings plenty of learning fun along. It comes with two pre-installed educational games, and many more are available: purchase an optional SD card separately for access to additional online games and to take advantage of other online features; or you can purchase game cartridges to add to your Leapster 2 repository. The included games have skill levels suitable for children ages 4 to 8. ( https://images-na.ssl-images-.com/images/G/01/toys/detail-page/B00134TC10-1-lg.jpg ) Children will love playing the educational games. View larger ( https://images-na.ssl-images-.com/images/G/01/toys/detail-page/B00134TC10-1-lg.jpg ) . ( https://images-na.ssl-images-.com/images/G/01/toys/detail-page/B00134TC10-2-lg.jpg ) Insert different game cartridges (sold separately) for endless fun. View larger ( https://images-na.ssl-images-.com/images/G/01/toys/detail-page/B00134TC10-2-lg.jpg ) . What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) ( https://images-na.ssl-images-.com/images/G/01/toys/detail-page/scale.gif ) The Good: Battery-powered console goes where your child goes, offers versatile, educational fun. The Bad: An SD card, which must be purchased separately, is required to take advantage of some Leapster 2 features. In a Nutshell: Handheld game console offers fun, educational games that accommodate your child's learning curve. At a Glance Ages: 4 to 8 Requires: Four AA batteries The console has a comfortable, curved shape, although it may be a tad large and heavy for smaller hands. It features a full-color touch screen and sound that's a far cry better than the beeps of old-school handheld consoles. (Parents will appreciate the volume control and a jack for headphones!) Control and manipulate the console with the included stylus and with the videogame-style D pad and other buttons. We found the initial set-up to be relatively easy: install the four required AA batteries, and navigate through the self-explanatory screens to create user profiles for up to 3 children (which come in handy for accessing online features). After this quick set-up, a menu screen will appear, where you can choose to play the pre-loaded games, go online, or insert a game cartridge. Fun and Learning Leapster 2 games are designed to grow with your child ages 4 through 8. The console is pre-loaded with two games: The "Dragons to the Rescue! Learning Game," is a "video game" type activity with four different levels, the first helping kids identify letters and numbers, the most advanced giving them spelling and multiplication practice, all while navigating a dragon past monstrous storm clouds and scrambling to collect magic crystals. The "Creativity Castle Art Studio" is a rather low-tech art program. Players can select a background scene to "color" using the stylus and "decorate" with fun animated stamps. While it does foster creativity, this program is somewhat clumsy -- your Paint program on your PC does a much better job. But "Dragons" was fun enough to keep even an adult tester enjoyably diverted. Unfortunately, an SD card is required for taking advantage of some of what the Leapster 2 has to offer -- which is a drawback, because it must be purchased separately. For example, without the SD card (which offers more memory) you cannot save artwork. In the meantime, without the SD card, you can still purchase game cartridges, as well as download new games, or take advantage of the online "Learning Path". (This online program allows you to register and upload your children's Leapster 2 profiles to show you their learning activities and their progress.) And you still can plug your console -- with the included USB cable -- into your PC for your children to view and print "rewards" for completing different game levels (for Dragons to the Rescue, they're certificates of achievement) or to print pictures to color with actual crayons (to encourage some "old-fashioned" creativity!) You must first install the Leapster 2 software on your computer, which comes on the included CD-ROM. What's in the Box Leapster 2 Game System, USB cable, CD-ROM PC Requirements All Leapster games work with all Leapster systems. PC Requirements Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system Pentium III 500 MHz processor Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768 Available USB port 256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended) 300 MB free disk space Internet connection Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher CD reader Mac Requirements Mac OS X 10.4+ PPC G4 or any Intel-based Apple computer Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768 Available USB port 256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended) 300 MB free disk space Internet connection Safari application CD reader From the Manufacturer --------------------- Leapster2 Connected Learning Game System Introducing Leapster2 - the only preschool learning game system that offers personalized ins into what your child is learning. Following on the heels of the best-selling Leapster® learning game system, the new Leapster2 handheld is the next generation of learn-everywhere gaming from LeapFrog. Like the Leapster learning game system, the Leapster2 handheld offers a robust learning experience through built-in tutorials and learning levels that adapt automatically to your child’s pace. Its touch screen and stylus help develop motor skills used in writing, while its compact design makes it easy for kids to play on the go. It’s also compatible with all 30+ Leapster learning games, so kids can practice a wide variety of skills for school as they play and learn with their favorite characters. Yet the Leapster2 system also offers a whole new layer of benefits by connecting to the computer. Your kids can play on the go, and then connect their handhelds to your home computer to collect fun rewards they’ve earned. A new online creativity studio also lets them upload art that they’ve created, embellish it or change it completely, and publish it to share. With the new USB connection, you can also see your children’s progress in recent games, get detailed updates on the skills they are exploring and share in their accomplishments. The Leapster2 system is one of three new LeapFrog Connected learning systems that connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path, a free online tool at leapfrog.com that offers unparalleled ins into your child’s learning. Appropriate for ages 4 years to 8 years. Works only with Leapster and Leapster2 learning game systems.