A great leap forward
LeapFrog’s Leapster2 is more than a handheld games console – it also offers online elements for children between four and eight.
Available in green and pink colour schemes, the console comes pre-loaded with two games (Dragons to the Rescue and Creativity Castle) and there’s a range of 10 additional software titles.
The online element comes in the form of LeapFrog’s Leapster2 KidsWorld website, where children can upload data from their console to track their progress as well as accessing extra content, including games and awards certificates.
“Leapster2 offers a completely new gaming experience for young children by combining great handheld gaming with a fantastic and secure online experience,” says LeapFrog’s David Lubliner. “Completing handheld gaming levels unlocks online content, which keeps children playing and learning at the same time.”
Website access is handled via USB hook-up to a PC or Mac and will eventually also let grown-ups into the LeapFrog Learning Path (going live in December).
The Leapster2 console is priced around £49.99, with software priced around £19.99. Titles available are Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Wall-E, Ratatouille, Cars Supercharged, Disney Princess – Belle and Ariel, SpongeBob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, Sonic X and Mr Pencil.
In the Autumn a limited-edition black Leapster2 console will be launched, bundled with the Star Wars: The Clone Wars game.
