Leapster Learning Game System

File:Leapster.jpg

Leapster handheld console.

The Leapster Learning Game System is a handheld game console that was released late in 2003 by Leapfrog Enterprises. It has two primary buttons on the face of the system in addition to a stylus. It was released in the time when the Gameboy Advance SP had just hit the market and attempted to compete for a share of its younger customers.

Aside from being a gaming console it could also read electronic books, be used to create art (via use of stylus), and play videos. Second player connectivity was also possible via a special joystick that was sold seperately. Plugging this into a special port would allow certain games to be two players.

The system was primarily aimed at a younger audience so the games are children oriented. Characters from various well-known franchises were used in some of the projects. These include Winnie the Pooh, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic was the star of a game known simply as Sonic X. Most games did not use name franchises, however.

Leapster L-Max Learning System

The Leapster L-Max, released in 2004, was basically the same as the original Leapster but allowed for connectivity to a television screen to make for easier viewing or classroom demonstrations. The product size was also decreased.

Leapster TV

The Leapster TV Learning System was released in 2005. It was basically a screenless console/controller hybrid which only allowed for gameplay when hooked to a television.

Leapster 2

The Leapster 2 was released approximately the same time as the Didj custom learning system. It was backward compatible with the existing library of Leapster games and allowed for internet connectivity.

Screenshots

• Leapster L-max.jpg

  The L-max portable.

• Leapster TV.jpg

  The Leapster TV system.

• Leapster 2.jpg

  The Leapster 2.

External Links

• Leapster Portable Technology Center on Leapfrogschoolhouse .com.