Leapster Vs. Leapster L-Max

Leapster

• The standard Leapster is a brightly-colored handheld device. Children operate it with a touch screen and an attached plastic stylus. Its controls are a simplified version of those on a video game controller. Some 40-game cartridges can be inserted into the Leapster unit. They integrate early math and reading activities with play involving well-known characters from Disney and Pixar movies, and cartoon characters such as Scooby-Doo and SpongeBob.

Leapster2

• The newer Leapster2 mainly differs in that it can be hooked up to a personal computer for more games and lets parents assess their child's progress in learning various skills. The basic Leapster is priced at about $50, and cartridges cost about $25, with multi-game packs available.

Leapster L-Max

• The Leapster L-Max is larger than the standard Leapster and has a protective screen cover. The primary difference is that the L-Max can be hooked up to a television for game play. The child operates the handheld unit with its touch screen and stylus, and the game unfolds on the TV screen.

Leapster L-Max Pricing and Marketing

• The Leapster L-Max is about twice the price of the Leapster, at about $175. It is not being actively marketed by the Leapfrog company's website, but is available from outside marketers such as Amazon.com. The L-Max has its own line of game cartridges, but can also use regular Leapster games.