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Differences Between Leapster & Leapster 2

Leapfrog is the parent company behind the Leapster and Leapster 2 learning game systems created for children between the ages of four and 10. These two products feature game cartridges that teach the alphabet, phonics, art, mathematics and more to preschool and elementary school kids. The newer version of the two hand-held gaming consoles is a supposed upgrade from the original, and although it is very similar to the Leapster, the Leapster 2 has some differences.

Computer Connection
- The main difference in the Leapster and the Leapster 2 is the Leapster 2's ability to connect to a computer via USB ports mounted on the backside of the device. Through this computer connection, which is compatible with both PC and Mac platforms, parents can monitor the educational milestones accomplished by the child through an online Leapfrog site. Uploading the data from the Leapster 2 is almost like creating a virtual report card for your child to see what level of games and challenges he could be ready for next.
  
  The child is also able to share material created on the Leapster 2 to the computer, such as art projects, that may be printed out as a document. The original Leapster is limited to on-screen functions.
Expanded Game Capability
- While the Leapster and Leapster 2 can each play one another's games, some game titles are specially designed to work with the enhanced capabilities of the Leapster 2. Using the original device, many of the features of the newer games are useless.
  
  The Leapster 2 allows for access to a virtual online world called LeapWorld. This secure, kid-friendly site allows Leapster 2 users to create an online character, access new bonus games, and even design and decorate their own virtual homes.
  
  Accomplishing the many achievements on the Leapster 2 games earns the player tokens. These tokens are uploaded to the player's account in LeapWorld where she can trade them in for items to put in her online house or use them to change the looks of her character.
  
  A set of parental controls on the LeapWorld site will allow parents to control what their children can access and determine whether they can communicate with other players online.
Design
- The Leapster and Leapster 2 look a lot alike, but there are some subtle design differences. The more contoured design of the Leapster 2 is meant to be more comfortable in a child's hands. The Leapster 2 unit is slightly larger than the original, but it is still quite manageable even for a four-year-old, at 13 inches wide and less than two pounds.

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