[Summer95]

DS's 4th birthday is approaching fast and we were thinking about purchasing him either a Leapster Pocket Learning System or a V.Smile Pocket Learning System. I have read both positive/negative reviews on both and I am now more confused then ever. For those of you out there that have either of these systems, what do you think? Which system has more educational games for a 4 year old? Thank you for your feedback.

[hesabanana]

I just got my almost 4 (bday is Valentine's Day) the leapster and he is playing it right now! He really likes it. I found there were more games for him with the leapster for his current age and as he gets older.
If you get the leapster, get the carrying case....best $17 we spent! It keeps the games together and cushions the leapster.

[lovemylittlejoe]

Hi,

I got my son a V-Smile when he was 4 and he LOVED it. He is 5 1/2 now and we got him a Leapster this Christmas. He likes it but not as much as he likes his V-Smile. The games for the V-smile seem to be better and there is more of them for the 4-6 yr. olds.

Good Luck!

[avoel]

No experience with the Vsmile but my 5 year old LOVES her leapster!!! She will sit and play it by herself for 30 minutes (and this is a child who can never entertain herself any other time!). The games were fairly hard for her at 4 but now at 5 it seems like she has figured it out and can do most of the preK/K ones on level 1 or 2 by herself. Her favorites right now are the Cars racing one, Backyardigans, the Animal Genius and the Numbers on the Run games. I think it will grow with her for several more years too since there are a lot of games for 1st/2nd grade that we haven't even looked at yet.

[Mindybeth6]

We have EVERY LEPATSTER GAME known to man. LOL. ALec got it last year for Christmas, right after his 4th birthday and other then his Thomas trains, it has been the ONE toy that has kept his attention. He ADORES his Leapster...it even went to Guatemala with us! He truly does every game and loves it. He has the Leapster L-Max. But you don't have to get L-Max games. We have half regular Leapster games and half L-Max games. We just got him three news ones for Christmas. THey move up in age and there are PLENTY of games for him to still grow into. It was the best investment ever!!!!! We do have a V Smile system for the TV and it doesn't get half the playtime that his Leapster does.
Hugs

[alyssa&avery]

I bought the v-smile system for the TV last year for my kids. Big waste of money. They didn't play the games that we bought and then one of the controllers broke. I haven't tried the v-smile pocket, so not sure if it's any better.

I did buy them each a Leapster for Christmas this year and they both absolutely love them. DD is almost 6 and DS is 4. Definitely invest in the carry case!

My 4 year old does struggle with some of the games, but there are plenty to keep him busy and interested. His favorites seem to be the Kindergarten one and Letterpillar.

[crayolagal]

My son loved his Leapster. The games are educational and fun.

[stephjoel99]

Both my boys (4 and 5) got a Leapster from Santa. They LOVE them! I also wish there were more games - but other than that, they are in heaven!

[Summer95]

A big THANKS to everyone for your input!! After reading your posts I think I may be leaning toward the leapster...DH will be happy since this was his choice to begin with.

Mindy and Lori ~ Andrew has very little interest in his V-Smile system and I have to admit that I was worried he may not play the hand-held games, you have given me hope!!!

Thanks again