 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Leapster L-Max Learning Game System
- Leapster
- Price: $99.99
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Souped-up Leapster with exciting new features.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this new version of Leapster extends the play options to include game play using a television screen. Kids can plug the handheld into the television for a big screen experience and unplug for on-the-go gaming without a break in the game play. Parents can see what's happening in the program as it's projected on the TV screen. At times, the L-Max even creates a dual screen where what appears on the handheld is different from what appears on the television screen -- it's cool.
What's it about?
With the LEAPSTER L-MAX LEARNING GAME SYSTEM, kids still get the mechanics that made the Leapster system work so well, including a touch-sensitive high-resolution screen (160 x 160 pixels); good sound quality; a multi-directional game pad button and other outsized gaming buttons. But what makes this version special is that it can plug into a television for a bigger-screen gaming experience. In addition, when the new L-Max is connected to a television, it will, at times, create a dual-screen experience by displaying different images on the television screen and the handheld screen. Kids also can draw on the handheld screen and then send what they have created to the TV screen, and they can disconnect from the TV and continue in the handheld mode without a break in the action.
Is it any good?
For owners of the old Leapster, is the new L-Max worth buying? Yes, because being able to extend play to a large TV screen allows parents to share in their child's learning experience. The L-Max also makes it much easier for parents to give their kids support and encouragement. Finally, the dual-screen gameplay in the new L-Max titles, such as Letters on the Loose, adds an exciting twist.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the L-Max enhances parental involvement in the Leapster learning proces. What is the advantage of that?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Worth It!!!
I too was concerned about spending the money on the L-Msx as the"My First Leapad" and "Leapad" barely got touched (he used them more when he was sent to his room!). But the L-Max is terrific. Even with the commercialism of Spongebob, Spiderman, Madagascar, etc. Kids stick with what they relate too, and if Spongebob can teach my son math and Spiderman can teach him to spell, than these two characters rule in my book. Plugging it in to the TV is a nice advantage - having a bigger screen instead of a little 2x2 inch screen (plus it develops great eye hand coordination). My son has even plugged it into the DVD player in the car to play with and takes it with him whenever we have Doctor's or Dentist appointments. He received this as a present for Christmas, and 7 months later, still keeps a current list of games he wants for his L-Max. Definitely worth the investment.
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AGE
perfect gift!
Gave this to my 4 1/2 yr old grandaughter for xmas w/ letters, numbers, drawing, Dora games. She has completed all levels & still plays w/ it. Wants more advanced games. Brother 2 1/2 wants one for his bday in Mar ! Isn't frustrated w/ her games but doesn't really have them down yet. Much better than previous games, even leapster.
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AGE
BROKE IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT BUY!
I got this as the big gift for Christmas for my 5 yr old autistic son. It worked for 5 minutes. Now it will not turn on. I went through the checklist of things to do if this happens. Still does not work. My husband and I have to hide it from my son because we cannot explain to him why he can't play it. He screams when he gets frustrated, and he would not understand why mom and dad won't make his game work. I called Leapfrog and got no help since I bought it 4 months ago and the warrantee is only good for 3 months. I spoke with 2 different managers and they just kept repeating the trobleshooting checklist that I had informed them I already tried. It was like talking to a robot. She just kept repeating that checklist. Leapfrog's customer service is a joke in my opinion. They would not help us, or make any exceptions to their policy at all. They would not exchange, refund, refurbish, or offer a credit on their website(where I bought it from). They offered a 15% coupon for a future purchase. I have seen better offers than that on their website. And those offers are available to everyone. Leapfrog will never make any money off my family again. This was an expensive toy. I may as well have thrown $45.00 in the trash. I pretty much did the equivalent of that. Thanks Leapfrog for ruining what otherwise was a lovely Christmas. You will not ruin any more in my household.
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AGE
Even better than the Leapster!
After barely touching the original Leappad, I had been hesitant to buy the more expensive Leapster last year. But our fears vanished immediately. He adored it and it has seen nearly daily use with fantastic educational games. When the L-max came out this year, he promised it was all he wanted for his birthday. We weren't sure there would be much of an improvement over the leapster, but it's been awesome. They can play on the TV screen so little sister (age 3) can watch and learn, too. We bought the letters on the Loose cartridge and it is incredible. Our little one can even write most of the letters now, though I think most toddlers would be frustrated by this cartridge. Our son is 6 and it's perfect for him as he's struggled with writing up until now. So some kids might be ready for it at 4, but others might be frustrated if they struggle with fine-motor skills. He recently bought the Spiderman cartridge with his allowance and likes that one, too.
The old leapster cartridges work on the l-max, but do not show on the TV. The new l-max cartridges will work on the old leapsters, but just normally (no tv, obviously). The L-max screen is slightly smaller than the leapster's, so that's the only drawback (other than the price).
The l-max is easiest to use if you have a TV where you can plug cords into the front. But you can still use them if they plug into the back, your child will just need more help and you may want to leave the cords plugged in.
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| Platforms: | Leapster |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Educational |
| Developer: | LeapFrog |
| Release date: | August 19, 2005 |
| Price: | $99.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E |
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