Leap Frog's Leapster 2 ~ The Next Generation of Leapsters!

I have been a LeapFrog mom for years! My children have grown up with LeapFrog products beginning with the original My First LeapPad and the Imagination Desk! We purchased a My First LeapPad for my son when he was a toddler and absolutely loved the product--a product that combines books, basic skills development, and electronic game technology! I recall visiting my in-laws with my son and watching my father in-law play the LeapPad with his grandson. He was very impressed! Since that time LeapFrog has grown leaps and bounds {pun intended}. From the LeapPad--which is still a great toy and we own two--to the Leapster and now the all new Leapster2!

Launched this fall, in time for the holidays, the Leapster2 is LeapFrog's version of the portable gaming system but, unlike so many of the gaming systems which have perhaps catered to an older audience and lowered their "educational" standards, LeapFrog has stayed true to its younger gamers and its commitment to educational games and child development! An educator and parent of young children I appreciate LeapFrog's dedication to age appropriate play which still appeals to a child's imagination and sense of fun.

LeapFrog continues to ride the wave of technological trends! The creators of LeapFrog know the significant role the Internet plays in even the lives of our children. My children are enthralled by many of the popular online children's sites but I often worry about the content of Internet sites and am ever vigilant. LeapFrog is as concerned as parents about designing a safe online play environment children ages 4 to 8 will enjoy.

Coming in 2010 LeapWorld will be a place your child can call home for their Leapster2 achievements and the Learning Path will plot these achievements and your child's development for you to track!
Here's how it works:
Parents begin by connecting the Leapster2 to their computer, launching the LeapFrog Connect Application, parents’ gateway to the Learning Path and kids’ entrance to their own online experience. Kids get to choose a free game from four available titles and then have the opportunity to redeem coins for the other three. Kids earn coins by playing games on their Leapster2 system. After playing on the Leapster2, kids re-connect to upload the coins they’ve earned and use them to build a fully personalized world. Kids get to create an avatar and a dwelling for their avatar to call home. Each house contains a LeapFrog room, where a player’s trophy case displays his or her achievements—the same achievements that parents then see on their Learning Path view. Players continue by choosing a theme—such as garden, castle or space station—then stacking room blocks, and embellishing them with furniture and accessories. The house then comes alive with surprises to uncover. And kids can earn further coins by playing online games, purchase mini-games with the coins, download the mini-games back to the handheld, earn more coins and then . . . go back online for a continuous play experience that keeps the engagement going. The experience is extended and grows with your child as new more advanced topics are unlocked!

To increase the Leapster2's download capacity you can now install a memory card and for a limited time Leapster2 owners can order a free memory card from LeapFrog online. Already have a Leapster and have stocked up on Leapster games? Fear not the Leapster game cartridges are also compatible with the Leapster2!

My children are anxiously awaiting the 2010 opening of LeapWorld! My children continue to be engaged by the Leapster system and with the Leapster2's extended play options it has already become a favourite toy. My youngest daughter Bronwynn has a great deal of trouble settling into sleep at night and amid her bed of books and quiet time toys the Leapster has been a favourite now--as it appears--to be replaced by the new and improved Leapster2. My 7 year old daughter, Emma, totes her Leapster, and now the Leapster2, with her on our frequent road trips into the city, and even my nine year old son who owns another handheld game system continues to return to the Leapster! Look for more LeapFrog reviews here and Northern Mama and learn more about The Learning Path!

I know many of you will be eager to jump on The Learning Path and introduce your children to the exciting and educational world LeapFrog's new Leapster2 can unlock! One lucky Northern Mama reader will have the opportunity shortly because LeapFrog is offering a Leapster2 Handheld Game System {$79.99 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price}.

To Enter:

• Visit LeapFrog and tell me which Leapster games your children would enjoy if you won the Leapster2. {Required}
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Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents. Giveaway closes November 29th 2009 10:00pm CT. Read Giveaway Rules for further details.