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MobiGo Touch Learning System vs Leapster

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Vtech MobiGo vs LeapFrog Leapster
Which is the best?

The Vtech MobiGo Touch Learning System vs the LeapFrog Leapster Learning Game System is a debate that has been going on for at least a year now. Both companies expertly delivering superb electronic educational toys that give parents of 3 to 8 year-old kids a hard time in choosing between them.

On this site however, I'll try to help by giving you the lowdown on each of these great learning systems, including the specifications and capabilities of both the MobiGo Touch Learning System and the Leapster Learning Game System.

I'll also look at some of the accessories available for both of these consoles and describe how easy they are to use. MobiGo Touch Learning System vs Leapster Learning Game System is just one of a number of head-to-heads between Vtech and LeapFrog, currently battling it out with their newly released InnoTab Interactive Learning Tablet and LeapPad Explorer. Whichever you decide, there will be only one winner - the kids!

Vtech MobiGo Touch Learning System

Vtech MobiGo

"It's a full-featured, well-made and robust piece of hardware that's clearly more powerful and versatile than, say, LeapFrog's competing Leapster2 Learning Game System."
(theglobeandmail.com)

The Vtech MobiGo Touch Learning System, launched in June 2010, was a fresh take on educational gaming for children already being made popular by rival companies such as LeapFrog.

Vtech's focus was on education through entertainment, with the added benefit of providing a hands-on experience that would keep little fingers away from the touchscreen devices of their parents.

In addition to its own touchscreen, the MobiGo features a QWERTY keyboard for older children to develop early typing skills. Among other awards and recognition, the Vtech MobiGo received the Dr. Toy award for "Best Vacation Children's Product" and The National Parenting Center "Seal of Approval 2010".

A look at some of the technical specifications of the Vtech MobiGo Learning System:

Color touch screen technology supporting tap, slide and flick actions.
Slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
Sturdy, durable design.
Pre-loaded with game software and a cartridge slot for additional games.
Connects to PC/Mac with included USB cable.

Learning Games on the Vtech MobiGo:

Space Challenge
A spaceship themed game, where children learn which is the next number in a sequence or solve math problems.
Fantastic Forest
The correct shapes and lines need to be drawn in order to guide Sam the Squirrel home across the woods.
Shooting Gallery
This game uses the keyboard in a classic target shoot. Children knock down the targets by typing the letters displayed and spelling words correctly.
Wild Fun
This is a good game to test children's powers of observation. Here, they tap on the animal that's different from the others, but need to decide before time runs out.
Ice Escape
Move and maneuver around obstacles to help the penguin find some fish to eat, in this game to develop problem solving skills.
Music Maestro
Children can jam to the music by playing a variety of virtual instruments, including piano, drums and guitar.
Downloads
Sync to any PC or Mac with the included USB cable. Once connected to the web, you can easily download even more games and other fun activities from the online Vtech Learning Lodge.

Watch the Vtech MobiGo Touch System in action

Here's the commercial from Vtech:

What's in the box and optional extras

The Vtech MobiGo Touch Learning System comes complete with a game cartridge, USB cable, soft cleaning cloth and instruction manual. It requires 4 AA batteries, which are not included.

Vtech offers a range of downloadable games and changeable games cartridges for the MobiGo. Kids can play and learn with some of their favorite characters, including Dora the Explorer, Mickey Mouse, Shrek, Scooby Doo and more.

“What people have said about the Vtech MobiGo”

"This really feels like a sophisticated modern device, and teaches them basic technology skills that they will later apply to other things. The graphics are fun, colorful, and cartoonish."
(Amazon Review)

"Now, I know the price might scare some people, because it would scare me too. But you don't just get a toy for a 3 year old. You get a toy that will grow with your child."
(mommyinstincts.com)

"Everything they [the children] do is also tracked, and if you then connect the MobiGo to your PC the data gets sent to the VTech website where you can log on and see what games they've been playing, and how long! You also have the option to print certificates for their high scores, and can download rewards right to the MobiGo - like games and badges to view onscreen."
(gizmodad.co.uk)

The Vtech MobiGo is available through Amazon

Comes in two colors... for boys and girls obviously!

MobiGo Cases and Accessories

Storage solutions and chargers that put the 'Go' into MobiGo

A Selection of MobiGo Game Cartridges

These should keep them entertained for a while...

Join the debate: MobiGo vs Leapster

Which learning game system is on your kids wish list?

Vtech MobiGo

LeapFrog Leapster

cffutah says:

they had the Vtech, parents wanted LeapFrog.

PassportsForKids says:

My son had the Leapster. Never witnessed the MobiGo in action.

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LeapFrog Leapster Learning Game System

LeapFrog Leapster
Leapster 2
Leapster Explorer

"This cute portable features a small touchscreen with stylus, a directional pad, and a variety of control buttons, and although it's compatible with games for older Leapster models, the new version has a USB port and SD card slot that let you track your child's learning and download bonus content and online games."
(computershopper.com review of Leapster 2)

Since 2003, the LeapFrog Leapster has been a very popular choice of learning game system. So much so, that the orignial Leapster was updated in 2008 as the Leapster 2, with the Leapster Explorer following two years later.

All three Leapster variations are still available and there is a high degree of backwards compatibility between the Leapster 2 and original Leapster. Unfortunately, the Explorer is very much incompatible with the previous two versions and, to some extent, should be treated as a different console despite the name.

For the remainder of the comparison on this site I'll focus on the Leapster Explorer, as this is the most recent model and was launched about the same time as the Vtech MobiGo. The Leapster Explorer has won the Junior Design Awards - Best Toy Design 6 Years + and the Loved by Parents Best Interactive Toy Silver Award 2011.

A look at some of the technical specifications of the LeapFrog Leapster Explorer:

Bright, clear touch screen with hi-res graphics.
Can be used with a camera and video recorder attachment (sold separately).
Robust, lightweight construction with a kid-friendly design.
Pre-loaded previews for current and upcoming Explorer titles and a cartridge slot for additional games.
Connects to PC/Mac with included USB cable.

Learning Games on the LeapFrog Leapster:

Pet Pad
This is the only game supplied with the Leapster Explorer that is pre-loaded onto the console. This game allows children to create their own pets and then take care of them by feeding and bathing them.
Downloads
Sync to any PC or Mac with the included USB cable. Once connected to the web, you can easily download even more games, eBooks, videos, and other fun activities (known as Leaplets) from LeapFrog's online LeapWorld. Parents can also use LeapFrog's online Learning Path to to see what their child is playing and learning, and explore ways to expand their child's learning journey.

Watch the LeapFrog Leapster Explorer in action

Here's the commercial from LeapFrog:

What's in the box and optional extras

The LeapFrog Leapster Explorer comes complete with a Leaplet learning app download card, USB cable, LeapFrog Connect CD and Quick Start guide. It requires 4 AA batteries, which are not included.

With a current library of more than 35 games and activities including cartridge games and downloadable learning apps, children can have exciting educational adventures with their favorite film and TV characters such as Ben 10, Woody from Toy Story, Disney Princess, Penguins of Madagascar and more.

“What people have said about the LeapFrog Leapster”

"Our Leapster arrived yesterday and I gave it to my son, who's 5, this morning. I wondered if he'd think it looked a bit babyish, but actually he loves it. It's a perfect size and the buttons aren't too fiddly for him."
(netmums.com)

"What helped us in justifying the investment in a LeapFrog system, is that we'd rather have our son playing with an educational system, than with mindless addictive game systems, which there are so many around. At least with LeapFrog he's learning."
(Amazon Review)

"My 6-year-old is completely enthralled in both the included pet game and the Dora game that I purchased. She has been playing for 2 hours!"
(examiner.com)

The LeapFrog Leapster is available through Amazon

In green and pink

Click through to check out the specifications of the original Leapster and Leapster 2. There are also special editions of the Leapster 2 that are available, including Disney Princess and Toy Story versions.

Leapster Cases and Accessories

So they can play LeapFrog wherever they are

A Selection of Leapster Game Cartridges

For the Leapster/Leapster 2 and Leapster Explorer

The information presented on this site is based on that provided in the manufacturer's literature and that of their retail agents. The author cannot guarantee that there will be no variations of specification, contents, games etc, for actual products purchased.