Leapster

Lore & Background

Originally released on October 7, 2003, the Leapster was revised and remade several times. The Leapster L-MAX, a version with an A/V TV output allowing gameplay on a television, was released in 2004; its console size decreased and the pen became a wire instead of a thread. The Leapster TV, a screenless version with the same basic control layout in a console form, was released in 2005 and retired in 2007. The Leapster and Leapster L-MAX were retired in 2014, and the Leapster2 was retired in 2019.

LeapFrog released the Leapster2 handheld device as a successor in July 2008, adding a USB port and SD card slot. These additions allow the user to play downloaded games and log user data such as topics learned or user-created art. Logged activity is sent to LeapFrog's 'Learning Path' system, which tracks educational milestones completed; completion of certain learning activities allows online games to be accessed. Art created using the Leapster can be further modified online and printed using a computer. Some Leapster2s have no SD slot and use onboard memory in its place.

Most software content for the original Leapster was created with Macromedia Flash MX 2004; the device runs a version of Adobe Flash Player licensed to LeapFrog and ported to the Leapster. LeapFrog has not opened the Leapster platform to significant amounts of third-party or homebrew development; software is typically developed in-house or as work-for-hire. There are approximately 40 games available for the Leapster, with over 50 created. All games feature a 'Hint' function along with a dedicated 'Hint' button that brings up audio or animated information on instructions.

Reader's Guide

The Leapster's significance lies in its position as the best-selling educational handheld game console in America, with about 4 million units and 12 million software cartridges sold by May 2007. Its design specifically targeted young children, combining a touchscreen and stylus with a directional pad to facilitate direct interaction with educational content. The system's use of Macromedia Flash for development allowed LeapFrog to bring the system to market rapidly, according to Tom Prichard, Sr. Vice President of Marketing. However, the platform's closed nature drew criticism: Dave Bauer noted the 'depressingly small library of software' and argued that no platform has ever been successful without third-party software, while Ian Bogost stated that 'the potential for improved educational game design is simply not going to come from inside the LeapFrog corporation.' The Leapster's legacy includes its successor, the Leapster2, which added connectivity features such as USB and SD card support for downloadable games and data logging, as well as the Leapster L-MAX and Leapster TV variants. The system was sold in nine countries directly and in another seven for teaching English as a second language in schools, and its library of approximately 40 games (over 50 created) included licensed titles from properties such as Cars, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Star Wars.

Did You Know?

• The Leapster was originally called the Leapster Multimedia Learning System.
• The Leapster2 added a USB port and SD card slot for downloadable games and data logging.