LeapFrog to Introduce Gaming Console System Designed Just For Kids

Clear some space on your family wall unit, because your little one is about to claim some real estate on there this holiday season. LeapFrog, the educational toy company, has set its sights on the gaming console, and given its track record with converting popular consumer tech products into kid-safe toys (think the LeapPad tablets and the Leapster Explorer handheld gaming unit), the company is sure to have a holiday hit on its hands this year.

LeapTV ($150), unveiled today, is a video gaming system specifically designed for kids ages 3 to 8 years old that fuses educational concepts with familiar characters and active play. With three types of play — classic control, where the controller acts in the traditional fashion; pointer play, where the controller converts into a LED pointer; and body motion, where kids are put into the game to interact with the characters — there are plenty of features to keep even the youngest gamers engaged. So just what makes LeapTV more tot-friendly than your standard Xbox or Wii console? Read on to see what it is all about.Source: LeapFrog

The Console

The Console

At launch, there will be 100 pieces of content available for LeapTV, including games with licensed characters like Princess Sofia and Dinosaur Train. Games can be purchased via cartridge ($30 each) or digital download ($5 and up). Like all LeapFrog games, the system recognizes and remembers your little one's levels from one day to the next, so they are presented with lessons that are appropriate for them. Should you switch to multiplayer mode, each child is presented with questions/activities appropriate for his or her level while they are still playing against each other. Source: LeapFrog

The System

The System

One of the most exciting features of LeapTV is the user interface, which is truly designed for young tots. Instructions are presented graphically and via audio, so nonreaders can learn without the assistance of a grown-up. They're also easy to move between, so kids who are still working on their dexterity can toggle games on their own (something my own 4-year-old has trouble doing with our Wii system). Source: LeapFrog

The Controller

The Controller

Used in classic position or as a pointer, the LeapTV controller is designed to fit into little kids' hands — and stay there (not fly away!). A and B buttons are front, center, and easy to find, and there are few extraneous buttons for kids to get caught up in pressing. Source: LeapFrog

Motion Play

Motion Play

Using the system's motion-sensing camera, kids can see themselves on the screen as they jump, dance, and karate-chop their way through various games. Their activity is encouraged with graphics that appear around their moving body parts.

Though we only had limited time with the system at its unveiling this morning, I'm pretty excited about the concept. I've watched my 4-year-old struggle to play Wii with his older brother, often unable to set up a game on his own (bowling and FIFA World Cup are especially hard), and have witnessed the tears when he can't seem to accomplish the games' goals. With a system designed for his hand size and dexterity (not to mention one with more age-appropriate games), I imagine we'll have a lot more success.Source: LeapFrog