Learning Fun with LeapTV from LeapFrog

We received product through MommyParties and LeapFrog, but all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

When I first saw LeapFrog’s new gaming system, LeapTV, I was a bit hesitant. I’ve always been a bit of a gamer and Tom is as well. We have a couple of game systems already that have the power to let you interact by movement via camera.

I’m really glad we gave this a shot!

The LeapTV is listed on all of the hot lists for the holidays this year. It’s the cool new game system for kids that teaches letters, numbers, shapes, math, colors, reading and so much more. If you have other LeapFrog products, you know they put out some awesome educational toys. This is right up there with the rest of them.

The LeapTV includes:

• LeapTV console
• Console stand
• Motion-sensing camera
• Camera mount
• 1 transforming controller with wrist strap
• 6′ HDMI cable
• AC power adapter
• Built-in Wi-Fi plus Ethernet port
• 16GB memory
Bonus game
Pet Play World (with registration)

There are 3 ways to play LeapTV. You can play with your body movements such as dancing, jumping, and hopping. What kiddo wouldn’t like to watch themselves on TV? You can also play using Pointer Play by transforming the controller to a pointer stick for motion-controlled play similar to the Wii. You can transform the stick back to play with Classic Control by shaking, tilting, and using the thumb stick.

We tried out the included Pet Play World, Sports and Dance & Learn. Charlie absolutely loves playing with his pet robot and dragon. The Sports game works with math and the Dance & Learn works with reading. These game skills are tailored to your child’s age and skill level when you create their profile. So for Charlie, it’s mostly just letters and simple adding right now.

What we like:

I love that this is a video game system that will make kids get up and play! This is a system that will definitely grow with Charlie and he’ll be able to play for quite some time. And lucky for us, we have Owen right behind them. Owen thinks it’s hilarious when Charlie plays, but soon he’ll be attempting to play too.

In order to continue with the games, the player needs to solve problems using math or other skills. These are a bit difficult for Charlie right now, but he’ll get it.

What we don’t like:

While aimed at ages 3-8, this is a bit difficult for Charlie (at 3.5) to do himself right now. It makes it frustrating for both of us. He wants to do it himself, but then gets mad when it doesn’t work. The pointer works better than the classic control for him and we have a hard time understanding the camera part. Charlie keeps wanting to reach out and touch the TV instead of putting his arms straight out. It will definitely take some time to learn and get the concepts down, but it’s a great start for him!

The picture on the camera is very dark, so you will need a lot of light in the room. If the camera can’t see you, it can’t detect what you’re doing, making it hard to play.