I was selected to host a LeapTV “Leap Into Gaming” MommyParty this past weekend. I received a LeapFrog LeapTV and two games (LeapFrog Sports and LeapFrog Dance & Learn) to share with friends and their children. This is a gaming system designed for kids ages 3-8. LeapTV features games that help teach reading, math, science, and general problem solving.
LeapTV uses a motion-sensing camera that mounts on the top of your television and a controller designed for the small hands of children. It has a built-in wrist strap for play.
The product includes the following:
- Console
- Console Stand
- HDMI Cable
- Motion Sensing Camera
- Camera Mount
- AC Power Adapter
- Tranforming Controller
The console and stand would be comparable in size to a Wii console. It’s pretty compact. The power button is on top with a slot for game cartridges and a sync button below the game slot in front. LeapTV features built-in Wi-Fi plus a Ethernet port.
Two AA batteries are needed for the remote control (not included).
The controller is rather unique. The button with an arrow going two directions allows one leg of the controller to go out so it can be shaped almost like a bat with a large circular center, 
The one end lights up and allows motion from the controller to register with the motion-sensing camera. 
When initially installing, the included camera mount has to be twisted onto the motion-sensing camera. Then it can be adjusted and placed on top of your television. The camera is ideally aimed at your child’s chest.
After connecting the equipment, your device will connect to the internet to complete on-screen instructions. This can be done wired or wireless connection. We are wireless upstairs in our home and LeapTV was able to find internet service, but it seemed to stall out after initial detection of the network. I ended up re-starting the unit and it finished the on-screen installation quickly. Then I had to hop on my laptop and enter a code that was displayed during set-up and register to complete installation.
After registration, we received a bonus game called Pet Play World, which allows your child to create and care for a pet through a series of games. When setting up, keep in mind that you will want to have 3-6 feet clear from the TV as the play area for your child and the room should be fairly well light for the motion-sensor camera to work properly.
There are nine cartridge games available at LeapTV’s launch this fall and 100+ LeapFrog educator-approved games and videos are anticipated to be available by the end of the year. The games adapt to each child’s level with beginning at basic skills and then automatically adjust to learning that will challenge your child. Three players plus a guest can be stored for repeat play. I have my three kids all entered in and have a slot for a friend to play. Multiple players can use the same controller.
Please pardon my constant battle with a messy house. Here is my three-year-old playing LeapFrog Sports. In this part of the game, he has a snow board and goes through a course with a few math problems built-in. Periodically the game would pop up a set of numbers on the bottom and two gates for the snowboarder to pass through. It would ask which number was missing in the sequential order and he had to decide which number was correct from the two listed over the gates.
Here is another math question, simply asking which number was greater or larger. I can’t remember the exact wording right now.m My son requests the sports cartridge the most and my daughters play equally with the dance and sports game we were provided with.
LeapFrog LeapTV is pretty easy to use. I just noticed my son sometimes has difficulty lining himself up with the motion-sensor camera when he needed to have the movements detected with his controller or placing his body in front of the camera for play without the controller. It just took some assistance in re-positioning and otherwise the children who have tried out LeapTV here seem to enjoy it and come back for repeat play.
There are three ways to play with LeapTV:
- Body Motion: The motion-sensing camera captures a child’s moves and instantly puts them into the game as they explore activities like dance or doing activities with their pet. Children can run, hop, or wave their arms to defend goals, scuba dive, and more.
- Pointer Play: The controller transforms into a pointer with a simple twist and lets the child slice through coconuts, snap jungle vines, and more.
- Classic Control: The child can press the A and B buttons for fast-paced gaming or tilt and shake the controller to sled through and enchanted garden or race in a classic kart-racing game.
LeapFrog LeapTV has a suggested price of $149.99 and you can get the Pet Play World with registration. Other game titles are available at an additional fee. To learn more about this product, please visit LeapFrog’s website.
Disclosure: I received free products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsored MommyParty. The opinions expressed here are my own.
