LeapFrog® Leapster® Learning Game System - Green

Hi I have the same problem as the previous reviewer. My leapster was working fine all along for about 4 months then suddenly whenever we insert a game cartridge in, a question mark prompting for cartridge will appear. It seems that the leapster cannot recognise the presence of a cartridge. I have to knock the cartridge real hard into the leapster each time for it to work. Also, it would freeze at times, or just go off on its own halfway through the game.

I thought initially it may be due to too much playing or handling on my kids' part, now it seems that is not the case, since others also encountered this problem. I am considering buying the new leapster2 and hope that it will not have such problems again.

Yes, the Leapster is swell, all the games are wonderful, and my 2 and 4 year old have spent countless hours playing with it and all the games.

But I have had recurring bugs with the system that have cropped up through four Leapsters, all bought new:

1) The dreaded "question mark" when a game is inserted. Every single game we put in, even brand spanking new from the box, into a brand new Leapster, has the annoying "beepbeep" chime and the question mark. The only way to get it to work is to take the game out, blow on the innards (to remove crumbs/dust? I don't know) and stick the game back in. It's insane.

2) Turning off by itself

3) Freezing up

5) Sort of half freezing up, with weird "bubbles" noises, then freezing up after that.

This is with all four Leapsters, brand new batteries, brand new games. It appears to be systemic, at least with us.

I've purchased replacement Leapsters for both children, yet the problems persist. Next time they get so bad a replacement is in order, I'll try L-Max or Leapster 2 and keep my fingers crossed.

The Leapster is a great way to keep my 5 year old looking and listening to the stories to be able to get into the games. It helps him listen for story details an understand the way a story is put together. A great "toy"

The leapster I bought my son did not last through the year. It broke after about 7 months. I have tried repeatedly to contact customer service just to see if I can get it fixed. I know it's not still under warranty and I have no idea where the receipt is at this point. I have spent at least half an hour on the phone several days in a row trying to get through at Leapster. Disappointing at best.

We bought each of our children a Leapster for our 33-hour car ride. They entertained them most of the way and the children were learning as well. It was great because the Leapsters can even be played at night. Buy some headphones and you cut down on the noise. Each Leapster used 4-AA batteries which lasted at least 20 hours of continuous play.