does anyone have either.

are they worth it?

opinions please. it is for a 4yo

DS2 got a leapster explorer for xmas (so at 4.5yrs) and loves it. He watches his brother play his DSi but doesn't have the skills to play it, however he is really good on the explorer. Leappad is supposed to be really good as well and has the same games as the explorer

DS (4) has the LeapPad and loves it, I think it would be better than the explorer as the screen is larger and it takes more games. He got it for Christmas and it is still his favorite today.

You should get the Mr Pencil game, it is fantastic. We also have Disney Pixar Pals, Toy Story 3, Cars 2, and Madagascar, he loves them all but prefers the Disney Pixars one.

*nods* i had already brought the explorer before the leappad came out... although i don't believe it takes more games, just the same ones as the explorer?

Mr Pencil is the most loved game here as well... we also have cars 2, toy story 3, penguins of madagascar and dora (or as he calls it "diego"). He is getting wolverine, ben 10 and spongebob, plus the camera attachment for his birthday

The leappad can take some downloadable games that the explorer can't because they use motion sensor control (ie, tilt from side to side) and perhaps some of the ebooks? I think most of the main games are compatible with both though.

I also suggest you get the gel skin, screen protector (ebay) and case if you do get one, we dont have the skin and the back of ours is very scratched.

Regarding the Mr Pencil game - if the box says only suitable for Leapster Explorer - does than mean it WON'T work on the Leap Pad, or that it won't work on the old Leaper 2?

Getting a Leap Pad for DS2 for his birthday and heard good things about the Mr Pencil game. Big W have it in their toy sale catalogue but the box doesn't say anything about the Leap Pad.

Thanks!

Mr Pencil

Works a treat in the Leap Pad at this house.

I like that you can download all the games on to the leappad so you don't have to worry about the cartridges getting lost or damaged. The leappad also has the built in camera and video camera which I believe you have to buy as an extra for the explorer?

Both my 4 year old and 2.5 year old have leappads and love them, they get alot of use. My 4 year old DS loves the games and camera plus the drawing apps while my 2 year old DD loves the feeding and caring for the virtual pet plus watching videos on it (you can download Dora, Thomas etc). They are especially handy when you are waiting at the doctors (I'm 27 weeks pregnant so this is common for us), in a restaurant or on a plane. Just bring spare batteries at all times

See this one from Big W -

Big W - Mr Pencil

Do you think this would work with Leap Pad?

The link to the Amazon one actually says Leap Pad on it.

No- the print in the corner seems to say not...

Gotta love Google!

Google - Leap Pad/Explorer games

Looks like I can get it after all

I have used the games which say explorer only on our leappads, I think it is just the old packaging as the games are identical to the ones in the newer packaging which mentions leappad

yup all explorer games are compatible with the leappad... however they are not compatible with the old leapster 2 etc.