Leap into Gaming with #LeapTV

Disclosure: I received free products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsored MommyParty.  The opinions expressed here are my own. 

The very first video that A was allowed to watch was "Letter Factory" by Leap Frog. He still asks for it as his first choice the majority of the time. "Froggies," as we call it, did an amazing job teaching the little guy his letters and their sounds. Scout was also a staple in his life when he was smaller. So as you can see, Leap Frog products are some of our favorites.

Which is why I was so excited to have the opportunity to try out the new LeapTV, a new gaming console built especially for kids 3-8. The console and games are all about getting the kids into the action and teaching core skills like math and reading. With nine games currently, and an anticipated 100+ games and videos by the end of the year, there is something for everyone.

The system was very easy to set up, about 10 minutes total. In the box there just are a few simple components to set up. Once you have it set up, there are three ways to play:

• Motion- Using the camera, the game senses movement and the kids don't even need a controller. Children become the controller! The child’s moves are captured on the motion-sensing camera and mirrored on screen. They can dance, run, hop, jump, karate chop, and more with their own body movement.  
• Classic Controller-  This controller was built with a child’s small hands in mind. With an easy to hold shape and easy to reach buttons at their fingertips. In classic control mode kids can go on a high speed race car, tilt and shake to manipulate their vehicle.
• Pointer- With just a twist and a press of a bottom the controller quickly transforms into a pointer. In pointer play kids can slice, swing, and snap all with the movement of their controller.

We had a fun time playing two of the new games:

• LeapTV Dance and Learn:  A's favorite game! In LeapTV Dance and Learn children shake, spin, flap and hop to the tune of nine dance games. Our favorite is the Dino dance :) Children learn reading skills while having a dance party.
•  LeapTV Sports!: Enter a whole new arena of sports fun with your favorite LeapFrog characters in LeapTV Sports. Children can bowl, block, chop, swing and swim through nine active games. 

I do have to say that there were some challenges playing with kids on the youngest end of the spectrum. The loading time can take awhile - which doesn't work well for three year olds.  Also, we found a glitch - which technical assistance was quick to respond to - where the camera didn't recognize the second player. That said - it is also great for the little ones. It wasn't too sensitive to less -than-precise movements, and they loved seeing themselves on the Television! Great for friends :)

Overall, it was a positive gaming experience. I recommend the LeapTV and think that it would make a fun Holiday Gift. You can see more about the LeapTV at www.leapfrog.com. I would like to e thank Leap Frog, Mom Select, and Mommy Parties for giving me the opportunity to play, review and share LeapTV with you!

To learn more go to Leap Frog LeapTV!