best game system for a toddler? Please share your Wii, Leapster & V-tech experiences

We're already heading into the silly season and this year I'm planning ahead !!

I want to get a game system for my 2.5 year old son can use for Christmas. There are a few out there and I'm trying to figure out the best one. I'm looking at:

*Leapster 2 (handheld, gameboy style Leap Frog product - has good but not raving reviews, it seems to be the most educational. I would like it if it could hook up to the tv)

*V-tech V-smile learning system (TV based, but has some negative Amazon reviews because it has problems powering up, runs on batteries, is difficult for toddlers to control)

*A Wii (seems good because it's interactive and we can use it too, but I'm not sure about the games for toddlers, if they're user-friendly, educational and age appropriate (he's only 2.5) or not

*The one that is a bicycle that connects to the tv - can't remember what it's called (reviews say kids enjoy it, but education aspect is limited, it chews through batteries and has poor graphics)

I'd be interested to hear the good, the bad and the ugly about your experience with any of these products with 2-5 year olds... would you recomend them or not, and if so, which games are good? Thanks in advance :)


ETA: would also be interested to hear about any other product you've found to be great for pre-school kids

I got DD1 the leap pad at 3. It was great & could go anywhere. I diffinetely thought it was worth it, but I don't even know if it still exists.

we have a wii- I don't know about games for toddlers, but I think it might be too difficult to control, you have to have pretty good hand/eye coordination, as well as fairly still hands so i think just in that respect it would be too difficult for a toddler..even I sometimes have trouble with it! They are great fun though, for adults and kids! maybe something to think about for the future, a 4-5 yr old probably wouldnt haveany problems with it.

We have a Wii. MY 4yo loves to get one it, but really does struggle. Oddly enough we found the game that she able to handle the best is Links Crossbow training. All it involves it pointing and clicking the one button and that includes navigating the menus. It is great as she can play without us having to get involved every minute or so. Downside is that it is a shooting game, something which many parents would be against. She also enjoys Mario Kart, as she just has to "turn" the wheel and hold down a button. Takes her forever to do a lap though :lol: So overall I think 2.5 is a bit young for a Wii, but if you want one for the family in general it is a bit of fun.

I bought my daughter a LeapPad system and it was brilliant .. but I think it was a little advanced for her (my fault) and the frustration caused her to bite through the cord attached to the 'pen'
LeapPad systems are BRILLIANT as long as you are aware as to your childs abilites, (which I obviously wasnt! LOL)
It also has valuable balancing skills
There is also a small children's version of a game system just like a Wii advertised on TV at the moment that looks fantastic and wll also help you LO with balance and strategy.

I am sure any LO would feel very grown up too playing a game like a Wii as well as learning valuable skills

Good luck there

We have a WII but made the mistake of letting DS who is 17 months watch us play sports resort, sword fighting.. now if i leave the remote out he just goes and bangs everything.. UG definately not toddler friendly!!

I don't have any experience with the systems other than the Wii. I don't find it very toddler friendly. My 5 year old nephew has difficulty with the controls and often gets frustrated even with simple games like bowling

Oh I saw one on TV this morning and it looked brillant for a toddler.. it was by fisher price I can't remember what it was called but will do a search and see if I can find out for you!!

OK so it's not as good as I thought HAHA It's called 3-1 Smart Sports RRP of $60 and for ages 3-7

It’s a TV-interactive system that lets kids choose from three sports—baseball, tennis or golf—for plenty of physical activity and learning fun. Character friends lead the way through nine exciting interactive games, with multiple levels of play.

Kids will have a blast swinging away in active play, giving brain power a boost right along with physical movement.

Includes base unit; grip controller with baseball bat, golf club and tennis racket attachments; plus storage dock to keep everything handy. Easy setup with TV. Requires 6 AA batteries (not included).

Teaches:

Numbers & Counting
Addition & Subtraction
Uppercase & Lowercase letters
Spelling
Shapes
Motor skills & more!