* Compare VTech MobiGo vs Leapfrog Leapster Explorer vs Fisher Price iXL - Review Of Kids Handheld Games Systems For Kid

Get The Best Console For Your Child

The MobiGo, Leapster Explorer and iXL are all educational electronic toys aimed at children of similar ages. Since they have all received great customer reviews, it can be difficult to choosewhich toy to buy.

Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your child happily engaged with a toy that is not only fun, but educational too.

There is no one stand out winner amongst them - different consoles will appeal to different children.

In this guide you will find:

• An overview of each electronic console
• Photos of the consoles
• The offical adverts for the consoles
• Latest online prices
• Ratings
  

As you read every word of this guide, you will discover which is the best handheld console for your child, and be ready to make your purchase with confidence.

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• For ages 3-8 years
• Age ranges differ on games - makes sure games are tailored to your child's developmental stage
  
• Case available to buy separately
  
• Plug in AC adapter available to reduce battery consumption

The slide out QWERTY keyboard

The feature that makes the MobiGo stand out from the other two consoles is the slide out QWERTY keyboard. If your little one is constantly pestering you for a turn on your laptop, then this is the console for them. For this generation of children, being able to confidently use a QWERTY keyboard will be as important as being able to write with a pencil. But be realistic about how much use this will get - many parents of young children have found the keyboard is used only for inputting one letter answers, as they cannot spell out complete words yet.

Touch-screen technology

Like the iXL and the Explorer, the MobiGo features touch screen technology. This makes the games intuitive to play, enabling kids to dive straight into the action as soon as the console is turned on. However, the MobiGo does not have a stylus, so they are missing out on the opportunity for some penmanship practice.

Variety of games

The MobiGo games develop math and literacy skills, logic, shapes and colors. The Explorer goes beyond this to include health, science and geography. Unlike the Explorer and iXL, the MobiGo does not feature a video player or e-reader.

Summary

Younger children may find this easier to play with. Games are suitable for children as young as 3, and little ones may find using the touch screen with their fingertips easier than operating a stylus. Plus the absence of snazzy add-ons like a camera or e-reader, means they are unlikely to get lost in a myriad of menus - they can jump straight to the games without your help.

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• Suitable for ages 4-8 years
• Different games are suitable for different ages
• Case available to buy separately
• Broader curriculum and functions than the MobiGo
• Camera attachment available for taking digital images or movies
• Recharger available to buy to save on batteries
  

Simple stylus operation

The Explorer is operated with a stylus and control buttons either side of the screen. This makes the console easy for little fingers to use, and also offers the opportunity for kids to develop their pen control.

Wider range of games and functions

The Leapster Explorer can function as a gaming console, e-reader and movie player. Plus with the camera attachment you can take your own images or movies and play around with them and even incorporate them into your games.

The games also feature a broader curriculum than the Mobigo or iXL, developing social, health, geography and even science skills alongside the more traditional literacy and math games.

Parents should be aware that unlike previous Leapfrog consoles, the Explorer is not backwards compatible with other Leapfrog games - any Leapster games you already own will not work with the Explorer.

As with the MobiGo, parents can plug the Explorer into their own PC to track progress made on the games, and download new apps.

Summary

With lots of different ways to play this is a console that will keep kids interested for months, if not years. The range of development offered by the games avoids the repetitive nature of math and literacy problems that other consoles present.

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• Age range 3-7 years
• 6 functions - games, mp3 player, e-reader, photo viewer, art studio, and notepad
• You need access to a PC with CD-Rom drive, USB point and Internet connection
  

Like the Explorer it is operated via a stylus. It looks like a kid's version of a Nintendo DS, and works like a junior iPad.

Largest range of functions

The iXL features the largest range of activities making it a versatile companion for your child. Fisher Price have really worked to incorporate all the features, rather than leaving them as a gimmicky add-on to a gaming console. Each software title features activities that use most, if not all the iXLs functions.

Cartridge-free gaming

This is a cartridge free gamer. You need to buy the software titles, put them in your computer, attach the iXL and download the software to the console. This is great if you are worried your kids will lose or break cartridges, or constantly need your help to swap them over, but not-so-great if you don't have a computer at home.

Younger children

Although Fisher Price have stated this is suitable for children up to the age of 7 years, children over 5 will likely find this system a bit simple, and therefore boring. Toys R Us put the age recommendation at just 3-5 years. For older children the Explorer, or even a Nintendo DS will provide better entertainment.

Summary

With so many functions, it is unlikely a child will get bored with it, as they could with a simple gamer, but be prepared to put in some work uploading games, photos, music and stories before your child uses it, and it may not be suitable for older children.

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If your child is at the upper end of the age limit (around 7 years), they may be ready to go straight on to a Nintendo DS, especially if they already have experience with handheld gamers. Nintendo offer games designed from children ages three years and up, and although the initial cost of the console will be higher, it will remain age appropriate for longer.

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Check out these tablet-style computers for kids:

• VTech InnoPad, due for release Fall 2011
• Leapfrog LeapPad Explorer, due summer 2011