Leapster

Background

The Leapster Learning Game System is an educational handheld game console aimed at 5-to 10-11-year-olds (preschool to fourth grade), made by LeapFrog Enterprises. The system featured a directional pad and a touchscreen with a stylus pen that enables young users to interact directly with the screen. Released on October 7, 2003, the Leapster had two revisions and remakes throughout its entire lifetime. The Leapster L-MAX, a version that has one extra feature (an A/V TV output, which allows the user to view and hear gameplay on their television) was released in 2004. The L-MAX console's size was decreased, and the pen took the form of a wire instead of a thread. The Leapster TV, a screenless version with the same basic control layout in a console form, was released in 2005 and retired in 2007. LeapFrog released the Leapster2 handheld device as a successor to the Leapster in July 2008. The Leapster2 was essentially the previous system with an added USB port and SD card slot. Both the Leapster and Leapster L-MAX were retired in 2014 and the Leapster2 was retired in 2019; following this, the Leapster Learning Game System officially ended production.

Leapster

Logo (October 7, 2003-2009 [final game] 2014 [end of production])

Visuals:

Original Variant: On a white background, there is a set of blue abstract squares forming and eventually filling the screen. Then we see a split second of the text "LEAPSTER" (in blue). The screen then cuts back to the white background and see the text zoom in towards the screen. As of 2006, a copyright notice appears.
Leapster L-MAX Variant: On a same white background, there is a set of purple abstract squares forming and eventually filling the screen. Then we see a split second of the text "LEAPSTER" and "L-MAX" (in purple). The screen then cuts back to the white background and see the text zoom in towards the screen.

Technique: 2D graphics.

Audio: A rising synth note, then a warbling melody. This was extended and rearranged in 2005.

Availability: The original variant can be found on the original Leapster consoles when you turn on the console, also seen when you turn on a Leapster TV with a Cars cartridge inserted to the slot.

Leapster TV

Logo (2005-2007)

Visuals: There are multiple letters flying around the screen which form "LEAPSTER". Then, a blue rectangle enters the screen. Inside the rectangle is blue "static", resembling TV static. A blue cord slides up and pops itself into the rectangle, causing the static to transform into the word "TV". The rectangle then implodes and the same word "pops" in.

Technique: 2D animation.

Audio: A happy-mood tune, and a pop when "TV" appears.

Availability: Seen when turning on a Leapster TV console.

Leapster 2

Logo (July 1, 2008-2019)

Visuals: On a white background, there is a green "2" bounce to the middle right from the top right of the screen. A blue cord plugs itself in the open space on the "2". The logo zooms out. As that happens the cord fades out. "Leapster", in blue, forms.

Technique: 2D graphics.

Audio: A three-note dreamy synth theme.

Availability: Seen on the original and special edition Leapster2 handheld consoles.

Copyright Notice:

2006-2007: (C) LeapFrog Enterprises