As LeapFrog Ambassadors we can’t wait to try out the new LeapTV console from LeapFrog. It looks amazing! We will bring you a review soon and for now, see Tess Daly launching the LeapTV earlier this week!
TESS DALY LAUNCHES LEAPTV™, THE FIRST VIDEO GAMES CONSOLE DESIGNED JUST FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
LONDON, UK — Strictly star Tess Daly took part in celebrations for the launch of LeapTV, the first video game system built just for young children, which hits shelves on Wednesday 29th October.
The celebrity mum joined forces with a group of little gamers to put LeapTV through its paces and showed off her fancy footwork in the ‘Dance & Learn’ game – one of over 100 fun and educational games created just for the new console.
A host of over 100 game cartridges, game downloads and videos featuring characters and brands familiar to anyone under the age of eight, and their parents, will be available. Many of the educator-approved games feature family favourites such as Spiderman, Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Sofia the First and Jake, of Never Land Pirates fame, as well as LeapFrog’s own library of characters.
LeapFrog, the makers of LeapTV, is the world’s leading educational entertainment brand. From developing a wealth of educational games and apps for its award-winning line of LeapPad tablets to its interactive learning toys and books, LeapFrog is unparalleled in its educational hardware and content. All of the brand’s software is designed or approved by LeapFrog’s team of learning and gaming experts who each have a PhD in various specialties, giving them unique credentials when it comes to educational gaming.
Over 1.2 billion people play video games worldwide* but games aren’t always suitable for young children. Existing games consoles such as the Wii, Playstation and Xbox also target an older audience and younger children can get frustrated when playing with them.
LeapTV is specifically designed for children aged three to eight, making it easier for them to control. There are three ways to play, including a motion-sensing camera which puts kids directly in the game and makes them the star of the show. The simple and intuitive user interfaces have also been created with first time players in mind and the unique transforming controller is made just for children’s small hands.
The new system will revolutionise gaming for children, combining activity and movement with educational curriculum to teach a range of skills from reading and maths to science and problem solving. The games can be set to offer children the right level of challenge for their age or level, and will then automatically adjust as they progress. Many of the games have audio instructions to help those who can’t yet read.
LeapTV is already proving a huge hit with mums and dads with console pre-orders exceeding forecasts, since the details of LeapTV were announced in the summer. LeapTV has also already been included in Hamleys’ 2014 top toy for Christmas list, making it likely to be top of the Christmas wish list for many families.
Tess Daly said: “Less than one percent of the thousands of video game titles out there are rated appropriate for children under the age of six years. As a parent, I understand that children are playing with technology earlier and earlier so it’s great LeapTV has been specifically created for young kids. It gives them a gaming experience of their own and, what’s more, the kids are learning as they have fun with LeapTV!”
Three Unique Ways to Play
The LeapTV video game system puts learning in motion with three ways to play:
• Body Motion: The motion-sensing camera captures a child’s moves and instantly puts them into the game as they explore activities like dance and martial arts.
• Pointer Play: Pointer play takes pretend play to new levels of engagement. The controller transforms into a pointer with a simple twist and lets kids snap jungle vines, slice through coconuts, and more.
• Classic Control: Classic control puts fun at a child’s fingertips. They can press the A and B buttons for fast-paced gaming, or tilt and shake the controller to navigate through an enchanted garden or race in a classic kart-racing game.
Gaming Just Got Smarter
All LeapFrog games draw from 2,600 skills that address every child’s need, including reading, maths, science and creativity, and seamlessly blend LeapFrog’s comprehensive curriculum into age-appropriate gameplay and videos that keep children learning while having fun. With LeapTV, every child can learn and play in a way that is appropriate for them. Select games in the LeapFrog Learning Library adapt to each child’s level starting with age or level, and then automatically adjust the learning for just the right challenge.
Sally Plumridge, International Marketing Director at LeapFrog said:
“At LeapFrog, we strive to offer active play in a contemporary way for children. Our experiences engage, entertain and educate in a unique way where children have fun while they learn. LeapTV is the perfect example of how we infuse learning through an innovative gaming experience, from exploring maths while playing sports to learning how to read while dancing to fun music. In every way, LeapTV has been designed from the ground up, just for children. We are bringing the benefits of videogame play to younger kids but with appropriate content, and encouraging them to get their bodies moving as much as their minds whilst playing with LeapTV. ”
Plumridge adds:
“Since we announced LeapTV earlier this year, the reception has been resoundingly positive and pre-order sales have surpassed expectations. We are really excited for the launch of LeapTV, providing families with a fun and educational gaming experience, especially with winter just around the corner. LeapTV is a weatherproof solution for parents looking for ways to keep their children active this winter, so whether it’s raining or snowing outside, with LeapTV, they can still ensure active play at home!”
The LeapTV system includes console, motion-sensing camera, camera mount, transforming controller with wrist strap, HDMI cable, 16GB of memory and built-in Wi-Fi which enables app downloads (sold separately).
Availability
The LeapTV system (RRP £119.99, for children 3-8 years old) is available on Wednesday 29th October. Game cartridges (RRP £24.99, for children 3-8 years old) are available online and at major retail locations, and downloadable games and apps (starting at RRP £3.50 and up, for children ages 3-8 years old) will be available via the LeapFrog App Centre in December. For more information, visit www.leapfrog.com/en-gb/
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