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Table of Contents
Leapfrog Leapster Explorer
Yet another children's handheld released by LeapFrog, debuting in the USA on June 7th, 2010. Similar to the Didj but upgraded, the Explorer (1st model) comes with 512 MB of internal storage, 64 MB of RAM, and a 320×240 resistive touch screen. It appears to have sold well, with the 2nd “GS” model possibly having higher sales figures than the first one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leapster_Explorer
https://elinux.org/LeapFrog_Pollux_Platform:_Technical_Details
Operating Systems (LeapFrog LF-1000 Pollux)
Console emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these consoles is unknown; it must be looked into further. Consoles without meaningful OSes are not included.
Nintendo Entertainment System – CrabEmu (?; see SMS listing for link)
Nintendo Game Boy (Color) – Ohboy (arrogant creator won't release - io55 will do it)
Nintendo Game Boy Advance – gpSP git port + GitHub + video
Sega Genesis/Mega Drive – Dgen (arrogant creator won't release - io55 will do it)
Sega Master System – CrabEmu (?) + video
Linux
working explorer kernel with at least framebuffer driver
While the Explorer already is based off of a Linux kernel, certain JTAG/UART based exploits can enable fully using the kernel found on the Explorer. Possibilities within X11 or proper “computing” appear to be limited, however.
https://elinux.org/LeapFrog_Pollux_Platform
https://elinux.org/Leapster_Explorer:_mplayer
Version & Revision Guide
For general information, see the Game Console Revisions Overview.
Versions
There are two versions of this console, arranged chronologically.
Leapster Explorer (2010-2012)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL
The first Explorer system. Comes with 512MB of internal storage, 64MB of RAM, and a touchscreen display. More importantly, it runs the Pollux platform, which has a pleasant variety of EOPs available for it. This is in contrast to the LeapsterGS Explorer, which uses a completely different “NXP320” platform that has less EOPs available for it. Thus, despite the weaker capabilities, the original Explorer is superior for hacking and exploration - at least, for right now. Can be identified by it's “boomerang” shape which has the “points” towards the bottom of the device - or, it can be identified by the bulky stylus held in the back of the system, attached to the rest of the device by a string.
LeapsterGS Explorer (2012-201?)
The followup to the Explorer. Retains full compatibility with all Explorer software, despite running a completely different CPU architecture “NXP320”. Has 2GB of internal storage, 128MB of RAM, a touchscreen, microphone, accelerometer, and a camera. The change in CPU architecture limits the amount of EOPs possible for the system, making this technically superior model worse for actual hacks. Can be identified by it's “soft curve” shape, with the “points” towards the top of the device - or, it can be identified by the presence of a camera.
https://elinux.org/Leapster_Explorer
https://elinux.org/LeapsterGS_Explorer