Review on LeapFrog 80 19190E My Pal Scout: Interactive Learning Plush Toy for Kids by Octavius Webster

My son has been using the Scout for about 2 years and loves it. When a friend's daughter needed a birthday gift, we chose Violet. When the Violet arrived I tried to set it up and noticed some significant differences from the newer model. 1) NO HEARTS ON THE CHEST. They removed the button on the chest that contained most of the "feelings". This is the button pressed when you hug the Scout/Violet and now nothing happens when you hug him. 2) NO CUSTOM SONGS. At Scout we had the opportunity to choose from several different songs, including Christmas carols. The new version does not have this option. You are stuck with all the songs included by default. 3) NO USB CABLE. That's actually a good thing, since you don't have to hunt for a USB cable to set it up. Instead, plug the included cable into the headphone jack on your phone or computer. This is probably the only improvement in the new version. 4) LARGE BATTERY PACK. The new version's battery is larger than the old version's, and it is more difficult to put it in the back of the toy. And when it's indoors, it's easier to feel, making Violet's squeezing less comfortable. After 2 years the back Velcro on the Scout is starting to wear out a bit and I think the new version will be even less durable as there is more pressure on it. The Velcro opening is actually larger in the new version, but it just opens wider on Violet's neck, even though the battery pack is too big to fit in that space. Still, it's a fun toy, but I'm disappointed that Leapfrog will change. product for the worse.