This holiday season will be one to remember if you're a gamer. The big five gaming systems are all still ruling the gaming roost, but thanks to price cut, firmware updates, and expanding libraries of available titles, they're all better deals now than they were in years past. In addition to the hardware options, we've got some must-have games as well.
The bottom line: While there's probably not enough to get owners of previous the PSP to upgrade, newcomers will find the PSP 3000 to be a solid portable gaming and multimedia device.
Price:
$199.97 - $199.99
The bottom line: Now that Blu-ray has become the pre-eminent high-definition standard for discs, the Xbox 360 has yet to support it, but it still remains an excellent game console with a superior game library and online experience.
Price:
$199.95 - $299.99
The bottom line: Even though PS2 backward compatibility has been dropped from this version, the 80GB PS3 is still a superb Blu-ray player and high-definition game console.
Price:
$339.95 - $496.99
The bottom line: It lacks the graphical prowess and rich media features of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.
Price:
$219.99 - $269.99
The bottom line: With a slick new design, brighter screens, and a growing library of fun and innovative games, the Nintendo DS Lite is an impressive improvement over the original DS.
The bottom line: The Nyko Wing Wireless Classic Controller is a must-have accessory for Wii owners who play a lot of Virtual Console games as it improves on the Nintendo original in almost every way.
Price:
$24.99 - $29.99
The bottom line: Logitech's Driving Force Wireless for the PS3 may not be for hard-core racers, but what you give up in performance you get back in ease of use and set up.
Price:
$69.99 - $99.99