Is My Kid Ready for a Gaming System?

Gaming consoles are sure to be high on many kids’ holiday lists. But which—if any—should you buy? None of them are compatible with each other, so your decision means you’re not just investing in a console box, but also in a library of (expensive!) games. Before you buy, check out these console crib notes:

PlayStation 3: This may be the most expensive console, but it’s also the hardcore gamer’s game console. Sony has slashed the price $100 from last year. Also, the games are really pricey—in the $60-$70 range. Is PS3 great? Sure. But a warning: Old PS2 games may not work on the PS3 (Guitar Hero has an adapter but it stutters a bit and can be frustrating) and you need HDTV to really get the benefits (one of which is that blood looks pretty real, so if violence concerns you, bear this in mind). If you are looking for a Blu-ray player, this is your console. The most anticipated games for kids on this console include: Rock Band, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, and LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga.

Bottom line: Ultimate gameplay, but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Nintendo Wii (pronounced WEE): The Nintendo Wii has been such a huge hit that it’s still hard to find in stores. It’s your best bet for younger, active kids, since gameplay involves swinging the controller (don’t worry, it’s wireless) around to hit balls, parry swords, or race cars. And to be clear: The Wii is all about the controller, which separates it from other gaming consoles. It even comes bundled with Wii Sports—a fun package including tennis, baseball, golf, bowling, and boxing. The good news? This console can play all the old Nintendo GameCube games. The bad? Wii has the least-fabulous graphics, it won’t play movies, and it recently has introduced more mature games where players can kill an opponent by holding the controller and mimicking the action that kills. This matters because it makes the killing more intimate and personal. Oh goodie: just what every parent wants. Games getting the buzz? Super Mario Galaxy, Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure, and High School Musical: Sing It!

Bottom line: Best bet for younger set (for the most part ... ).