Gift Idea: 5 Best Video Game Consoles

Looking for a gift for your tech-loving grandkids? Our tech expert offers his top five picks for gaming systems.

By Damon Brown

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Gifts for Gamers!

When it comes to picking a game system, there are so many choices! There is the cool, versatile handheld Apple iPod Touch/iPhone, the new Nintendo Wii U, and more options. None come with games, but all have good, affordable games you can pick up on the spot.

We’re sure one of the following consoles will tickle your fancy for the holiday season >>

1. Nintendo Wii U

Recommended for ages 5 and up

An excellent choice for fans of the original Wii, the new Wii U replaces the Wii motion sticks with an iPad-style tablet controller. The controller allows kids and grandparents to play on multiple screens. Also, aside from the Nintendo 3DS handheld, this is the only device that plays the newest Mario and Zelda games. It’s been selling like hotcakes since its mid-November launch.

Available at nintendo.com; $299 and up, games $40 and up

2. Microsoft XBox 360

Recommended for ages 10 and up

The most popular gaming system, the XBox 360 has literally thousands of games on sale, like Epic Mickey 2, and lots of gamers to play with online. Similar to the Wii, the Kinect motion-control add-on (sold separately) lets you play games without a controller and makes it more fun for teens and adults alike.

Available at xbox.com; $199 and up, games $30 and up

3. Sony PlayStation 3

Recommended for ages 10 and up

The PlayStation 3 is a good all-purpose game system: You can surf the web online, play a variety of games, and even watch Blu-Ray movies. Games like the playful Little Big Planet look better on here than on any other console, but the PlayStation 3 has fewer games than other options.

Available at us.playstation.com; $249 and up, games $30 and up

4. Nintendo 3DS

Recommended for ages 5 and up

Nintendo’s new handheld fits right in kids’ pockets while giving great 3-D effects without glasses. Like the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS offers classic games featuring Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong, many of which can be downloaded online. Quality comes at a price, as games can be as expensive as their home counterparts

Available at nintendo.com; $169 and up, games $20 and up

5. Apple iPod Touch/iPhone

Recommended for ages 5 and up

Kids love the iPod Touch/iPhone, because it can do so much more than play games, like make phone calls and browse the web, and parents love it because most games are free or low-cost compared to other handhelds like the Nintendo 3DS. Angry Birds and Fruit Ninjas make it a popular pick.

Available at apple.com; $199 and up, games free/$.99 and up