Alienware Area-51 m9750

Product summary

The good: Massive resolution display; twin SLI video cards offer unparalleled 3D performance for a laptop; DVI and surround sound outputs; matte finish on case repels fingerprints.

The bad: No HDMI; requires Windows XP for optimum performance; reasonable starting price disappears quickly with upgrades; battery life weak, even for a desktop replacement.

The bottom line: Alienware's flagship gaming laptop, the Area-51 m9750, has plenty of appeal for high-end gamers, but the alien head aesthetic seems dated, and newer components are right around the corner.

Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (1.66 GHz); RAM installed: 1 GB DDR II SDRAM; Weight: 8.6 lbs See full specs >>

Price range: $1,699.00

Sony PlayStation 2 (slim form factor)

Product summary

The good: Huge library of games; svelte design; built-in networking/modem ports and remote sensor; doubles as a CD/DVD player; free online gaming with select titles.

The bad: Top-loading disc tray; only two controller ports; no hard disk expansion option; Xbox's graphics capabilities are superior.

The bottom line: Sony's slimmed-down, network-ready PS2 is a welcome update to the world's most popular video game console.

Specs: Product Description: Sony PlayStation 2 Slim - Game console; Media Type: CD-ROM,; DVD-ROM; Processor: Toshiba & Sony Emotion Engine 294.9 MHz See full specs >>

Price range: $129.00

Microsoft Xbox 360 (20GB)

Product summary

The good: Superior selection of games, including several console-exclusive titles; all games in high-definition; easy-to-use Dashboard interface; excellent online gaming and communications via Xbox Live; plays hundreds of (but not all) original Xbox titles; doubles as a superior digital media hub and Windows Media Center extender; online Marketplace allows for easy purchases of downloadable full-scale games, mini-games, movies, and TV shows; latest version offers HDMI output with 1080p support.

The bad: Early versions of the console prone to "red ring of death" system crash; noisy exhaust fan and DVD drive; gigantic oversize power supply; no built-in wireless networking or flash media reader; DVD playback has substandard video quality; support for next-gen HD DVD movies requires a bulky external accessory; 20GB hard drive fills up very quickly; online gaming requires a paid subscription to Xbox Live.

The bottom line: With its extensive digital media features, a superior online service, and an excellent game library, the Xbox 360 remains the game console to beat.

Specs: Product Description: Xbox 360 - Game console; Media Type: DVD-ROM; Processor: 1 x IBM PowerPC 3 cores 3.2 GHz See full specs >>

Price range: $279.95 - $409.00

Nintendo DS Lite (Onyx Black)

Product summary

The good: The Nintendo DS Lite is slimmer and much sleeker that the original DS. The device employs innovative dual-screen and microphone-enabled gameplay as well as Wi-Fi multiplayer capabilities, allowing for a growing list of original and fun games that you can't play on any other system. In addition, the system is backward-compatible with almost every GBA title. All these additions come without increasing the price or decreasing the features of the original DS.

The bad: Playing online games via Wi-Fi can be a hassle. The darker models are just as susceptible to scratches and smudges as the Sony PSP and the iPod, and its multimedia potential remains exclusive to Japan.

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.

Specs: Product Description: Nintendo DS Lite - Handheld game system; Form Factor: Handheld; Media Type: Cartridge See full specs >>

Price range: $129.99

Sony PSP Daxter Limited Edition Bundle - game console

Product summary

The good: Lighter, slimmer, and sleeker update of the original PSP; AV output for video and game playback on TVs; improved load times for games; retains all of the impressive media and online features of the original PSP; deep lineup of great game titles that offer better graphics than Nintendo DS games.

The bad: Despite improvements, problems and annoyances remain: UMD load times still poky compared to Flash-based DS games; volume levels still less than optimal; limited gameplay options via video output; USB charging option is cumbersome; screen is still too reflective and a magnet for fingerprints; subtle redesign missed the opportunity to add even more features.

The bottom line: While it may not be a must-have upgrade for existing PSP owners, a host of subtle improvements make the latest Sony PSP (aka the PSP 2000) an even better deal for anyone looking for a solid portable gaming and multimedia device.

Specs: Product Description: Sony PSP Daxter Limited Edition Bundle - Game console; Form Factor: Handheld; Media Type: UMD (Universal Media Disc) See full specs >>

Price range: $199.99 - $265.99

Nintendo Wii

Product summary

The good: Revolutionary controller design offers unique motion-sensitive gameplay options; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and gameplay; Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal; compatible with all GameCube games and controllers; built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing; includes Wii Sports game; most affordable home game console.

The bad: Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to; online gaming and community features hobbled by horrible "friends code" system; nunchuk controller sold separately; lacks the advanced HD graphics and surround sound found on the Xbox 360 and the PS3; requires a wired receiver unit placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers; can't play CDs or DVDs.

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.

Specs: Product Description: Nintendo Wii - Game console; Media Type: Nintendo Wii disc,; Nintendo GAMECUBE disc; Processor: IBM PowerPC See full specs >>

Price range: $689.99

Nintendo Game Boy Micro (Black)

Product summary

The good: Pocket-friendly small size; bright, brilliant screen; decent battery life; standard headphone jack; huge library of games; swappable faceplates provide screen protection.

The bad: Game Boy titles are looking old vs. more advanced competition; body and screen size may be just too small for some; not compatible with older GBA accessories and older Game Boy games; the more advanced and equally bright DS Lite--which can play all of the Micro's games--can be had for an additional $30.

The bottom line: Nintendo's latest Game Boy has an interesting design but doesn't offer anything you can't find in the company's other portables.

Specs: Product Description: Nintendo Game Boy Micro - Handheld game system; Form Factor: Handheld; Media Type: Cartridge See full specs >>

Price range: $69.99

Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP (Pearl Blue)

Product summary

The good: Solid, compact design; extremely bright screen; removable long-lasting rechargeable battery; bargain price.

The bad: Still no standard headphone jack; tiny shoulder buttons; most games are skewed toward kids.

The bottom line: Now that it has a brighter screen, Nintendo's Game Boy Advance SP is the budget champ for portable gaming.

Specs: Product Description: Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP - Handheld game system; Form Factor: Handheld; Media Type: Cartridge See full specs >>

Price range: $79.99 - $154.99