Video games and consoles represent a huge chunk of holiday shopping every year and 2009 will be no different. There’s probably never been a better selection of games available, with many manufacturers slashing prices for holiday bargain hunters. If you’re a parent making your first foray into purchasing games and consoles, this posting will hopefully give you a little guidance.
Let’s start from scratch and discuss the three major video game systems out there. Deciding which system is best for you will require some research as well as asking your kids what they prefer. Sony’s Playstation 3 is our preferred favorite, if for no other reason than it offers the most features. You can browse the web and use the console as a Blu-Ray disc player in addition to regular gaming capabilities, and at about $300 bucks, this is a great time to pick one up. Xbox offers similar gaming features as the PS3 at a more reasonable price, as well as a ridiculous amount of hard drive space, perfect for those games that require a lot of memory. And finally, Nintendo’s Wii is the standard-bearer for the most interactive gaming experience available at a price cheaper than the PS3. The Wii also offers the most gaming accessories, including the Wii Fit, which brings some exercise to the video game experience.
Now when it comes to games, most are available for each of the major gaming systems, with some exceptions of course. If you’re shopping for kids, it’s important to pay attention to the ratings systems for video games, which dictate what ages that game is suitable for based on the game’s content. Again, shop online and read reviews to learn the experiences of other parents who have purchased particular games that may feature violence and language. With all that being said, here are our picks for the hottest video games for the 2009 holiday season:
Call of Duty 2: Modern Warfare
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
