The best gaming systems

Considering a new video game console to entertain your family through the dark winter months and beyond? We compared the top sellers to help you decide which one to get!

A version of this article appeared in our November issue with the headline "Toy Guide: Video Games — All Systems Go," pp. 114.

Cost: 8GM Basic, $300; 32GB Deluxe $350

Best for: Families, Wii fans, those who need to have the next big thing

Comes with: Game Pad and Wii U sensor bar. Nintendo Land game and Game Pad charging cradle come with deluxe edition only

Pros: In beautiful HD, this system debuts the Game Pad controller, which allows kids to play on the Game Pad upstairs while Mom flips channels on the TV downstairs. 

Cons: More expensive than the Wii.
Where to Buy? Amazon.ca

Cost: 4GB Kinect family bundle, $300; 250GB Kinect bundle, $400

Best for: Serious gamers. 

Comes with: One wireless controller, Kinect sensor and one game or more depending on the bundle. 

Pros: The interface turns your console into a media hub, with access to streamable movies and tv shows. 

Cons: The Kinect sensors don't always scan and display smaller kids correctly. 
Where to Buy? Thesource.ca

Cost: Around $150

Best for: Families with young children and dipping a toe in the gaming waters

Comes with: One Wii Remote Plus and nunchuck.

Pros: A multitude of games offered for kids of all ages. With the advent of the Wii U, we expect prices for the Wii to come down. 

Cons: It doesn't display in HD and has limited data storage space. 
Where to Buy? Amazon.ca

Cost: 160GB, $250; 320GB, $300

Best for: Families looking for an all-in-one entertainment unit to store photos, music, video and more. 

Comes with: One DualShock 3 wireless controller, the 320GB console includes games like NHL 13. 

Pros: This system has a built-in Blu-ray player and can hold thousands of songs, videos and games. 

Cons: There isn't a lot of variety in games for kids under age six. 
Where to Buy? Indigo.ca