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Today's video games are becoming increasingly expensive, so when choosing a game, it is sensible to be very cautious. If you do not already have a system, choosing one will determine the type of gaming that you will be able to engage in. There are three types of video game systems: the standard console that adapts to the television, a portable handheld devise, and the almost virtual reality option that is the Nintendo Wii. The gamer on the move would be more likely to get the most out of a portable system like the Sony PSP or the Nintendo DS. Handheld gaming has come a long way since the early days of the Game Boy. These new systems operate on LCD screens with impressive graphics and gameplay. The PSP is even capable of playing specially formatted movies and videos.

While the portable systems are strong, they still operate on small screens with fewer abilities than their full-size counterparts. The PlayStation 3, X-Box 360, and Wii have all demonstrated great graphics and impressive gameplay early in their existence. The PS3, however, is ridiculously expensive, retailing for $500 to $600 plus tax. It has yet to show that its extra cost is worth the difference between itself and its competitors. The X-Box 360 has what is widely viewed as the best means of online play with its X-Box Live function, gaining major attention with its Halo series of games. The Wii has been the best seller of this generation of games as its new motion-sensing technology has brought the future of gaming to the present. While the Wii has proved to be fun for just about everyone, it is probably best suited for fans of sports games. Baseball, football, tennis, golf, boxing, and a host of other sports have already shown to be simulated with great effectiveness by the Wii, with more on the way. Fans of Star Wars are also best advised to look toward the Wii as the recently announced Wii version of The Force Unleashed will offer gamers the ability to use the Wii's remote as a lightsaber - a concept that has the entire gaming community intrigued and excited.

If you do not feel the need for the graphics and complex nature of today's games, simple classics like Space Invaders, Frogger, or Asteroids can be found on older consoles or online through a website called GameTap. GameTap provides access to over 900 game titles, most of them from retro consoles and arcade games, for a monthly fee of $9.95. Also, cheap, simple, used retro gaming consoles can be found at stores like

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