At alaTest, we are giving you a list of some of the best PS3 and Xbox 360 games for kids. Not only are these games safe for children, they are extremely enjoyable.

1. Little Big Planet 2 – Little Big Planet 2 is one of the most popular games for PS3 and PSP platforms. The game is packed with 30 plot lines wherein Negativitron, the beast is trying to destroy the planet. As Sackboy, the player has to prevent this from happening by fighting all kinds of enemies- cupcakes, fireflies etc. The game allows its users to add or remove certain features and customize their world. In other words, children can let their imagination run wild while saving the world from Negativitron. The graphics are sharp, the plot lines are crisp and the game works like an absolute charm. What’s more, your child might actually learn a thing or two about physics as well!

2. Sports Champion – Using the Move motion controller with on a PS3, kids can play a variety of sports like volleyball, table tennis, disc golf etc. This game will come as a huge relief to all parents who are concerned about the lack of physical activity in their children. With Sports Champion, your children will have to sweat it out as they enjoy a thrilling game. Thanks to the high sensitivity of the Move controller and the PlayStation Eye Camera, there is very little separating a real game from a virtual one.

3. Kinect Disneyland Adventure - One just can’t go wrong with the alluring world of Disneyland. Compatible with an Xbox 360, this game is an absolute delight for children as it lets them navigate through the virtual world of Disneyland. Children can take rides, meet Disneyland characters and visit the most famous places within the amusement park. At the same time, they can take up challenges and games. All in all, it will be a dream come true for your children.

4. Kinectimals – Are your children fond of animals? Would they like a chance to cuddle a tiger cub? If yes, they will instantly fall in love with Kinectimals. Designed for young children, this game can be played with Xbox 360 and Kinect. The game has a variety of animals, right from tigers to polar bears to giant pandas. Children can pet these animals, cuddle them or even train them by teaching them basic movements like jumping, skipping etc.

Besides these games, there are many others like Carnival Island, Toy Story 3, Puss in Boots, Happy Feet 2 etc. which are suitable for your children. Get your children one of these and their faces with instantly light up with happiness.

The Display(s)

One of the 3DS’ biggest selling points is its glasses-free 3D display – more of a marketing gimmick, really. There are only a small handful of 3D-ready titles available, and of those, Super Mario 3D Land is the only one worth playing in 3D. Many people don’t actually like the 3D affects.

The Vita, however, has a 5-inch, fully touch-enabled OLED display which outshines the 3DS in nearly every aspect. The only downside is that its large screen might make the overall size a bit large to fit comfortably in your pocket. Score one for the Vita.

Controls

Like the previous DS systems, the 3DS has a D-pad, bumpers, a touch screen, and various buttons. Unlike its predecessors, it also has a single joystick and gyroscope/accelerometer.

Not to be outdone, the Vita has all of this, plus an additional joystick, an electronic compass, and a touch pad on the rear of the device. If anything, the Vita might have too many inputs, since they do lead to some complicated game play; nonetheless, we have to side with the Vita in this category as well.

Graphics

As a significantly newer device, it should come as no surprise that the Vita has far superior graphics capabilities than the 3DS. The Vita features an extremely high-performance quad-core CPU and quad-core GPU, capable of outputting 150 million Tri/s. The 3DS can only manage about 30 million. This is another clear win for the Vita.

Game Library

Launched with 25 titles (all of about two were very good), the Vita has a small selection. That number is very quickly growing, and thankfully, the Vita is compatible with all PSP and PS Mini titles on the PlayStation Network. Unfortunately, for anyone hoping to migrate from a PSP, you’ll have to repurchase your games.

The 3DS doesn’t have a lot of worthy 3D titles, but it does have the HUGE Nintendo DS library at its disposal. Plus many of the greatest franchises, like Mario and Zelda. The 3DS takes this category…for now.

Connectivity

Both the 3DS and Vita have WiFi, but only the Vita has Bluetooth and a 3G version available. Both have built-in web browsers and even Netflix streaming, but the Vita’s larger screen makes a big difference. The PlayStation Network also offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows to rent or purchase. Mark another win for the Vita.

Price

The WiFi-only version of the Vita weighs in at $249, a full $80 more expensive than the 3DS. The Vita also uses Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick storage, which is an additional $20 purchase at minimum (that’s just the 4GB card). 3DS games are, on average, about $10 cheaper than Vita titles as well. Considering the extra performance and features the Vita has, it’s still a good value, but the 3DS is easier on your wallet.

Overall

The Vita dominates in just about every category except Game Library and Price (arguably the two most important). The Vita game library will definitely improve over time, but we expect it won’t get much cheaper for a while. If all you’re after is a solid portable gaming experience, go for the 3DS (or DSi XL if you like a bigger screen). For premium graphics and features, the Vita is amazing.

What remains to be seen is whether the Vita can hold its own against the growing smartphone gaming trend.

1: Patapon 3

All of the Patapon games have been surprising hits and a staple of the PSP platform. Patapon 3 is no exception. As a direct sequel, following Patapon 2, the game play is essentially the same, marching your armies to the beat of a drum; however, new elements, such as Hero Patapons and expanded multiplayer modes, breathe extra excitement into the series.

2: Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

With success of the original Dissidia, it comes as no surprise that there would be a second. It’s your typical fighting game but with all of the most loved characters of the Final Fantasy franchise. Unlike the original, Dissidia 012 also includes a single-player story mode, giving it some much needed depth.

3: Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection

Just as it was done with Final Fantasy: Tactics as well as the previous Final Fantasy installments, Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection is a direct remake of the original, sporting much of the same game play of the 1991 classic but with high-detail CGI cut scenes to emphasize the story.

4: Phantom Brave

Phantom Brave was originally published on the PlayStation 2 game in 2004 and has now been remade for the Wii and PSP. As a tactical RPG with a fun storyline that is still simple enough to put down and pick back up, it lends itself nicely to the portable environment of the PSP.

5: Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

As a recreation of the Super Nintendo classic, Tactics Ogre, this new version gives you the same great tactics-based game play with a rather detailed game world and storyline. If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia, this is the game for you.

The PSP really does have loads of great titles, and you can view them all in our PSP Games Section. Tell us some of your favorites in the comments below.

Top Games for the PlayStation Portable

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Unlike the first Metal Gear game for the PSP, Portable Ops, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a full fledged MGS title, complete with the covert game play the series is known for.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep

Kingdom Hearts was an instant hit when it first debuted on the PS2, Birth by Sleep easily lives up to the impressive reputation, full of familiar Disney and Square Enix characters and some new story lines.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta

God of War: Ghost of Sparta takes all the action from the latest God of War titles and crams them onto the portable screen, without that watered down feel that so many handheld versions suffer from.

Top Games for the Nintendo DS

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

Originally known as Dragon Warrior over in Japan, the Dragon Quest series has lived on as a truly epic RPG title. The storyline really does go on for ages, yet still manages to keep you completely enthralled, something only Dragon Quest can accomplish.

Might and Magic: Clash of the Heroes

At long last, a real time strategy game for a handheld that’s actually good! Clash of the Heroes makes use of the DS’s unique touch interface to create an exciting mix of combat, puzzles, and strategy all while staying true to the Might and Magic series.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks

What good would the DS be if you couldn’t play Zelda? Spirit Tracks is a sequel to the Phantom Hourglass and improved on many of its predecessor’s shortcomings, while keeping the game play and storyline true to the Zelda franchise.

Head over to alaTest.com to check out our full Nintendo DS and Sony PSP games lists.