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.

Today, we will take you through some innovative Easter gift ideas which can do justice to the spirit of the festival. Here we go:

1. Philips Senseo HD7870 Coffee Maker – Easter is all about spending time with your loved ones, attending the mass, setting up an egg hunt for your kids and enjoying a wholesome family dinner afterwards. How about having a cup of hot and soothing coffee to finish off the day? Gift your friends the Philips Senseo HD7870 Coffee Maker which can make a perfect coffee in under 30 seconds. You can select the strength of your coffee, it has a touch panel display and a removable water tank and drip tray. All in all, it’s a wonderful addition to anyone’s house.

2. Koldfront 12-bottle Wine Cooler - If you know a friend who is something of a wine connoisseur, this would make for a perfect gift. It is made of stainless steel, the temperature is perfect for the wine and it can fit snuggly on a kitchen countertop or in a mini bar. Additionally, a wine cooler is immensely helpful as well. After all, a rich meal is incomplete without a glass of good old wine at the perfect temperature.

3. Xbox 360 or PS3 Games – If you want to make your kids happy this Easter, look no further. Give them some of their favorite Xbox 360 or PS3 games this year around. Luckily for you, there is a huge variety that you can choose from, right from Dishonored to Borderlands to Dance Central  etc. Just buy one of these and wait for the look on your child’s face. It will be totally worth it.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 Hard Drive – Now, we are talking computers again. A hard drive is essential especially for people who have crucial data on their laptops. The Lenovo USB 3.0 offers 750 GB memory and it is extremely simple to operate. You just have to connect it to your computer, press the unlock key, enter your password and there you go. The device will work just like a normal USB drive.

When it comes to New Year’s eve, some people get a little anxious about hosting parties. On one level, it is totally legitimate, one has to organize so many little things- the food, the alcohol, the entertainment, not to mention the post party clean-up drill. However, you would be surprised to know that all you need is a few gadgets to get your party started. Here is a list of some of them:

1. Bang and Olufsen BeoSound 8 - The first thing that comes to mind when someone says party is music. Not all of us have a high end home theater system, but these dock speakers make for a decent replacement. For starters, the BeoSound is compatible with all gadgets operating on iOS i.e. iPod,. iPhone and iPad. This means that you won’t have to deal with a bunch of wires. Instead, simply connect your iOS device or alternatively, you could also stream music from iTunes directly. The sound is loud and sharp and the futuristic design of the speakers is perfect for a party.

2. Wunderbar Beer Chill Dispenser – Serving alcohol can get pretty messy at parties. You can always keep pints in the refrigerator, but there is never enough room. This beer dispenser comes with a 5-litre keg and it keeps the beer chilled. Most importantly, everything is clean as there is little spillage and there are no bottles to discard later on.

3. Xbox 360 Games – Now, lets talk about entertainment. More often than not, you end up sacrificing your own New Year’s just to make sure that your guests are amply entertained. Not any more. If you don’t have an Xbox 360, borrow one from a friend for the party. Truth be told, some Xbox games like Dance Central and Rock Band  were made for parties. They have options for a multiplayer set-up, which means that your guests can participate all at once. This will keep the party going and for once, you can join in the celebrations as well.

4. iRobot Roomba 790 Vacuum Cleaning Robot – Don’t be surprised to see a vacuum cleaner on this list. The iRobot Roomba is meant not so much for the party but for the day after the party. No one wants to kickstart a new year with a round of tiresome cleaning. Allow this robotic vacuum cleaner to surprise you as it cleans the entire house all by itself. It comes with sensors which detect the dirtiest areas and cleans them according to the kind of surface in question. In a few hours, your house will be as good as new.

Before we sign off, a very Merry Christmas to all our readers!

One doesn’t need to be a professional to understand that the face of sports and fitness has undergone a rapid shift. Technology now has a central role to play in the world of sports, as the Brad Pitt starer, Moneyball demonstrated quite beautifully. While there are professional, state-of-the-art gadgets and devices which enhance the performance of teams and individuals, there are also some cool gadgets which make fitness more accessible and less cumbersome to the common man out there. We are talking about exciting products like fitness inspired games which have added some much needed spice to the world of fitness.

Here is a list of some cool and exciting fitness video games which every fitness freak would love to have:

1. Wii Fit Plus- Wii Fit, which was the original version of this game pioneered the category of fitness video games. The Wii Fit Plus comes with a balance board which measures your weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) at regular intervals. This game incorporates close to 40 kinds of workout routines including different levels of cardio exercises, strength training, yoga sessions etc. You can also customize workout routines according to your requirements. To liven your otherwise tiresome workout session, Wii Fit plus also has some balance games which help out in weight loss as well.

2. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved- Your Shape is Xbox Kinect’s answer to Wii Fit Plus. Unlike its competitor, it follows the instructor-student model as trained instructors guide you through the details involved in yoga, muscle training and cardio workouts. It also tracks your performance regularly as instructors rate your performance after every session. The game works well for starters and hardcore fitness freaks simultaneously.

3. EA Sports Active 2- If you are looking for really intense workout sessions, the EA Sports Active 2 is ideal for you. Make no mistake, the workout are definitely hardcore. It works with Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, and it comes with an arm sensor which monitors your heart rate regularly. Workout sessions involve a personal trainer and focus independently on different body parts. The entire fitness program is 9 weeks long and it incorporates a variety of physical exercises.

4. Zumba Fitness- This is one of the best fitness video games which use dance forms as exercises. The appeal is quite obvious- it combines the enjoyable activity of dancing with physical fitness. The best part is that none of the two aspects are compromised. The workout sessions are combinations of Salsa, Hip-Hop, Rumba, Calypso, Flamenco etc. The game comes with detailed tutorials to familiarize you with these dance forms. As a word of caution, if you thought this game is just about casual dancing, you are in for quite a shock. The schedules are just as intensive as a regular cardio work out session. As an added advantage, you get to learn some very exciting dance forms even as you lose weight simultaneously.

Apart from these, there are several other fitness games that you can choose from- Fit in Six, The Biggest Loser, Kinect Sports, NewU Mind Body Yoga and Pilates and many more. A fitness video game is a godsend for people who can’t go to the gym regularly or who are just too bored of them. Get yourself one of these games and for once, you will actually enjoy working out.

If reports are to be believed, Microsoft is all set to release the Smart Glass at the E3 2012. There hasn’t been any official announcement, but reports have said that Microsoft has been in a frenzy to buy all domain names with the words “smart glass” in it. And after all, it is no secret that Microsoft has been trying to establish Windows as a streaming- friendly OS and the functions of Smart Glass (explained below) seem to fall in line with that aim.

While we don’t have a lot of official information about this technology from Microsoft itself, it is being touted as Microsoft’s reply to Apple’s AirPlay feature. So, what exactly is the Smart Glass? Honestly, nobody seems to be absolutely sure on that count. Earlier reports indicated that Smart Glass is a tablet which could be used to connect to an Xbox 360 and stream music or videos to a television set, using Xbox 360 as an intermediary.

However, later reports indicate that Smart Glass, is, in fact an app which can be used on tablets and phones running on Windows, Android and iOS. Using this app (or a physical tablet?), Xbox 360 users will be able to stream content directly from Netflix, Hulu and other similar applications. At the same time, users will be able to stream content from their smartphones to the television through the Smart Glass. Essentially then, the Smart Glass will act as a means through which the gaming console could be accessed remotely, making way for streaming content effortlessly.

We will have more information to provide about the Smart Glass once it is officially released by Microsoft. But besides that, what can we expect from the E3 this year? Well, unfortunately for gaming enthusiasts, Microsoft has announced that it won’t be releasing the Xbox 720 gaming console this year. Having said that, we can still expect some information about its features or other such details. Besides that, Microsoft might unveil the Xbox Music Service or Woodstock, which will allow users to share music across different platforms. The Woodstock might well be Microsoft’s desperate attempt to make up for the absence of the next Xbox gaming console.

Downloadable Video Games

Any avid PC gamers knows of the wonderful world that is Cloud-based gaming. Traditionally, when you buy a PC game, you’d go to the store (or order online) and come home with a disc and CD-key. Cloud-based game purchases are a bit different. You buy the game online, and instead of a physical copy, the game is associated with a user account and available for download any time you like. It’s all handled electronically, so you could purchase a game, even on Christmas, and download it instantly.

There are a handful of online stores that allow instant downloads for many titles, including www.Newegg.com and www.Amazon.com, but none do it quite as well as Steam. With a Steam account, you can purchase games from the massive Steam library either for yourself or as a gift which you can send to any other Steam users (or e-mail address, though the recipient will need to create a Steam account before activating the gift). What’s better is that Steam is having a giant holiday sale that will be going on through the New Year. Here are a few popular Steam titles:

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – The sequel to the popular game Oblivion, Skyrim is one of the hottest titles this year.

Batman: Arkham City – For those who prefer action packed story-based game play, Arkham City definitely hits the spot.

Modern Warfare 3 – The Call of Duty series is one of the most popular online FPS out there, and Modern Warfare 3 is its latest installment.

Portal 2 – Somewhat of a casual puzzle game, Portal 2 is an FPS that thinks outside of the box. Be prepared for some quick witted humor and addictive game play in both single and multi player modes.

Not shopping for a PC gamer? The Xbox, PS3, and Wii all have online stores, though they are a bit more limited. The Xbox Marketplace has a decent game library, but transferring gifts can be difficult, and you will need a Windows Live account. The PlayStation Network has an equally impressive library, but many of its games cannot be downloaded. The Wii Shopping Channel (accessed on the Wii itself) is actually the most limited of the three. It generally only has indie titles and previous console classics available for download, not that there’s anything wrong with the classics.

Other Downloadables

Games aren’t the only thing you can download. Apple iTunes, Amazon MP3 (complete with the Music Gift Store), and Google Music all have just about every song/album you can imagine, all for sale, and all available instantly.

Shopping for someone who has a tablet or e-reader? Why not get them an E-Book? Amazon has a lofty E-Book store, and Google’s is certainly filling its shelves quickly. And don’t forget iTunes.

Movie purchases, unfortunately, haven’t really moved into the realm of instantly downloadable purchases; however, online rental subscriptions can be purchased in the blink of an eye. Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Blockbuster Total Access offer movies delivered to your mailbox or streaming over the internet.

Gift Cards

Yes, gift cards start getting into the realm of impersonal gifts, but they still work well in a pinch. Not only do many stores, restaurants, and establishments offer gift card purchases online, you can also run down to the local supermarket (most of them anyway) and select from a handful of popular choices, like Best Buy, Starbucks, iTunes, and nearby restaurants.

Laptops and Desktop PCs

If you’re getting a new computer for someone (or if someone you know has a big surprise waiting for him this Christmas), there are plenty of useful – and sometimes necessary – peripherals you might want to get them as well. Desktop PCs, in particular, are pretty useless without a monitor and a pair of speakers. A mouse and keyboard are more likely to come bundled, but they could be especially useful for anyone getting a new laptop.

Slightly less necessary, but still practical, gifts are options, too. A USB flash drive or external hard drive can be useful for transferring files from an old computer to the new one. And software is always handy, too – from Microsoft Office to the latest PC games. A few other things to remember are power cords, surge protectors, and Ethernet cables.

HDTVs and Blu-Ray Players

Each year, more and more households make the switch to HD. A quality HDMI cable is an absolute necessity that many HDTVs don’t include, and most Blu-Ray and other HD devices prefer to bundle poor quality cables. A mounting bracket makes a great gift, too; although, make sure it’s compatible with the TV (and that the recipient plans on mounting it in the first place). And remember, and HDTV isn’t much good without any HD content. Blu-Ray movies will go great with that Blu-Ray player.

Gaming Consoles

Both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 make use of HDMI connections, but neither typically come bundled with an HDMI cable. The Wii technically isn’t HD compatible out of the box, but there are HD adapters available. Extra controllers are always important to consider (and of course their batteries and chargers) no matter which console you’re getting. There are plenty of other console accessories, too, like headsets, memory cards, and specialized controllers. Don’t forget to include a few games.

Smartphones and Tablets

Smartphones and tablets usually come with everything you need right out of the box, but there’s a lot that is easy to overlook. Most states now have laws against driving while using your phone without a hands-free device. A Bluetooth headset makes an excellent companion gift to a smartphone. Headphones do, too, since the bundled ear buds generally aren’t of the best quality. Vehicle mounting kits can also be useful, especially with all of the GPS features smartphones have these days.

For use as multimedia, tablets and smartphones often need a special HDMI cord in order to connect to an HDTV. Other adapters and battery chargers can be practical gifts, too. The same goes for micro SD cards, for the mobile devices that support them.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution came out earlier this year and became an instant hit. Since it’s part of a series that dates back a full 11 years, it definitely appeals to the more matured gamers, but its action packed and well-rounded game play (save for a few awkward boss battles) makes it a great game even for those who never played the original Deus Ex. It’s best played on the PC, but it’s also available on Xbox 360 and PS3, and keep in mind that it is intended for ages 17+.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is a newly released game that will definitely be one of the top sellers this holiday season, and easily one of the highest rated and most anticipated games of the year. It is available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, similar to Deus Ex: HR. Also similar to Deus Ex is its ESRB rating of “Mature;” however, it is far less graphic of a game in comparison.

Saints Row: The Third

Saints Row is a gritty third-person shooter about being on the wrong side of the law and caught in the middle of a gang war. Another ESRB “Mature” title, you can expect it to be much like the controversial Grand Theft Auto games. Like most games these days, it’s also available on multiple platforms, though it plays best on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Batman Arkham City

Arkham City is the first title on our list that does not carry the “Mature” rating. Instead, the ESRB has rated this one “Teen.” The game has received very high acclaim and is well liked by both teenage and adult gamers. Of course, you’ll probably want to have played Batman Arkham Asylum first, as this is a direct sequel. Again, this one is available on several platforms (even the upcoming Wii U sometime in 2012), but it plays best on the consoles.

Battlefield 3

This is one you’ll definitely want to get for the PC. As an online first-person shooter, the PC version offers the best controller options and server support. Even though it’s rated “Mature,” animated war-time violence and some strong language is as bad as the game gets (really more on the level of Arkham City). The Battlefield series has always been a fan favorite in the first-person shooter genre, and Battlefield 3 is no exception.

Don’t be afraid to get adventurous and wander over to our Video Game Section. There are hundreds of very highly rated games to give you great gift ideas, and be sure to keep an eye on our blog for even more great Holiday Helper guides to come.

Price

The price tag on a high-end gaming computer has always been a deterrent for those looking to get into PC gaming. When the PS3 Slim is just $300, why spend thousands on a gaming PC? Well, there’s a counterargument. We’ve come to the point where a computer is almost a necessity in every household, and typically speaking, if you spend about $300 more on a new PC (opting for a video card and CPU upgrade), you’ll be pretty well suited to play most high-end PC games as well. This round is a tie.

Graphics

When they first hit the market, the Xbox 360 and PS3 were both nearly on par with modern gaming PC’s in terms of video graphics capability. The problem is that consoles get stuck in the era they’re created in, while PCs see advancement every year. Over the past 5 years since the current generation consoles’ release, PC hardware has quadrupled in performance, leading to spectacular leaps in gaming visual effects. Point, PC.

Learning Curve

Gaming on a console is simple, just turn it on, pop in the disc, and start playing. On a PC, it’s not so simple. First you have to install the game; then you usually have to fiddle with a few settings, maybe install a patch or two…It’s not rocket science, but it does take a bit of an adjustment compared to the simplicity of console gaming. This ties it up.

Controls

Gaming controls are generally a matter of personal preference. For the First Person Shooter crowd, playing games like Portal 2 and Left 4 Dead 2, the aiming accuracy of a PC’s mouse and keyboard is the typical choice. Adventure gamers tend to prefer a gamepad like an Xbox or PS3 controller. The PC holds the advantage here, supporting many gamepads (including the Xbox 360 controller) as well as a mouse and keyboard. The Wii certainly gives the PC’s controller options a run for their money, but we think they still manage the win. PC takes the lead, 2 to 1.

Multiplayer

Online gaming is definitely the direction multiplayer games are taking, and the online world was essentially tailor made for the PC. Compared to consoles, online games on PC’s have more dedicated servers for smoother connections, better match making, and versatile communication options. Consoles are really playing catch-up hear; however, they do have one key advantage: offline multiplayer. All you need is an extra controller. For the PC, your buddy would need to lug over his own PC as well as his own copy of the game, and you’d need to be able to network your PC’s together. Each has their strong points, but this round is a tie.

Longevity

The key difference between PC and console gaming is how long your hardware will last. The best looking PC games also need the newest, fastest PC hardware. This means that awesome PC game you’re waiting for next month may not run on your 3-year old gaming laptop. Consoles don’t have that problem. If the game is made for your console, it’ll work, no matter how old.

Yeah, this means it’s a draw, but we feel PC gaming should come first for those who think they might be interested in computers for more than just gaming. If it’s only about the games, a console will do just fine.

1: L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire is a very stylized game meant to feel a lot like a noir film (think L.A. Confidential), with rich character detail and an advanced facial expression engine. The game has been criticized as being little more than a string of cut scenes, leaving little actual control in the hands of the player, though the methodical storyline generally makes up for this shortcoming.

2: Portal 2

Portal 2, like many first-person shooters, is clearly intended for the PC platform, but for those without a proper gaming PC or who dislike playing on a mouse and keyboard, Portal 2’s plot and game play still manage to port over very well to the 360.

3: Dead Space 2

Dead Space 2, unlike Portal 2, is much better suited for the gaming console environment. Its third-person view and action oriented game play make it much more enjoyable on the Xbox than the PC.

4: BRINK

BRINK is a stylized first-person shooter with an added flare of acrobatic free-running. With RPG elements and an enjoyable multiplayer mode, BRINK offers a unique experience to which players have responded positively. Critical acclaim has not been so great, though. Many feel that BRINK is unfinished and will take several updates before reaching its full potential.

5: Shift 2: Unleashed

Consoles, with their analog controls and force feedback, generally fare much better than PCs when it comes to racing games. This is definitely the case with Shift 2: Unleashed, the latest installment in the Need for Speed franchise. It comes as a direct sequel to Need for Speed: Shift, offering similar gameplay but features new cars, more tracks, and a new night-time racing mode.

Other notable Xbox 360 titles so far this year include Crysis 2, DiRT 3, and Bulletstorm. You can find a full list of all of the most popular 360 titles in our Xbox 360 Games Category, sorted by alaScore.