Still the best value Blu-ray player on the market, the PlayStation has had a hard-drive upgrade to 80GB -- plenty of space to store downloaded games, demos and media. With rapidly improving online services and exclusive games line-up, the PS3 is better th...

Swanky design; quiet operation; all games in high-definition; user-friendly interface; plays Blu-ray movies; built-in Wi-Fi; 80GB hard drive; online play is free; HDMI output with 1080p support; no external power supply

Games lineup is improving, but still lacks killer app; HDMI cable not included; some PS2 games not supported

Sony's PlayStation 3 may be the most expensive next-gen console, and its library of exclusive games isn't very impressive, but its swanky design and bevy of features, including a Blu-ray drive, make it hard to resist

If you're looking for a sturdy portable device that offers great graphics, solid multimedia performance and more sophisticated games than the Nintendo DS Lite -- and a deeper game library than the Apple iPhone or iPod touch -- the PSP is a worthwhile...

Light, slim enclosure; better colour reproduction; built-in Skype; deep line-up of great game titles with better graphics than Nintendo DS games

UMD load times slow; screen isn't completely glare-free and is still a magnet for fingerprints; no built-in storage

With its impressive game library, lower price and expanded feature set, it's certainly a much better deal than the original PSP -- and it's even better than the PSP 2000. While its media and online functions won't necessarily replace a dedi...

Microsoft has come up with an upgrade to its Xbox 360, less than 18 months after its initial launch. The Xbox 360 Elite is black instead of white, includes a 120GB hard drive and sports an HDMI output for easier and better quality connection to HD Ready T...

Excellent selection of games; HDMI port; large hard drive

Noisy DVD drive and cooling fan; gigantic power supply; no built-in wireless networking; no built in HD DVD drive

While it's neither a must-have upgrade for existing 360 owners nor as feature-packed as the PS3, the Xbox 360 Elite's combination of top-notch gaming and digital media features make it the current game console of choice

Revolutionary controller design offers motion-sensitive gameplay options; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and (eventually) gameplay; Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal; compatible with all GameCube games and controllers; built-in SD s...

Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to; lacks the advanced hi-def graphics and surround sound found on the Xbox 360 and the PS3; requires a wired receiver unit placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers; can't play CDs...

It lacks the graphical prowess and rich media features of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's combination of motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on gameplay make the ultra-affordable console compelling

Swanky design; quiet operation; all games in high-definition; PSP-like user-friendly interface; plays high-def Blu-ray movies in addition to standard DVDs; built-in Wi-Fi; 60GB hard drive; Bluetooth support for wireless controllers and accessories is comi...

Pricey; first batch of games is unimpressive; doesn't upscale DVDs to hi-def resolution; no force feedback (rumble) support in controller; a USB port on the back would've been nice; no infrared port means non-Bluetooth universal remotes aren't compatible;...

Sony's PlayStation 3 may be the most expensive next-gen console, and its launch titles aren't very impressive, but its swanky design and bevy of features, including a Blu-ray drive, make it hard to resist -- even at this price

The Nintendo Game Boy Micro shrinks the Game Boy experience down to a truly pocketable size

Pocket-friendly small size; bright, brilliant screen; decent battery life; standard headphone jack; huge library of games; swappable faceplates provide screen protection

Game Boy titles are looking old against more advanced competition; body and screen size may be just too small for some; not compatible with older GBA accessories; the more advanced DS -- which can play all of the Micro's games -- can be had for an additio...

The Gizmondo is more charming than we expected, but not a real contender for the handheld crown

Lack of games support; looks uncool; built-in advertising; long startup time; difficult text messaging

Slick design; impressive wide-screen display; PS2-like graphics; built-in Wi-Fi, MP3 and video playback, and image viewer; removable battery

Multimedia functionality is half-baked, especially for video; you need to supply your own software and expensive memory cards

The Xbox is the most versatile console and perfectly complements a home-theatre system

Best under-the-hood specs; built-in broadband adapter; 8GB hard drive for music and saved-game storage

Big and bulky; separate kit required to unlock DVD-viewing capability; no progressive-scan DVD playback

Sony's revamped PS2 is slimmed down and online friendly, but the price is still too fat

Huge library of games; svelte design; built-in networking/modem ports and remote sensor; doubles as a CD/DVD player; free online gaming with select titles

Top-loading disc tray; only two controller ports; no hard disk expansion option; Xbox's graphics capabilities are superior