Are you into console gaming? Here's list of best buys

The entertainment value that gaming consoles provide cannot be matched by mobile or social gaming. And while each console has its share of pros and cons, the latest bevy of systems is sure to get your family members off the couch and moving.

The two main reasons to buy a console are that they offer a great opportunity to socialise with children and they are fun for the entire family.

Ideally, a video game console should be looked as an addition to your home theatre system. For instance, Sony Playstation 3 (PS3) can double as a Blu-ray and DVD movie player. In fact, the PS3 just about outstrips the Xbox 360 with its Blu-ray capabilities.

The Indian game console market is estimated at Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion), growing at a CAGR of 35 per cent and is mainly divided between three hardware makers - Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony.

Simply choose a console and pick the games that interest you.

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Sony Playstation

The Sony Playstation 3 (PS3) is a great console for pre-teens, teenagers and adults alike. It boasts of the best in class graphic capabilities and comes with a Blu-ray player. Another cool feature that some may not know is that the PS3 is also 3D Blu-ray disc player.

As long as you have firmware 3.5 or a later version, your console will play 3D Blu-ray discs. The best utilisation of PS3 would be when used as a home media network device.

So, if you have a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device for your personal media collection and would like to access it with your TV, PS3 is the ideal choice. The PS3 can also connect to the PlayStation Portable (PSP).

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Playstation's Move controllers (to be purchased separately) enable to control games by motion alone. The Move has a glowing sphere at the end of it that changes colours depending on the game you are playing and the activities in the games.

There are different configurations available in PS3 and you can choose the one that suits your budget.

There's also the PlayStation 2 (PS2), a cheaper alternative in the market, which has an impressive range of games available, both new and second-hand but is not compatible with the Move controllers.

Best Buy at Rs 24,990 for PS3; Rs 5320 for PS2; Rs 2,100 the Move controller

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Microsoft Xbox

The Xbox 360 was the first console to offer high definition graphics, and combined with a quality HD TV the games are absolutely stunning. Although known for shooting and more hardcore games, the Xbox 360 also has a wide catalog of games for casual gamers.

Microsoft is also attempting lead the pack by introducing a new innovative system call Kinect that promises to provide a controller free environment.

The Kinect controller-camera (to be purchased separately) allows gamers to play by just moving their body and this camera can track four different players at once.

Not to forget, the Xbox Live Arcade (online service) that has some good games available for direct download.

For now, games on Kinect seem more family-friendly than on the Sony PS3 Move. For instance, Kinectimals is a great family game for the Kinect.

Best buy at Rs 14,890 for Xbox 360; Rs 22,445 for Xbox 360 with Kinect

Nintendo Wii

Nintendo Wii is not regarded as a hardcore gamers' choice and doesn't really compete with the likes of Microsoft and Sony. Instead, the console was one of the first to support motion sensors that was meant for playing in a group.

With intuitive and easy-to-use controls and some easy-to-learn family games, Wii is your best bet if you have young kids. It is hard not to enjoy Wii with classic Nintendo characters such as Mario, Peach and Donkey Kong.

The games involving these characters are fun and challenging, yet lack the blood and gore of many other popular games today. For parents who are worried about children having access to games that they feel are not appropriate for their children, the Wii is equipped with parental controls.

But besides games, Wii is not really of any use. It doesn't have DVD player or hard drive capabilities - a reason why it is the most inexpensive of the lot. If you have a broadband internet connection at home, then the Wii can go online with Opera (browser).

Best buy at Rs 1,4990 for Nintendo Wii