The holidays are approaching faster and faster and yet again it’s a sure fact that parents have been searching up and down aisles of the local malls looking for that right gift, perhaps the newest item of trend, or that outfit that the kids have been mentioning since October. Regardless, you’re probably going to end up spending a fortune on the latest gadgets of the year.

When I say latest gadgets, the obvious picture that should jump into your head is Sony’s new brainchild, the Playstation 3. Ever since the week of November 17th, gamers all over the country lined up outside their local gaming resources and camped for a week just to receive the system.

However, the system was far from cheap, and owning one was very costly. For $500-$600 dollars, you could own one of the few thousand that were released. Chances are if you don’t already own one, you most probably won’t until next year unless you’re willing to drop a fortune. Prices for the system online double and even tripled the original price, and may not be worth your while.

As far as what this system does, any Playstation 2 owner would understand. With promising game sequels such as “Metal Gear Solid 4” and stunning graphic animation, there really is no reason why this system would be a bad choice, but let’s not leave out the other console options.

Though it’s been somewhat forgotten by now, the Xbox 360 is going to be the system you’re going to find most abundant when you go on a system search. This system shouldn’t be tossed aside, because it’s definitely a strong competitor, and fans of online gaming might find this system more useful. The online feature of Xbox Live is probably the best online feature a system has to offer. So you can enjoy racing people around the world with your new custom Audi as long as you’re willing to pay about $300.

From under the rubble of what’s left from the Xbox vs. Playstation console war shines the cheaper, smaller, and most surprising competitor. The Nintendo Wii came at a very strategic moment in the console war, and will probably rank up massive sales this holiday season. Only three days after the release of the Playstation, when tears were still being shed by those who couldn’t attain their copy, retailers rushed the Nintendo Wii onto store shelves as fast as they flew off in the hands of customers. People could not wait to save hundreds of dollars in buying a system that would not only be available, but affordable and new. The system offers a new wireless remote system that has been the talk of the town, and is extremely entertaining to play with. The system puts you in the action as a swing of your remote will send the almighty sword of Link crashing into the enemy in “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” or a flick of the wrist will send a massive energy blast at your opponent in “DragonBall Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2.”

Honestly, each system is sure to do well in your household, but which system has more of your style is the question to consider. So when you’re passing in isles stocked with systems galore, be sure not to miss out. Until then, happy shopping!