Wii U

The Wii U is the first major console launch in over six years and is likely to be the holiday season's hit new gadget. Nintendo leaps head first into the modern era with a piece of hardware that's competitive with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in terms of computing power. The stubborn company has even reneged on its dismissal of HD and online functionality, implementing both into the thin box that looks quite similar to the previous Wii console.

In large part, this Wii U console shape is due to a focus on the innovative new GamePad that's included in every box. The GamePad features a 6-inch touchscreen (no multi-touch) in between a more traditional controller setup of analog-pads and buttons. Add in the feature to play games on either the television or the GamePad's screen, and the promise of similar functionality for watching TV, and Nintendo has the most interesting piece of gaming technology since Wii's motion controller.

Early reports said that pre-orders were for the most part sold out across the nation. Now that launch has passed, space Wii U consoles are popping up in various locations everwhere. Online stores is definitely not a resonable option, but retail stores and boutique shops may have one or several bundles available.

The decision then comes down to which bundle to select, the Deluxe version or the standard console. The standard console will cost around $300 and come with the console, GamePad , 8GB of storage and no games bundled with it. The Deluxe console costs $350 will ship with the console, GamePad, a copy of Nintendo Land, stands for both the console and GamePad, 32GB of storage and a special eShop membership that provides a discount on all digital purchases. We'd recommend the Deluxe bundle for every prospective Wii U  owner, as Nintendo Land by itself is worth the additional cost.
 

Nintendo Land

Who it's for:

• Everybody, of all ages
• Nintendo fans
• Those with short attention spans

Why you should want it:

• 12 mini-games arranged like attractions at a theme park
• Each game is themed after a classic Nintendo game or franchise
• Shows the myriad of way the GamePad can be used
• Perfect for playing together with the family, much like Wii Sports was for the Wii
   

ZombiU

Who it's for:

• Survival horror fans
• "Harcore" gamers
• Brits

Why you should want it:

• Built exclusively for the Wii U from the ground up
• It's legitimately scary
• Meant for a mature audience
• Great game from a third party developer
   

Chasing Aurora

Who it's for:

• Indie gamers
• eShoppers
• Multiplayer fans

Why you should want it:

• Quirky multiplayer with up to 5 players
• Physics based bird flight
• Absolutely beautiful
• A third of the price of a full retail game 
   

3DS

2012 proved to be a grand year for the Nintendo 3DS handheld, which has surpurassed over 24 million units sold across the world as of October. On top of that, sales are only increasing, with a potential 10 million more sales coming over the holidays if the current trend ccontinues. With the release of the 3DS XL in August and several themed bundle sales for Black Friday and Christmas, Nintendo's looking good going into 2013.

Currently, the Nintendo 3DS by itself will cost around $170, with the 3DS XL not much higher at $200. A smart shopper will keep their eye out for Black Friday sales, which include an exlusive flame red 3DS and NewSuper Mario Bros. 2 for around $200.
 

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask

Who it's for:

• Puzzle lovers
• Gentlemen (ladies, too)

Why you should want it:

• One of the most charming franchises ever created
• Tons of quirky, challenging puzzles
• Layton's first venture into 3D
   

Pokemon Black & White Versions 2

Who it's for:

• Nintendo DS owners
• Pokemasters
• Kids of all ages

Why you should want it:

• Likely the last main Pokemon game built for the DS
• More Pokemon than ever
• Gotta Catch 'Em All
• You're probably already addicted
   

Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy

Who it's for:

• Rhythm gamers
• Final Fantasy fans
• Lovers of great music

Why you should want it:

• Huge selection of music from all of your favorite Final Fantasy games
• Creative RPG mechanics unique for a Rhythm Game
• Easy to pick up and play any place, any time
• Super cute
   

Wii

The old Wii is winding down toward the end of its life-cycle, and its 2012 list of releases mirrors that. Still, there are a surprising amount of gems in the rough, as a few Japanese titles which took their time being localized for western audiences arrived to save this holiday. That said, with the release of the Wii U, we don't expect the Wii to have a major release worth looking forward to again. Even the slow to localize Dragon Quest X will likely be swapped to the Wii U for western audiences.

That doesn't mean it doens't have a great existing library for gamers late to the Wii party, and with the Wii U being backwards compatible there's no need to throw those Wii disks in the closet. If you'd like to save a few bucks this holiday, pick up a Wii console for only $$130, or as low as $100 if you shop smart during Black Friday. Then take a look at some discounted, older games and you might be surprised. Wii Sports is still a hit with families everywhere this time of year. 
 

Rhythm Heaven Fever

Who it's for:

• Rhythm gamers
• Lovers of oddity
• Casual players, mini-game fans

Why you should want it:

• More personality than most games can dream of
• Dozens of rhythm-based puzzles
• Easy to play, difficult to master
• Tons of replayability
   

Xenoblade Chronicles

Who it's for:

• RPG fans
• Story nuts
• Folk who want a game they can play for months
• Nostalgic Xenogears/Xenosaga fans

Why you should want it:

• The best JRPG in years
• Huge, sprawling, world to explore
• Dramatic, long story just like you'd expect
• Finally localized for North America, two years later
   

Honorable Mentions:

• New Super Mario Bros. U (Wii U)
• Tales of the Abyss (3DS)
• Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone! (3DS)
• Fractured Soul (3DS eShop)
• The Last Story (Wii)
• Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition (Wii)