Best Game Console for Kids and Families

The Nintendo Wii remains the best family gaming console

Most reviewers agree that the Nintendo Wii isn't the best choice for serious gamers, because the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 have more realistic graphics and a better selection of adult-friendly titles. But reviewers also acknowledge that the Wii isn't meant to be a high-end gaming system -- it's meant to be fun to play for adults and kids alike. In this respect, testers say the Wii succeeds. PCMag.com's Jim Louderback echoes most reviewers when he writes that although graphics look "terrible" compared to the Xbox and PS3, playing games on the Nintendo Wii is "maddeningly addictive" and "intuitive."

Wii's motion-control technology is no longer the unique selling point it once was. Some reviewers have criticized the Wii remote in the past, saying it is less than accurate. However, the Wii Remote Plus controller now includes Wii MotionPlus technology that uses gyroscopic sensors to improve motion-sensing accuracy. That has certainly helped, but reviewers say Sony's PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera (*Est. $80) is still more accurate. On the plus side, while motion control is extra cost on the PlayStation 3, it's in the box in the base Wii console.

The Wii doesn't play CDs or DVDs, let alone Blu-ray Discs, and that's a drawback for some owners. Nintendo's online gaming platform is also pretty rudimentary -- especially compared to what's available for the Xbox and PS3. The Wii is also not the best choice for streaming video. Netflix and Hulu Plus are on board, but you'll find little else of note. The console is also not DLNA compliant, though you can stream video from a PC to it using one of several available software media servers (such as PlayOn and TVersity).

Some expressed concern that the Wii would be discontinued with the launch of the Wii U. However, for now at least, that does not appear to be the case. The company did refresh the console not long ago, slimming down the case slightly and changing the traditional vertical design for one that's meant to be placed horizontally. One big disappointment was that backwards compatibility with older GameCube titles was lost with the revamp.