Price: $299.99
Release Date: 1995
In-Box: Base System, 1 Gamepad, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: 32-Bit Processor, 16.8 Million Colors, Memory Card Saves, Stereo Sound
# of Bits: 32

Prepare for a blast of ultimate game system power! Sony's foray into the gaming space is unleashed with the hottest 32-Bit console on the market. Featuring an ultra-fast processor with CD-ROM architecture, the PlayStation delivers real-time experiences with 3-D perspectives and quality sound. Nearly fifty games will be available for the system by the end of this year, and with more publishers piling up every day, this growing catalog is certain to appease gamers of all stripes.

Price: $299.99
Release Date: 1995
In-Box: Base System, 1 Gamepad, Virtual Fighter Game, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: 32-Bit Processor, 15 Million Colors, Back-Up RAM Cart, Stereo Sound
# of Bits: 32

Take a step into the next level of the gaming universe with Saturn. Immediately experience the arcade-quality Sega is known for with photo-realistic 3-D graphics and blazing double speed CD-ROM. With an array of showstopping titles to choose from, Sega players are sure to be enthralled by the spaced-out fun of Saturn. Systems now come bundled with the all-time arcade hit Virtua Fighter included, as well as all the cords and cables you'll need right in the box.

Price: $129.99
Release Date: 1991
In-Box: Control Deck, 1 Gamepad, Super Mario All-Stars Game Pak, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: Parallax Scrolling, FX Chip Capability, 32K Colors Available
# of Bits: 16

Nintendo's flagship console for the War of the Super Systems. A hot seller with great graphics, innovative developers, and a steady stream of great games on the horizon. The existing library is also massive with a wide assortment of genres available from platformers to role-playing games. It has garnered a kid-friendly reputation, which may be a plus or a minus depending on the player. The SNES is going strong as a solid choice for '96.

Price: $99.99
Release Date: 1989
In-Box: Base System, 1 Gamepad, Columns Cart, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: Arcade Graphics, Blast Processing, Upgradability
# of Bits: 16

The first, true 16-Bit system on the market, the Sega Genesis is still a hot commodity even on the heels of its seventh birthday. Its so-so sound chip is offset by a blazing fast processor, shown off brilliantly through the vast library of titles available. Sega's killer six-button gamepad makes for perfect fighting game action! The current "Model 2" version is now offered at a sweet $99! With tons of titles in stores and more on the way, Sega is an easy choice.

Price: $99.99
Release Date: 1992
In-Box: CD System, Sonic CD, Console Attachments, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: HiFi CD Audio, Custom Graphics, FMV Capability
# of Bits: 16

Turn your Genesis into a real multimedia entertainment system with the Sega CD. With this attachment to the Sega Genesis, you'll have access to a fleshed-out library of CD games capable of trumpeting out quality full-motion video and digital audio. It also plays music CDs and CD+ graphic discs. It includes built-in memory and battery backup as well. New titles will be sparse as developers shift over to Saturn, but Genesis owners looking to expand their catalog on a budget should consider Sega CD.

Price: $99.99
Release Date: 1995
In-Box: 32X Attachment System, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: 32,000+ Colors, Compatability with Genesis & Sega-CD
# of Bits: 32

Latch on the Sega 32X adapter to the top of your Genesis to get a next-generation system that claims to have the same power and performance as the quarter-munching machines at the mall. Roughly 40 times faster than 16-Bit machines, this add-on had real potential upon its launch earlier this year. A somewhat lackluster and miniscule selection of games leaves us wary of its future. Though marginally impressive, our view is to pass on 32X and instead seek out Saturn.

Price: $299.99
Release Date: 1993
In-Box: CD System, 1 Gamepad, 1 Game, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: 64M+ Pixels/Second, 16 Million Colors On-Screen, Multi-CD Capability
# of Bits: 32

Delivering spellbinding 32-Bit games with interactive realism, the 3DO is designed to take you beyond the limits or ordinary and into the multimedia future. Capable of playing CD ROMs with full-screen, full-color digital video, the Panasonic 3DO is a decent choice. Plenty of titles will keep gamers occupied for hours on end. The lower price of $299 is nice, too, but we cannot endorse 3DO over PlayStation or Saturn. The incoming M2 add-on may change that in '96.

Price: $149.99
Release Date: 1993
In-Box: Base System, 1 Gamepad, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: Dual Processors, CD-Quality Sound, MPEG Video Support
# of Bits: "64"

Seize the power of the Big Cat! Containing more internal power than any 16-Bit system and capable of impressive 3-D animation, Atari hoped for a thunderous next-gen entry. Although it can accomplish 64-Bit gaming feats through use of its "Tom" and "Jerry" processors as seen in Rayman, the Jag library is small with a limited slate planned for '96. New this year is the CD Multimedia Player, a $150 add-on device that allows CD-ROM playback for full motion video and audio. We advise players to pick-up a 32-Bit system instead.

Price: $59.99
Release Date: 1989
In-Box: Handheld System, Storage Case, Manuals & Extras
Features: Dot Matrix LCD Display
# of Bits: 4

Its green-and-black graphical interface may seem a touch antiquated as we dive into an era with cutting-edge 3-D graphics, but the Game Boy is a tough contender. With a catalog of hundreds to choose from and consistent support by third party studios and licenses, in addition to the Super Game Boy peripheral, Nintendo has pledged to support their tiny portable for the foreseeable future. Pick up a magnifier and a fistful of AA-batteries.

Price: $99.99
Release Date: 1991
In-Box: Handheld System, Columns Cart, Manuals & Extras
Features: 4096 Colors, Lighted Display
# of Bits: 8

Sega's Game Gear is, in some ways, above and beyond Nintendo's portable device. Game Gear offers 8-bit gameplay with a lighted, liquid-crystal display in a broad range of colors. Tons of games are available for the Sega handheld from Batman & Robin to Power Rangers, and you'll have no shortage of accessories, either. Expect brutal battery drain as the required 6 AAAs quickly peter out under the strain of the light-up screen, however.

Price: $19.99
Release Date: 1993
In-Box: Electronic Handheld Game
Features: LCD Display
# of Bits: N/A

Tiger Electronics returns in 1995 with a full collection of all-new LCD handheld game devices. Tiger has prepared dozens of versions of this gadget to date, utilizing acquired licenses from Power Rangers, Batman Forever, Pocahontas and more. These are cheap, and boy are they cheap. No bit graphics to speak of, nor do these possess much in terms of sound. The handheld games use two AA batteries and are mostly recommended for small children.

Price: $24.99
Release Date: 1994
In-Box: Electronic Watch Game
Features: LCD Display
# of Bits: N/A

These multi-level game watches show digital time, plus feature moving graphics. All devices are packaged with a plastic case and strap. The Super Mario World variant includes extra headphones to mask game sounds, great for long car trips. A neat-o Donkey Kong version is also available. In terms of gaming fortitude, or lack thereof, these devices are similar in style to the Tiger Electronics games. Use small buttons to control the action on-screen and enjoy some ear-grating tinny tunes.