Price: $149.99
Release Date: 1996
In-Box: Base System, 1 Joystick Controller, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: 64-Bit Processor, 16.8 Million Colors, Memory Card Saves, Stereo Sound
# of Bits: 64

Exhibiting powerful hardware and a world-class analog controller, Nintendo 64 is a killer bang for your buck and worthy update to Super NES. The library includes some of the best games available on the market, although long development times meant a far slimmer selection in '97. The Nintendo Seal of Quality is genuine with a crop of super cool first-party titles and a decent slate of third-party offerings. Tons of goodies are on the way next year for this console, chief among them Zelda 64.

Price: $149.99
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! This is the one to put on your holiday wish list if you're looking for an ultra-fast system that will certainly stick around for the long haul. Inexpensive games with incredible graphics, and an ever-expanding list of titles on the horizon. The sheer size and quality of the PS library makes that $149 price tag even more appealing. With its dazzling showing in '97, this system will remain a hot item this Christmas for gamers of all sorts.

Price: $149.99
Release Date: 1995
In-Box: Base System, 1 Gamepad, 3 Games, Cables, Manuals & Extras
Features: 32-Bit Processor, 15 Million Colors, Back-Up RAM Cart, Stereo Sound
# of Bits: 32

Three raging 32-bit processors work overtime to produce unbridled speed and visual intensity seen only in arcades. With Sega Saturn, even the grumpiest critics cannot help but acknowledge the existence of numerous awesome titles available on this system. Its success in Japan will mean a solid slate to look for next year for us Americans. However, industry experts predict the end is fast approaching for Saturn, solidified with COO Bernie Stolar conceding Saturn is not Sega's future.

Price: $99.99
Release Date: 1991
In-Box: Control Deck, 1 Gamepad, 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 2-D graphics and no shortage of fun in its technical bones. The existing library is 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. Though Nintendo has indicated they are moving on fully to N64, the Super NES is a solid choice for beginner players.

Price: $79.99
Release Date: 1989
In-Box: Base System, 1 Gamepad, 6-Pak 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 worth considering even on the heels of its eighth 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 $79! Tons of solid games to be seen in every genre, too. New entries are unlikely for Genesis in '98.

Price: $49.99
Release Date: 1996 (Original 1989)
In-Box: Handheld System, Storage Case, Manuals & Extras
Features: Dot Matrix LCD Display
# of Bits: 4

The Game Boy is a resilient contender, rising from the grave - perhaps thriving - with the slick GB Pocket redesign on the market. Despite all technical limitations, this device remains the best of the portables. 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 AAAs.

Price: $99.99
Release Date: 1991
In-Box: Handheld System, 3 Carts, Carry-All, Manuals & Extras
Features: 4096 Colors, Lighted Display
# of Bits: 8

Sega's Game Gear offers 8-bit gameplay with a brightly lit, 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. No upcoming games have been announced for 1998 at this time.

Price: $19.99
Release Date: 1995
In-Box: Electronic Handheld Game
Features: LCD Display
# of Bits: N/A

Tiger Electronics returns for the '97 holiday season with a full collection of all-new LCD handheld game devices, as well as the R-Zone XPG Game. This device is a portable games machine with a flip-up screen and red-and-black styling. The allure is the virtual reality-like headset component, which mirrors an LCD screen contained on the game cartridges. Games include Jurassic Park and Men in Black. Not dissimilar to the ill-fated Virtual Boy, we recommend steering clear of this toy.

Price: $24.99
Release Date: 1997
In-Box: Virtual Pet Keychain
Features: LCD Display
# of Bits: N/A

Consumers will have access to a plethora of virtual pet devices this holiday. Bandai leads the pack with their renowned Tamagotchi digital cyberpet, a tiny pedometer-sized keychain with a liquid crystal display. Other offerings include the Nyko Comet Critters, Innovations' Virtual Pets, and Tiger Electronics' Giga Pet. Each of these are essentially the same gimmick - Caring for a digitized animal on a continuous basis. See last issue's Cool Zone for more information.