Three of a Kind: Video Game Systems

Fancy
Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition
Painted to match Master Chief's armor. Like the regular Xbox 360, this one comes with a 20-GB hard drive and an hdmi port so you can see the action in HD (cable not included). Arty wireless controllers, $60 each, add a welcome splash of color to the set. Halo 3, the game, sold separately.
$399; microsoft.com/xbox

Cheap
Nintendo DS
We dig the PSP2, the latest PlayStation handheld, but the DS is cheaper and has more games for kids. The clamshell design offers great game play, and you can use wi-fi to compete against your pals. Hot game this holiday season: Mario Party.
$130; nintendods.com

Something Different
Nintendo Wii
Kids, grownups, seniors—they all love the Wii and its get-up-off-the-couch approach. New releases like Boogie and Carnival Games and a new accessory for shooting called the Zapper are keepin' it fresh, even for those who managed to snag one of these hot consoles last season.
$250; wii.nintendo.com