Xbox 360 4GB model with Kinect ($199 Sam's Club, Target, others)
The 4GB model of the Xbox 360 is normally $199 on its own (but hard to recommend, as it lacks a hard drive for downloading content). Throw in the $150 Kinect camera and it's a good way to get into motion-control gaming if you don't need the storage space. Some retailers include a couple of games as well. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.)
Xbox 360 4GB with Skylanders bundle ($149 at Walmart)
No Kinect in this bundle, but instead a package of Skylanders games and accessories, plus an extra $50 off. This is probably the least you'll pay for Xbox 360 hardware. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.)
Trade the Kinect from some of the other $199 Xbox bundles we've seen for a full 250GB hard drive, plus a wireless controller, headset, and a couple of last year's best games, Forza 4 and Skyrim, the latter via a download code. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.) More info here.
4 of 8 Sears
Nintendo Wii with Wii Sports ($99 at Sears)
Sure, the new Wii U is getting all the attention right now, but that new console costs $299 to $350. For a very reasonably $99, you can get everyone in on a game of Wii Sports, which is a great shared holiday activity. Some other retailers are offering the Wii hardware by itself, without Wii Sports, for $89, but this a better deal. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.)
This bundle includes the basic 250GB superslim PS3, plus collections of the Infamous and Uncharted games, which are as good a way as any to get introduced to Sony's library of exclusive games. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.)
One of the most heavily advertised holiday season games -- and a very well-made, inventive one at that -- but at a substantial discount. You likely won't find the other holiday season hits, such as Halo 4 or Black Ops 2, offered with any significant price break. A few other games are also available at this price, but they're either not as new or available for less elsewhere. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.)
7 of 8 Best Buy
Sony PlayStation Vita ($199 bundle at Best Buy, Toys 'R' Us, Target, others)
The high-tech handheld doesn't have too many killer apps (and the new Call of Duty game for it appears to be a bust), but this is still a very cool piece of hardware, with an OLED touch screen, touch panel, and support for Netflix, Twitter, and other apps. An included game varies by retailer, and includes Call of Duty at Toys "R" Us and Best Buy, and Lego Batman 2 at Target. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.)
Dishonored, XCOM, Borderlands 2, and other games ($25 each at Walmart)
Some of the best games of the year, at more than half off. A great opportunity to fill some holes in your library. (Note that the sale price may not appear until November 23.)
