-Hey everyone.
I'm CNET's Gaming Editor Jeff Bakalar.
And I'm here today to share with you my favorite picks for games and gear in this Product Spotlight video.
First off is the Nintendo Wii U which is priced to $300 for the basic set and $350 for the deluxe.
The Wii U offers a tablet controller that promises to change the way we play games.
Check CNET soon for our full review of the console, but
there's no doubt the Wii U would be a hot gift.
We're pretty deep into the current generation of consoles and the Xbox 360 and the PS3 are entering their elder years.
Sony just released what we're calling a super slim PS3 and a couple of bundles one of which is available right now.
If you're new to the world of Playstation, this is probably the one to get, but if you don't want the packing game, you may need to wait until the super slim is sold separately.
The Xbox 360 will see a temporary $50 price drop for the holidays.
So if you're more interested in Microsoft's console, now is the time to buy.
When it comes to portable gaming, there are 2 main options, the Nintendo 3DS and the Playstation Vita.
While the Vita has hands down better graphics, some people might appreciate the quick pick up and play nature of the 3DS.
Each system has solid games though you'll pay a little more for Vita ones and speaking of games the Vita has access to the Playstation network and store which does offer an impressive amount of titles to choose from.
There are a lot of top qualities
downloadable titles available and you'll save a bit of money downloading full games as opposed to buying the hard copy in the store.
Right now my favorite game for the Vita is Little Big Planet and you can buy the Vita console for $250.
The 3DS still pushes its 3D glasses less technology but most people myself included play without it on.
It's kind of a distraction but nevertheless there are a lot of 3DS games coming down the pipe including Paper Mario Stick or Star.
If you're picking up a 3DS
I recommend the XL which is a much larger screen that goes for $200.
Now, let's move on to the console games.
There are tons of titles that you should have on your radar.
First, we'll start with games that are available for both the 360 and the PS3.
While it's already been out for a few weeks, I can't say enough awesome stuff about Borderlands 2. It's easily a top 5 for 2012 contender.
There are so many addictive missions and weapon upgrading and hoarding to get through in a game.
I'm not sure that any
Other title give you the replay value the Borderlands 2 will.
Another game that should be on everyone's short list this season is Dishonored.
It's a game that lets you play anyway you want, be it super stealthy or very aggressive.
Your actions dictate what happens in the games already awesome story line so make sure you check it out.
There's no doubt Assassin's Creed III is one of 2012's most anticipated games because it completely changes the typical Assassin's Creed environment.
The setting is now in the American Revolution and you'll take on the role of
Connor, a half English and half native American.
Then there's Call of Duty Black Ops 2. So what is it about this new Call of Duty?
Well, the game takes place in a future, so there are a lot of futuristic weapons at your disposal plus the game's online multiplayer is insanely addictive.
So if any of this sounds intriguing, Call of Duty Black Ops 2 is definitely for you.
Now, we'll move on to the exclusives or like thereof.
While the PS3 had most of the net [unk] exclusives like Uncharted,
Resistance and God of War.
This fall is the Xbox 360 that gets Halo 4. So that about wraps it up for my Product Spotlight of games and gear.
Make sure you head over to cnet.com for full reviews and follow me on Twitter @jeffBakalar.
Thanks for watching.
