Consumer Reports Compares Wii, Xbox, PlayStation

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Long gone are the days when playing video games meant having to push buttons or use a joystick.

The newly-released system for Xbox, called Kinect, is totally hands-free and the two other popular games are close to it.

Consumer Reports sized up all three to see which one is the right for the gamer on your list.

Wii was the first to get into motion-based gaming. Consumer Reports just checked out the updated, enhanced controller option.

"Nintendo has created the Wii Motion Plus, which is an accessory that attaches to the Wii remote, which basically helps the Nintendo Wii detect the motion of the Wii remote controller," Matt Ferretti with Consumer Reports said.

But you still need a remote to play Wii's games and a platform for activities like yoga.

Unfortunately, Consumer Reports says Wii's graphics aren't great, but it costs about $100 less than the Sony PlayStation's Move and the Kinect from Xbox 360, making the Wii a good choice for entry-level gamers.

The Move and Kinect will run you about $300, but Consumer Reports says they have more to offer. Testers note that the PlayStation move has great graphics and you only need controllers – no platform necessary.

The new Kinect is unique because you don't need to hold anything while you're playing.

"You stand in front of a camera and it basically picks up everything your body does," Ferretti said.

So whatever moves you make, your avatar will do the same thing on the screen. That's why you don't need a controller.

What you will need is a lot of space – ideally six feet from the TV set and plenty of elbow room for two players.

But if you've got the room, Consumer Reports says the Kinect is worth the money.