The best overall console remains the Sony PlayStation 2, thanks to its enormous selection of games in just about every genre imaginable. The PS2 has also built a sizeable lead in online gameplay over the last year; it doesn't hurt that Sony's Network Adaptor now ships in the box with the PS2.

Microsoft's Xbox takes second place. The selection of games isn't as complete and online gameplay requires a $50/year subscription and suffers from the lack of support by Electronic Arts, the biggest developer of them all. However, the Xbox has some notable exclusives -- for instance, the now-classic shoot-em-up Halo.

Nintendo's GameCube has settled into third, with no online gameplay to speak of and a selection with some notable weaknesses. But the GameCube remains the only place you'll find such long-running characters as Mario and Zelda.

And it's this last point that's probably going to make your decision for you: Ask your kid or yourself what games you want to play, then see what consoles they're available on.