The Best Toys of 2006 –Pre-teen

Nintendo Wii

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Ages: 8 and up
Suggested Retail Price: $250

What it is
Nintendo will reshape the home entertainment and video game landscape-once again-with the launch of its heralded Wii home video game console. This next generation system combines the latest in improved game graphics and features with a revolutionary wireless control system.

Why it's fun
Wii's unique control system is an inventive controller which can be detected in a 3-D space. This means that users can interact with games by physically moving the controller. This innovation allows players to feel more like they are "in" the games, something that will no doubt enhance game development in the future and gives the Nintendo Wii a significant point of difference in the game world.

Who's going to love it
Nintendo's goal for Wii was to develop a system that would appeal to gamers of all levels, from beginners to hard-core. Gamers of all levels will love the line-up of games slated for release following the launch of Wii, which includes The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Mario Galaxies, Wii Sports, and Metroid Prime 3.

What to be aware of
At $250, Wii is by far the most affordable of the next generation game systems. However, the system, which will come with one Wii Remote and a Nunchuk, will support a bevy of accessories, sold separately, that can quickly drive up that price.

While Wii is the most talked-about Nintendo product of 2006, it should also be noted that the Nintendo DS Lite was also released in 2006 and definitely worth checking out. This updated DS is slimmer, sleeker and more stylish than the original handheld DS unit, giving the DS a broader appeal.

If you're buying this for a child, always check to make sure the content of the games is appropriate.