The Top 10 Next-Gen Console Gifts for 2008

Well it's getting that time of year when we hit the malls looking for the coolest thing we can think to give our kids for Christmas so we look like tech heroes instead of tech stupid! They give us a wish list and most of it, we don't understand! My son told me he wanted some sort of converter for his X-BOX and to this day I still don't know what he's talking about but instead of admitting it I acted cool and said, "No problem, dad's on the case!"

As technology in games and game systems grows, I guess we as parents need to grow to. After all it's become a part of everyday life and we better jump on the train or forever be left at the station while our kids make fun of us for not knowing the latest installment in the Tom Clancy gaming series!

The ONE and only advantage I have over most parents is that I've been in broadcasting forever and companies like to send me stuff so I will let my DJ's talk about it on the air. I get everything from the newest game systems to the newest games to the latest I-POD and to be honest its help me grow and understand what it is my kids want year after year!

So with that I thought I would help other mom and dad's look cool this year by giving you my Top Ten Next Generation Console Christmas gifts. My top ten comes from my own experience. Out of 85 "gifts" this year that companies sent me, I picked the top ten so when little Johnny opens up his presents you get.. WOW.. instead of.. URRRR!

10) ROCK BAND 2: The 2^nd series in the multimillion dollar franchise, this game brings a whole new level to air guitar, drums and air everything else! Rock Band allows you to buy complete sets which mean you can get the drums, mic and guitar and have the kids start their own little Partridge Family. For Next Gen Gaming, this is a true winner. Many more features then the 1^st including the Battle of the Bands! A little pricey but well worth it. You'll find yourself wanting to play right along with the kids. Pick it up at any major retailer on and off line!

9) NINTENDO WII: This system is going to be one of those that creeps up the ladder of success and over-takes the PS3. In fact according to reports published by Chart Track Hardware Sales, the WII is out selling the PS3 this holiday season and for good reason. The games you can get with the system are reasonable priced, they have just as good graphics, it's NINTENDO which allows you to get the Next Gen classics like Zelda and Mario Brothers, it has the coolest on line features such as the internet channel that allows the kids to surf the net on the TV, it's totally wireless and this system really helps kids with hand and eye coordination more than any other system because it requires children to really put forth effort to play the games which is great! I love seeing my son come out of his room with a sweet from playing a video game! During the Christmas Season you can find WII bundles at Sam's and Wal-Mart that come with everything you need!

8) ANIMAL CROSSING-CITY FOLK: This game is for the WII system only but let me say, it's one of the best games ever made and it will allow any aged child to enjoy it to the max! I have to admit the 1^st Animal Crossing became a problem in my home. My wife loved it so much and played it all the time I had to buy another WII for our bedroom! The kids also feel in love with the game and this new installment in the series is better then what I expected. Based on the same premise as the 1^st Animal Crossing, City Folk gives you more to do, more friends, more challenges and is just a better game. The developers didn't rush it which makes it worth it all the way. Priced in the 50 dollar range you can pick it up at most retailers.

7) WWE-SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2009: This is another game that's been in my household since they sent me the 1^st edition years ago. This year they really added some cool features that takes it to a whole new level and allows the players to really feel like they're in the WWE. You can make your own characters, team up with your favorite wrestler and compete in story mode to get the gold! It's really a great game for Christmas and you can't go wrong with the price, 45 to 50 bucks depending on your system. All major retailers are carrying it this season!

6) X-BOX 360 WIRELESS NETWORK ADAPTOR: The one thing I couldn't understand about the Next Generation of Gaming Consoles was how they expected you to connect to the internet for live play and the other features they offer. Most homes don't have a CAT cable outlet by the TV and to get one installed can cost a pretty penny. Well, most of the big ones heard the cries from consumers and have taken a step in helping us get on the net without a bunch of wires having from the walls. For any true X BOX lover you have to get this. Most homes already have wireless internet and this little contraption gets your X-BOX live in the internet without holes, cables and more cost. It's worth it at 69.00 at most major retailers.

5) NINTENDO DS: Of course this has been out for years but what a cool little game system this is and for the price you can't go wrong. I was amazed the 1^st time I saw this unit in action. It was like having a 3 inch TV in your hands. The graphics are greats, the game selection for the unit is tremendous ant reasonable prices, and the unit is well built and meant to take a betting from the kids. They come in all sorts of colors for boys and girls and if you've seen the commercials on TV you know 1^st hand that adults love them to and I DO! Pick it up for around 120 at all major retailers!

4) COD-World At War: The very latest from the Call of Duty series without doubt the most popular war fighting game ever made. When they sent this to me I have to be honest and I thought to myself, what are they going to do now? What can they do? Let me say after 30 minutes into the game I was hooked! Love it! The graphics are at a new level, new hidden features, and new adventures! I do have to warn you this game isn't for the younger kids! It does show a little blood and of course is violence based but it's a game that DAD and JUNIOR will love! 50 to 65 depending on your system at all major retailers!

3) GUITAR HERO-WORLD TOUR-BAND KIT: The Mac Daddy of the Air Guitar is back and back in a BIG WAY! The company has always sent me the latest releases and I have loved them all but was a little skeptical when this one arrived. Like ROCK BACK, I thought, what else can they add to this game? When I took everything out of the box and put in the game the next thing I knew it was 4 pm and my secretary was telling me my staff was waiting on me for a sales meeting! OPPS! That's how cool this came is. The kit comes with everything you need; the drums, guitar, mic and of course game and for the price you can't go wrong! Around 189.99 at most major retailers.

2) X-BOX 360: If you haven't got your kids one of these systems now is the time! No other game system in the world offers what the X-BOX does. It has more features, more add on accessories, better ion line content than any other system on the market. When Microsoft decided to get into Next Generation Gaming they did it right and they set the pace. Millions and millions of units are sold every year for a reason and it's simple! X-Box 360 is the best! The selection of games in overwhelming and thanks to the Love interface you can download the drivers needed to play old X-Box games. They add more and more to the list every month with a goal to have every X-Box game playable on the 360 within the next year. What I like most about it is the price. Of course when it first came out it was an arm and a leg but Microsoft knows they have the market and they're making it so every house in America can have one. For 199.99 you get the X-BOX bundle and it's worth every penny! Better than the PS3 and cheaper by about 300 bucks. You can find it at all major retailers!

#1) WORLD OF WARCRAFT: With the release of the Lynch King, this WOW series is going to blow up like never before. According to the WOW website, 19 million people play every month! We got an early release of the Lynch King and it took out gaming to a whole new level. In fact, I'm not afraid to admit that my whole family plays and we enjoy it very much! I'm a level 70 Troll and can't wait to get to 8- with the expansion pack. You can find the Treasure Box this holiday season that will get the kids or yourself started and for a small monthly fee you'll find yourself submerged into the World of Warcraft!

Well there you have it. My top ten based on my own experience! Like I said before I was sent 85 Next Gen products this year and by far this is the best of the best. Of course some of the stuff on my list isn't new like the WII, X-BOX 360 and Nintendo DS but you can't go wrong with them. As more games come out they're always needed and will give your kids hours and hours of fun and if you're like my family you'll jump right into too!