There are so many different video game consoles on offer that it is hard to determine which one is the best. Manufacturers are continually updating their consoles to keep ahead of one another. Before purchasing any game console, you need to know exactly what you want in a console. Do you want a portable hand held, or a home console? Once you make that decision, you have to decide on which brand to go with.

Hand Held Consoles

You could choose from a Nintendo DS, Nintendo Game boy, or a Nokia.

Home Consoles

You may like a Microsoft Xbox or a Sony Play station 2 or 3

There are more, although the best way to find more information on any game console is to ask the kids. They will know everything you need to know about them. Failing that, do a Google search if you are still floundering?

Now before spending any money, check out the prices of all types of new console, which you are interested in buying. That will give you an idea on how special the deals on offer will be. Armed with this information you are ready to spend as little money as possible. A word of caution, some of the older consoles need chips to enable you to play the Bali games on.

Auction sites

Go in and do a search for these game consoles on EBay www.eBay.com Oztion www.Oztion.com.au when you find something you could be interested in click on the "Watch this item" then find others of similar value. Before buying from any seller, check out their feedback; never buy from any with a bad selling record in the feedback. Make sure you check the costs of postage and insurance, and that you understand all the information the seller has put on his site.

Ask for more information if you are not sure before bidding.

Discount and retail stores

Watch the newspapers, for specials in the many different retail or discount stores. Ask if you pay cash will it be any cheaper. They may be clearing the old model at a discount price to make way for the latest one.

Garage sales and Flea markets

Beware with these; you would need to make sure that the games and attachments all work on the console. Barter with them for a better price.

Cash converters or Second hand dealers

As above, make sure everything works properly. Also, ask them about a warranty, which may be for only three months.

As a last resort, ask your friends if they know if someone is upgrading their console. This would be a cheaper option, and they would be glad to show you how everything works and may include the games with it.

If you really do not want to buy a gaming console then use your own home computer. I found myself in the grip of game mania for a while before I started writing again, and played many great games, action, role-playing, strategy, suspense. I did not have any trouble with the playing of them on the computer either. For the real latest games, I would suggest that you do need a good graphics card, and make sure you have enough ram to run it.

This would be a far, far cheaper way to go. The games for the PC are cheaper than the Nintendo or play station as well. You can also pick them up at all the flea markets and garage sales for next to nothing.