Video game systems are once again hot for 2006. Of course, if you want a Playstation 3, it might set you back a couple grand. Seriously! Ebay recently had to limit Playstation 3 sales to one per vendor and then only if you had a sufficient seller rating. Bids were exceeding $2000. Ouch!

	Sony PlayStation Portable Ultimate Bundle brought to you by Buy.com Sony PlayStation Portable Ultimate Bundle includes Sony PSP, 32MB Memory Stick, Headphones w/ Remote Control, Battery Pack, AC Adaptor, and two games: Ridge Racer and Need For Speed Underground Rivals. . Game Cube limited edition platinum Xbox Console with One Controller S

But you don't have to spend $2000 to have a great video game system. My boys aged 10 and 11 like their Gamecube just fine. And Playstation 2s are now quite affordable (relatively speaking) even thought they were the cream of the crop up to just a few months ago. If you haven't made the plunge yet, or if you want to upgrade your older nintendo or playstation units, now is the time to do it.

	The smart parent will buy an older style video game console and have money left over to buy some video games.

One of the benefits of buying slightly older systems (Gamecube, Xbox, Playstation 2) is that you will actually have money left over to buy some games. You will also find a larger selection of games available, and the prices of those video games are much lower than the brand new games. The smart parent will buy an older style video game console and have money left over to buy some video games for their kids to enjoy.

You may not be the "coolest" mom or dad if you don't pop for the PS3, but you will be the less stressed parent if you don't. Trust me, after the chaos of Christmas is over, the kids will still love you and they'll love their new video game system that is still going to be way better than what they have. Let them go over to their friend's house and play the PS3 - at least as long as their friend's parents don't have to mortgage the house.