New motion-based gaming system offers more than Wii

Motion-based video games, which detect players’ movements, are a hot gift this holiday season.

Nintendo Wii, the first to get into motion-based gaming, is offering an updated, enhanced-controller option.

"Nintendo has created the Wii Motion Plus, which is an accessory that attaches to the Wii remote, which basically helps the Nintendo Wii detect the motion of the Wii remote controller," said Matt Ferretti of Consumer Reports.

Still, players need a remote to play Wii's games and a platform for activities like yoga.

Unfortunately, Consumer Reports says, Wii's graphics aren't great, but it costs about $100 less than the Sony PlayStation Move and the Kinect from Xbox 360. That makes the Wii a good choice for entry-level gamers.

The Move and Kinect systems cost about $300, but Consumer Reports says they have more to offer.

For example, the PlayStation Move has great graphics, and players only need controllers -- no platform necessary.

Another plus -- the PlayStation system comes with a Blu-ray player, an Internet browser, and the ability to play some games in 3-D.

The new Kinect is unique because players don't need to hold anything.

"You stand in front of a camera and it basically picks up everything your body does," Ferretti said.

So when the player moves, an avatar will do the same thing on the screen. Even though a controller is not necessary, the Kinect does require a lot of space – ideally six feet from the TV set and plenty of elbow room for two players.

But if you've got the room, Consumer Reports says the Kinect is worth the money.