(Note: With last week’s release of the Wii and PS3, the titles for these new systems are coming fast and furiously. Check back with us over the next several weeks to see how we rate them.)

Games for Ages 4 to 7

ION Educational Gaming System: This self-contained gaming system plugs into your TV. It operates like Eye Toy by using a video camera to take pictures. Kids can see themselves inside the game and control the game by waving their hands and feet.

Why we like it: Kids love seeing themselves in the games, plus it gets them moving around. Best for ages 4-7.

Dora the Explorer\'s World Adventure! In this computer software adventure, Dora and your child travel to France, Russia, Tanzania, and China to learn about other countries and cultures.

Why we like it: It\'s a perfect way to introduce young children to the world. The game mechanics are simple, and all the learning games are leveled. Best for ages 4-6.

Miss Spider\'s Scavenger Hunt This computer software game lets kids see what a forest would look like from a bug\'s point of view. Kids go on a scavenger hunt for magnified nature items.

Why we like it: The perspective is unusual, the graphics are phenomenal, and the nine educational games are fun and unique. Best for ages 4-7.

Games for Ages 5-10

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy The sequel to last year\'s sleeper hit LEGO Star Wars continues the tongue-in-cheek humor that so endeared the original to its fans. (Available on Xbox, Xbox 360, GC, PS2, PSP, PC, GBA, NDS.)

Why we like it: It\'s a blast -- both figuratively and literally -- as kids zoom through the galaxy fighting bad guys, flying classic Star Wars vehicles, and solving puzzles. And we love its drop-in-drop-out cooperative play, which makes it fun to play with friends and family. Best for 8+.

New Super Mario Bros. The newest Mario game on the Nintendo DS!

Why we like it: It’s Mario in all his mega-sized glory! With eight action-filled worlds to explore, hand-held gaming just doesn\'t get better than this. Best for ages 7+.

Viva Piñata This hot game is way better than the lame TV series. It’s an ecosystem simulation for the Xbox 360. Kids plant a garden to attract animal-like creatures known as piñatas.

Why we like it: Simulation games are great ways for kids to learn because the game puts them in control. Since every decision that kids make has a consequence, they learn by trial and error. Best for kids ages 8-12.

Games for Ages 10+

Wii Sports: This is the first game for the new Wii system (it comes bundled with the system). Kids can play tennis, golf, and baseball, or they can bowl or box -- all by moving their bodies while holding the new motion-sensitive wireless controller.

Why we like it: These Wii games usher in an important new generation of play that\'s more physical and intuitive. A 6-year-old can play it, but 10 and up is prime.

Guitar Hero II This musical action game for the PS2 uses a guitar-shaped controller.

Why we like it: It’s hard to find games that are unique and can be enjoyed by both the musically gifted and musically challenged. Long live rock \'n\' roll! (Note: We have rated this game PAUSE because some of the settings are in bars and the lyrics are occasionally on the suggestive side.) Best for 10+.

Okami A stunningly beautiful action adventure game for the PS2 that captures the essence of a fairy tale.

Why we like it: It offers unusual game play by introducing "brush techniques," which give players god-like powers to change a scene by painting something new. Best for ages 13+.

Controversial Games for Teens
We include these games because they are the ones kids will be asking for. Here’s the information you need to decide if they\'re right for your family.

Bully You may have heard a lot of buzz about Bully, a PS2 game created by Rockstar Games, the producers of the controversial Grand Theft Auto series. It\'s an intimidation game set in a school setting, but it shows that there are consequences for bullying others.

Do you buy it? There\'s plenty of psychological brutality and physical violence (fist fighting, kicking, and "humiliating" finishing moves). Weapons include a baseball bat, a garbage can lid, and a fire extinguisher, but there are no guns, blood, or gore. Because this game deals with intimidation and violence with realistic language, parents who let their kids play it should absolutely talk to them about school violence. The game contains some sexual remarks and alcohol references -- and, depending on the path taken, main character Jimmy Hopkins can kiss another boy. Pranks include firing at football players from a tree with a slingshot and throwing marbles on the ground for others to trip over. The game does include consequences for misdeeds. We rate Bully Pause for 14+.

Saints Row This is an ultra-violent Grand Theft Auto-type game for Xbox 360 that is only appropriate for teens 17 years and older. So if your tween is asking for this one, even though it\'s well-done, it\'s not for them.

Do you buy it? If your older teen likes Grand Theft Auto-type games, then they\'ll probably like this one, too. But, parents, this is a violent, graphic game intended for mature adults and mature adults only. Characters are constantly killing each other, blowing things up, and cursing nonstop. The characters also engage in countless illegal activities like prostitution, drug dealing, assaults, and robberies. Players are rewarded for killing others by earning chains, clothing, and other items. Parents should be aware that there\'s also an online component via XBox Live. Only for 17+.