The combined positive, negative and abjectly confused coverage of Xbox 360 shows videogames are finally approaching mainstream recognition. Lacking the broad content available in music, TV or film, and the accessibility of books, gaming is nevertheless breaking out of its twentysomething male stereotype. The fact that new releases are still dominated by driving, shooting and orc slaughter suggests evolution still has some way to go, but 2005 has been a watershed for hardware enthusiasts. The sheer volume of new toys coming out has been bank-breaking.
Nintendo DS, £90
Following news that Sony was launching a portable gaming device, Nintendo went its own way, producing a handheld console with two screens (one of which is touch sensitive), a built-in mic and the ability to play online - wirelessly. Along with new releases like Wario Ware: Touched and Another Code: Two Memories, you can play all your old Game Boy Advance cartridges.
PSP, £180
Sony promised a PlayStation 2 in your pocket, and PSP is exactly that, with crystal clear widescreen display built-in and the ability to play movies and music. Games so far have mostly been conversions of big budget console hits, which, while looking beautiful, sometimes don't feel at all right for the bite-sized moments that mobile gaming always has to occupy.
Xbox 360, £280
Shops sold out and even those that got lucky felt the fear as reports of fatal problems with a number of Microsoft's first batch came out. For those with a working model, the world of HD (High Definition) gaming is here, and very slightly nicer looking than old-style gaming it is, too. Highlights are shape-shifting adventure Kameo, second world war shooter Call Of Duty 2 and Project Gotham Racing 3.
Top five games of 2005
Oddworld: Stranger's wrath Xbox (Electronic Arts)
You're a bounty hunter in an alien wild west, where hoodlums need capturing to pay for treatment for your "special problem". Tactical fights, gorgeously dusty scenery and a real plot make this 2005's great undiscovered classic.
Residential evil 4 GameCube, PS2 (Capcom)
Survival horror reinvented with simpler puzzles, more ammunition and extended 20+ hour play time. Its action orientation at no time spoils the grizzly atmosphere, and the nimble, cunning "infected" make interesting foes.
Mario Kart DS Nintendo DS (Nintendo)
Not only a return to the awesome handling model of the timeless 16-bit original, but instant connection to wireless gaming, letting you take on fellow Kart racers across the world from home or any number of wi-fi hot spots. If you can stop playing Advance Wars DS, that is.
Fahrenheit PS2, Xbox (Atari)
A fascinatingly different approach to the rightly maligned interactive movie genre. You take turns playing both possessed psycho killer and hard-bitten cops on his trail, through a series of tense conversations and encounters. Indisputably thrilling.
Nintendogs Nintendo DS (Nintendo)
Small, playful puppies that live in your DS, waiting for you to come and play. Scratch tummies, throw Frisbees and teach pups a plethora of new tricks until they recognise and understand your voice. Enormously and universally appealing.
