Best kids' video games of 2010

Best kids' video games of 2010

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Video games can make great holiday presents—if you pick the ones your child actually wants. We've found titles to thrill every kid on your list.

For the natural nurturer
EyePet
Resembling a cross between a monkey and a kitten, the EyePet purrs when petted and pounces when prompted, thanks to the Move motion controller (see “Game changers”). Rated E. Sony; PlayStation 3 with PlayStation Move. $40.

For the Hogwarts aficionado
LEGO Harry Potter Years 1–4
Using LEGO versions of Harry Potter characters, wizard wanna-bes navigate scenes from the first four HP movies. Kids can cast spells, solve puzzles and even sip butterbeer in Hogsmeade. Rated E10+. Warner Bros Interactive; DS, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Wii, Windows PC, Xbox 360. $50.

For the aspiring pop star
Dance Central
Tweens learn choreography with this title for the new Kinect for Xbox 360. Each song features beginner, intermediate and advanced moves so dancers of all levels can play. Just be aware that some of the tunes (think Lady Gaga) have suggestive lyrics. Rated T. Harmonix/MTV Games; Xbox 360 with Kinect. $50.

For the quiz whiz
Nat Geo Challenge! Wild Life
This fact-packed game offers 15 trivia activities, all presented with stunning National Geographic images. Rated E. D3Publisher; PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360. $30.

For the budding athlete
Nickelodeon Fit
Active tykes use the Wii Remote (and the Wii Fit balance board if they have one) to hula-hoop with Dora, jump hurdles with Kai-lan and join other Nick-themed competitions. Rated E. 2K Play; Wii. $40.

For the consummate adventurer
Toy Story 3
Little ones customize a Wild West–style town and embark on missions like rescuing cows and hunting for gold. As kids complete quests, they unlock new characters. Rated E. Disney Interactive Studios; PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360. $50.

Game changers
Just in time for the holidays, two brand-new, motion-detecting console accessories have hit the market. We investigate their value for kids.

Photograph: SONY Computer Entertainment Inc.

PlayStation Move
Created for the PlayStation 3, the Move is composed of two devices: a motion controller and a camera. As your child uses the controller, the camera's sensor tracks his gestures, making his actions very precise. But unless you're buying EyePet, you may want to wait until Sony offers more Move-compatible games before paying for the gizmo. $99.

Kinect for Xbox 360
This add-on lets Xbox 360 owners go controller-free. Place the slim box above or below your TV: Its sensor follows arm, leg, waist and head movements, allowing game play to incorporate running in place, jumping and kicking. Granted, the Kinect is a bit costly, but it's a small price to pay to get your kids off the couch. $150.