If you're not sure what to give for a video-game gift this holiday season, then it's time to get moving -- not just to the stores, but also to play the hottest games this year.

Four years after Nintendo's Wii up-ended the video-game world with motion-controlled gaming, the other major consoles have gotten in on the action, too. Sony's PlayStation 3 now has the Move system, and Microsoft's Xbox 360 has Kinect. In keeping with the advanced consoles, both are more technically sophisticated than their older counterpart. They're also in high demand in stores.

The PS3's Move is similar to Wii in that players wave around a wireless controller, but it's much more precise. Movement can be tracked down to the angle at which the controller is being held, even twisted, instead of the broad -- and occasionally imprecise -- strokes of the Wii. A TV-mounted camera also can tell where in the room the controller is, a combination that creates much more dynamic and accurate game play.

A bundle that includes one Move controller, the camera and the multiplayer game "Sports Champions," whose six events include archery and gladiator combat, sells for $100. You also need a PS3, of course, or you can start from scratch with the Move bundle and console for $400. Additional Move controllers are $50 each, with an add-on navigational controller (like the Wii's nunchuk, but cordless) going for $30.

With the Xbox's Kinect system, the player is the controller. A large camera-equipped sensor, which is mounted by the TV, tracks players and mirrors their movements with on-screen characters and action.

The $150 Kinect startup bundle includes the sensor and the game "Kinect Adventures," which sends players on virtual activities that include running an obstacle course and exploring an underwater observatory. If you don't already have a 360, bundles that include the console and Kinect go for $300 to $400. Extra controllers are free -- just invite someone into the room.

As with any new technology, the games for Move and Kinect are hit and miss as developers explore the potential of the systems. Good bets for Move include the boxing game "The Fight: Lights Out," the arcade shooter "The Shoot," the kid-friendly "EyePet" ($40 each) and the Mature-rated mystery "Heavy Rain" ($60). Kinect winners include the hip-shaking "Dance Central," the critter-centered "Kinectimals," the "Wii Fit"-like "Your Shape: Fitness Evolved" and "Kinect Sports" ($50 each).

New from Nintendo

Nintendo's answer to the major motion assault from Sony and Microsoft is the so-so "FlingSmash" ($50). The goofy game has players flinging a ball-shaped character at targets to progress through various levels. The wrinkle is an included Wii Remote Plus controller, which offers better motion tracking than the standard Wiimote.

Much more exciting are two new Wii games that gamers have been anticipating for months. "Disney's Epic Mickey" ($50), coming Tuesday, lets players paint an often-dark virtual world for Mickey Mouse to explore. The just-released "Donkey Kong Country Returns" ($50) reinvents Nintendo's favorite character for a new generation. Both are no-brainer gift ideas.

Cue up some new tunes

Speaking of reinvention, "Rock Band" follows up last year's Beatles sensation with "Rock Band 3" ($50-$60 for Wii, 360 and PS3), which finally adds keyboards to the wannabe headbanger mix. The keyboard and more-realistic guitar controllers go for $80 to $150.

"Karaoke Revolution" also is making an encore, this time with a hot "Glee" version ($60 for Wii). Fans can join their favorite characters in about 30 songs from the TV show's first season.

Rethink the obvious choices

For devotees of Mature-rated combat shooters, there's nothing bigger this holiday season than "Call of Duty: Black Ops" ($50-$60 for all consoles and PC), which has set sales records. But if you want the best online playing experience, nothing tops the realism and depth of "Battlefield: Bad Company 2" ($60 for 360 and PS3), released earlier this year.

Finally, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" has been all the rage in theaters, but tread lightly if you're considering the video-game version ($30-$50 for all systems) as a shoo-in gift. The reviews -- not just from critics, but also online consumers -- have been especially grim. Rent it first to see if your young fan wants more.

Randy A. Salas • 612-673-4542