What Are Your Thoughts . . .

My 7 year old wants a "game" for Christmas. The school bus is filled with Game Boys on the way to school, and he's gotten the itch. What are your thoughts on the "best" system out there? There are so many choices and I'm pretty clueless about it all. I don't want to spend a fortune or spend days in line like some of these other people. Camping out for a Play Station!?!? Something fun and affordable. Thank you for your thoughts!