Are you shopping for a console-based video-game system, but don’t know an Xbox from a mailbox? For a primer, take a look at How to Buy Video and Computer Games. The popular systems all offer spectacular graphics and special effects, and run from $150 to $300. Before you go to the next level, check out the special features.

Start by doing your homework. Check online (Amazon.com is one of the best) and in gaming magazines (Game Informer from GameStop) for product reviews, or ask video-game fanatics you know which system they prefer.

Stick with one of the big brand names: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. The system will require updates, upgrades and support in the future–and a company that is still around to provide them.

Give each system a test run. Is it easy to use?

Ask about the library of game titles available for each system. Make sure you can play the games you want. If you are upgrading from an older system, find out if you can play your old games on the new machine.

Find out what the basic price includes. Peripherals can bump up costs considerably, but many new systems have starter packs that include several options like a second controller.