Something for everyone.

• Position: VIDEO GAMES - Product/service evaluation

With so many titles, how do you choose? From beloved characters to updates of our favorite games, whatever your preferred platform, there's something for everyone:

In the mood for a worldwide race? Mario Kart Wii includes a Wii Wheel that transforms the remote into a steering wheel for intuitive, motion-based control. Drawing on courses and battle arenas from every game in the series, including a few new ones, players can race as their favorite Nintendo characters such as Marie, Luigi, Peach, Donkey Kong, etc., or as themselves by putting their Mii in the driver's seat. By placing first in the Grand Prixs, champs can open up increasingly difficult and thrilling circuits. This edition also includes motorbikes, which, with the flick of the remote, can pop a wheelie to gain speed. The game can be controlled with the Wii remote (with or without the wheel); with the remote/Nunchuk combination; or with the Classic or GameCube controller. Players can compete with up to three people at home or challenge up to 11 opponents via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, where they can visit the Mario Kart Channel to compete in tournaments, check rankings, and see when friends are playing. Rated E (with comic mischief).

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Although it's been almost five years since Super Smash Bros. Melee hit the shelves, we enjoy it as much now as we did then. Updated for the Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl draws from the rich history of Nintendo to include famous locales and such characters as Mario, Link, Pikachu, and Zelda, to name but a few. In fact, anyone or anything from a Nintendo universe could appear in this game in one form or another, from musical scores to Poke Balls to Assist Trophies, which spawn characters like Hammer Bros. and Sim City's Dr. Wright to attack others. Rated Teen, it includes cartoon violence and crude humor.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

For more information, visit www.nintendo.com.

Disney Friends (for the DS, $29.99), from Disney Interactive Studios, brings together popular characters from "The Lion King," "Winnie the Pooh," "Lilo & Stitch," and "Finding Nemo" in a virtual life simulation game. While creating unique adventures in the worlds of Stitch, Dory, Simba, and Winnie the Pooh--with tips and guidance from Tinker Bell--players experience the virtues of caring and nurturing friendships. Taking advantage of the DS's real-time clock, users can interact with their friends in daylight or at night and celebrate special events and holidays...