Gaming's Best Black Friday Deals

Consumers nationwide are tightening their belts in preparation for financial difficulties, and the country's big-box electronics stores are no exception. Great gaming deals are going to be thin on the ground this Friday, but we've picked through the dross to find the gems.

We've listed the deals by platform and by store, so you can plan your shopping trip. Each of the three major consoles is on sale somewhere, so if you're planning to pick up a new machine this year, read on -- and, of course, many stores are offering unmissable deals on some of the best games of the last year or two.

One proviso before you head to the stores: Check the ads closely, as many companies are advertising lots of goods in their "sale" ads that are actually just selling for the regular price. Make sure you're actually getting a bargain.

BEST DEAL WINNER

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KB Toys:

Maybe KB Toys is not an obvious choice for Black Friday deals, but you can't argue with a deal like this: they're offering buy two, get one free on all games. Who knows what gems will await you in their game selection? About half of all KB Toys stores are opening at midnight on Friday, so be early. Or late, depending on how you look at it. Check out our Holiday Gift Guide for top game recommendations.

Nintendo Wii

Starting at: $249
Includes: Game system, 1 remote, 1 nunchuk, and Wii Sports

Black Friday is not looking like it'll be a good day for Wii hunting. Nintendo's console is still (still!) facing stock shortages, so there's little incentive for stores to slash prices. Wii shoppers, yet again, need to focus on finding a Wii rather than finding a CHEAP Wii.

Sam's Club:

One of the few retailers to offer Wii deals, Sam's Club sill be selling a package consisting of a Wii, three remotes, three nunchucks, Wii Sports, Mario Super Sluggers and King of Clubs for $425. This ain't much of a deal -- the bundled games are mediocre and the price isn't much different than the RRP of all the bundle components, but if you can find it in stock, at least you have a Wii.

Microsoft Xbox 360

Starting at: $199
Includes: Game system, 1 wireless controller, 1 memory card, Xbox Live Arcade collection

Now the cheapest of the three consoles, the Xbox 360 offers spectacular value even when it's not on sale. Just be aware, the basic bundle doesn't come with a hard drive, which you may find limiting before long. It's easy enough to add one, though.

Target:

Target's offering a creditable selection of Xbox 360 games at good prices this year. Probably the best value is Dead Space at $30 -- you can't go wrong with this dark, sci-fi survival horror hit. If that doesn't float your boat, there's a good range of superb titles at $49 and under, a nice discount. Our favorites: Call of Duty: World at War, and classic Halo 3 is going for $30. Both deserve places in any gamers' collection, and you'll find more goodies in store.

Wal-Mart:

Start here if you're looking to get into the Guitar Hero craze: Wal-Mart is giving away Guitar Hero III (with a guitar) with all $199 Xbox 360 purchases. If you already have an Xbox 360, you'll find plenty of games on sale too -- the entire '09 EA Sports range is at $30 each. That includes NASCAR 09, NCAA 09, NBA Live 09, Madden: they're all great games, and would make great gifts for fans.

Best Buy:

At $299.99, Best Buy's Xbox 360 Black Friday package isn't bad value, offering the console plus a 60GB hard drive, but the bundled games aren't great -- with the exception of LEGO Indiana Jones. But hey, you're essentially getting them for free. While you're there, do yourself a favor and snag a copy of Tom Clancy's Endwar -- Best Buy has several cheap 360 games, but this is both the best and the cheapest.

Amazon.com:

Alternatively, stay in bed, grab a laptop, and hit up Amazon to snag Bioshock for just $20. No lines, no cold, and no fisticuffs -- and a great deal on the best game of 2007? Can't argue with that.

Sony PlayStation 3

Starting at: $399
Includes:Game system, 1 wireless controller, 80GB hard drive

Although it's the highest priced machine, the PS3 is the only console to offer Blu-Ray movie playback, a big deal if you have a high-def TV and haven't yet picked up a standalone player.

Best Buy:

Best Buy is the place to go if you're looking for a good PS3 bundle: they're offering one with Casino Royale on Blu-Ray and the excellent Ratchet & Clank: Future for $399.99. Not a bad package at all.

Although Best Buy's game sale selection isn't quite so exciting, check out Soulcalibur IV for $39, and Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 for just $19.99 -- both good deals on great games.

Wal-Mart:

Meanwhile, Wal-Mart has the same great offer on PS3 sports games as it does on the 360: you'll find this year's EA range at $30 each, That's NASCAR 09, NCAA 09, NBA Live 09, and Madden. Nice.

Target:

Finally, Target boasts a decent range of Black Friday PS3 game deals, but we'd particularly recommend Dead Space, at an eye-popping $30, and the cheerfully violent Mercenaries 2 for $39.