That stressful, indulgent, expensive and momentarily magical time of the year is upon us, and if you're thinking about buying a new game console for the holidays, GameSpot has you covered.

Across the site we have published comprehensive analyses of all the next-gen TV consoles, from Wii U to PlayStation 4 to Xbox One, scrutinising each flaw and highlighting the major advantages.

Those who are about to make a careful purchase decision should take a look through our broad-ranging editorials on each system, while those who want a more concise overview are free to watch our videos, which bring together views from an international spread of GameSpot experts.

Wii U

Verdict: Nintendo is fighting back, possessed by that longstanding and essential rule of business: keep your customers happy. And it does this so capably, creating some of the finest Nintendo games in years. In fact, not just the best versions of its garlanded franchises, not just an answer to critics, but outright some of the best games you'll play in years. Just enough, in fact, to make the console an essential purchase. Read the full review HERE

Xbox One

Verdict: While most of the Xbox One's inconveniences are forgivable on their own, the same can't be said for the package as a whole. The inferior hardware, however overblown, is an issue. The lack of support from the indie community, however redeemable, is an issue. The superiority of the DualShock 4, however slight, is an issue. Games With Gold, while certainly improving, is an issue. The user interface--every aspect of it--is an issue. The most damaging issue of all is that these problems are not present on the PlayStation 4, despite Sony's system retailing at the same price. Ultimately, it makes the choice between the two fairly easy. Read the full review HERE

PS4

Verdict: Make no mistake, you won't feel short-changed for buying a PS4 right now. It's one of the most impressively assembled game consoles in history, but if you hold off until the right game arrives, you shouldn't feel like you're missing out too much either. More time is needed to (hopefully) solve the controller battery problems, to fix PlayStation Now and the quality of live feeds, to take a second look at PlayStation Plus and EA Access, to revise the media capabilities, to fix the problems with PSN, and most importantly, to build a desirable library of games.

Sony has made incredible strides in the past several years, but it cannot stop now. The PS4 is an accomplished, superior game console, but not yet an essential purchase. Read the full review HERE