When it comes to gift buying for gamers this holiday season there's only one company putting out a new console.

The new Nintendo Wii U stands alone as the single new system on store shelves in 2012.

HLN digital lifestyle expert Mario Armstrong attended the launch of the new system in New York. He explains that what sets Wii U apart from the rest of the XBoxes and Playstations of the world is a new controller called the "gamepad." The handheld device incorporates joysticks, microphone, speakers, a camera and even a screen of its own. That 'second screen' allows aspects of some games to pop off your TV and into your hands. Nintendo says the gamepad can also be set up as a universal remote, to control your TV and even your cable box.

What about all the games and add-ons you bought for your old Wii console? According to the Wii U Technical Specs page, "Nearly all Wii software and accessories can be used with Wii U." Which is good news.

Armstong says XBox is rolling out a new Karaoke channel for its users just in time for this holiday season. And Sony has launched the Playstation Mobile Development Program.

Where do you stand in the console wars?