Nintendo's Wii U tablet controller thankfully streamlines that process in a small, but tremendously meaningful way: during initial console setup, you're prompted to sync your television and the tablet controller, allowing the tablet itself to control the TV's power, volume, channels, and input directly.

ENGADGET: Nintendo's Wii U tablet controller and the death of your TV's remote control

Save states have been a boon to 3DS owners not accustomed to the challenges of classic Nintendo games, and is a welcome addition to the full-sized Virtual Console setup -- after all, how else are we supposed to get a decent score in Balloon Trip mode?

ENGADGET: Wii U Virtual Console Trial Campaign hands-on Hands-on

Fits Right In: With its easy-to-read display and easy-to-stack design, the control console will look good in your home-entertainment setup.

ENGADGET: Logitech intros $350 Surround Sound Speakers Z906, Black Eyed Peas still capable of ruining them

"Huge focus in a system like this goes into its graphics performance" Dell goes through dual graphics-card setup, saying it's faster than any gaming PC or gaming console.

ENGADGET: Live coverage of Michael Dell

Over the past few years, Microsoft has built the Xbox from a gaming console into an entertainment hub capable of serving as the central device in any living room setup.

FORBES: Xbox Live's 2012 Election Hub Could be the Future of Television