2013 has turned out to be the year of the gaming console,but if you’re considering buying one for Christmas there are several gaming giants battling it out for your holiday dollar.

Nintendo's year-old Wii U console is up against some major competition, with Sony’s newly released PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's brand new Xbox One. Stores can't keep them in stock.

"It's been just get them in and get them out. It's bees on a hive type of mentality. People are calling the stores, people checking online," said Elliott Chun, Future Shop’s communication manager. 

Consumer reporter Lynda Steele wanted an expert opinion on which console came out on top, so she enlisted the help of gaming guru Victor Lucas. He’s also the creator and co-host of the nationally syndicated TV show The Electric Playground.

Nintendo Wii U

The Wii U offers family friendly games with 3D camera positioning and is compatible with older Nintendo games. It doesn't come with a lot of new software titles, but several big games are launching in 2014.

“I think Nintendo makes just pure, fun experiences,” said Lucas.

The Wii U is the cheapest console at $300.

Sony PlayStation 4

Sony's new PlayStation 4 has stunning high resolution graphics, texture detail and applied effects.

"I like the elegant new controller that the PlayStation 4 has with the little touch pad interface on the front of it. It's definitely a comfortable controller. It feels like the future when you hold it," said Lucas. 

The biggest downside is its short on Triple A titles and it's not backwards compatible with the PlayStation 3 console. 

The PlayStation 4 is $400.

Xbox One

The high-tech Xbox One is not backwards compatible either, but its console integrates live TV and acts like a controller for your entire entertainment system.

"For all intents and purposes, this is like hooking up a robot to your television," Lucas said, “when I sit down and I’m looking at all these tiles and windows and this new interface. This is a lot of technology."

Xbox One is the most expensive at $500. 

So who wins the gaming console wars this Christmas, according to Lucas? PlayStation 4.

"They've tried some really creative, inventive things that are pushing our medium forward and I love that controller as well," he said.