Believe it or not, Americans are spending $6.5 billion a year on video games. For parents, these games can be a costly investment.

Consumer Reports has advice on ways to keep your kids happy without breaking the bank.

If your kids like video games, finding out a little bit about them can save you some money. Many people go online or buy magazines to make sure they're playable.

Consumer Reports says the newest systems are Sony's Play Station 2, Microsoft's X-box and Nintendo's Gamecube. All three have a lot to offer, with 3D graphics, excellent sound, and they approach "arcade" quality.

But quality comes at a price. The systems cost up to $200 and you'll pay another $50 for each game you buy.

Consumer Reports says one alternative for a "new" gamer, is to buy an older system like Play Station 1. You can get them used for between $35 and $60. And games will run between $5 and $20. They still have good graphics and there's hundreds of games out there.

But if your kids have their hearts set on the latest system, check a game before buying it. You can rent the game first at a video store. That way, you know before you shell out $50 for a game --- you can find out if your kid likes it.

Some stores specialize in new and used games and equipment. Game Stop and Electronics Boutique are two that also have a website.