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The holidays are coming, and you might be thinking about buying a game console for yourself or the kids. You can get a lot more than just games on some of these gadgets, an the Xbox from Microsoft can practically replace your cable subscription.

The Xbox 360 Elite can stream movies and TV shows from Netflix if you are a subscriber. They don't cost extra or count against your queue - just see if the movie you want is available and if it is, go ahead and Watch It Now.

You can also rent movies and Amazon video on demand, but you may almost not need those services since a $50 annual subscription to Xbox Live gives to access to the Xbox Marketplace for TV shows from most of the major networks.

The Sony PlayStation 3 can do some of these features, such as Netflix streaming, but you need to order a disc. So far, it cannot do Amazon Video on Demand. The Nintendo Wii lacks any of these streaming multimedia features.

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Molly Wood is the executive editor at CNET TV, host of the Buzz Report and Mailbag, co-host of Gadgettes, occasional host on Buzz Out Loud and an online ranter on all things tech-related. (© 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.).