Age: 31

X-box

Why? Halo, Max Payne(had it on the PC but it was crash city!!)Shenmue 2, Panzer Dragoon, Obi-Wan and many more. I like the controller(played it at Wal-Mart) and think that it will have the most longevity(technolgy-wise) than any of the others.

Age 27

Undecided (but leaning towards the Xbox)

I can't decide until the systems are out and I've played them. Plus I just bought a new PC, so I'll be busy on that for awhile.

Age: 19
Console: XBox and PS2

1)E3-I attended two shows and played every console, the PS2 and Xbox had the better games, hands down. Anyone want to argue with this? Okay who else went to E3?

2)Depth, maybe its just me, by looking at the posts it probably is, but I don't feel satisfied collecting golden coins.

3)The Games, MGS2, Halo, Medal Of Honor, Project Ego, etc. Nintendo hasn't released anything to instise me.

4)Nintendos track record. The games for gamecube were not very fun, and realitivly the same to N64 games. If they decide to make a decent Zelda, and maybe when Metroid comes out....

4a)Plus N64 and GBC. I bought both systems, now I have to update again? No thanks Nintendo, besides N64 only had 5 decent games on it.

5)DVD player, I like the idea of having more then a simple game system.

Winner: PS2

GameCube and XBox have a "potential" of reaching greatness. But if you want a console that will be the best for the near future, you'll have to go with PS2.

It took a while for PS2 to reach that point, however. Just like it will be for the Gamecube and Xbox. If you look at the reviews of games debuting on the new systems, you will find them rather lacking as a whole -- which is not surprising. A good summary of reviews can be found at:

www.gamerankings.com

Right now, PS2 is enjoying a rash of awesome games that are ranking extremely high. There is a LOT of variety, too. It will be some time before GameCube and Xbox reach that level, however.

A notable exception may be Halo for Xbox and the Star Wars title for Gamecube -- which are looking good (although no formal reviews have been submitted yet on them).

I think that if you were to ask this question in six months or a year from now, I would likely answer differently. But for the moment, I think that PS2 offers the quality, variety, and experience needed to come out on top for the near furture.

A choice of console ultimately comes down to one thing: Games. Even the most powerful and advanced gaming system will be rather worthless if the software is not up to par. Almost all new systems suffer from a lack of quality titles when they're first released. It often takes a year or more before the games "catch up" to the system's potential. I believe this to be true for GameCube and Xbox.

Let's take a look at Gamecube first. The anchor games for this system are being reviewed by many gaming organizations right now. The results are rather typical. Luigi's Mansion is coming in as a "good" game, but not great. The average gamer's score on this title is around 8 out of 10 -- which is good -- but not great.

What about Wave Race. Yeah, it looks good, especially the water phyisics, but, again, it's receiving an average of 8 out of 10. Good but not great. Rouge Leader has the most promise. It's receiving an average of about 9 out of 10 -- which is an excellent score, but not the blockbusting "wow" game.

Now comes Xbox. I guess it's not fair that some game reviews on this system are "garbage" games. For example 4x4 Evo 2 is receiving poor scores of about 4 out of 10. Which just goes to show that just because a system is powerful, doesn't mean crappy games can't be made for it. But let's look at some other games that have been reviewed.

Unfortunately, we don't have reviews yet for Halo. Cel Damage is receiving a score of 7.5 out of 10, on average. For an awesome game system as the Xbox, this comes as a disappointment. Transworld Surf is coming in at about an 8 out of 10 or so. Madden NFL 2002 is coming in around the 9 out of 10 level -- which is excellent, but not a blockbuster.

Which leads me to my next point -- PS2. Why is it that Madden NFL 2002 scored BETTER on PS2 than on Xbox? Interesting. But actually it's not surprising. PS2 is now an established system and developers have been able to devote two or so years to software development. The games are more refined and tweaked. This WILL happen to Xbox and Gamecube eventually, but not for a while.

Right now PS2 enjoys GREAT games -- many of which rank better than 9 out of 10. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3: 9.8; Grand Theft Auto 3: 9.7; Gran Turismo 3 9.4; Madden NFL 2002: 9.3; Devil May Cry: 9.3; Twisted Metal Black: 9.3; ICO: 9.3; NHL 2002: 9.2; And on and on. There are MANY games in the high 8's, too.

Some might say, "But many of those games will be on Gamecube and Xbox and they will blow PS2 away." Well, that's not necessarily true. Translating a game to a different system will alter the game mechanics. True, the images may be better, but the controls and delivery will be different. That's why a Madden NFL 2002 is actually better on PS2 than on Xbox.

So. . . based upon the GAMES, which system is best? Right now I would have to say PS2. Can Xbox and Gamecube surpass PS2? Possibly. But time will tell. This season, however, I am sure that PS2 offers the best quality and varied gaming experience available. Next year . . . may be a different story.

Age: 23
Own PS2 and really love it.
Looking forward to own GC. Due to its sleek and futuristic model, choice of colors too. Great games such as Zelda, Mario. Hopefully GC can bring up some of its fantastic old games: Castlevania.
at $ 199, I will line up at Wallmart to get one.

Basically GameCube and PS2 are going to rule Console World for next few years.

Age: 19
Systems Owned: N64, DC
System Wanted: PS2

Like many others, I thought the DC would tide me over for along, long time. Now that the end is in sight and no new games are comin' out (Shenmue 2), I'm forced to buy another system. I'm set on a PS2, even though I despised it and its lineup back last year. It looks better than ever these days, with some must-own titles like GT3, GTA, Tony Hawk 3, NBA Street, SSX Tricky etc. The only thing holding me back is the $299 price. Bring it down to $199, even $249 and I'll buy it like that. I know they'll bring the price down around spring. Also, they have incredible companies behind them...mainly Sega, Konami, Square, EA Sports and so forth. The fact that Sega games will be on it has me excited alone.

The X-Box doesn't excite me...Halo looks alright, but there is little on it that won't be available on the PS2. So it's not an option until I see something good.

Besides the PS2 titles, the Nintendo/Rare ones are the only ones I'll be missing out on. Perfect Dark Zero, the next great Mario game, Mario Kart 128...I'd really like these but the fact of that matter is I'd have to own a GC and PS2 to be fully happy. That can get a bit pricey.

So because the PS2 has an amazing lineup right now, and the GC has a sort of weak one, I'm leaning highly towards pickin' up a PS2 and probably a GC in the later years.

Age: 26
Console: Playstation 2

I chose the PS2 for two main reasons:

GT3
NCAA Football 2002

I also like that my old PSX controllers and S-Video cable work with the PS2.

Age: early 30's

System: PS2

I actually got the PS2 as a gift last year. I have been very pleased with it. I have a standalone DVD player already, but the feature is nice and I have used it.

I don't have a lot of PS2 games, but that should change soon. It seems that more of the types of games that interest me are coming out now for it. The games coming out now, IMHO would have been great to have at launch.

That being said, I have picked up a bunch of PS1 games. The backward compatability with the PS1 is a great feature. You can get great new games, or pick up great older ones for a song.

If I was in a position to choose, I would probably go with the PS2. Sony has been around and will probably continue to be around for a while. The PS2 "killer aps" seem to be finally appearing. The DVD player is nice. And the ability to fully tap into the PS1 library of games is really awesome.

Age: 21
System: Nintendo Gamecube (bought Saturday night)
Other Systems Owned: Dreamcast, N64, Playstation, GBA, etc.

Reason why Gamecube over other systems:

1.) In all honesty, the very first reason that came to my mind why I should buy a Gamecube was Super Smash Brothers Melee. True, it's only one game, but in my eyes "Smash" was the best game for the N64. This is one of the few games that can be played for hours and months or even years straight. Coming from a family of four, multiplayer games were the most played games in my family. Plus at my fraternity, when the beer's put away, the studying's done, Smash is ready to play.

2.) Microsoft is my eyes isn't a trusted name yet in the gaming industry. Maybe next year or two years from now, I may buy one, but not now. As for the Playstation 2, if I wanted one, I would have bought one by now.

3.) First party games. Nintendo has always had the best first party games. No gaming publisher can really hang with Metroid, Donkey Kong, Zelda, Smash Bros., Mario, Luigi, Mario Kart, the list goes on and on.

4.) Third-Party Support. Many of the games I wish to buy will be coming out for all three systems, it's just a matter of how long I'm willing to wait. Games like Tony Hawk came out for Gamecube first which was a plus. As for a wrestling game for the Cube, I'm willing to wait and besides.......I've got Smash to keep me busy.

5.) DVD Player, what? I've already got one....and a great one for that matter, so this wasn't even a factor in my opinion.

6.) $100 less is always a great selling point for a College Student.

7.) Finally, my younger brothers wanted one and I really listen to what they have to say.

All in all, I could think of a million more reasons why I'd buy a Gamecube over the two other next-gen systems. But if I had to choose ONE reason why.....it'd have to be the games.

bumped for Duran and Cysco

Age: 29 for another month.

I already own a PS2, had it since launch last year. I have no plans on trading it in. Great selection of games! I also like the fact that it's fairly small so I take it on vacations with me so I can watch DVDs in the hotel since I have just about every type of t.v. connection for it.

I also bought an XBOX, Graphics look amazing. Most powerful gaming system out there besides a PC. Exclusive games such as HALO.

I think you really need to own more than one game system since there are too many exclusive games to each system. Who knows, I might even get a gamecube some day if I see a library of games I impressed with. Just too many kiddie looking games on gamecube for me to consider it.

Age: 27.5

Already have: Two N64s (one for me... one for the kids); GB Pocket and have had three 8-bits and a SuperNintendo.

Why: Family Games (Mario Party 1-3, Pod Racer, Tetris, Puzzle League)... not into the violent stuff...

New Console: GameCube

Why: Family Games (Super Monkey Ball and the like) plus the Nintendo catalog titles have always been good. Please make a Mario Party for the GC!

Bottom line: I have never bought anything other than Nintendo, so why start...

On the other hand: My buddy has an XBox, my brother has a PS2, and I've got UnReal and Quake on my G4! What more could I want!?

Currently own:

NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, Saturn, DC, 3DO, GBA, GBPocket, GameGear, LYNX, TurboExpress, VirtualBoy, Jaguar, TurboDuo, PS1, PS2, GameCube, Xbox

Age:21

Xbox, GC, or PS2: GameCube

Why?
If Capcom didn't make games for the PS2, I'd have almost NO reason to own it (Onimusha, DMC, CvS2) other than MGS2 and GTA3.
XBOX...why am I scared I bought another 3DO (o wait 3DO had SSF2T so I actually played it)? Seriously, while it's great it has a DVD Player, hard drive, CD ripper and all, but where are the GAMES for my video GAME system? Halo is not worth $350.

GC: Luigi's Mansion and Star Wars are simply fun to play, and that's what matters the most to me. And with smash bros, mario, metroid, zelda, etc on the way combined with a $199 price tag, I'm pretty satisfied with my purchase.

... with a list like that I was sure you'd put down your Colecovision, your old TI and your complete Atari line!

Wow... you got the $100 controller! Cool! I want to get one too!

Leaning towards the X-Box.

1) Not Gamecube because: For me, Nintendo's games are like the Sonic series. Obviously well-made with moments of greatness, but somehow never quite as satisfying as the reviews make them out to be. Maybe it's the cutesiness and kid nature deflating some of the excitement visually, storywise, and in gameplay.

2) Not PS2 because: The X-Box seems like it will get most of the great PS2 games but with better graphics. I've never been interested in Square's games. If it weren't for the X-Box though, I'd definitely buy the PS2. Their type of violent, stylish, poseur bad-ass games appeal to me.

3) High chance of some great, low-cost (ie, free software) hacks appearing on the X-Box, what with the windows OS and hard-drive. Especially if these allow the system to play PAL format R2 DVDs on NTSC format televisions. That would be a HUGE selling point for me.

4) Panzer Dragoon, Halo, Maximum Chase.

I'm 19 and I want a PS2. It all comes down to the games. The PS2 has the games I want to play right now. Not what is gonna come out in a few months but right now. It's that simple. I'll worry about the future when it becomes the present.

Age: 20

Systems: PS2/Xbox

Reasons:
PS2 already has a killer library of great games and lot more to come in the future. And the controller is my all time favorite.

I bought and Xbox for Halo, WWF Raw (along with some others) and I really think it will last in this video game war.

but i will probably buy a gamecube somtime next year. when some more better games comes out.

Age: 23
System: GC & PC

I picked up a game cube, it with a PC I will be able to play all the games I like. I would consider a ps2 if they would drop the price. I still like my PC for the Rainbow Six Series, and of course the new “Ghost Recon” the best game I have ever played. And I can't forget the new Star Wars “Galactic Battlegrounds”.

The only title I would really like to play on the xbox is obi-wan, and I hope Lucas will give it to PC users. All the new systems have their strong points and their weak points; you just have to pick the one right for you.

Age: 21
System: PS2

I bought the PS2 just a week ago, because I couldn't stand seeing all these great games coming out and not playing them.

1. Many great titles available now
2. Some of which are exclusive to PS2: Devil May Cry, Metal Gear Solid 2 (?), Grand Theft Auto 3 (until pc version comes out), Gran Turismo 3
3. Final Fantasy series
4. Backwards compatible with PS1 games.
5. Can play DVDs (sort of)
6. Nothing of interest on other consoles: Resident Evil-GC (nice graphics, but I played this already), I don't like platformer type games (eliminates many GC titles), Halo (I rather play FPS's on a PC)

But in the future, I'd lean more towards Xbox just because of:
1. More powerful system
2. Many features
3. Gamecube will be hindered by it's lower capacity media in the future

Age: 25
Systems: PS2, GameCube

So, I made my choice and went with the GC over the Xbox. Couldn't get past the latter's higher price tag and the feeling that it's nothing but a stripped down PC. I have a PC already. I don't want a system that will have a lot of ports of PC games. Although Nintendo usually caters more to the kiddie market, I figure my PS2 will be able to handle my adult gaming needs. So far, I've played Rogue Squadron (pretty cool), Super Monkey Ball (tons of fun!) and Tony Hawk. TH3 I haven't found all that interesting, but then again, the only reason I got it is because they were out of Wave Race.

What's really ticking me off is that I can't find a memory card for the GC ANYWHERE. I've checked 10 places - nada. Do you know how frustrating it is to play these games without being able to save?!

Age 27


System DC, PS2, Game Cube, X Box, GBA.


What else can I say.

Age: 25

Currently own: Dreamcast, N64, XBox

Nintendo upset me when I bought the N64. The games were expensive and most of them weren't fun. The only games I owned on it was Super Mario Cart, Mortal Kombat 3, and Golden Eye. Then I gave the system away to my little cousin.

Dreamcast was cool. A lot excellent games, but they decide to abandon the system.

Now I own an XBox because of the graphics capability and DVD. What's wrong with having an extra DVD player at home. I have one in my living room and now I have one in my room. The games for the XBox I foresee will be good. And I have faith in Microsoft. They won't be dropping the system anytime soon. The broadband connection will be awesome in summer. Did anyone notice that the setup window for the XBox is similar to the Dreamcast? Maybe, Sega just sold their system to Microsoft to continue the legacy.

Age: 18
Currently Own: NES, SNES, GBA, Sega Gen
Use to own (sold): Gameboy, GBP, GBC, N64
Got: Gamecube

I chose Gamecube for one because it is Nintendo. I have basically never bought anything but Nintendo. Even my Sega was my sister's. I have always had no problems with them and tons of fun.

I ALMOST wanted to get a PS2. But the Gamecube was much cheaper so that put it ahead a lot. Plus, I am a sucker for Mario games.

I liked the Gamecube controller the best.

I didn't need a DVD playing system.

Ijust hope the don't continue with Sega's track record.....