I am still in the researching/undecided/waiting to see what happens in the next 6 months stage but have found some good comparison charts for the next generation of consoles.

http://www.bestbuy.com/videogames/pr...9&p=1899&pt=pr

note: what I did notice missing (according to this chart) from the gamecube are the audio/video connection options. All I can determine from this page is that the cube uses the standard red and black a/v cables or the RF adapter. There doesn't appear to be any component video cable, S-video or optical cables options for the Gamecube. Nor any steering wheel (if that matters to you). Now mabye someone that has a cube can educate me (us) if these a/v connections and steering wheel options are true or if maybe the chart is just incorrect. But appearantly the cube is the only option for wireless contollers and "Game Repair Kits" at the time.

There is also a "compare the consoles" link (strictly specs) on that page that will send you here:

http://www.bestbuy.com/videogames/pr...=&p=1924&pt=pr

For anyone else undecided take a look and maybe it'll help.

The Gamecube does support component video for 480P (progressive scan) TVs. You can buy the proper component or Svideo cables directly from Nintendo or from retailers (although no retailers have received the component cables yet. probably later this week)

As for the stearing wheel... It's only a matter of time before some 3rd party such as Mad Catz releases one for the cube and wireless controllers are available for other systems.

Both Xbox and Gamecube are roughly equal in the graphics department. When deciding which to get, the first question you should ask yourself is, What system has more of the games i like to play? Do not buy a system just because you think it sounds more powerful.

-=cysco

You can buy component and s-video outputs for the Gamecube, but they aren't included in the base package.

Thanks for the clarity on the video connections for the Cube! I couldn't hardly see nintendo not giving us a better video connection option so I'm really glad to hear that it's there.

And concerning the component or s-video cables not being in Cubes base package.... are they included in any base package???

Nope. Composite video is standard since 99% of people's TVs and/or VCRs have that capability.

The EBs in my area have CG steering wheels in stock.

I read in a home theater magazine that the XBox is the only console that will be able to do 5.1 surround due to the chips in it. (This was a quote from a Dolby Engineer)

I agree with the later statement, as the system purchase should be based on game choice more than anything, but I refute the former. I don't feel that the Xbox and NGC are equal in the graphics department, and I'm sure the numbers will point towards Microsoft in the end in the graphics realm. Luigi's mansion looks fantastic, and so does Halo. However, in a direct comparison, with a title like Madden for instance, the Xbox seems to have more detail and less jagged edges than the Cube on this particular title. Tony Hawk 3 looks slightly better than Tony Hawk 2x, but it's a whole other generation of the game, so comparisons are unfair on that. Anyways, I still feel that it's too early to compare graphics, especially with regards first-party titles.

And I still say the best looking game I've ever seen is Soul Calibur for the Dreamcast. Yes, still to this day. That game moves and feels like no other, and may only be topped by part 2 next year...

The Xbox does have the best graphics, however, the differences are pretty minor. When deciding on a system get the one that has the most exclusive games you want. The very reason I bought a Gamecube for now.

At E3 this year Nintendo boasted of the "Nintendo Difference" For me, this is very real. Nintendo has numorous exclusive games from itself and its 2nd parties that can't be had on any other system. 90% of these games are golden in gameplay. Yes Xbox has Halo, and PS2 has GT3, and others for both. And they are indeed sweet. However, I just see a more constant stream of quality exclusive "Must have" software on the Gamecube.

In addition, every developer I've read about and talked to at E3 mentioned the ease of programming for the Gamecube. What does this mean? With Nintendo's new cheap pricing for developers (pretty much the same as Sony and MS) there is no reason for a company not to release their game on the GC. If it takes minimal effort and no extra money there is no reason not to port. So unlike the N64, there should be a constant supply of 3rd party support.

Couple the quality of games, the price, and the no restriction of 3rd party access, Gamecube gets the green light for me.

I hope that goes for Grandia X . . .