Hey Mike - my son is 14 and he is a huge fan of the X-Box and strongly prefers it. Most games are avail. for either gaming system. Some "violent" games are exclusive to one system or the other. X-Box loads faster, has better graphics, & the memory is built in -- no need for add on memory cards. My son is excited over the new 360 X-Box, but is happy w/his current one. Games will continue to be avail. in the future for the current generation of X-Box. No huge hurry to get the latest ($$) X-Box, but my son feels that the price will drop some before too long. There is also something called X-Box Live which allows you to play vs. people in other states or countries incl. Dance Dance Revolution. For this you would need a high-speed internet connection first. Also he feels that the X-Box system is durable -- he has had no breakdowns or failures w/the X-Box. I hope that this is helpful! JIM
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1975 Sahara 2002 ('Dieter')

Xbox games are generally made for a more mature audience. That's not to say Playstation2 does not have adult games, but Playstation2 also has games suited for younger kids... all of the Xbox games I have are adult shoot-em ups except for an old Intellivision compilation... There are fewer games available for Xbox out there...but they are generally really great games, with superior graphics to the Playstation2, but more violent.
Brian
72 inka

Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages, but after having both I find the X-box wins out. There's a lot of non-violent games to choose from, and more are always being made. One thing I like about the X-box is that is doubles as a cd and dvd player (when you get the 'DVD remote' usually sold seperately), so it can clear some space on the entertainment center's shelves by doing the work of three components. I tend to use mine more for movies than gaming lately...

I'd recommend checking Costco (or the like) for a bundled package deal on the x-box. That's how I got mine and in the bundle came with the DVD remote, extra controller, memory card and two games for under $200. Not a bad way to go when you add all that individually.

I'd stay away from the new x-box 360 for now...the "i gotta have it" new toy prices almost always drop nearly in half if you can wait a year or two, and the old one would more than likely suffice for your childrens needs currently. (plus if it gets broken you won't be out top dollar...)

If you do go the x-box route then you have to get Forza Motorsport for yourself: it's got Laguna Seca, Road America, Road Atlanta, to name a few of the real tracks...but most importantly: it's got the entire Nurburgring Nordschleife!! (and about 200 cars, old and new, to choose from...no 2002's unfortunately...)

Good luck...happy gaming.


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Shad
'70 2002 "Bimmerschmitt"
'70 2002 BADUDA aka 'Wall Art'
'72 2002 25HR Thunderhill Enduro Legend (of the mind)
'73 2002 Rolling Shell = Future Money Waster
'79 528i New Daily Driver

I own both. Both have their own merits, but there are far too many variables to claim that one is 'better' at a particular feature than the other. FWIW, I own about a dozen PS2 games, but only 3 for the Xbox.
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Jason
1974 Malaga 2002 daily driver

Two reasons to own a PS2, Gran Turismo 4; within there is a 2002 turbo waiting for you!

I have owned both systems and yes the Xbox is a very well built system but alot of the time it is shunned by the ingenious japanese video game programmers because it is not a hot seller over there. After playing several american/japanese games, I find there is no comparison when it comes to the level of detail, ingenuity, and fun factor. American programmers have come a long way since the "shovelware" days of the Atari, but they often lack support, and often are forced to release games faster to compete with the J-market, which has a much more relaxed environment in which to release games (aka PS, not the case with GC because of the time constraints of losing a battle with the other two giants). All and all both have some excellent games but if you impulse buy on a whim you are likely to be disappointed, you must research your games before you drop the $49.99 for one. Both in house developers of both consoles are pretty safe, because of the "reputation" that can make or break the company as a whole.

With the price range of the second generation consoles owning both is not a bad way to go...
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'71 2002 "Bumblebee"
'91 318is

I have found that there's 2 Dance "games" existing for the GameCube we already own. One is made by the Dance Dance Revolution people, and another is something from MadCatz.

So, I don't have to buy any PS2 or XBox. As I said before, I have no interest in playing any videogame including GranTurismo (as neat as it may be). Not enough time to work on the '02 as it is, so I abstain from any new time sucking pasttime.

Thanks.
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'76 2002 (Sold)
2002 Subaru WRX Wagon (at least it's a 2002)