The things to look for in a platform are not so much the performance specs, which all vary, but the games available on that platform. PS2 and X-box are way ahead in this area, with heaps of titles available across both platforms and each also with their own exclusives, such as Halo for X-box and Grand Theft Auto for PS2.
Also important to consider is the controller, and which suits you. PS2 controllers are preferred by a lot of gamers for the fighting games, while the new smaller controller on the X-box is a big improvement over their older one.
The Game Cube is way behind the other two in terms of market sales and software, but preferred by some younger kids thanks to the 'Mario Bros' franchise of games, owned by Nintendo. It's not really a serious player in the market though.
In overall processor performance and power, the X-box is slightly ahead of the PS2, though the Sony is superior in other areas like Video Ram, and both deliver extremely sharp, detailed images and function at very high speeds. The X-box has a built-in hard drive, which is nice for saving game information and settings, whereas with PS2 you need to purchase a memory card. The PS2 has an optical audio out which is great for Dolby Digital surround sound in movies and games if you have a home theatre setup, whereas the X-box does not.
In the way of available games, the PS2 would be ahead, though there are really hundreds of titles out there for both now, and X-box is easier to write for as it's more like a fast PC in its interior architecture and backed to high levels by Microsoft. PS2 has been around longer however, and also has very smooth and polished architecture which when utilised properly by programmers can be exceptional. Sony have set up or bought a sophisticated network of talented development companies around the world, and could be seen as more of a multinational effort, with the parent company being Japanese and with major developing houses in UK, Europe, Japan and the US, and backed by the enormous resources including film, music and media that is the Sony Empire.
Both also work online now, though the X-box was the pioneer in this area, and you really want ADSL 256 at a minimum. If you already have a PC online both should work off your computer's ADSL modem/router. They also both play DVDs, though with the X-box you have to purchase an optional remote to enable this function, whereas the Sony will play DVDs out of the box. The Playstation will also be the next to upgrade to a new model, as PS2 has been out longer than the X-box, and you can be sure the new model will be a beast in terms of processing power and speed and hard disk space..
Some avid gamers have both an X-box and a PS2, but for the rest of us I'd advise to go for the platform that has the games you like playing. If you have friends with consoles, see what the majority use so you can trade games and accesories with each other and play online together.
I don't own an X-Box or have loyalty to any of the brands mentioned. The people supporting the GameCube probably own one of these though, and are demonstrating their brand loyalty. To try to suggest the GameCube or its game titles are in any way superior to the other two in terms of processing power, performance or technical ability is sheer idiocy though. And, you will notice, the GameCube games are virtually all rated 'G'.
And I never said GameCube isn't for 'serious players.' What on earth is a 'serious player' anyway? If you read again what I wrote it says GameCube isn't 'a serious player in the market', as in it doesn't compete with Playstation or X-Box in terms of market sales or proliferation. The GameCube is slated for termination when Sony and Microsoft bring out their next generation consoles in 2005, and Nintendo will focus on their other kid's products like Pokemon (a huge revenue earner) and Gameboy Advance.
But let's face it, they're all just games consoles. It's hard to take any of them seriously. They're all chiefly for kids really, aren't they?
Comments
A fair assessment
by AB-Joel on September 26th, 2004
This is just riddled with false information. The GameCube isn't for "serious" players? This is just based upon impressions
by discostu on October 16th, 2004
This guy probably owns an X-box and he's using that product loyalty just because you think gamecube is for kids does make it
by Squiggy on November 20th, 2004
plain & simple...a lot of info displayed here is incorrect (surround sound, specs, new model output...well it goes on and on)
by Nightwolf420 on December 6th, 2004
So the gamecube wasnt worthy of any mention? A bit biased isnt it?
by Istari Kye on December 10th, 2004
lots of controversy here. seems fair.
by mungobaby on January 9th, 2005
Nintendo is kiddy? There are plenty of great games for adults on the Gamecube if you keep an open mind.
by Foodeater on April 16th, 2005
That's right. Nintendo may have some younger person-based games, but it does have games for adults to enjoy as well. It appeals to a larger audience.
by Anonymous271 on November 20th, 2006
What a hysterical bunch. Patriotism clouds the judgement here. It's not worth telling it as it is as there's always some baby that can't stand hearing it's favourite being criticised. Ok, so Gamecube rules. It's the best console on the market. Oh, and so is X-Box. Oops, and the Playstation too!!! Grow up. They're all for losers.
And no, I don't have any of them. I have a real life.
by katscratcedme on November 20th, 2006