X-box vs PS2...

I can't say 100% either way. You'll have to consider a few things. First exclusive games, some games are only released on one platform. Up coming PS2 releases include... Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (this will eventually come to x-box, but after a year or so), Gran Turismo 4, Metal Gear Solid. The X-box has Halo (which is really cool... Halo 2 is supposed to be better) & better looking versions of the Splinter Cell games than the PS2 (Another Splinter Cell is Expected in the coming months, yes that's two in one year). Does Konomi's soccer game come out on both?

This brings up another issue... overall computing power. The x-box wins this battle as every review of games that come out on both continually say x-box has more polished graphics. Also the x-box comes with a 8 or 10 gig hard drive... which allows you to do some interesting stuff, like custom sound tracks for certain games. Also if your willing to get your hands dirty and spend a little more cash you can modify your x-box so it can play music and video files either off it's own hard drive or a computer on your network (x-box is ready to network out of the box). Here's a cool link that describes other media servers as well as a modded x-box. You can even upgrade the processor and over-clock it.

-The Ps2 will play DVDs right out of the box
-x-box requires you to buy the DVD kit to play dvd's, $50 (includes remote)
-PS2 has a larger library of games
-playing games on line with ps2 requires you to buy a network adapter ($50)
-playing online games with x-box requires you to subscribe to x-box live service... but this results in a more 'cohesive' online experience.

I'm kinda biased towards the Ps2, just cause I have one and like the games that are on it, however I'd like to get an x-box just for the media-center capabilities and the new Halo.

Also you should expect one more price drop for both the PS2 and X-box after this holiday season (probably march of 2005). Microsoft has stated that they will have a new console on display at next year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (in may). It's expected that Microsoft will dump the hard disk in favor of flash-based memory which might affect the ability to mod its operating system. Sony is also expected to release a new console in time for the 2005 holiday season. You have to ask your self is it worth waiting 6 months to save ~$50. I'd say no... you'll more than get that amount of value out of it over 6 months. I wouldn't worry about these new consoles... I don't see you as an 'early adopter' who's willing to shell out the $350 these suckers are goning to cost when they come out... I might become one now that I have income.