You know, the PS2 has really generated a ridiculous amount of fanfare in 24 hours... Here is IGNs coverage of the event. I really find it ridiculous that some of their editors went to such extreme measures to get a PS2, when they already have them at their office. Baka!
I also find it ridiculous that people in my Japanese class today were talking about how great it was, and how the Dreamcast was dead. When I pushed, I found that they hadn't played it. When I pushed more, I also found out they hadn't played a Dreamcast. Further, they obviously haven't tried to program for either, though developers will program for where the marketshare is, and right now, unfortunately, I'm a little scared for Sega and Nintendo.
The only good reasons I've heard to get a PS2 right now is "I don't have a DVD player" or "My playstation died." Once my playstation dies, of course, I'll probably pick one up, but in the mean time, I'm set.
Also, read igndc's take on the launch line-up for the playstation 2 as it compares to that of the half as expensive dreamcast. It should make your christmas choices clear. Oh, and what the article fails to mention is the prices of peripherals, where the dreamcast is cheaper on every count:
$34 for playstation dual shock 2, compared to $29 for a dreamcast controller. $34 for a playstation 2 multitap, compared to $0 for the dreamcasts built in four ports. $34 for a memory card compared to $30 for the dreamcasts more functional VMU
Do you feel silly now, looking back?