This machine is intrinsically the most phenomenal gaming system developed thus far. With accessories and games like Thunder Tanks, Twisted Metal Black, etc. Sony has gone out of their way to develop a console sure to bring many hours of entertainment in a multidimensional array. The capacity to play old Playstation games on the PS2 system also means that people who have collected Playstation games have really made an investment!
I have been a fan of Playstation for some time. However, I have to admit that Sony's first console was less than desirable when compared to the Nintendo 64. The graphics in the Nintendo system was far superior to Playstation. However, what Playstation lacked in graphics was more than made up for in the quantity and quality of games produced by Sony and other software developers.
With the introduction of the PS2, Sony has raised the bar for its competitors! The multiplayer gaming modes far surpasses any expectation! Single player gaming is superior in graphics and speed than any other system currently available. The awaited Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Game Cube will have to do a lot of homework to catch up to Playstation's reputation and game variety.
The 128 bit graphics and 300Mhz processor combined with multitap, dualshock, driving, shooting, dancing, flying, etc. control systems make it difficult for the competitor companies to capture some of Playstation's audience. It may be a day late and a dollar short for them. In Addition, why do I have to buy a DVD player when I have the PS2, or for that matter why buy a CD player? Sony is also leading the way in online gaming capability (look for the release of the Playstation network in Fall 2001). For people who do not use a computer for anything more than a gateway to the internet, the PS2 will provide this capability as well.
For me and all of my friends, the PS2 is worth all the hype that so many others complain about. The only detractions I have found is game lockup during heavy multiplayer use and pricing. However, I have encountered the same lockup on Nintendo 64 and Sega's Dreamcast. The Xbox and Game Cube will have to eliminate these bugs if they want to compete. The other problem is pricing. At $300, Playstation is a dream come true. However, for people on a budget, these prices hurt and may keep folks on the older systems until the prices start to fall.
Fortunately, Sony and its developers have hundreds of games planned for release over the next year (Fall 2001-Spring 2002). I say take me to the marketing department because I am ready to sell these systems myself. Like real estate, it really sells itself. Sony just has to sit back and "collect the money", because I think the PS2 is worth every penny!

Recommended: Yes