Which Console?

[Forward Observer]

I have never owned a console system or even played a console game, other than something like GTA 3 or Max Payne that got released to the PC either before of after console release.

Lately, some of the stuff coming out for the console seems pretty interesting, and I am always ready for some alternative gaming experiences. Games like Ratchet and Clank just look like they might be fun to play.

My question is--if you were only going to purchase one system--which would you get?

I'm thinking game selection as my main qualifier, since I don't have any idea if any of the individual systems are superior enough to make a huge difference.

Bear in mind that I am mainly interested in the single player experience of a game, and I dislike sports games. Also, for some reason, Halo and Halo 2 have no appeal to me what-so-ever.

Cheers.

[IrishMike]

Since it appears first person shooters and sports games have no effect on you. I would reccomend a PS2 for you. Due to the sheer amount of games it has over other consoles. As of now PS2 has a much larger game base than the other systems, with pretty good graphics. Although I think Xbox might just have a tad bit better graphics.

[ah_dut]

In technical terms, the PC and Xbox are far in the lead. However, the Xbox doesn't have so many good games. So that narrows it down to PS2 and Gamecube, I like the gamecube personally but that's cos I love Mario. You'd prolly like the PS2 more...

[ShadesPanther]

The PS2 has the worst graphics of the three. The Xbox and Gamecube has good games but not that many games. The PS2 has the same number of good games but loads and loads of others.
Generally the Gamecube has games like mario and metroid and it has Resident evil totally udated and has new stuff. XBox has some good games like Halo and a few good sports and racing games. PS2 has GTA, Killzone and Gran Turismo and lots of other titles.

[Fragony]

Just get all of them. The PS2 is kind of weak in the hardware department but that shouldn't stop you from getting it because it has TONS of good games. The gamecube doesn't have that many titles but that shouldn't stop you from getting it (Metroid Prime 1&2 YAY). The x-box is the only one you could do without if you allready own a pc, but that shouldn't stop you from getting it since it has Ninja Gaiden. If you put a gun to my head an ordered me to throw 2 in the water I would first try to disarm you, if I didn't have any choice the cube would stay.

[Lehesu]

X-Box. Better graphics, and there are some very good games if you know where to look (and on the cheap). And X-Box is always better when it comes to multi-platform releases as it has more power.